K-9 Competition

This past weekend after hockey on Saturday morning we took a drive down to Titusville to watch the K9 competition. It was exciting and something that we all really enjoyed. I think Ben enjoyed it the most! There were about ten dogs that competed in the competition with their handlers. We all had our favorites! Some we liked based on color, speed or personality. The first competition was an obstacle course. It was awesome to see how some of the dogs worked under pressure, how much they connected with their handler and how some had trouble focusing and some didn't want anything to do with the water at the end. The last competition was hard dog, fast dog. It was all based on how fast they ran and how hard they bit.

We are already looking forward to attending next years event which is going to be in the evening where it will be a lot less hot!

To My Hockey Player

To My Hockey Player...

One day this won’t be your life anymore. And when it’s not, you won’t remember the things that you’d think. You’ll have no idea how many goals you scored. You won’t know how many penalties you had. You won’t be impressed with how many slap shots you made. For the most part, you won’t remember the wins or the losses at all.

After your last game has come and gone, you’re going to remember the times when you wanted to quit— but didn’t. You’re going to remember the teammates (and families) you loved along the way. You’re going to remember playing in the coldest rinks, the ones with the best concession stands and the ones with the worst. You’re going to remember the hotel bonding, mini sticks in the hallways and hanging out in the lobby after practices. You’re going to remember the early morning tournaments and the late night games. You’re going to remember the coaches that never gave up on you. But most of all, you’re going to remember the sheer happiness that came only from stepping on the rink with your friends. You’re going to remember the moments you did more than you ever believed you could. You’re going to remember the times you used every ounce of talent God gave you.

One day this won’t be your life anymore. So for today, skate as fast as your legs will let you. For today, swing that stick as hard as you can. Whether it’s a pass to your teammate or a goal from the blue line. Commit to every moment and give it everything you have. For today, make every play like it’s the last chance you’ll ever get. For today, play because you want to. Play because you need to. Play because the little boy you are fell in love with this game.

For today, play with all of your heart and leave it all out on the ice. One day, this won’t be your life anymore. When that day comes, make sure you wouldn’t change a thing.

Afternoon with Mem and Pep

After school is always better when you get to spend it at Mem and Pep's playing in the trees! The smiles say it all!

Sunday at the Skatepark

The boys have found a new love for the skatepark. They pack up their scooters, bikes and skateboards and we venture off to the local skate park. On Sunday Brayden's friend Kameron joined us and we spent a few hours of the morning hanging out their. We also got a chance to walk the dock and see the turtles and alligators and Ben loved playing at the park! And we couldn't end a hot day outside without a trip to 7-11 for Slurpees!

Family Bike Ride

We've been taking bike rides alot with the kids lately. Usually the kids will ride their bikes and Jake and I will walk with the dog or the stroller. I recently got a bike so I got to join in on the fun. We took a ride to Seminole Woods park all together and while we were there we were able to capture this amazing picture. Even though some of the kids are in pajama bottoms and no shirts!

Saturday Parties

Birthday parties, birthday parties and more birthday parties!

Saturday was a day to celebrate friends turning another year older! And no better way than with a water slide. Bransen's friend Ayden from class was turning seven and he was able to spend the afternoon with his classmates sliding down the waterslide and competing in a smash wars competition. They ate pizza, drank soda and kept on celebrating until it was time to head out to birthday party number two.

And birthday party number two meant celebrating our little friend SJ turning 4!! We got to spend the morning with SJ and also the evening. We celebrated with food, cake and everything Paw Patrol. And to wrap up the night since SJ got a new bike for his birthday Ben got to hop on the FatBoy and ride away!

Roller Hockey

For the past few weeks Brayden has been practicing with his roller hockey group down at Skate N' Shake. He really has found a love of the sport and over the last couple weeks you can see how much he has improved.  This past week was his first game. All the hard work during practice paid off because he made one of three goals for the team that night, bring their team to win 3-1! He also managed to get the first penalty of the season to and sat in the penalty box for a few! Gotta learn you can't trip (or so they say!) your opponents with your stick! and what better way to play hockey than with your good friend!