Merry Christmas!

Jakob’s 36th Birthday

On Sunday, November 18th, Jakob turned the big 3-6.  He got breakfast in bed and the traditional just-woke-up group picture with the boys.  He's such a sport.


After church and home teaching, we celebrated Jakob's birthday.  Sunday is always the longest day of the week.  Our boys are just always especially crazy on Sunday afternoons.  And when you throw a birthday into the mix, it is just pure pandemonium.  It was a birthday to be endured, not enjoyed, and Jakob weathered it like a champ.












The pictures just speak for themselves.








The crazies.


I said, "Oh, no!  I didn't get a picture of you with the boys and all of your gifts."  Jakob said, "That's okay.  We don't need that this year."


Jakob got some ties and work clothes, and tickets to The Killers concert!


He had yummy cherry cheesecake for his cake.




After Kobe's play, we rushed over to catch The Killers concert, right as they started their first song.  Perfect!  It was so good.


We had waited for so long to see them perform!  Brandon Flowers is so good live.  Just perfect.  He did say the "s" word.  Which I guess some Mormons do.  But we forgave him, because that's what Mormons do, too.  :)


This is Jakob's thrilled on the inside look. 

This concert was the first one we had been to where people had been openly smoking pot.  Crazy!  So weird.  So stinky.

Happy Birthday, Jakob!  You are my favorite.  You are the father of my children, my BFF, my sugar-daddy, and my #1 lover.  You wear many hats, and you wear them so well.  Love you!

November

We had a busy November!  Tate and Jude each finished up their soccer season.  Tate was sad to say goodbye to his first soccer season.  He loved it!


This was his good buddy, David.  He didn't speak much English, but he loved Tate and always wanted to be by Tate.  Whenever Tate was on the field, he would run out there to be with him, even if it wasn't his turn to play yet.  So cute!








They had his end of season party at Cici's.  Tate's very first trophy!  He has admired his brothers' trophies for so long, and now he finally has his own!


He was so excited.




Doing their team cheer.


Jude has his end of the season party at Coldstone.  They let all the team members go behind the counter and mix their very own ice cream creation on the stone.  So exciting!




Jude chose blueberry ice cream and Reese's Pieces.  It's funny what they won't eat and what they will eat.






Jude being presented his medal.  His very first medal!






Another great season with coach Jules!


While waiting in line at Coldstone, I saw this guy in front of me with a BYU tattoo on his ankle.  So funny!  A non-Mormon, huge BYU fan from Colorado. Love it! If my boys ever decide to rebel against Church standards, I secretly hope this is the direction they go in. :) I talked to him for a bit, and he isn't Mormon. He and his dad are just huge BYU sports fans and have matching tattoos. 


Tate and Harlie, just hanging out.


Here is Tate, waiting to get in to the Coyote Call at the elementary school.


Here is Jude filing in to the assembly.  I think Jude is so beautiful.


The supportive brothers, out to support Lukey-dukes!




Luke getting called up.  What a surprise!




Luke received the Learner Award.


We are so proud of you Luke!




Later, Luke also participated in the school spelling bee.  They test all of the children in 4th and 5th grade.  The top spellers get to participate in the bee.  Just to be chosen to participate is a huge accomplishment!  We were so proud of him. 


He was so nervous about it.  Here is a nervous smile while he's sitting waiting for it to begin.


First word.  He did great!






He stayed in for four rounds!  The spelling bee is so brutal.  These are all great spellers, but the nerves take over and then they will mess up on a simple word.  Those first few who got out just broke my heart.  They headed to the back and buried their head in their hands, bawling.  So sad!  I'm so proud of Luke for being in the bee, but I wouldn't mind if the Spelling Bees went extinct.  So much pressure for these little guys!


Luke got out in the fourth round.  Right after his friend.  It was just perfect because he was not alone when he got out.  I think it was a relief to be done with the pressure.  Good job, Luke!

And, finally, Kobe had his first school dance.  He was so excited and helped decorate because he is on student government.  He wanted his hair all slicked.  So cute!


Kobe and his friend, Clayton.  Such handsome dudes!