Merry Christmas!

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We certainly did=) Christmas Eve: Jeff went hunting with some friends that morning, while me and the boys stayed home and baked all sorts of delicious desserts for Christmas. That evening, we went to Jeff's Aunt Julie's house for the big Davis family Christmas get together. It was so wonderful to have everyone together, just like Grandpa A would've wanted. He was there in spirit, as was Tommy. Both are truly missed and loved, especially at this time of year. Even Uncle Lynn made it, which was a true blessing. There was tons of wonderful food, Christmas songs by the piano, reading from the Bible, and warm family moments. Carson played a guitar solo of "I'll be Home for Christmas". And, Jeff sang "Oh Holy Night" for his Aunt Sarah. It was a great night and a highlight of the holiday weekend. We always enjoy seeing everyone and it was our first chance to see Aunt Julie's new house- it was beautiful. After we left there, we went back to Dad's to do presents. Amazingly, Cal was still awake at 11pm! Not happy, but awake. We had to cut it a little short and headed back to Gardner for midnight mass, then time to sleep and wait for Santa. Christmas Day: Jeff woke up first and got the boys up and ready. We all came down and opened gifts. Cal figured out how to open presents, but lost interest real quick. I think he enjoyed the paper and boxes more than the actual toys. I guess that's normal for his age. After playing with all the new toys for a bit, Jeff made eggs benedict for breakfast (Yum) and we all got ready for the rest of the day. It was so nice just to have a relaxing morning at home with the boys and watch their eyes light up with excitement (well, Carson anyways...Cal is still a little young to understand). We piled in the truck and headed over to see Uncle Lynn. We stayed with him for a little while, let him open his gift, and Jeff fixed his headphones so he could watch his tv. He was ready for a nap after our short visit, so we wished him a Merry Christmas and headed over to Jeff's moms. She had an amazing spread of food, and we ate, drank and were Merry! We did presents and watched Christmas movies. It was such a great Christmas. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful gifts and memories. We are truly blessed. Here are a few pics from Christmas. Sorry I didn't get more, but Cal was a super busy boy this weekend. I wish I could've captured more of the moments.

First Haircut!

I am behind on posting this....but wanted to get it on here. Last weekend, 12/10 Cal had his first professional haircut. Well, if you want to call it professional. I think I could've done a better job=) We just took him to Fantastic Sam's in Gardner, Carson got his cut as well. He sat very good, but kept turning his head to see what the guy was doing. Needless to say, he has a few snips that weren't meant to happen and the back is not completely even. Ha. I guess that's what the first haircut should look like=) Nothing off the top, just snipped the mullet off! The sucker at the end made it all worth it!

Xmas Parties and Doggies

This past weekend was really busy and filled with Christmas parties. Jeff's company one was on Friday and we had some delicious food and wine while the boys stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa M. Saturday morning while Jeff was hunting, I took the boys to my company one (for the kids) at Zonkers. The boys sat on Santa's lap (Carson was thrilled) and then had a great time playing. Cal loved the train. He got to play with Lexi (our Goddaughter- Ross and Amy's daughter)while he was there. Here are a few pics, although I couldn't ever get a good one- he was smiling and giggling all the way around the track.

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On Sunday, Jeff and Carson braved the cold weather and went to the Chiefs game. Go Chiefs! Cal and I stayed in and wrapped Xmas presents. He was so very helpful! After the boys came home, we had some chili and watched a little football and Kung Fu Panda.

Nikki was happy to be inside with us on Sunday, by the warm fire. If anyone doesn't already know this- Cal is OBSESSED with dogs. He loves them! If one is in the same vicinity as him, he's laughing, screaming, smiling- just couldn't be happier. It's just hilarious. Here's a short video of him playing with Nikki on Sunday. Thankfully, while filming he wasn't trying to pick her nose, which happens to be a funny game to him=) Enjoy!

Brotherly Love

We have just been busy with everyday life and getting ready for the holidays. Carson finished up his football season and we are getting a much needed break from his hectic sports schedule. He had a great time this year and got to play many different positions and even run the ball- which he loved. They had their football banquet this weekend and Carson played his guitar- "Boys of Fall" by Kenny Chesney. He did such a great job and once I get the video, I will post it. I was so proud of him and it was such a moment; the perfect ending to the season.

Cal is growing too fast. He just had his 15 month check up and he was 25.7 lbs (60%) and 33" (95%). He is a real monkey! He is into a major climbing phase, likes to climb on chairs, toys, whatever he can and just has no fear. We need to get him a climber. He also has gotten 2 bruises on his head this week because of that non stop motion and lack of fear =(

I thought I'd post a couple videos just showing the brotherly love that I so enjoy seeing everyday, even in little ways. The first is Carson practicing his guitar and the second is a brand new game that Cal figured out. He thinks it's so much fun. Enjoy! We really do love these boys!

Halloween Fun!

We had a great Halloween weekend. Saturday night, our friend's the Cole's had their big, annual Halloween party. It's a great time every year- with hayrides, pumpkin carving, food, fun and a bonfire. They do such a wonderful job and everyone just has so much fun. Carson was a cryptic rocker, Cal was a monkey, and Jeff and I went as Bo Peep and a sheep. We also ran into another little Monkey at the party=)

Then, Sunday we met up with Amy, Ali, Carter and Lexi for some trick or treating. We took Cal and Lexi in the wagon and let them walk up to a few houses. Cal loved getting out and walking with the big kids. It got pretty cold, so we only stayed out about an hour. Then, we went home and Carson trick or treated for a little while longer. It was a fun weekend!

Here are some pics of the boys and of Jeff and I at the party.

Blazers and Pumpkins!

Friday night was the big GEHS football game that was televised on ESPN. Carson got to go for Blazer buddy night- one of the high school players writes them a letter and they get to go meet them and talk to them in the locker room and then carry their gear from the high school to the field. Carson got the starting defensive end- so he was excited since that's the defensive position he plays. Then, he got to go to the big game and hang out with his friends. He had so much fun and it was such a great game. Go Blazers! Here's a pic of him and his buddy, that he took himself...haha.

The last two weekends, we have had lots of fun at both the Louisburg Cider Mill and the KC Pumpkin Patch. Jeff wanted to go to Louisburg last weekend (mostly for the yummy treats), so we stocked up on apple butter, jellies, cider, and pumpkins! Carson had a great time doing the maze and picking out the pumpkins. Cal had just woken up, so he wasn't that interested in the experience.

But, this weekend since Jeff was in China, we went to the pumpkin patch with Amy, Ali and Lexi. Both the boys had fun. Cal was full of expression and personality as he ran all over the place. Here are some fun pics of Cal.

Carson played this maze game while Cal searched and searched for his pumpkin. He found a stem and had to see if it fit about 25 different pumpkins=)

Cal also found a few backdrops for photo opts=)

Wow- I'm way behind!

Wow- I am way behind! I didn't realize it had been so long since my last post. I will really try to do better, but with a 14 month old- it's hard to find the time=)

Carson: He had a school play on 9/30 (my birthday). It was really a lot of fun. He got the lead role (out of all the 5th & 6th grade) and really worked so hard on all of his lines. He did such an amazing job and we are so proud of him. He has got some real talent for the arts and has no fear about getting up in front of people. Not sure where he gets that from- I certainly couldn't do it! I will try to post the video of the play, if I can get it all on here...it may be too long.
Other than that, he has been keeping busy with football. This past Saturday, he had such a great game. I wish I had recorded it. He got to play full back for the majority of the game (which he loves). Had some unbelievable blocks, and got to run the ball in for a 2 pt conversion. On defense, he had 3 solo tackles and 1 sack on the quarterback. He was a monster! Haven't seen him play that hard in a long time, so it was great to see. Cal enjoyed hanging out at Heritage Park watching his big bro.


Cal: He is doing well; he's a busy boy. Too busy to eat, most of the time...just wants to run run run and throw food on the floor. He is finally healthy- we had a few weeks where it was miserable. He had molars coming in, and therefore got an ear infection. Then, got the stomach flu which lasted awhile because the antiobiotics made the diarhea worse. We all caught it, too! Glad he's over all that! He's now saying mama, dada, ball, doggie, yea, go, bubble and I swear I've heard others, but those are for sure. He's constantly babbling- so he definitely wants to talk! He figured out just in the last few weeks how to actually go down the stairs and climb into the truck by himself. Unfortunately, with toddler years comes tantrums- so we're now experiencing frequent high pitched squeels and playing deadweight while arching our back. Oh yes...the fun of toddlers! For the most part though, he is a happy little kiddo and we love him to death!



We are getting ready for Halloween- Cal is going as a Monkey and Carson is going as a Cryptic Rocker. Can't wait to take the boys out trick or treating and to the Cole's Halloween party. I will post some video and pics of the boys soon! But, that's the latest in the Davis house.

Yes, he likes the Wiggles

I had to take some pictures of this. Cal just LOVEs the Wiggles! The only thing he will sit and watch, or pay attention to on tv are football and the Wiggles. These guys in their bright shirts singing and dancing, just put him in a trance. It's hilarious. Occasionally, he'll dance with them, but mostly he will just stare very intently. The first picture is him lying down watching them, then he needed a much closer view, and the last one his him doing a dance. Hopefully, it's just a stage=)

Here are few great pics from his birthday party. I know it was super hot, but thank you everyone for coming out and helping us celebrate his first birthday. We will remember it always!

Love the Music

Carson has really done an amazing job with his guitar. He's been playing now for about a year and a half and he is really, really good! His teacher said he is one of the best sight readers he's ever seen...he can pick up a brand new piece of music and play like he's practiced it 50 times. Cal loves to hear his big bro play, too. Every time I hear him, it just makes me smile. So, here are just a few recent Carson pics. One day, when he's famous- we'll all have these "early" photos to remember. Enjoy!

Wrestling or Hoops???

Lots going on as usual. We just began fall baseball, and football practices start this week. Yes, Carson is doing 2 sports this fall....we'll certainly be busy! Plus, he is still playing guitar and does weekly lessons with that. And, he starts middle school in a week and a half! I still can't believe it. I think he is actually excited to start school, since we moved he will have a lot of friends at Pioneer Ridge. Plus, he's had a pretty boring summer at home.

As for Cal, he'll be one in just 9 days! This year has flown by and I certainly cannot even remember what life was like before he arrived. He is constant, non-stop motion, never sits still from the second he wakes up (not even to eat). I think he certainly is battling for the PM1 nametag. We're trying to decide if he'll be a wrestler or hoops star. Check out these picks- our little John Cena wrestling with Dad, and our little hoops star! Enjoy and hope to see everyone this weekend.

Birthdays

Well, this weekend was a blur....it went by so fast! Friday night I took Jeff out to dinner at Le Fou Frog to celebrate his 33rd birthday (it's tomorrow 7/20). I loved it; dinner was delic and the atmosphere was wonderful. Who wouldn't love french cuisine- can I have some butter, cream, and more butter please? We had a great time, though. Happy Birthday, Jeff! We love you.

Saturday was full of baseball. The boys headed out at 7 am for an 8:00 tournament game. Cal and I slept in a little=) They won that game, and Carson pitched 3 innings...had 7 strikeouts!!! And, he had a triple and made a double play. So, he had a GREAT game. After coming home to eat lunch and shower and hang out for a bit, we all headed back to the ballfield for a 6:00 game. It was brutally hot- Cal and I played in the water fountain to keep cool. The boys didn't quite want it. Unfortunately, they lost to the Vipers by 1 run. So, baseball is over for now and we have a few weeks (at least) off before fall ball and football start up. It's going to be a busy Fall!


Guess who else has a birthday coming up...Cal! He is going to be turning one year old in just a couple weeks. I mailed out the invitations this weekend, so be on the lookout. We're having his party on August 8th at Celebration Park in Gardner. We hope everyone can make it to help us celebrate this big milestone!

Baseball or Bust

Wow, what a week we've had! We ended the regular baseball season and started tournament play last week. Unfortunately, we lost our first game. But, the tournament is double elimination, so we had a double header that night and won the second game (smoked them). We wound up playing the Gardner Blazers, which is the team we usually scrimmage. Our record against them was 1-1 during the regular season, and we are pretty evenly matched. It was an exciting game and emotions were flying! It went back and forth, but we wound up in extra innings and finally won. Carson had a triple and he was "the wall" at catcher. He made several outs and nothing got by him. He got the tying run to start them off. Jeff coached them perfectly and rallied those boys to keep them going. Following that win- we played the Vipers. We had lost twice to them in the regular season, they were the #3 seed going into the tournament. But, we played hard. Again, the game went into extra innings and the boys fought hard for the win. Carson had another triple and played amazing at catcher. I think Jeff had to check his blood pressure after those 2 games, but it was really fun and the best baseball I've seen, ever. Go Grizzlies! We had our end of season party and awards ceremony at the Cole's and the boys had a great time! Carson got all the boys to sign the game ball from our win against the Blazers that started the comeback- and gave it to Jeff. I thought that was really special=)

Baseball and Fourth Fun

Last week was the end of Carson's regular baseball season. The Gardner Grizzlies finished 7-7; not bad for their first year of competitive baseball. But, Jeff and Carson both had a lot of fun. This week they play in the tournament, tonight is their first game against the Blazers. Good luck! Above are some pictures of our days at the ballpark. Jeff, Carson, the team, and Cal (one of him at the end of one of the games).

We had a great 4th of July weekend. We had our friends, the Schweer's over for cards and dinner on Saturday night. And, yes the ladies won at Spades again =) Cal and Lexi had a great time walking all over and playing together. They are so close in age, it's fun to watch them grow together.


Then, on the 4th of July we went over to the Cole's for a pool party and fireworks. The boys had a wonderful time! It rained, but that didn't stop the fireworks or fun- everyone was out having a great time. Here are a few pictures from the 4th.

And, if you didn't get enough pictures, here are just a few extra pictures for you to enjoy. Cal can now stand up on his own without any help and is fully walking. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend!