Little J's BIG Weekend

This little man has had some exciting days here. Our family went to a miniature golf place (am I the only one who calls these Putt-Putt golf courses??) on Thursday as part of a group and they have a separate hole where you can try to win a free pass once you finish your 18 holes. (btw, the group in front of us saw a small black bear 20-30 yrds away near the forest line but we missed it--SO envious!!) The trick is putting the ball maybe 10-15 feet into this little hole where 3-5 feet of that is barely thicker than the ball with drop-offs on both sides. His daddy, the {very} good golfer in the family doesn't make it and none of the rest of us have any luck but little J hits it with an air of humble confidence mixed with fun and nails it!!! WHAT?! No way! YaHOOooo! The siren goes off and we're all jumping for joy and can't believe he just made it! Sure enough they hand him his free pass card so I guess that means we'll be going back for another go. Woo-hoo!

Then to continue with the great fortune, this morning he not only made his first goal in soccer, but also his second and third! He was on fire!! When we were playing keep away with the soccer ball out in the field the other day I could barely get it away from him (that tells you a little about both of us and soccer) ;) Great job little J!!!

Climbing Bliss

Thunderstorms held off yesterday allowing us free reign of the PA rock. We'd been wanting to get out so we can reacquaint ourselves with the rock as a family before taking some friends out and this turned out to be a beautiful day for it. There were times with the kids that I was nervous for their safety when both J and I were on the rope but I kept telling myself that I needed to chill; we're creating unifying memories. Plus, I tell myself, it helps them learn control, safety, limits and creates lasting memories. Like little A's first time harnessing up and B's longest outdoor climb to the top:

B makes it up this hefty face; she's becoming quite the climber!

Little A gets the full body harness on for the first time! She did so good and really enjoyed it!

Oh my goodness could I love this girl more?!

Little J is going thru a little of a fearful stage but we got him up to the ledge at least. I figure he'll get out of it if we keep encouraging him with positive experiences. What a sweet boy he is!

B on her second climb of the day.

B pulled this roof with no hesitation. Her technique was looking much more experienced.