Brighton in the Snow

Thought I'd post these pics of our youngest really quickly. On SuperBowl Sunday, she decided she wanted to play outside by herself rather than with all the kiddos at the Waldron's party. I snapped these pictures of my little bug having a ball in Sy Waldron's ski pants and Cindy Martin's gloves (we weren't planning on snow play). Such an independent little doll.

Max's Wrestling Tournaments

Well folks, the wrestling season ended with a whimper rather than a bang. Our little man made vast improvements over the course of the season. His first tournament, he took second. Then next tournament, he didn't place. He took second two other tournaments and didn't place in the final tournament last weekend in Shepherd (darn it). We traveled all over the Eastern part of the state and spent one full day every weekend sitting in bleachers waiting (it seemed) for Max's next 1 to 3 minute match. Overall, the experience was invaluable. Although Bella and Brighton would tell you that it is not all that exciting, as they got pretty bored spending all those days in gyms.

Max is a member of the Darkorse wrestling club. Here he is (in Livingston) waiting for his next match.

And here he is with one of his medals. It was such a great opportunity for him and we think wrestling is a great sport for learning that you, and only you, are in control of your performance; there are no teammates on which to blame a loss. Max also learned how to win and lose gracefully, although he bawled his head off every time he lost (okay, so losing was hard). We'll see if it's wrestling or basketball he chooses next year.

Max's First Wrestling Meet

Last week, Max started wrestling. He loves it. Not loves it like baseball or soccer, but LOVES it. He talks about it all the time and is always trying his "moves" on his family. On Saturday, he had a meet here in Billings. He had been to 3 practices prior to the meet, and Gavin and I tried to explain that the other boys had been wrestling for at least a year before him, if not two (who knew they start kids wrestling so YOUNG?), and suggested that maybe he work on his skills for another week or two before he competed. Not to be dissuaded, Max told us that he would be just fine, and he understood that he may not win, and that was okay. Bella chimed in by reminding us all that the Bobcats always lose, and we still like them - thank you, Bella.

Well, on Saturday morning, Dad made Max a Breakfast of Champions, and they went to the meet at 8 (start time: 9:00 am). The girls and I followed a bit before 9:00. I almost DIED when I walked into the Shrine Auditorium and found it FULL with wrestling fans and little male and female (there were quite a few young ladies). I had no idea that wrestling was so HUGE in Billings. And screaming fans! It was incredible. I tried to capture the situation below, but it was packed on all four sides of the gym! There were two mats, and people spilling off the bleachers. It was amazing.

Well, Max wrestled his heart out and looked adorable in his singlet (see below) while doing it. He lost both his matches in short order, which we expected - but was very difficult for him (watching him try to keep his emotions in check was VERY hard for mom). He hates to lose, and has had great success with soccer and baseball right out of the chute, so this was a bit different for him but was a real learning experience. Best part: he was SO excited to hit the gym for practice on Monday so he could improve his skills. He'll get his chance, because on Sunday he and Gavin are off to Colstrip for another meet. We'll keep you posted.

Losing Teeth

Bella and Max are losing teeth like crazy. The Tooth Fairy is going to go BROKE! Bella lost a tooth last week, then Max lost a tooth the next day. We thought we'd have a break, but Max lost ANOTHER tooth on Sunday. He now has no two front teeth (which is exactly where Bella was last year at this time). Bella, on the other hand, is missing her two eye teeth presently.

Here they are, my two toothless wonders!

Two gone. . .

Max the night he lost his first front tooth!

And two days later when he lost his second! He is way too cute and knows it, flashing us that toothless grin.

NEW YEAR'S EVE IN RED LODGE!

We had a wonderful New Year's Eve this year in Red Lodge. The Finks, Nemers, Bergesons and us met up there New Year's Eve Day and after a quick sled trip with the kids, and cleaning up back at the condo, we headed over to the Finks for a wonderful meal and some family time with some of our closest friends. The kids were surrounding with other children their age, and the adults had a great time eating, drinking, and dancing our pants off in the garage (yes, the garage - what else do you do with a house full of sleeping kiddos?). While most of the photos taken later in the night have been destroyed, I will share some of the pictures Heather took while we were sledding.

I feel like this picture requires an explanation, although I do not have one to give. Brighton, I believe, was pretending to be pregnant. She is carrying a bit high.

CFG Prom!

Center for Generations (the kids' daycare) played some music in the school-aged class where Max and Bella attend, and the result was adorable: the kids decided to have a "dance". Above, you can see Bella dancing with Max's great friend Drake Rhoades.

Here is Bella executing a turn with Drake, along with Cassidy and Max in the background.

Finally, we have Max dancing with the kids' friend Gussie, with Bella again cutting a rug with Drake and Cassidy dancing with Drake's big brother, Chace. I'm glad Bella decided to stick with the boys her own age.

Center for Generations' Christmas Program

Our wonderful daycare once again organized an excellent Christmas Program, of which the children were the stars. Bella, Max and Brighton did a terrific job singing Christmas Carols with their classmates. I wish these pictures demonstrated the excellent job Max once again executed on the harmonica, but he was hidden behind Bella for most of the show and I only saw a flailing head once in awhile when he was really into the music. Needless to say, we were proud of all three of our performers.