Freestyle Motocross

Last Saturday (Valentine's Day), Joe and I took Dillon to see the Freestyle Motocross event at Nationwide Arena. It was a good time, and Dillon really enjoyed himself. Luckily we remembered his earmuffs, because it was SO LOUD!!! Not the bikes so much as the annoying music and announcer. I don't know how anyone who didn't have hearing protection left there with any hearing intact at all.

This first picture shows a rider doing a "superman" - they only hold on to the back end of the seat, and get their body parallel to the ground while in the air.

I have no idea what this one is called or how in the world he did it, but it looks cool...
This one is something called moto trials, it's a bike that has some incredible suspension, weighs hardly anything, and is capable of doing acrobatic tricks. Pretty neat. For this trick, he rode the ramp up on his back wheel and balanced at the top.

Owen's 2-year Photos

We did Owen's 2-year photos at the Franklin Park Conservatory last weekend with our friend, Jessi. They came out AMAZING... She did such a beautiful job - I wish I could show them all on the blog, but there are too many. I'll post a few previews, and here is a link to the full gallery if you so desire to see them all... (Also, here is Jessi's website if you need any professional photography for your own purposes!)

Motocross practice

It was so nice out tonight, Joe decided to get Dillon's new bike out and play with the boys until I got home. They love the bike, and Dillon can't wait to ride it all by himself! I told him once we get the training wheels for it, he can, but he insists that he wants to ride on two wheels! We'll just see about that... Also, he's going to need strong neck muscles to hold his head up with that heavy helmet! (In case you're wondering why his hands are always holding onto the helmet, that's why!)
And no, Owen's goofy helmet is just a regular bike helmet, but Joe had three clear rules for the bike:
1. NO CRYING!!!
2. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET!
3. You have to share!

If any of these rules are broken, the bike gets put away. It worked well enough for tonight, we'll hope future days are as successful!

"Children Learn What They Live"

I was inspired by a poem that came home on Dillon's preschool paperwork this week, and just wanted to share...

Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and others.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Happy Birthday, Owen!!!

Hard to believe it's been two years since Owen was born, but it has! 7:12 PM, Superbowl Sunday 2007, he entered the world (looking like he had been really beat up!)...But here he is today, loving his birthday cake! (Now every time I mention going to Grandma's, he asks if there will be cake!)
We had a nice party for him at the house on Saturday, and all his favorite grandparents and aunt and uncle were there to celebrate!

(I will post more pictures later, but wanted to get this up for now....)