I have to admit.  I wasn't sure how this was gonna turn out.  Luke has a little bit of his Daddy's personality, who hates to be in front of people.  Blake is infamous for not singing at his church programs growing up or walking down the isle at his uncles wedding as the ring bearer.  Oy. 

I was afraid we would have a repeat of a little Blake.

We were about to find out.....

Oh, and how could I forget?! Luke NEVER practiced his songs at home.  Ever.  I had no idea if he even knew them or not. (biting fingernails, tell me he won't be the kid that never studies and keeps me on pins and needles for every test!)

So, the anticipation mounted.......And...

Here his class came......























And then...........

(holding breath)

To my complete surprise, he LOVED being up on stage!!! Even laughing at his new BFF, Carson, like he didn't have a care in the world.

 











His class sang the sweetest Christmas songs and recited Bible verses. 


And let's just talk about his hand motions --- GET OUTTA HERE! 




HE DID AWESOME!!!!!! (remember, he never practiced at home!)





(  Jingle Bells )





He melted his Daddy and I!  We just couldn't believe this was my once shy boy was singing so loudly and having the best time. 

My, how you have blossomed.....



 My,  how my heart loves you....

For years, Luke sat on the sidelines cheering on his big brother.  Hanging out with other younger siblings and fighting the urge to play ball too.

But his time finally came.....



















The league is designed as a learning league for 3 year olds.  And as you can see, they are little.  Luke towers over them all.  (Notice the little one with a paci, um, yeah....)



 But this boy, move out of the way......



And after years of taking notes, he knew exactly what to do.  


SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



It was a different feeling for all of us to be watching Luke play in an organzied sport.  I kinda of felt lonely on the sidelines.  

I think Layton didn't know quite what to do either, so he stood behind the goal and "coached". 
Hands on hips and everything!



So we all watched, cheered and smiled as our little Luke played his first game....

 

Seems like fall is the kick-off to all things family.  Beginning with birthdays, Halloween, and then we quickly slip into the holidays...and then more birthdays!

This year we had two birthdays to celebrate, Collin's and Mady's.



Born almost exactly three years apart....a joint birthday party helped double the celebration.


Candles and hugs were in order. 
After the party, we loaded up all four cousins and headed to the zoo....where it there was a windy maze of treats awaiting all little ones who came. 
...where a princess, a mouse and two turtles had the best time.









It was the best night.
Perfect weather.
Perfect prelude the the real trick or treating fun.



Practice treak or treating is just BONUS!  Especially at the zoo




Life saving ninja turtles even got to partner up with some other superheros

But the night was mostly about, family. Not about cakes, presents, dressing up or candy.

It was about being together.

Whether it was taking a stroll hand in hand with Daddy, before he feels that he is "too big", or "too independent" to do so.


Or sitting in your Mimi & Pops' lap before legs get so long that you can't....


It was about smiles and seeing their little eyes light up...


It was about celebrating being little,  and everything that goes along with it.