Saturday Sports with California Cousins

I love all my siblings and respect and look up to them so much! I always treasure the short visits we have throughout the year. I not only love spending time talking with them, but I love to watch them interact with their children and spouses. I think I have really taken a lot from them as we've become a family and began to raise our kids. I love that about being the youngest.

This is Chad. He's one of my four big (big as in older and also literally) brothers.We spent a majority of the day Saturday being able to go to the football and soccer games of three of Chad's five kids. Just like their parents, they are all hard-working and exceptional athletes. What a treat to be able to see some of each of their games!

Mikelle, Chad's only daughter, had a soccer game. She had at least one goal and possibly others, or at least she assisted others. This is her first year playing and you would NEVER know it watching her lead the pack on the field!I love this idea -- the parents all made a tunnel after the game for the girls to run through.

What a sweetie. She was such a good cousin to both of our kids this weekend.

Next was Ty's football game. Ty is eight. I can always remember how old he is because he was born when we were engaged. He is like Chad's little (except not so little) clone! If you knew Chad when he was younger, and even now, you can see it just in the picture. The older Ty gets, the more clear it gets. Ty even seems to move like Chad to me now. I loved seeing him in full pads and all for the first time. Makes me think of his daddy playing high school and college football. I remember as a little girl always wanting to give Chad a big hug after his games, even though he always was soaked with sweat and pretty dirty. My heart always swelled up with pride that he was MY big brother and I always wanted to get that sweaty hug to show everyone that he was my brother!

Ty's team lost, but the first thing Ty told me in an upbeat voice after the game was that they might have lost, but he had some really great sacks! I loved his positive attitude! So much focus seems to be placed on winning these days and I was know that he sees things int he proper focus. He's such a good kid.And isn't that black under the eyes just killer?!

Meanwhile, the little boys were having the time of their lives roaming the sidelines...

And lastly, sweet, handsome Cole had a game later in the afternoon. Isn't he {to die for} cute? Can you believe he is just 11? Well technically, he'll be 12 in a few days. If we hadn't visited at this same time last year and seen him then in his football pads and uniform, I would have been COMPLETELY blown away by this kid. However, I was already somewhat prepared for how much he's grown up. Still, I remember the day he was born, and playing with him as a baby. He's still the sweetest guy ever, but now he's got teenage swagger. Makes me feel SO old.