finley is 9!

 November 6th. Finley turned nine. I've been a mama for 9 years?! Craziness. ;)

 Rock tumbler!!  Whoop whoop! This kid knows how to have a good time. :P

 We celebrated with Kenton's parents later that evening.

 Silly girl.

 He's got some great expressions. :P

 Skyping with Nanalee.

We opted for a small sleep over in lieu of a big party for Finley this year. He had no hesitation about this choice and was super excited to have his cousins Griffin and Cohen over. We watched Jurassic World and ate junk food. Cohen opted to go home before bed time, but Griffin slept over and the boys all slept really well. It was a really fun ninth birthday.

first day of school

 The dreaded first day of school. ;) Our family is never ready, but our boys were excited to see their friends & start their new classes. This mama could've slept in for at least another month. But alas, time for school. :] Cedar is starting first grade & Finley is a third grader! Such big kids! It's also Cedar's first year of all day school. He's been handling it like a pro, but that first week was pretty exhausting. :P

#33

  Cedar & Finn had simultaneous games at different fields, so Kenton & I had to split up & he took Elsa. Which left me free to take some photos at Finn's game. We usually take turns keeping Elsa entertained & don't often bring the big camera along...just one more thing to juggle. Anyway, go Finley! Go #33!

He's been running harder than I've ever seen him run before! So proud of him. Way to go, Finn! Go Thunderbolts!

a harry potter party for finley & cohen

 Finley & Cohen both requested Harry Potter parties this year & with their birthdays being one day apart, we combined our efforts into one big party! This was probably the most fun theme that could've been chosen, for me, so I got totally into it! Also, Pinterest & free printables online became my favorite things ever!

Finley in front of "The Three Broomsticks", where you could have some Butterbeer or Gilly Water. :)

 The Chases did an amazing job creating unique & beautiful wands for "Ollivanders Wand Shop". These really blew me away.  So cool!

 "Honeydukes" sweet shoppe, complete with chocolate frogs, fizzing whizzbees, sour slugs, Bertie Bott's every flavor beans, & Dumbledore's lemon drops.

 Platform 9 3/4

 Balloon owls & house banners in the background

 A few wand battles, here & there.

 After snacking for a bit, we brought the kids outside for a quidditch match.

 The dads took this activity on & did an amazing job of teaching the kids to play & "refereeing".

 Goals posts.

 Harry & Ron

(aka Finley & Cohen)

 Tyler played the part of the golden snitch.

 One player from each team was given the job of grabbing the tennis ball that was in a sock hanging from Tyler's waist band. :P

 A couple cute spectators. :)

 Finn's turn to be the snitch!

 A group shot!

They played several rounds & really seemed to have a great time! The perfect activity for a gaggle of busy boys!

 The awesome ice cream cake, by Becca!

Kenton & I dressed as a wizard & witch! Such fun! Thanks for the great idea, Finley & Cohen! We sure loved planning your party. :)