A bit late...Nate's 8th birthday

Nate's 8th birthday was this past November.  I'm so on top of things that I'm just now posting! ;)

 

Each and every year he is ready for months to turn the next number in line.  Since he was a baby, his goal was to catch up to his older siblings.  It has never stopped.  He is our highly intense child,  in every way.  His latest obsession, Roman numerals, yes an 8 year old completely obsessed with them.  He recently came home from school informing me that his goal is to write 1-1,000 in Roman numerals.  Huh???  I love this kid!  I would love to see his teacher's face in response to some of his quirky ideas or intensely focused moments.

 

This year he requested a brownie cake, so that is what he received.  He made a great choice!

 

Our insanely cute, toothless 8 year old.

Everyone joining in on the excitement!

Very excited to try out his AirPogo Jumper.  

Do you remember Choose Your Own Adventure Books?

Ready for some cake!!

I would love to know what he wished for!!

Nate chose to use his birthday money to take Rob and himself to an Indianapolis Colts game.  He had the time of his life and created a lasting memory of some time with just the two of them.  He has really tuned in to football this year, trying to learn anything he can about the game.  He looks forward to playing in full pads next fall.  I know he will be our little star!!  We love you Nate!!!

Huntertown Sprockets Lego League

Noah participated along with his Lego League teammates in this year's Senior Solutions competition.  They had a great time and did much better than expected!  Out of 25 teams, 6 were chosen to go on to the state competition.  The Sprockets were one of those six!!!  The kids (and adults) were beyond excited!  Most of the teams they competed against were much older and with more experience.

 

Getting set up for the competition.

Talking with the ref.

Making sure the robot is set exactly where it should be...

Team cheering them on, "Let's go Sprockets!!"

Watching the robot complete the mission.

Evaluating the mission.

This is round three.  The judges take the best of three rounds.

Working together!

Reviewing a job well done!

I am so proud of Noah!!  He showed hard work and dedication!  The state competition is December 8th at a local university campus.  I'm sure the state competition will include a whole new level of competitors.  It will be a great experience for these kiddos.

Seafood for Nate

What do normal children do with hard earned chore money?  Toys, candy, something they've been eyeing for awhile?  Not Nathaniel...he buys food.  His latest purchase, a bag of frozen mixed seafood.  Rob was impressed with Nate's decision, so he offered to fry it up. 

Rob whipped up a home made batter to fry it. Nate pointing out the different kinds he knew. 

 He was most excited about octopus and crab.

 Can you see the octopus?

 

One happy kid!

When he was done eating, he happily proclaimed, "I never knew octopus armpit tasted so good!!" That's our Nathaniel!!

More visitors roll through town!

On election day we had a wonderful surprise...we had some more visitors come through town!  However, this time it was for a very short visit.  Popo, aka Dan was taking his 86 year old mother on a grand kid tour.  We happened to be the last stop!  With some hot soup ready, the camera charged, we made the best of our short time! 

 



Great Grandma Salzwedel visiting her Indiana

grand kids on the last leg of the trip.

Popo and his Indiana bunch!

 

Auntie HaHa came along too!  We haven't seen her for years! What a great reunion!!

A very rare family picture!

 Sisters...together again!

Great Grandma found a friend!!

It's been so long!  Love you sister!

Mother and son...can you tell?

Thanks so much for coming all the way to Indiana!!  We know you had a very long trip!  We love you!!