Helton brothers: October 2012

After t-ball season ended last summer, Jonas requested to play soccer in the fall. Matt and I found a program in Denver that was affordable and suited both of our boys. Every Saturday starting at 9am for 5 weeks, we became a soccer family. I remembered the first practice, I looked at Matt with a smile and said,"it smells like soccer." He chuckled and knew how excited I was for the boys to play a sport that I grew up with.

Silas' team met on the field for some games, laughs, and bond between the little guys. Their team was called Black Grizzlies.

Silas' favorite part about soccer was the snacks at the end of each practice. And then we would hunker down and watch his big brother play.

Jonas, Jonas, Jonas! Where do I even begin? Dad and I were quite skeptical at what you may think of soccer. Would it be too much contact? Would you not like being pushed down? Would you cling to our side? NO! You were brave, strong, and go-getter! You instantly loved the sport and give it your ALL(I mean all) out on the field. You listened, you applied the skills, and you were determined.

Jonas' coach pulled me aside and said,"Jonas runs so fast and such a fast learner of the sport."

Jonas' team was called White Foxes

I asked Jonas his favorite part about soccer and replied,"I really enjoyed playing with Finley(good friend) and defending my side."

Soccer buddies!

Mommy is so proud!

Check back in a few weeks for the next sport endeavor.

Our trip to Moab this fall was one of the best highlights of the year so far. With the boys being 3 and 4 years old, traveling seemed much easier and camping was a blast this time of year. It was 70's during the day and 40's at night~perfect!

These photos of the boys depicts their traveling personality. Jonas is completely content looking outside and enjoying the scenery.

While Silas is constant chatterbox and cracking jokes.

To shorten the ride, our friends Tom and Corine suggested to stay with them in Vail Friday night and drive out to Moab the next morning.

We woke up to snow. Beautiful with the leaves changing and pure snow fallen.

Glenwood Canyon

When we arrived to Moab, I met up with our friends(Tom/Corine and Jim and Jeff) at my favorite trail in Moab-Amasa Back. Back at camp, Matt took care of the boys setting up camp and biking themselves.

Dinner around campfire

Next morning Matt went out with our friends to Porcupine Rim while we hiked the trail. During our hike, I received a phone call from Jim saying Matt broke his bike, he will be coasting down the hill to meet you. Poor guy he didn't get to finish the 14 mile bike ride.

We had a great time exploring the trail until dad met us.

We were imagining the way dad would go up these rocks on his bike.

Geology lessons at our fingertips

We had an up-close and personal show of jeepers coming down some steep rocks.

We went back to camp to eat lunch and drove off to Arches National Park, 5 minutes outside of Moab town.

Our choice of hike was the Delicate Arch, probably the most beautiful arch in the world. Once we got off the dirt trail and on to slickrock, they had cairns(little rock towers) set up to lead the way to the arch. Jonas and Silas enjoyed looking for all the cairns. And this was a hike, no stroll in the park.

Jonas, Junior Ranger, worked on another booklet to earn a badge. At 4 years old, they suggest finishing 2 pages but he insisted on completely the whole booklet. From word search, to finding plants in the park, to drawings of his favorite spot in the park, to writing 3 sentences on experiencing our senses outdoors, and much more. He loved every part of it and was tenacious on doing it all. Silas was Jonas' helper on finding and feeling plants.

Climbed up to a small opening to view the Delicate Arch.

We are almost there, just a quick rest and snack.

It couldn't have been better! We made it and enjoyed the scenery for over an hour.

Back down was Silas' favorite. He could run without a purpose.

Sleeping in the tent is one of the boys favorite things to do. They like to go to bed!

My birthday morning was perfect! Matt arose early to make coffee for me, Silas snuggled in my bed and whispered"Mom, it's your birthday today", and then Jonas pounced on me and said"Happy Birthday mama!"

We drank our hot cups around a morning fire and

Matt fixed up some pancakes with cool whip and raspberries on top.

Today was our last day in Moab/Arches, so we packed up and headed back to Arches for one last hike. Jonas finished his junior ranger booklet and shared his answers with the park ranger. He repeated a pledge after the park ranger to receive an official junior ranger badge. He was so proud of himself.