Sports Saturday: Getting Around!

When my brother was little, he rode his tricycle so much using his feet to scoot along that he wore out his shoes. I also remember one Christmas when I woke up and came downstairs to find a pale, blue Banana Seat Bike. I was so excited and could not wait to get out and ride it even though it was winter. Then when I was older and biked on my 10-speed bike, I cherished long rides with just my dad out in the countryside.

Every kid needs a set of wheels from strollers, tricycles, training wheels, and mountain bikes. And it is important to have a good set of wheels with the right equipment when going along with the family for a ride. This way the whole family can enjoy recreational time together on Saturdays. Even though the outdoor recreational season is nearly finished, you can still think about ideas for Christmas.

It is more difficult to do these kind of recreational activities though when the kids are younger. However, the fresh air and exercise are that much more important after being at home all week long. And the family time is in invaluable, encouraging family recreation and teaching the value of health and fitness at the same time.

Our neighbors are avid joggers, often doing marathons and such. And we like to bike for fun. Both you need to have a safe set of wheels for your young child to ride along. Our neighbors just purchased a Bob stroller for their many jogs. And last Christmas, we received an In Step bike trailer from Grandma and Grandpa as our family gift for riding along the nearby bike trails. Both are worth the investment to enjoy outdoor activities. So from mom to mom, I recommend these wheels to continue enjoying your Saturday rides.

This year, we are ready to graduate to a tricycle. Maybe for Christmas! In the meantime, Happy Riding!

Sports Saturday: First Football Game!

A few weeks ago I came across a deal online. Hillside tickets, a hot dog and pop for $10. I couldn't pass up that deal! Plus, we didn't have to pay for Brendan! It was my Alma Maters Homecoming, I knew it'd be a fun time (my brother and his kids were going) and the kids (and husband) would be able to experience their first big football game. 

It was a little windy and sunny, but beautiful. We all got a little too much sun and came down with a case of the sniffles, but overall, it was a great time.

Daddy and Sean grinning during the Iowa State win!!

Brendan made it until halftime before he crashed. I made sure to wear my special  nursing tank and I nursed him during the game. So I've nursed one child at a Chicago Cubs game and another at an Iowa State game. 

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for discounts and deals. I found ours on cyclones.com. We had a meal, entertainment and a fun day out as a family for less than we would have spent on a movie!

Sports Saturday--Getting kids involved in sports

Our oldest is four years old. So far, he's been in gymnastics and soccer. He was so proud when they had an exhibition meet for gymnastics and he got four blue ribbons AND a medal. Our little Olympic star...he was training at the same gym as Shawn Johnson after all.

We decided to change it up a bit and enrolled him in soccer. His first class he was upset as, "The other kids were cheating because they were trying to kick the ball in the goal too!" Yeah, our first born. He's never really been in competitive sports...was a bit of a wake up call.

While he does seem to enjoy soccer, we're putting him back into gymnastics. It works out better for everyone schedule wise and he seems to enjoy it a bit more.

Ask your kids what THEY want to be involved in. Just because you played football, volleyball etc might not be what they like. I never would have thought that Liam would be in gymnastics, but he is. And he likes it. Now I'm not going to be like the other mothers who are already talking Olympics for their 4 year old girls, but who knows? If he keeps enjoying it, I'm not going to hold him back.

Sports Saturday! Mommy's Little Football Players (Maybe)

It's the first Sports Saturday and it wouldn't be sports if I didn't include my favorite sport, football. I LOVE watching football. It's on right now. And my husband is vacuuming. That's how Saturdays and Sundays roll in our house. I watch football, cook and do laundry while he cleans.

He's never been that big into sports. He'll watch a game or two with me but I LOVE having football on TV; which is probably why I love fall. And probably why God has blessed me with three boys.

I love watching Notre Dame (which is where Liam says he's going to college--and that's fine with me as long as he has scholarships), Iowa State (where I graduated from) and the Kansas City Chiefs (because when I was 13 I was in love with Joe Montana--I had a Joe Montana poster on my wall, no really, I did).

Watching sports always helped me know what was going on as I was a cheerleader in high school. I always knew what "First and Ten" meant or what a "full back" did. I would play dumb with the joke "I don't know much about football but I know a tight end when I see one" but I could see if the opposing team was going to run a blitz. Yeah, I was that girl. And now I'm that mom.

Liam (my four, almost five year old) is not really into sports...or we haven't found his sport yet. He did gymnastics last year and enjoyed it, but we thought we would mix it up a bit and put him into soccer. It's not really his thing. We're thinking we'll go back to gymnastics soon. Sean, my middle child, he's the sports kid. He's not even 18 months yet but we can tell he'll be the football or rugby player. He likes to tackle. A lot. As you can see he's taking over the four year old below.

Maybe both of my boys will go to Notre Dame...but I predict Sean will have the athletic scholarship.