Thanksgiving 2011

We had a great Thanksgiving in Colorado.

After all the food, we went out and hung all the Christmas lights and decorated the tree. The boys were super excited to have Grandma Hutton in for the holiday and to help decorate.

Ryder, Taggart, and ..........

That's right, we are expecting a new addition to Team Hutton. 

Family on a recent walk...Courtney showing the newest member.

The baby is due in late April. Ryder & Taggart are both excited to welcome a new little brother or sister. We do not yet know the sex of the baby but will find out soon.

Autumn in Colorado

The boys are loving Autumn. Besides playing sports and being outside, they now appreciate how much fun an Autumn pile of leaves may be.

Ryder raking leaves into a pile when Tagg jumps in

Ryder actually requested the rake a couple of times so he could pile the leaves back up. Tagg on the other hand takes pleasure in destroying the pile.

Ryder drops the rake to join in the fun 

A wrestling match in a pile of leaves

Ryder's Basketball Game Week 1

Ryder has moved on to basketball. 

 

He is actually tall for 5 but is one of the younger kids on the team. Regardless of his height, his ball handling skills enable him to bring the ball up the court. Once past mid-court he seems more interested in avoiding any and all defenders. The game starts to resemble a point guard trying to run the clock out as he dribbles all around rarely looking at the hoop. He will pass but follows his pass as if to ask for the ball back. Upon receiving it back, he starts the process over. On defense, he is tireless. He has a couple of steals and even a blocked shot to go along with a few fouls from running through and over some of his opponents. He is having fun and we are all enjoying watching.

Ryder ended his Fall Soccer season today. The Arvada Edge Soccer Rockers had a great season. We are extremely proud of Ryder as he learned a great deal, demonstrated sportsmanship and tried his best each and every game.

Halloween

Ryder and Taggart enjoyed picking their pumpkins...Taggart chose the largest one he could find but had some difficulty actually picking it up.

We were so excited to have Papa Leveque visit for Halloween. He showed the boys his pumpkin carving skills.

Thor (Ryder) and Race Car Driver (Taggart) were eager to collect as much candy as possible.

Happy Birthday Ryder

Yesterday was Ryder's 5th birthday!

He was so excited and has been counting down for months.

Tagg helping Ryder

Tagg was a great little brother who joined in the celebration.

  

Its hard to tell what Ryder (they) enjoyed more....the anticipation, the presents or the cake.

It is amazing how quickly five years have passed. We are so proud of Ryder and have really enjoyed watching him grow up.

Football in the backyard

Taggart in a modified heisman pose

Ryder & Taggart love sports. Right now, they are really excited to put on their jerseys and helmets and get out in the yard. Unfortunately, they like the Boilermakers, Buffalos and Broncos.

To make the experience more exciting, we actually painted a small field in the back yard. The boys like it but requested that Daddy paint a CU Buffalo logo in the middle of the field. 

Wilson

Heavy hearts in the Hutton Family as we said goodbye to our beautiful Golden Retriever, Wilson, yesterday. He was the most loyal friend we've ever had. Wilson, we will never forget the day you came into our lives. Now, we will never forget the day we had to say goodbye. We were lucky to love him and to have him love us. He taught us more than we ever taught him. He was an incredible companion, confidant, friend and family member who will not be replaced.

Ryder and Taggart are doing well but already miss him. Mommy and Daddy may not be doing as well as the boys.

Ryder & Tagg Birthday Party - I

Thirty-four wheels, 17 helmets, 15 adults, and 2 happy little boys celebrating their birthdays.

Taggart Payne = September 12th
Ryder Cade = October 24th

Name plates for the bikes

The bicycle theme was a hit...everyone was excited to put their name plate and bells on their bikes.

Taggart & Ryder couldn't wait for everyone to arrive.

The ultimate treat/surprise awaited while all the children rode around. Abbott, Bennett, Campbell, Collin, Delaney, Grayton, Hannah, Henry, Holly, Jack, Jon, Kate, Maddie, Parker, Reis, Ryder, Taggart, and Tyler couldn't wait for the cupcakes.

Mommy did an outstanding job planning, coordinating and pulling off the party at Louisville Community Park.

Ryder & Tagg Birthday Party - II

The dirt track and obstacle course provided lots of fun, a few bumps and bruises and tons of excitement.

The pizza and cupcakes hit the spot as the kids devoured everything before heading back out to play again.

Ryder & Tagg Birthday Party - III

Taggart celebrated his third birthday while.....

Ryder celebrated his fifth birthday.

They had so much fun celebrating together.

Ryder & Tagg high fiving

Happy Birthday Boys!

Taggart Practicing

Taggart is bound and determined to get better at soccer. He enjoys cheering for and supporting his brother but he wants to demonstrate his skills soon.

Tagg dribbling

Tagg preparing to take a shot on goal

Tagg has definitely benefited from trying to keep up with his big brother. Ryder pushes him and Tagg doesn't like not being able to keep up.

Ryder's Soccer Match Week 2

 Ryder's second soccer match was just as exciting and rewarding. He is doing well and enjoying himself.

Ryder dribbling the ball toward the goal

Ryder showing his ball handling skills

Valiant defensive effort

He shoots and hits the post

Today, in addition to good sportsmanship, Ryder demonstrated great energy, effort and persistence. He never gave up on a play and hustled all game. Unfortunately, Ryder and his teammates spent a fair amount of time playing defense and when he broke away his shot deflected off the post.

Happy Birthday Tagg

Today is Taggart's third birthday!!! He was so excited all weekend and today. Ryder was super supportive of Tagg and Tagg shared his new toys. The boys had a blast celebrating.
They brought lots of humor and enjoyment as we attempted to have cake.
Looking forward to the birthday party!

CU Buffaloes football

After the soccer match, Daddy, Ryder and Taggart headed straight to Folsom Field to watch CU take on Cal. The boys were already wiped out but hot dogs and water helped out.It is an incredible day....Daddy enjoyed the view of the mountains and the game while the boys enjoyed watching Ralphie run on the field and their hot dogs.
Unfortunately, Colorado lost to California in OT. We ran home so everyone could relax. It has been a long, eventful day.

First Official Soccer Match

Today was Ryder's first official soccer match. He is part of the Arvada Edge. He was sooo excited this morning and put his uniform (shin guards included) on before breakfast.He was fortunate to get the start and jumped right in.
Ryder scored 3 goals (third one pictured below) in his teams 10-7 victory.
He had a blast and cannot wait for his game next week.
Candid moment of Ryder waving to his Mommy after his third goal. Mommy, Daddy and Taggart were so proud of Ryder and really enjoyed his good sportsmanship.

Swim Lessons

Tagg officially joined Ryder at Lakeshore Athletic Club for Swim America swim lessons.Tagg started in level 1 and Ryder is testing into level 4.

Tagg's First Day of School

Taggart started Pre-K this week at the Louisville Preschool.He was so excited and had a great time.

Labor Day Weekend Bike Ride

Ryder and Taggart wanted to take advantage of the three day weekend and great weather to get outside and ride. Ryder enjoyed exploring some trails on his own and venturing off.
Taggart got tons of exercise as it took every ounce of energy to keep up with his brother. Tagg is ready to move up to the pedal bike.
Since he couldn't always keep up with Ryder, Tagg took advantage of his time to play in the dirt and find some good rocks.
After the ride, the chased each other around Harper Lake in Louisville.
Ryder better enjoy his elusiveness now as Tagg is getting quicker and stronger daily. The future should be full of brotherly competition.