Mayors Cup Las Vegas

We had a great weekend in Las Vegas attending Mayors Cup, the girls first official travel tournament.  We flew in a day early so we would have time to go to a Magic Show and explore.  Once everyone arrived it was all about soccer and team bonding. The girls played hard on the field each day and made it to the semi-finals (with only one sub).     They spent their free time as a team at the arcade, pool, zip lining, riding the NYNY roller coaster, making posters and team dinners. It was a great trip - memories the girls will have forever!  GO GUNNERS 

 

 

All things Murphy

 I figured I would do a little post dedicated to Murphy Lyn Bates!  Murphy joined our family in July 2021 at 10 weeks old.   We have learned a few things about him I thought I would share.  He does not believe in personal space, he loves to snuggle (on top of you), he prefers to fetch a soccer ball over a tennis ball, he loves is basket of toys/bones, he likes the water, he is not great on a leash (he wants to see and play with everyone and every dog) and he LOVES to chase rabbits in our backyard (so for he has caught one).  

Snow Snow and More Snow!

It was so fun to have snow (a ton of snow) over Christmas Break.  Kallie spent hours outside with friends sledding, building forts and having snowball fights.  They only came home for food and hot cocoa to warm up and then back outside they all went.

It was also Murphy's first snow and he LOVED IT. We went for lots of snowy walks and he got to play with all the neighborhood dogs at the big park.   

Although we all love the snow, I was ready for it to go after being stuck at home for over a week - it was so cold and icy we (well I) was happy when it finally melted!

Christmas Magic

Merry Christmas!  We had a great slow morning at the Bates house.  We took time watching each other open gifts and talking about about each one.  Some of the hits this year were colored LED lights, Hydro Flask, What do you Meme board game and some new clothes from American Eagle.  Murphy was very excited for his new Kong toy and dads new hunting blind :)  

As always, we spent the evening at Grammy's with family.  It was a great day!

 

1st Hunting Trip With Dad

Today was the day Eric had been waiting for  . . . he asked Kallie if she wanted to go duck hunting with him and SHE SAID YES!   As you can see by the pictures, it was a successful hunt with lots of smiles.  Kallie does not want to shoot the birds but she does like to help clean them (ick).  I know Eric hopes this is one of many trips these two take together. 

Cookies with Grammy

Making Christmas cookies with Grammy and all of the cousins is one of Kallie's favorite holiday traditions.  Now that all of the kids are vaccinated the tradition is BACK!  A quick stop at Santa was a great way to start the day.  I am pretty sure the smiles say it all  . . . the day was a big success.  Thanks to Grammy (and Papa) for making it such a special day every year.

Let the Holiday Season Begin

Let' the festivities begin!  We found a great tree at our favorite tree farm (aka church parking lot) in Issaquah.  Lights went up on the house, the tree was decorated, Crack Crack arrived with Christmas pajamas and Murphy officially had his own stocking by December 1st.  Our course there was a visit with Santa in-between!  The Bates family is ready for the holidays!