The Growing Gant Family...

 There's much to celebrate about this kid.  Calvin's always the life of the party.  He's learning that he's funny and often provides the comic relief the rest of our family needs sometimes (o;  He wanted friends over to just hang, have dinner and cake and of course a wrestling match (boy's birthday parties are pretty easy).  Lots of sugar, giggles and sweaty little boys.   Dawson, Cameron, Brandon, Calvin and William  William was just as excited it was his brother's birthday Celebrating with his 2nd grade Class Cheese ball smile while Grandma Marsha and Grandpa Bruce celebrate with him Putting together a RC car with Dad This one I love.  These two have a love/hate relationship...like many brothers.   I pray they share a bond like only brothers can. The Dutch Bro free birthday drink stop.  Always something they look forward to!

 This day seemed far away just a few years ago.  Every year seems that way as the boys get older.  He turns 8 on the 8th this year and I just love the boy we have in Calvin.  God has truly blessed us.  He's always looking for what's next on the agenda for fun (o;  This can distract him quite a bit when mom and dad have to ask him to do something, but he's learning.  I know God's got amazing things in store for this kid.  He's seems to make friends with anyone and gives the best hugs (especially to his Mom (o;  ).   He invited his friends Brandon Rodriguez, Dawson Cox and Cameron Anderson and we went to Get Air.  Once we were home, literally all the boys wanted to do was have wrestling tournaments.  I don't think that ever occurred in our house growing up, although my Dad would've loved it!  It was pretty hilarious to watch the boys just clear the furniture and go for it in the front room.   Goofy Cal Those blue eyes get me every time  Fun at the trampoline p

 We've had fun with the boys over the years dressing up and going trick or treating with friends.  The Halloween holiday has never been one I liked, but we've had fun and celebrating a time of Harvest (like we did growing up).  This was the first year that William decided he was too big to wear a costume.  We always peruse the 2nd hand stores and he happened on this shirt and told me that it would be his costume.  What a kid! We were at the Friessen's neighborhood- Jake was a friend of William's in 1st grade at WVCS

There's been one thing Calvin has loved over the last few years and that's soccer.  This year he got to be on a team with his buddy Brandon Rodriquez!  They played for a local Stayton team and had a ton of fun.  It's always fun watching him play and it's a great outlet for all that energy he has (o;    He's a runner and goes quick for the ball. His favorite-kicking the ball Especially when he get a goal kick and can sail the ball to the other side of the field. We got to share part of the season with cousins!

 Grandpa Bruce has gone hunting every year ever since Curtis can remember.  Curtis has gone a few times in the past and has talked about the time he'll start taking the boys.  We decided that 10yrs old was a good starting point.  So, this year William and Curtis got to go together.  They didn't end up seeing any elk, but the camaraderie and time in the mountains was good for their souls.  William loves the outdoors and camping so he was definitely in his element.  They didn't get a tag but just went along for the ride and scenery this year. We'll see what next year holds! Grandpa Bruce, Uncle Cory, Mike, Colby, Curtis and William were all together this year.

 Now that William is 10, he got to go on his first hunting trip.  Curtis didn't get any tags, just wanted William to experience the trip and being at camp and out in the wilderness looking for Elk.  He got to go with Curtis, Grandpa Bruce, Uncle Cory, and Cousin Colby where Grandpa Bruce has gone hunting for the past multiple years (I don't know how many but I know it's been a long time!).  I'm thankful they got to share this time.  And hopefully they'll go again when Calvin turns 10!   Calvin and I enjoyed some one on one time while they were gone (o;  

 Ever since William tried mountain biking for the first time (at Silver Falls w/ the Brown family last year) he's wanted to go again.  He's been a few times since w/ Curtis but he got to share the experience w/ Uncle Thom while they were here visiting.  William's not really been into sports but I'm thankful he enjoys something active and outdoors.  I don't care what the boys choose to do, as long as they learn that it's important to be physically active in order to care for the body God gave them.  Mountain Biking surprised me with William as it requires quite a bit of adventure to traverse the trails!  

  These are always so fun to look back on.  It makes me smile when I read about what my boys love and how that changes as they grow.  Capturing this moment for sure...(Note: we've never lived in Stayton, but I guess we're close enough that Calvin thought we did!)