During family night we were talking about family heritage. We talked about the various countries our ancestor had come from and mentioned things that we have that help us remember those people. I pointed out a painting on the wall that Grandma Jacquie gave us. It was the first painting she did. I told the kids that some day (in a very long time) when Grandma Jacquie was no longer with us that painting would help younger family members know a little about what (great, great, great) grandma Jacquie liked to do. Ethan then said, "I can't stand to think of Grandma Jacquie dying." It's really sweet to think he loves his grandma so much!

Those Boys

Connor and Jake asked me to make sure the blog was updated with their latest photos. This was after their last soccer game (they won). They both scored in the same game -- a first! Jake probably has the best tan and Connor the best hairdo.

Ethan had a "friend" party for his 8th birthday. The biggest hit was a Lego contest where the kids had 15 minutes to build the best creation. They wanted to do it over and over and over....

The two boys to the right of Ethan also come from a family of 8 children. They currently have chicken pox and we are hoping that Beth, Ethan and Ari have have caught the bug!

Ethan and Beth were baptized on November 8, 2008 by their big brother Connor. Beth waited 3 months until Ethan turned 8 so they could be baptized together. Beth had to go under twice but it all ended well.

Who needs a barber?

Ethan decides he knows best when it comes to bangs.

Jake "The Man" Manning

Jake went through puberty last year and is quite pleased with the result. He asked me to throw out this challenge. He'd like to see if any of his relatives have such can match his manly thatch of chest hair. If you think you do, please send a photo (males only, please).

Soccer Fun

First official game of the season for Warriors Connor and Jake. That's Jake trying to get away from the ball while big bro Connor (#16) says, "I'm outta here."

For the first time we have all eight kids involved in sports at the same time. Connor, Jake, Truman, Kate, Beth, Ethan and Ari in soccer and Isaac in football. We only have 61 games left to attend this season! I enjoy this time of year and confess to being one of those parents who probably embarrasses her children with her loudness. Oh well. GO WARRIORS!

Meet the Mannings

Rated PG: parental guidance suggested for partial nudity. Connor and Jake often go shirtless so as to more easily admire their abs and "guns" (arms) in any reflective surface they pass.

Just in case you stumbled on to this blog not knowing what you were doing, this is us -- at least the interesting ones. Mom and dad Manning may appear at a later date.

This was an impromptu shot of the kids sending a greeting to Ty Walburger who had just been born.