A Busy Summer

As I sit and update this blog I cannot believe that summer (for me and Blake and Blair) is almost over (can count the days on one hand, sigh!) We had fun though. Didn't do as much picture taking as I should have though. We took a trip to Muscle Shoals, AL with friends. The guys played golf and we laid by the pool. All of our children have fun playing together so it works out well. Next the four of us headed to St. George Island. We had a good time despite the rain. Two days were a complete wash out. We played lots of Monopoly. We visited east Tennessee and Blake and Blair went fishing with their papaw and Uncle Charlie. They caught 32 fish and we ate them for supper! According to dad, Blair was real angler with her pink Barbie rod, reeling in 5 before Blake caught his first one. We ended the sumer with a trip to Atlanta to see the Braves play. We visited the aquarium and introduced B&B to the Varsity and a Frosted Orange.

Champions!

Blake's team won the Pee Wee championship tonight with an overall record of 15-1. It was a fun season with a team full of great little boys!

Soccer and Golf

Blair had soccer camp this week and Blake began the First Tee program. They both had a great time! Blair really seemed to enjoy creating the brightest of all outfits. Blake was very nervous when we arrived at the practice facility but ended up having a great time.

Last Day Celebration

On the last half day of school, the Kindergartners and 5th graders walked the red carpet and released balloons as a symbol of the journey they had completed and a new beginning. It was very appropriate and sweet!

Last Day of Kindergarten and 2nd Grade

We had a wonderful half year at Carmel. Love this school! Blake and Blair had the perfect teachers for their individual personalities. Blair is pictured with her kindergarten teacher Mrs. Campbell, with our sweet longtime babysitter Courtney who was just hired to teach 2nd grade at another school and her BFF Hannah (love these girls). Blake is with his 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Hendrix who mercifully put up with his antics and chattiness! Blake and Blair were both selected as Colt Kids for their classes for their character and leadership in the classroom. We are very proud of both of them! Blake also received All A honor roll.

Flowers and Berries

With help from my sweet parents I have some beautiful flowers. They helped me plant my containers a few weeks ago and they look beautiful. Last summer we planted snapdragons and they are beautiful. Blake and Blair love to pick the strawberries from our little garden!

Baseball

We are having a great season of baseball! Blake plays for the Phillies and his team is currently first in their division. He's not a power hitter, but he's very consistent at bat and very fast and his fielding is improving. It's a lot of fun to watch them play.

Piano

Blake and Blair take piano lessons and they had their recital this week. This was Blair's first recital and she did great! Blake did great too! He's funny-piano is not his favorite, but we have been very reluctant to let him quit. We just feel that it's important to exercise his brain with music. We had just had a little round over quitting piano not long ago and were driving to school. I had NPR on and there was a commercial for a music academy that started out by saying, "did you know, that students who take music lesson tend to do better in the classroom and on standardized test than students who do not." Now, I realize how loaded that comment is but, from the back seat I hear, "Ohhh, Good Grief!" It was perfectly timed!

Soccer

Blair really enjoys soccer! She has a great little team and they have played together for the past three seasons.

Blair's Recital

Blair was a snowflake in this year's recital. She loves ballet! Her teacher came to see her and another little girl, which was so special. In the last photo they girls are throwing snow-she is second from the right. (You may have to click on the picture to enlarge it and see it better) I love the expression on her face! It is absolute joy!

Blair's recital-a preview

Blair was a snowflake in her recital this year. She loves ballet and it is very evident on stage.

Easter 2013

It was a nice day. Started out rainy and dreary but we managed to get in some outside time. Grateful that Blake and Blair seem to like church, ask thought provoking questions about faith and God (I am really not interested in spoon fed faith) and ask to read their Bibles. Does a mama's heart good. The Easter Bunny came bringing Blair some hall passes for her pretend classroom, books for both, beach shoes and goggles for both, chocolate bunnies and a game called GoLo.

Just a Good One of My Boys

And, yes Hogan is allowed on the bed sometimes. Had to take Hogan to the vet this week. He was in a lot of pain and not acting like himself. He was diagnosed with arthritis. Has to take anti-inflammatory meds now and we have some other things we are doing to help make life a little easier for our first baby.

Spring Break

I don't think that I have ever been more ready for a Spring Break in my life! I really love being back in the classroom but, I was ready for a break. I took the children to visit the grandparents and got some rest a relaxation being at mom and dad's. I came home on Wednesday and was able to do some chores at home that had been neglected, got to go on a double date with Scott and our BFFs. And, got in a couple of runs with my other BFF in preparation for the Iron Mom in May. My sweet mom and dad brought Blake and Blair back to us on Friday evening. I was so grateful! At mom and dad's we colored Easter eggs and Blake got in a little hunting and shooting with Papaw.