New Camera Fun!

Wow, I am very behind. A computer FULL of photos, moments, memories. And today I tried out a new camera... pocket one finally. It only took me TWO years to commit to a smaller camera so I don't have to carry my SLR around me.

So today... I tried out my Canon Power Shot SX210 IS.


A sweet photo. A sweet girl. Pigtails and popsicle.

A little boy who came home from school with a bad headache right as school was getting out. A headache that was only cleared up by a bad release of pain in throwing up... and then there he is. Happy, playing golf in the front yard and eating a Popsicle. Migraine? I hope my poor boy doesn't have that as a part of his future, his life. Right now, I see a beauty and joy in his eyes that wasn't there an hour before. And that is what I am glad this photo captured!

Innocents and sweetness that I treasure!

What is that? Okay, some people have a twinkle in their eyes. Nicolas has a twinkle ON his eye!

I have a bad feeling that this camera is going to be the start of a future... watch out world... I see lots of memories captured. I hope they are all as sweet as these!

Preschool Princess

Lexi was in for changes. Changed schools to St. Mary's. She changed days to going three days a week. Changed hours... wow, they go early! And is leaving her good friends behind at her old preschool. If anyone has a right to be scared, nervous or at least apprehensive it is her. And was she?


I am happy to say she was excited, ready and positive!
That's my girl!

And her brother was there... now having to get up earlier himself so that he was ready to go when she has to even though he doesn't have to be at school for much later! But now he gets an hour on those days to hang with his mom alone. And we do...get breakfast, play games, read, tennis...whatever we can. And Lexi? How is she doing with change?



She is doing great! Makes new friends every day. Excited to eat in a real lunch room, play on the playground, feed the bunny and whatever else she can do.

And of course she got a slushy too at the end of her first day!

As for her friends at her old school? We have gotten in as much play time with them as we could before they started back. Thanks ladies for coming to play all week! We hope to see you all as much as we can after school and on the weekends!

First Day of First Grade

Nicolas might not have wanted to say good-bye to summer just yet as he has enjoyed so much swimming, hanging out with friends, trips locally and away. But he was excited to start first grade. He can't wait to use his desk for homework (wonder how long that will last). To keep learning to read chapter books, learn more about globes and maps, and to bring on all the math you can. Oh, don't forget P.E., recess, art and whatever else he can soak up in school.

So the first day of school came.



Backpack was ready, supplies were in tow (by his parents who were beating the bus to school to greet him there) and Nicolas was excited to meet his new teacher, classmates and a desk all his own.



(top left corner - clockwise)
I get one more hug in with my little boy. We both held it together much better then last year!
Shawn is there for first day as he always is for any moment with his kids that he can be. Good daddy!
Nicolas gets off the bus with his buddy, Aidan. They may not be in class together but they get to play at recess and that works for them.
Nicolas waves from across the bus... "bye bye mom"
The day is over and Andrew gets the squeeze on to neighbors, Nicolas and Ryan, as they have a great day.

We surprised Nicoals with slushy and lunch and a trip to our friends pool for the afternoon. Great first day!

Batter Up

One season ends as another one begins. The life of parents today. This was our first game of the t-ball season. And this year Shawn managed the boys team. Nicolas really liked having his dad so involved. I loved watching both of them on the field.


Nicolas gets ready to bat and Shawn watches another player. Hmm.... hope he doesn't try to wear that shirt around house. (hee, hee)

Swing! There goest he ball! Run, Nicolas, Run!!!

What cute players Cooper and Nicolas are.

Having fun! Even with the other team.

Soccer Finishes

Lexi has all her bases covered... loves dolls and drawing, lipgloss and cooking, dance and sports! So she was a bit sad when the last soccer game came so quickly.


She mad quite an improvement from that first, memorable game when I couldn't get her on the field for anything ... no bribes worked! She isn't the master of the field yet (that would go to Joey) but she gets a bit braver every week. I think by the time fall soccer is over... next spring she will be ready to take anyone else on! (laughing) Of course she will take us on here in our backyard on any day.

But THIS was the moment she played for! This was the item she had in her sites. Her very own trophy! Does she look happy? She was ecstatic!

What a sweet little team. Watch out next season because they won't be the smallest, youngest ones anymore! I think our girls kept up with the boys too. Way to go pink ladies!!! And way to go Marty!

It's All In Your Bed!

Nicolas got a older! Wait! Slow down! what do you mean you can't sleep in a little baby themed frog room forever? Okay, okay, I'll let you grow up a little... just a little!

Bye bye froggies! Hello sports themed room and new loft bunkbeds.

And that first weekend the kids begged to be able to nap together. Well, this is why we wanted the bed. So now when they are really good and we can let them campout together. So glad they are so close!

One nice side note is that it seems he is so cuddled up and cave like in that lower bunk that he is sleeping in even longer! Why didn't we get this bed sooner????

April Showers in Cakes

Busy cake month in April. Try to only do one cake a week.


Luau theme for a little girl's birthday party. The party set up was adorable! The cake seemed to fit in nicely with all the bright activities and decor.

Another little girl's birthday. Zebra and bright colors.

This one was HUGE! Full sheet size and double layer.

A 30th birthday celebration that was going on at the anniversary party.

Let's throw Teacher Appreciation in for May too.

brownie bites covered in red chocolate

Lexi Gets Down

Okay, I admit that time is really running short and I am trying to catch up on two months worth of backlog here.... or otherwise I would put the following two photos in a movie slideshow on faster speed because when you go back and forth really fast on Picasa it looks like she is actually dancing. It is cracking me up!

This is the last time the kids were on stage this year. So got lots of photos. My little dancer in her tutu and birthday shirt.

Loving the spotlight!!!

Fun Times

Spring led to more fun times.


Kindergarten Program at school. What a cute elephant!

Lexi practices soccer... as a princess.

And low and behold it isn't a bad idea for her!

Our Babies

We were delighted to have a visited with our new little baby in the family (daughter to Aaron and Mary) sweet little Aubry. Lexi poses with her baby.

And then Lexi takes her little Lila for a swing.

Second Try to Soccer

Okay, first game didn't go so well. It was COLD and Lexi was scared. But the second try was very, very different.


Lexi and Chase did have fun at practice.

Of course practicing goals was super fun!

The boys are very good at watching their younger siblings after all these games they have watched!

She did it! She played in the game with no issue! You go girl!!!

Easter

Easter was fun even if it was running all around!

Our Bunny Bread was fun to make for each stop.

The night before we started with egg hunting at Grandpa Jim's and MaeMae's house.

Someone needs to tell the Easter Bunny that the kids are not that tall or limber for these hiding places!

The next day we woke up to Easter at our own house.  First the baskets from Mommy & Daddy and then while getting ready for church we saw that the bunny had indeed visited our backyard!

And once again the bunny was pretty creative with its hiding places!

Off to grandma birdies!

And then to MeeMa and PaPaw's house for a fourth and final visit from the bunny.  That was a lot of yummy loot!

Happy Easter!