Baseball, Mountains and Chain Link.

We had such a fun night yesterday. Linc started his first year of tee-ball. I wasn't sure how he'd do because he's never been much of an outdoor kid, but he loved it! He didn't cry once. He loves being around other kids and having friends so this was just right for him. We signed him and Logan up at the YMCA this year because we really like the program there. I wasn't planning on signing them at all, but the more I thought about it, I realized they really could use something outside this house to do. It's also so fun for our family to get together and support each other.

Owen was in his Elmo harness for more than half of the time because he doesn't listen worth beans, but then he and Logan discovered a huge pile of red dirt and they were set for the rest of the practice. I often wonder what people are thinking while they watch me wrangle all my kids in public places. The looks on their faces crack me up!

Ellie took turns with Dan and I. She loves being outside. The poor thing had her six month doctor appointment earlier that day (a little late) and her shots were starting to make her a bit warm. Luckily the fever didn't kick in till later last night so I am giving her lots of TLC today. Okay, on that note I better go and take care of my kids. Here are a lot of pictures as usual. :) Logans first practice is Friday and since he's played before I promise to only post a few; but this being Lincs first time, I went a little crazy with the camera.

First time at bat.

I thought this chain link was fun to photograph so I took a few.

Eyes closed, but still cute!

All lined up.

"The base is here Linc!" He would hit the ball (or not) and then just run in any direction he felt like running! So funny. I felt bad for Dan because he came straight from work and didn't have time to change so he spent the entire practice in his nice clothes.

picking it up!

Here was a not hit. :)

Bobble head.

There we go, to the base this time!

Now what?

This was Linc after practice. He had to get a few more laps in!



The mountain.

I've been humming "Ain't no Mountain High Enough" all morning because of this picture!

Man, those clothes were stainless when we got there!

At least Owen didn't hit anyone with the shovel. I was kind of shocked he didn't try actually.

Panoply

I have to thank my husband for letting me drag our family out of our wonderfully air conditioned house, during the hottest part of the day because I wanted to see the Art Festival downtown. He is such a trooper and is always putting up with me and my ideas! Even though it was extremely hot, we had a fun time. Our boys love to be out and Ellie was happy as could be. Here are a few pics from our weekend.

I know I look like a bug in this picture, but I still love it. Me and my girl.

Linc went straight for the violins

Logan too, and at least Owen's interested!

This was an entire tent full of instruments for the kids to try out. I thought it was such a fun idea.

This was the drum tent. The entire tent was set up in a circle of bongo drums, probably fifty or so and people could come and beat on them while the guy in the middle dirtected it all. The line infront of Linc's face is his balloon. :)

The expensive lemonade that saved the day!

Handmade silly hats! Lincoln wrote his name as "Linc." He likes to be called that instead of Lincoln. I think it's funny that he's four and already has a preference!

Super Dad.

Walking back to the car.

Dan bought the boys each their own Alabama jersey. With him finishing his masters from UA Huntsville, and myself picking up my undergrad again there, we thought it was about time to show some Alabama pride!

I had to add this picture to our family blog, even though I already added it to my photo blog. I just love it! Her brown eyes are so beautiful!

Bugs, Elephants and Blasters

We've had a new development at our house. It isn't a very fun one, but it's getting better. When I was in Atlanta at my friends house, Owen was outside playing in her backyard, when suddenly he started screaming like I'd never heard before and running frantically for the door. Her door is glass, and Owen couldn't open it so he slammed his body up against it and stood their clawing and smooshing his face on the door, desperate to get in. Of course I ran to let him in. (Nothing is worse to me than when one of my kids is scared!)

It turns out there was a big fat bumble-bee outside and it was way to0 scary for him. I was slightly amazed that he even got scared because Owen has always been my fearless child, but I guess a bumble-bee was just too much. After we left, I didn't think much of the experience, but the following Saturday we were home and Owen discovered ants in our kitchen. He completely flipped out! He ran to me, and would not let go of me for anything! Any bug now terrifies him....well, except butterflies.

Thankfully he has two sweet big brothers who taught him how to smash the ants. Now when he sees any, he goes to town, smashing away! It's pretty cute. We'll just have to work on the other bugs. (liking them, not smashing them. He can smash all the ants he wants, they drive me crazy!) Anyway, to make a long story short, we have called a bug guy, and hopefully in a few short days, our house will be bug free! Here are some pictures of a picnic we had on the deck a few days ago. There were flies outside, so Owen stuck to Logan like super glue. Logan is so good to him. He got his Clone Trooper Blaster out and protected him the entire time!









A closer look. He is not happy about the flies!

Protecting his brother.


Here is Owen looking for ants to smoosh.

I like this picture because I've always thought of Owen as sort of a Doctor Jeykl and Mr. Hide type of guy. He can be so sweet and fun, but watch out, when he switches into Mr. Grouchy it can be scary! This picture shows that dark side/light side. :)

Like I said, he can be soo sweet!

Oh, and this picture is kind of random, but I wanted to introduce you to Ellies favorite toy. I bought this for her when we found out we were having a girl. We knew we wanted to name her Ellie, and thought a little pink elephant would be perfect. :)

Just Need to Write

Today I have been pacing around my house cleaning up and what not, while in my mind I am scripting out things to type onto my blog. I don't really have anything to say in particular, I just feel like writing. I'm chatty in a writing kind of way.

Dan and I haven't had a lot of time together these past few weeks between visits, and work trips. Maybe that's why I feel like writing. I don't have him here to yap at. ;)

Let's see, today Logan is at school and the other kids are asleep or having quiet time. Our washer broke a few weeks ago, and we finally got a new one the day before yesterday, so I've been busy catching up on two weeks worth of laundry. I need to get signed up for classes, but I'm a little apprehensive about being an English major still. I should just pick something and stick to it I guess. What else, umm Ellie is being a little fussy today and Owen is insane. Ok, he's only two, so that is probably the explanation for his craziness, but honestly I think I'm at my whits end with him. How many times should I have to tell the child not to climb on the counters, or hit his brothers with his light-saber, or to get his pull-up back on and get off the table while he's at it? I swear sometimes I should have a house made out of rubber. It would be a lot safer for him.

I taught Lincoln how to play chess today. I think I found a winner for him. He loved it! Honestly, I think he's smarter than me sometimes.

I just found out from a cute friend's blog that it is Earth day today. Last year I started recycling on Earth day. This year I am going to find a way to recycle cardboard. Our city doesn't pick that up, so I'm going to find a place I can take it.

Okay, I think I feel better now. Sometimes I just need to write. I'll post a few pics Diana took of my family while we were at the beach. It was incredibly windy that day and the sand was whipping our faces, so we didn't stay out for long. Notice Dan's face, oh and Owens too. Both are unchanging throughout all the pictures, but one is a little happier than the other. . Alright, really, I'm done. Here they are!

The Winner



I liked it this way too.

Cool shot huh? Good job Dia!

Can you tell we're related?

A Busy Easter Visit

We've had a very busy April with our beach trip and a visit from Dan's Mom which included a trip to Atlanta. She had a conference she had to attend in Atlanta, so she conveniently booked her flight to Huntsville. She got to spend a few days with her grandkids and then I drove her to Atlanta with the three youngest and stayed at Diana's house while she had work. Poor Logan missed out on that trip because he had school, so he stayed at home with Dan. It has been so busy, but very fun! Here are a ton of pics from Abuela's visit; she was able to be here on Easter, plus we took a trip to a local Nursery to get pics of the kids. I took a ton of pictures. I'll be posting my very favorites and my non-family pictures on my photo blog later today with a few things I've learned if anyone is interested! The link is in the sidebar.

Our little sunshine girl with Abuela.

Little man in a tie.

The lighting is a little off, but she is still beautiful!

Notice the hat? Logan made it for "Crazy Easter Hat Day" at school.

It doesn't take much to make him happy!

The joy of having little brothers who aren't as fast as you!

Linc's basket stayed about this full during the entire egg hunt. He was happy with just a few, while Logan was happy with a lot!

Bath time!

Little Toes.

Grabbing the water.

The face of an Angel.

This was taken at Bennett Nursery. The kids got to ride around the entire place on these wagons. It was not easy keeping them on (especially Owen) but the nursery was beautiful and I got a lot of floral pictures to add to my photo blog! Nurseries are a great place to practice.

Sweet boy.

Mischevious boy.

Big brother.

Kind of on the cart.

I loved how their little legs hung, barely touching the ground.

Ellie Kisses with a binki in his mouth. Dan's done that since Logan was a baby.

This was the best shot in an attempt to get them all together. I had my new lens that I am still figuring out and for some reason it had something against Lincoln. :) He is a little fuzzy, but I still like the picture. Oh, and Owen is not flashing gang signs btw, he is counting to three. My kids love counting!