twirling & discovering her shadow

"Look Mommy, I'm big!"

Schoooool's Out for Summer!

It's officially summertime. The boys have buzz cuts, watermelon juice has already dripped off our chins (mine and Kyle's anyway), and Kyle is donning his snorkel gear for the fifth time this week. On the last day of school we made a beeline for the pool and the boys started their summer off with a splash!

Today was the first non-school day and all 3 kids chose their own outfits.  I sent nobody back to change despite major tongue biting.  If you know me, you know I hate athletic shorts and cartoon characters on clothing.   Annabelle has assembled 3 different polka dots in her outfit...at least there is a common thread of pink in all of them.  And by some miracle, Kyle has managed to put together a completely normal outfit.

This is a TRUE STORY

I was taking pictures of Annabelle with her tiara when the following story unfolded.  No direction was given, not a word.  The people and pets portrayed are real and NOT actors.

I don't think this needs any captions because you can really read their thoughts by just looking at their expressions in each image...

Once upon a time there was a spunky little princess...

the 2014 baseball season comes to an end

These boys had a great season and they should be very proud of their 2nd place achievement! Lots of practice, coaching, sweat, determination, and perseverance went into this accomplishment.  So proud of my little lefty!

Afterschool

Everyday, as school is about to get out for the boys, Annabelle and I stand in the grass outside the school doors and wait for the bell.  Annabelle will usually go peek in through the doors while we wait.  Soon, the bell rings and Annabelle begins giggling with excitement...Her brothers are about to come running through the doors any second and when they do she is going to greet them with a big hug!  And those rough, tough boys are going to smile and hug her back...in front of their friends!  Their voices will go up a notch as they talk to her.  The other kids will be making faces, but only because they don't understand the bond these 3 siblings have.  The other moms will be saying, "Aww,  that's so sweet."

Everyday.  I love this part of the day...even if it only lasts for a few minutes.

This Little Piggy and other stories

The other night, as I was tucking Annabelle in, I did "This Little Piggy" on her toes.  I probably had not done that since she was a baby.  When I was finished, she said she wanted to do my piggies.  So as she wiggled each of my toes, this is what she said, "This little piggy went to Target. This little piggy stayed home, this little piggy had the most feet, this little piggy had to go potty, and THIS little piggy went wee wee wee all the way to grandma's house."

I do believe that version is even better than the original!

Since I'm telling stories about cute things Annabelle says, I need to get this one written so I don't forget.  The other day, Annabelle locked the back door to the house.  I was outside, she was inside looking through the window and giggling.  After I got the spare key and opened the door, she said, "That's funny."  I said, "No, that's not funny."  To which she replied, "It's a bit funny!" Which, of course made me laugh.  She saw me crack and said, "SEE! I told you it was funny."

Meanwhile at snacktime...
Me: Annabelle, do you want white cheese or orange cheese?
Annabelle: I want pink polka dot cheese!

One more...
This is how Annabelle sings her ABCs:
"A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O Pink Polta Dots! hahaha"

Nice Bass

Cody and Kyle went fishing in the neighborhood lake and Kyle caught this guy!