divide and conquer

Last weekend our clan divided and Jeff and Charlie went to soccer, camping with boy scouts, and hiking--whew! During the campout Charlie got to shoot bows and arrows, bb gun rifles, scavenger hunt, and launch tennis balls from a big slingshot. They also had a bonfire and the next day hiked the cascades to a waterfall. The rest of us headed to Athens for homecoming at Ohio University and time with grandparents and Kelly's crew. The kids enjoyed the parade complete with candy and bead necklaces followed by a picnic at the park. We then headed out to the football game which was fun. Armed with megaphones and a pom pom Cameron and Heather cheered their way through the game. Cameron and Kathryn also enjoyed naps when the game was slow. After the game we stayed for the bands which the kids loved. Heather and Kathryn and I swayed while Cameron perfected his pointing dance and Adam walked around...it was a busy but very fun day!!

pumpkins and apples

We met up with baby Adam and his parents for some apple and pumpkin picking as well as some rscing through a hay bale maze. Where we parked the kids found a mule and 4 or so goats that they could feed. While timid at first they warmed up and made friends with them. Walking over to the pumpkin patch the kids raced through a hay bale maze--taking cameron through nicely at first then all three racing arounf and playing tag. At the pumpkin patch we searched for pumpkins and attempted some group pictures. Trying to get five kids to look one direction and share their pumpkins was quite a feat!! Once the perfect pumpkins were chosen we headed out to the apple trees for some apple picking. As we were walking the kids walked through some sticky things that got on the kids pants. When they saw them they started panicking, got distracted from finding apples and obsessed with getting them off. Finally they got back to apples and we picked a large bag of tasty ones. On the return walk to the car the kids got obsessed with collecting as many stickies on their pants as they could. Who knew that would be their favorite part of apple picking?! We headed back to Kelly's for the night and then home the next day.

hapy 6 mos kathryn

It is unbelieveable that Kathryn is 6 months old already. She is such a good baby--always going from place to place for siblings school, activities and little trips. She's so smiley, especially to her siblings, and loves to be held or played with. Kathryn is ready to get moving and wiggles around the room but hasn't gotten up to crawl just yet. She loves her wonk-wonk guys and everything goes in her mouth. She's not that interested in eating but is growing--17lbs 4 oz at her 6 month appointment. You grow girl!!

happy birthday/anniversary

We celebrated lots of things the end of Sept. We doubled up Jeff's birthday and our anniversary with a very rainy and slightly cold Tech/Clemson game attended by only Jeff, Sara and Kathryn. The game wasn't great but we had fun nonetheless. I kept looking for the other kids during the game.

hat tricks for all!

Heather and Charlie are doing awesome at soccer. Last week they each scored three goals in their games. Heather's second goal was a misdirected pass (she meant to kick it more to the middle of the field but it went behind the goalie instead!).

Go Hokies!

We have had some football adventures this fall. Before the season started we went to a team autograph signing and Charlie and Cameron got their t-shirts signed by probably 80% of the team--hitting the big quarterback, receivers, and runningbacks up for their signatures. Headed out to the first game with Jeff's mom we were sure to scalp some tickets however we were not so lucky. We secured two tickets for a good deal, then went to tailgate with some friends and try again later. After some fun tailgating no tickets besides one student were to be found so Jeff, Grandma, and Charlie headed into the stadium and the rest of us rode our bikes home (it's the best way to travel to the games!). It ended up being a very hot day and the little two would have melted quickly so it worked out for the best. The second game we headed to with tickets for all. Heather had two friends who we sat with so they spent some time watching the game and some time braiding each other's hair. The rest of us enjoyed the game and the flyover prior. Tonight Jeff, Kathryn and I are headed for the Clemson game--our last of the season I'm pretty sure. Some of the funnest game moments are when Cameron gets really excited and cheers, Charlie's commentary and questions, and Heathers interest more in the band and helping Cameron find the Hokie bird.

Happy birthday Cameron

Cameron celebrated his birthday (Sept 15) a few times which made him happy. Aunt Kelly and Adam came over on Saturday before his birthday to share in some monkey fun. He wanted a monkey party so we had his one friend over and partied it up with a monkey cake, hand the banana to the monkey and I hid 6 bananas outside so the kids could find them. He had a good time and enjoyed his singing and cake. For his real birthday we were pretty busy so he opened a few presents in the morning, had a picnic lunch at the duck pond (from BW3's--get it!!), a few more presents opened on skype with Grandma and Grandpa, and finally his oreo ice cream cake after the soccer/football practices. He's so proud to be 3, show 3 fingers and do everything now in 3's. He also finally decided to mostly cooperate with using the potty and is doing pretty well. Accidents happen but we're proud to be in Buzz Lightyear and Lightning McQueen most of the day!!

happy 5 months Kathryn

Kathryn just refuses to stop growing and celebrated 5 months two days ago. I can't believe how big she's getting with her many rolls and chunky things (don't worry girl I'm right there with you :-)). She's so happy and easygoing and always has a smile for her siblings who are always talking to her and trying to get her to laugh. She's such a sweet baby and I can't imagine not having her around.

football and fiddles (ok viola!)

Charlie started flag football today (soccer yesterday) and he had a great time. He listened so well to the coach and actually threw the ball pretty well (who knew?!). After her first soccer practice Heather and Jeff went to pick out a string instraument for participation in the "strings project" here at the college. She picked the viola and couldn't wait to get home to practice--even though she hadn't been shown a thing!! Hope she enjoys it!!

preschool

Cameron got to meet his teacher on Monday and Wednesday went to school for the first time. He was so excited to put on his new outfit, big boy pants, and get to school. He was a bit tentative but armed with his lunchbox (which he didn't need) he headed in, washed hands, and put his crayon by his name. With a hug for mom and a hug for dad we left and he was fine :-). He was so happy when we picked him up and said he had fun on the playground and stories with the teacher. Yeah for Cameron on his first day of preschool!

Ohio

After the lake we picked up Christopher and headed for Ohio. The kids love seeing their family so it was a great 3 days of fun for them. They immediately gave Adam tons of attention and lots of hugs to grandma and grandpa. Saturday started out with some tennis against grandma's wall which the kids love to do--more balls go over the roof and into the gutter but I'm beginning to suspect that's part of the fun. Saturday afternoon we went to a memorial service for a "grandpa" like figure in our Athens lives. It was just the way Al would have wanted it to be and I'm pretty sure he was marching right out of the church after the trumpets which were playing "When the Saints go Marching In". Sunday we had a party for Adam's first birthday complete with party hats, cake and presents. While Adam liked his presents he wasn't so much into his baseball shaped cake--but we all enjoyed it! Sunday night we took the dad's to a Copperheads game in the rain. The kids had fun and did not want to leave despite being wet and a bit cold. Monday we hung around the house and the kids had more time to play outside, games, and more tennis balls against the wall. Despite grandpa's issues he seemed to enjoy having the kids around and always enjoys Cameron's hugs and smiles. We headed for Blacksburg on Tuesday for a quick turnaround before our next adventure.

off to the lake!

We started the summer with a trip to Jeff's Aunt's lakehouse. We drove through and visited my parents for a night, dropping off the truck on the way. Kathryn was less than thrilled with the trip and we stopped 4 times on what is usually a 1 stop trip. The trip to Indy the next day was better and we arrived to meet Jeff's cousin and her two boys. While we were there the kids had a great time on the boat and off. All three bigger kids enjoyed tubing and the chant was faster, faster from all of them. Heather and Charlie enjoyed most getting to go without an adult. They also enjoyed the relaxation station which became a launching point into the lake. The weather wasn't perfect but Uncle Bill offered some Angry Birds as entertainment. Jeff's mom came down for a quick visit which is always enjoyable for the kids. The last afternoon we were there they Jeff's cousins brought back the boys and two girls and we had a party of 8. The kids had a great time giggling through dinner, playing on the tubes (although it was a bit hard for so many to share!), and having a movie night complete with popcorn. As always we had a great time at the lake--eating great food, being spoiled on the boat and having some time to relax while the kids played together. Thanks to Jeff's aunt, uncle, and cousins for sharing their piece of paradise, and his mom for coming down as well.

kathryn rolls over

Since I'm terrible with baby books I have to note on here when exciting things happen so that someday maybe I'll go back and fill dates in in the baby book. So Kathryn will be 4 months in a few days and when I came in from her nap she was on her back--and I put her on the front...so I gues today would be the day she rolled over, front to back, for the first time...

Summer begins

Charlie finished up baseball to start the summer. He played first base a bunch of times and finally got the hang of it. His first attempt he covered the middle of the base so the coach showed him to stand on the edge and hold his glove out. The next batter hit it right toward Charlie but he ran right to first and put his glove up as the ball rolled by! It was classic...By the end of the season he was fielding and heading to first very well to await the throws that inevitably went well over his head. He had been dying to play catcher and finally got to for the last game. Charlie's hitting picked up again at the end of the season--he really seemed to enjoy baseball this year. With the pool open the kids have been enjoying dips in the pool on a regular basis. Cameron is a little timid but enjoys his time with dad in the pool. Heather and Charlie are confident that they are excellent swimmers however they could use some stroke work for sure!

school year wrap up

The kids had a great end to the school year. They ended the year with a field day that Jeff helped out with and various ice cream socials in their classes. Their teachers were wonderful and we will never forget Mr. Greenman and Ms. Trotter. Both said that the kids were great to have in their classrooms. Heather and Charlie had great classmates and we can only hope that they will be with many of them next year in their classes as they will both be promoted to the next grade.

mothers day

As usual I was spoiled on Mother's Day. I got to sleep in then was greeted with crepes, cards, flowers and even a balloon! I got some time to blog and then weheaded out for a bike ride on the bike path. We went out for dinner which was a nice treat to end the day!

kathryn

Kathryn is growing so fast--7 weeks old yesterday! She is starting to smile although she won't smile for the camera (join the group). She is well loved by her brothers and sister and they still enjoy her very much--although the request of "out her down" is heard from Cameron and the occasional "you only pay attention to Kathryn" is heard by Heather but mostly they love her. She is so sweet, a pretty good sleeper and an excellent snuggler!! Jeff is enjoying his break from school and is spoiling us with his extra time and attention!!

spring soccer

Heather and Charlie have had a great spring playing soccer. Heather plays with the same kids from fall--such a nice group and much more competitive with the other teams. Heather has done well and seems to have a good sense of positioning (at least on offense!) She got a goal in the last game and has been in position most games to score, she needs a big kick! Charlie also loves to play and is with his best buddy on the black bats this time. since it's 3 on 3 with no goalie Charlie scores frequently. Cameron has been a trooper heading to all the sports activities and cheers for his brother and sister--mimicking the cheers of those around him--including any coaching Jeff might be offering, "heather push up"

easter

The kids had a nice easter weekend deciding which egg hunts to attend and spending time with their cousin adam. We attended the community egg hunt at the park where they were overwhelmed with eggs. We headed home for a quick lunch then off to the hokies spring game. The egg hunt there was not so great--no eegs for even the fastest hunter heather :-( but the hokies won the game and the kids had fun. The kids were up early and ready to explore their Easter baskets and hunt for eggs! Outside there was first a frenzy--then some egg finding burnout!

visits by the grandparents

Kathryn has had lots of visitors which has been so much help to the family. The kids have had a lot of fun with the extra attention and helping hands. Cameron has twisted them around his tiny fingers with please of chocolate milk and books to be read.

welcome kathryn!

So on Charlie (and Sandy)'s birthday baby Kathryn was born. It took all day--longer than the others--but a very easy delivery (thanks to modern day epidurals!!) and we had our beautiful baby girl. Kathryn Caroline weighed in at 8 lbs 7 oz--the smallest of our 4--and came out crying which was such a blessing. Everything went so smoothly and after so much worry everything was fine! Grandma and Grandpa were there to welcome her at the hospital and Jeff's mom brought the kids up the next day to see Kathryn (they even got to miss school). Since she was born at 10:59 p.m. the kids went with grandma's and grandpa to chuck e cheese instead of coming to the hospital (i don't think they minded too much). Kelly came over the following day so Kathryn had a room full of family to start off her little life. She had a full head of hair and was a nice tan (jaundice) and sooo cute!! She got to come home Friday morning but spent several days on a bili-blanket trying to de-tan herself. Otherwise very healthy she was 8-10 at her two week check up. Everyone is so happy to have her home and the kids always want to hold her, attend to her when she cries, and laugh when she does funny baby things (like poop and gurgle!).

Charlie's birthday

Charlie got to celebrate 3 times (4?) for his birthday. The first week of march he had his best buddy in Blacksburg come over for a sleepover since he was going to be out of town for Charlie's party. We took the kids bowling and they had dinner, wii and a movie after. Charlie was very excited for his first "birthday" sleepover and it was a success. The weekend before his birthday he had a few friends over for a party, similar to heathers they did crafts, played a few games, and of course a football piniata was broken (before Heather got to hit it to her dismay). He chose a sports theme so a soccer ball cake and some football cupcakes topped off the snacks. My sister, Bryan and cute baby Adam came over to witness the chaos that was the "party" and celebrate the kids birthdays. We got to go out to BW3's for dinner (Charlie choice) and watch some NCAA tournament bkball (charlie's choice) to top off the night. Charlie then celebrated once more the day before his birthday, with his grandma hughes who shares his birthday, just in case baby Kathryn decided to be born on his birthday (which she did--next post!!). We went out to dinner, he opened presents, and blew out the candles on his birthday buckeyes--I was tired of cake and he likes buckeyes better anyway. Jeff's mom had angel food cake with strawberries. Charlie is happy to be 6--he can play football in the fall now and is a very smart, kind, and sensative 6 year old.

Heather's birthday

Heather and Charlie have been anticipating their birthdays so much that they really seem to have forgotten that we will have a baby soon as well! Cameron is so excited for their birthdays because his is "next" little doe he know that September, while "next" is still quite far away!! Heather had a weekend birthday celebration starting with her first soccer game of the season. She did great and had a good time but her attention turned quickly to her party. Finally her friends came over for a party at the house--undersea was the theme and the girls all wore ocean/beach attire. They had a great time doing the crafts, playing the games, and eating cake. The hi-light of course was the dolphin piniata that Jeff made (again!). The girls headed home and one friend stayed for a sleepover. Heather woke up on her birthday with a friend already at hand to play with, crepes for breakfast and the whole day to decide what to do. Jeff took the boys to the Va Tech NIT tournament game (they lost) while Heather chose to go to lunch at subway and head to the mall to do a "paint your own" project that she had been dying to do for her birthday. She chose steak for dinner, blew out candles on her # 8 cake and went to bed a pretty happy newly 8 year old. Hard to believe 8 years have gone by so fast!

cameronisms

Cameron is at a particularly funny stage right now and continually cracks all of us up. He can lighten any mood by being himself. One of our favorite things that he says is in response to being told he's funny, "not me funny. you funny. me just cameron." Heather and I like to suggest to him that he's awesome, our favorite, or the best (which he repeats back to us--you awesome, etc.) He is also into kisses--sometimes shaking them off when we give them, then other times saying, "me keeping it" and not shaking it off. Now he's into "rubbing it in"--to his own face or to our face when he gives the kisses. He loves to try to keep up with his brother and sister and certainly would not believe that he is only 2 if it were suggested otherwise. He loves to go to the ultrasound appointments with me and can identify the heartbeat and the "baby on the TV". Today he told me that he loves the baby which was particularly sweet.

another month goes by

January and half of February have passed without any blogging along the way. A lot has happened during these months so I'll try to recap "for the record". Early January I took a quick trip to Texas to see my grandma and my parents who were also visiting. I had a nice time, got a few walks on the beach, and got to visit with my uncles and aunts who I hadn't seen in quite a while. I got to go on this trip solo and managed to finish 3 books along the way. While I was gone Jeff and the kids had a few snow days and made a trip to Ohio to see the kids cousins. As usual the report was that they had a great time together--it's so nice that they have cousins similar in age to play with. When I got back Jeff started his semester and the kids started a few more activities. As of today they finished swimming lessons and the kids made a lot of great progress with their strokes, unfortunately they aren't wanting to take any more lessons so we're done for now. Heather also started scrabble club with her teacher and Charlie continues 4-H. Cameron has started to enjoy going to the "gym" with dad and seems to be doing just fine with the ladies that work there. The kids got their second report cards and of course they were "perfect" in everything. We wonder how they can be soooo great at school but guess it's because they can let loose and be themselves at home. We've attended some winter sporting events including both mens (me and charlie) and women's basketball games against Longwood where uncle bryan works. We wore longwood attire under our Va Tech shirts to be semi supportive of both teams. Charlie, Cameron and Jeff are wrestling match buddies and it gained Charlie a new bike (which is Heather's size) which he won in a free raffle. The kids have enjoyed snow days, early release, and playing with friends and our neighbor. We enjoyed a laid back Valentine's day together with the usual homemade cards, flowers and some chocolate covered strawberries and raspberries as a special treat. We look forward to birthdays, visitors, and a new baby in the next few months.

christmas, new years, catching up

Whew--I've been really terrible at blogging of late but to catch up as we've been having a LOT of fun! Kelly and Bryan brought Adam over the weekend before Christmas for a few projects and to hang out for a day. The kids of course love their baby cousin and we had fun handprinting sweatshirts for Grandma and Grandpa Mick despite Adam trying to eat some of the paint (it was only a touch to the mouth but it was so fast it surprised us all!). He seems fine and is not turning blue at this point. Some friends from SC came to visit for a couple days which was a nice distraction for the kids from the holiday excitement. It was great to visit with them and reminded us how much we miss our longtime friends but how quickly things kind of fall back into place. Jeff's mom came down two days before Christmas and then the elf himself managed to find our house. Heather wrote a sweet note, Charlie managed a thank you for the gifts comment along with his wish list, and Cameron just kept saying that santa was coming to his house. Of course Christmas morning was great and we actually had no storming out of the room this year-probably b/c the kids got WAAAAY too much stuff which they loved! Christmas night it was off to have dinner with Kip, his fiancee, and his parents which was a nice way to spend some of the evening.

Battling the snow we headed to Athens for a Mickelson Christmas. The kids again enjoyed opening presents and visiting with baby Adam, Kelly, Bryan and tackling Christopher while getting spoiled by Grandma and giving Grandpa lots of hugs. The kids always love being around family for any occasion and it's especially nice when everyone can be together for holidays or other occasions. Despite having only a bit of snow the kids had a good time sledding down the hill that my siblings and I sled down as kids. We headed on to Cincy for new years with some MS friends at CoCo Keys "resort". The waterpark was a great size for the kids and safe enough that the kids could kind of roam a bit on their own. The kids loved seeing their friends and were best of buddies almost all the time we were together. New Year's Eve the kids played at the waterpark and stayed up until 11:45 (cameron) and post midnight for the other two. We traded kids so they could have "sleepovers" in the hotel room and they even slept in a bit in the morning!!