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.