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!