A Day in the life...

Some More

2012-02-15T05:58:00.000-05:00

There is a beauty to the beach in the winter time.

It's a slowness not felt in the summer.

No sunscreen.

No swimming suits.

Just hanging out.

This past weekend was a bit chilly and the kids were lucky enough be able to run around on the golf course- there was no one on it.

They 'fished' for mussels in the backyard pond (and promptly threw them back in once we told them they couldn't go back to CLT with us) and then found their way onto the course for a little horseplay.

Great memories.

Quick Trip

2012-02-12T11:34:00.010-05:00

We took a quick trip to the beach this past weekend.

Our neighbors joined us.

The girls came down from Raleigh too.

We didn't do a whole lot but hang out, cook good food, polish off more than a few bottles of wine and play games.

It was a nice break from day-to-day of life.

Baseball gears up in less than two weeks and then we're stuck at home for a while so we had to get away while we could.

The weather was a bit chilly but when the sun was out it wasn't too bad.

The kids played well together- once again Jack was the only boy.

He survived though.

Until next time...

Weekend Respite

2012-02-11T16:56:00.001-05:00

This is what we're doing this weekend.

Until next time...

Hip Hoppin'

2012-02-07T17:53:00.000-05:00

Riley and her best bud Addy are taking a hip hop dance class on Monday's, right after gymnastics.

They LOVE it.

Addy's a natural and Ri can hold her own.

Can't wait for their recital in early June.

This week was Parent Watch Week so I was armed and ready w/ my camera.

Until next time...

Park

2012-02-04T19:50:00.005-05:00

There's a park about 2 miles or so from our house.

Back in the day when our life wasn't so full of activities we spent lots of time there.

In fact one of the very first posts I wrote on this blog back in November of 2006 was about Francis Beatty Park and "park politics."

It's right here if you want to read it.

It's actually kind of funny to go back and read that post.

There were many weeks in the fall and the spring of years past that we'd meet friends there more than once a week.

We've packed many a picnic lunches and even a few dinners there.

I remember carrying Riley around in a Baby Bjorn at the park.

I used to keep a basket of sand toys and trucks in my car all the time just in case.

But times have changed.

We went the other day - since Mother Nature is confused and has decided that we should just skip winter all together this year.

This past week we had a couple of days close to 70 and one or two more in the low 60s and sunny.

Jack, Carson, Evelyn and JP played soccer for a bit and then some game called SPUD or something like that.

The little girls spent lots of time doing what the big kids used to do:

Building things.

Rolling logs around.

Carrying rocks from one pile to the next.

And this little cutie?

We haven't seen her in a little while but she's just as cute as ever.

She was practicing rolling her eyes at us.

Adorable!

Until next time...

Hoops

2012-02-01T18:43:00.000-05:00

Hoops....

It's a love - hate relationship for me with the whole basketball thing.

Jack loves shooting hoops at home.

He plays all the time with his Dad, the neighbor kid, his sister, me (occasionally) and himself.

He shoots Nerf balls into Nerf hoops inside all the time.

All. The. Time.

He will often tell me, "After I make one more shot Mom" when I tell him it's time to come in for dinner, or time to read, or time to shower. It's always "one more layup Mom."

But organized basketball?

Not my favorite.

At least not this year.

His coach is not going to win any "coach of the year" awards, at least not in my opinion.

I don't really like the guy.

Jack is so freaking short it really shows on the court.

He can hold his own easily on a baseball field but not on the basketball court.

Just few more weeks and we'll be back on the ball field again.

Thank goodness.

Until next time...

A Girl and her Dresser

2012-01-29T16:51:00.007-05:00

There is something about Riley and her dresser.

She seems a bit obsessed with it.

Borderline OCD.

Ok- just kidding.

But really.

She has so much 'stuff' on her dresser that it's practically turned into a shrine of trinkets.

She normally keeps her trinkets and stuff pretty organized too.

Which is quite comical b/c her actual drawers are always a disaster.

A girl just like her momma:)-

~~~~~~~

Here she is ON her dresser- which she often does.

Ri and her t-ball team from last spring.

She cannot decide if she wants to play t-ball or soccer this spring.

One day it's t-ball, one day it's soccer.

And that blue thing? I made it in art class in 4th or 5th grade.

She keeps trinkets in it.

I also see a random remote that doesn't go to anything.

And another trinket box on the left- she made that one this year in school.

Her two necklace holders.

She has a plethora of necklaces.

WAAAYYY too many for any normal 5 year old.

But her friend, Reilee, who's in 6th grade gave her a ton.

Plus she got some for Christmas.

And some are from her dress-up closet.

She has several mini-wooden chests that hold more trinkets.

The brown one I found on sale at Michaels.

The wood one on top she made at a party.

Can't forget the gum and the hair thingamajiggies.

A few photos....

A side view of 'trinket city' AKA Ri's dresser.

A few silly pics of Ri jumping on her bed.

And don't get me started about the things she keeps on her bed.

Or in her closet ...

Love my girl....

Until next time....

1.25.12

2012-01-25T19:57:00.003-05:00

Another year in the books.

Thirty-eight.

Yikes.

Just another day though.

Riley's conference.

Quick trip to Columbia for lunch with my mom.

Homework.

Laundry.

Dinner.

Vacuuming.

We celebrated last night with dinner at the hibachi place and went out with friends this past weekend so I can't complain.

But darn- one year I'm going to be pampered on my birthday!

Jack did make my bed this AM- sweet thing.

In fact- Jack was quite worried that he didn't have anything to 'give' me this AM.

So he promptly went up to his piggy bank and removed $15.00 and brought it down to me before school.

Totally made me cry.

I didn't take his money and instead asked him to draw me a special picture that i could frame and hang on the wall in our room.

I hope he does it- I love his pictures.

~~~~~

So we had Riley's conference this AM.

I wasn't too worried about it- she's doing great this year- but I was a tad surprised to hear HOW good she was doing.

Here's her 'report' card, if you will.

Remember it's still preschool.

I actually forgot that she did get one "W"- her phone number.

I thought she knew my phone number- guess I better work some more on that one.

Her teacher, Mrs. Helms, went through everything with Todd and I.

She listens well, follows directions, plays nicely with others and is a leader in the class.

Who knew?

I had a feeling she'd be fine socially- I was more concerned about her academically but it seems she's just fine on that front as well.

Her teacher says she is decoding words and reading for her.

We've been working on beginner reader books at night.

They have patterns and words that repeat.

These are books I've read to her before.

But now she's reading them to me.

It's really cute.

She'll stop herself if the word doesn't sound right.

Like this page in a book about a monkey who 'sees a red balloon' and 'sees a green balloon' and on and on.

After 'seeing' all of the balloons he 'sees a pin.'

She wasn't sure about the word PIN.

So she sounded that darn word out by herself and figured it out.

I'm just so relieved to know she'll be reading before kindergarten.

It's the main reason she didn't go to kindergarten last August.

Until next time...

Chilly But Not Too Chilly

2012-01-22T13:26:00.004-05:00

It's chilly.

Like in the 40's chilly.

But it's not too chilly for the kids to throw on some jackets and raggedy gloves and play outside.

I came back from the grocery store and they were outside with all of Jack's tools.

Of course I had to snap a few pics.

This is what they were doing, according to Jack:

"We are in Florida. There's a huge hurricane. Like Hurricane Katrina. And this family's playset was destroyed. So we're fixing it"

Well- they 'fixed' it for a couple of hours.

Their hands were cold and red upon coming in- but they had fun.

Soon we'll be heading to Jack's basketball game and then off to friends for the Giants game!!

A great Sunday.

Go Giants!!

Until next time....

Just Once

2012-01-20T19:04:00.002-05:00

Just once I would like for it to snow.

Just once.

That's not too much to ask is it?

I'd like to take some fun pictures, outside.

Of my kids and their friends playing in the snow.

Having snowball fights.

Sledding down hills and driveways.

Shivering their cute little lips.

Watching Swisher not know what on Earth to do!

But- since we've had no snow this year I

pulled photos from the archives like this one:

And this one:

** and while I was filtering through those archives I found this one**

In all seriousness, I would like it to snow.

I'll take the wet clothes,

the wet snow melted all over my floors,

the extra laundry and all.

Because darn it,

I want the pictures.

The memories for my kids.

And well, the memories for me :)

Until next time...

Phone Dump

2012-01-17T14:44:00.000-05:00

One of the blogs that I occasionally read has a Friday Phone Dump on it.

What a great idea.

I take tons of pics w/ my phone but never do anything with them.

Most likely b/c they have terrible lighting or something along those lines but I figured it was time to

"dump" the pics from the phone....

~~~~~~~~

Our visit to Discovery Place yesterday had the kids lying on a bed of nails.

And building magnetic houses.

The Grove Park Inn

Riley and her friend Payton listening to a 'lesson' on worms before playing with their own worms.

Ri all decked out in her Giants jersey, ready for school.

(See the black fancy skirt underneath - that's my girl).

Terrible bed head one AM before school.

No humidity in the winter time leaves Jack with a hot mess on top of his head.

Sky Lanters New Years's Eve.

Jack's new FatHead that his Poppy gave him for Christmas.

Passed out on the way home from the beach at Christmas.

Hot tubbing it at Gammy and Poppy's.

DQ Blizzard Maker- Daddy's find.

Truckin' it.

The kids left Elf a snack one day and by God- he ate it and left a mess.

By the big Christmas tree downtown- lunch w/ Daddy followed.

WOW!

Guess Elf knows that we love our Central Vacuum around here.

All dressed up and ready for her performance.

At a party after school with the big kids.

At that same party.

Lots of friends in CT!!

We miss them so much!

Digging for snakes at FAO Schwartz.

Takes me back to 5th grade.

Elf's grand entrance 12/1/11.

Another tooth bites the dust.

Swish loves sticking his head out the window.

Until next time...

Grove Park and Giants

2012-01-15T15:36:00.002-05:00

Todd and I enjoyed an overnight getaway to The Grove Park Inn this weekend.

Gorgeous!

I've never been.

But I plan to go back soon.

We spent some time relaxing in the spa, had massages and a delicious dinner.

It was much needed and the kids were just fine in PaaPaa's care.

Today we are relaxing, cooking meatballs and watching the Giants.

Let's see if they can pull off another playoff win!

Until next time...

Gator on the Shore

2012-01-12T21:12:00.000-05:00

Totally forgot about this video...

I took it over the Christmas break down at the beach.

Funny thing is we see alligators all the time at the beach.

On the shore, in the water, everywhere...

We cruise by them on the golf cart quite a bit.

They NEVER bother us.

They sit there and don't move or jet back into the water super fast.

But they still freak me out.

I think I get freaked out by them more that the kids.

Ten Days In

2012-01-10T20:26:00.004-05:00

It's already 10 days into the new year.

In a mere 15 days I'll turn 38.

Yikes....

Two years shy of the big 4.0.

In less than 5 months Todd and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

Even bigger YIKES....

Time just seems to creep along faster as I get older.

~~~~

For years I used to read to Jack before he went to bed.

We'd snuggle up in bed and read.

I loved it.

Since Jack started 'real school' reading is part of his homework.

In kindergarten we read together after school- mostly him reading beginner books to me.

Last school year we'd read together after school- he'd read a page, I'd read a page, etc...

It was about this time that Todd started putting him to bed.

They have their 'man' talks - chatting about who knows.

This school year he pretty much reads on his own.

Sometimes after school - sometimes after dinner. It all depends on if he has sports at night.

But- he never reads right before bed anymore.

He's just too warn out. He'd much rather have his man chats with his Dad.

But- lately he's been asking for both of us to put him to bed.

He wants his Dad for 5 minutes and then me for 5 minutes.

Random.

He's always been a super inquisitive kid. Always asking lot of questions.

Those last few minutes before bed is always 'question time' for Jack.

Tonight he asked me: "Mom- what did you play as a kid?"

And: "What kind of books did you read?"

It's always something... I hope he keeps this inquisitive nature about him for his entire life.

I do miss that reading-at-night-time with him though.

But lucky for me Riley and I get LOTS of reading time together.

It's my most favorite time of the day with her.

More on that another time.....

~~~~~

Basketball games are back every weekend.

Not feeling it so much this year.

I don't think basketball will be his sport.

He's much more at home on the baseball field, golf course or tennis court.

But- he enjoys it though- that's all that matters I suppose.

Ri got ahold of my camera....

Sweet.

Until next time...

Now That's What I'm Talking About

2012-01-08T05:43:00.000-05:00

One of the many reasons I love living in the South:

70 degrees in January....

Until next time...

So I Don't Forget...

2012-01-05T19:40:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful I have this little space to jot down stories of my kids lives.

So often throughout the course of my days I'll say to myself things like:

"Man- I need to write that down."

Or: "Can't forget that happened."

Or: "Jack would kill me if I wrote about that."

Or: "If I don't hurry about and get that in writing it will fade away from my memory."

So this time I'm writing some of those 'just-so-I-don't-forget' things.

~~~~~~~

Lately Jack has been SUPER into reptiles.

He watches Animal Planet Shows and NAT GEO WILD shows about reptiles. He reads about them, mostly snakes and lizards. He writes about them in school.

He has three pet snakes (all are stuffed and from the toy store mind you). Their names are Corny (because he's a corn snake) , BoBo (because he's an emerald tree boa) and Cobra (no explanation for that one).

Right now he has one of those rubber things you throw in the tub or sink for a few days and see how big it gets. He has his own names too: Stripes. (I guess it's because he has stripes- but I was just told he's also a python).

He's been in the tub for a 8 days now and I think he's fully grown.

These stuffed snakes and rubber snakes are the closest Jack will ever get to owning a snake while he lives in our house.

Much to his dismay his Dad and I don't like slimy creatures that slither so he won't be getting a live one.

But- little does Jack know that he's getting a bearded dragon in April.

My Uncle Fritz is retiring in June from years and years as an elementary school principal and is a reptile junkie.

He has a juvenile bearded dragon that he's ready to unload and asked if Jack wanted it.

What the hell right?

His good friend Matthew has one and they seem to be pretty low maintenance- with the exception of feeding it live crickets (of which I will not be partaking).

~~~~~~

Riley has been trucking right along with her TK class.

I feel she is finally ready for kindergarten.

Too bad I can't send her now :)-

She's knows tons of sight words and can recognize lots of words in books- a first step to reading.

I am super proud of her and her new found interest in words, letters and the sounds they make.

She asked quite a few times over Christmas Break when it was time to go back to school.

She missed it. A lot.

She loves school.

I hope that love continues through the years because it makes things a whole lot easier.

Kinda weird that both of our kids love school.

I'm sure that will change but for now- I'll take it.

Anyway- on the way to school Tuesday, her 1st day back in 2 1/2 weeks she says:

"Mom- the boys are all so annoying because they all want to marry me."

Really?

Wasn't sure if I wanted to laugh or be amused about her obvious self-confidence.

I joked with her teacher about this statement Ri so boldly made and she was quick to tell me that "all the boys love Riley."

Uh oh....

~~~~~~~

On a completely different note I just want to document some not-so-enjoyable-traits that Jack has been showing lately.

I'm hoping one day we can read this post and say "Man- you were really like that? Wow - times have changed."

But seriously- I have to tell Jack a minimum 4.8 times to do one thing.

Like for instance: orange Crocs under the chair.

Our conversation goes something like this:

ME: "Jack- pick up shoes up and put them in the closet."

JACK: "uh huh..."

(pretend 3 minutes time has elapsed)

ME: "Jack- put your shoes away. Now."

JACK: .......dead air.......

(three more minutes has elapsed)

ME: "JACK- PUT YOUR SHOES AWAY NOW!"

JACK: "ok"

Then and only then (well after stopping to do a cartwheel, shoot a Nerf ball into his Nerf hoop, and fuss at Riley along the way) will he put his shoes away.

It is tiresome.

It's the same for putting his homework away, for hanging up his towels, for picking his balls up outside, and the list goes on and on.

His sister is NOTHING like this- she often picks his crap up b/c she's likes things tidy- like her momma.

~~~~~~~

Some of Riley's favorites right now:

pickles

hard boiled eggs

American girl dolls

riding her bike

Mickey Mouse cartoons about twice a week (still the only cartoon she watches after all these years)

hip-hop dance class

back scratches at night

finger nail polish

dresses and tights

having 'girls nights'

her best friend Addy

her teachers

singing

Swisher

drawing stars and hearts

bacon

cream cheese bagels from Dunkin Donuts

Until next time....

Sky Lanterns

2012-01-03T21:05:00.000-05:00

We headed up to the club for New Years this year once again and the kids enjoyed a magic show and bingo. It was a nice time.

Afterwards we hung out around the fire at our neighbors house and sent Sky Lanterns into the sky- I've never done these before and there were awesome.

Check them out:

A List

2012-01-02T15:06:00.002-05:00

Kinda weird that Jack has school today but the post office and banks are closed.

Maybe the moron who wrote this year's school calendar will do a better job next year.

The playroom is painted.

Thank you Todd for spending ALL day New Year's Eve and New Years' Day painting.

It looks AMAZING.

We found some fun pics full of quotes to put on the walls.

The weather is much cooler.

20 degrees cooler than yesterday.

Nighttime will be in the teens this week.

Too bad precipitation is not in the forecast anytime soon.

A little snow would be fun.

Basketball is about to be in full swing again.

Practice tomorrow night and a game on Saturday.

I'm not a big fan of all these basketball games and practices but Jack enjoys it.

Nothing much else going on right now.

I need to take some pics.

I need to finish my projects around the house.

I need to get back into my PTO stuff.

I need to get back into Thirty-One.

I guess I do have a lot going on.

Just nothing too exciting to write about.

Until next time...

It's Over

2011-12-30T19:14:00.002-05:00

So all of the hoopla is over.

The Christmas tree was finally taken down today.

There's a few stray pine needles around the house.

The house seems empty - but it's not.

It's bittersweet.

I love the holidays.

Packing it all up makes me sad.

But- at the same time I can't wait to 'get back to normal.'

I'm ready to move into 2012 and get the new year rollin.'

We're taking the kids to the Club tomorrow night for dinner, a magician, bingo and fireworks with some friends.

My God we're old.

Long gone are the days of rockin' parties for New Years.

Here's one last pic from 2011- Ri riding her bike.

Cheers to a great 2011.

Until next time....

The SkyWheel in Myrtle

2011-12-26T17:11:00.002-05:00

Throughout my entire childhood, summer vacations were spent in Myrtle Beach.

Our family loaded up in the car and drove from Ohio or Indiana- until 1986 when we moved south- and made the long drive to the beach.

Every year we hit the water slides.

We went to the Pavilion and rode the cheap rides and played SkeeBall for tickets.

We bought t-shirts with our names ironed on the back.

We ate seafood.

We jumped waves.

But we didn't ride the SkyWheel.

It's only 8 months old.

But we did a couple of days ago.

It's really cool.

It's a ginormous Ferris Wheel but it's inclosed.

I hear in the summer heat the little cars are air conditioned.

It's pretty darn cool.

Luckily there was no wait and we pretty much hopped right on.

The kids loved it (so did Ri) and my camera went into overdrive.

After riding the SkyWheel we headed over to Broadway and while Tracy and I putzed around the shops the rest of the clan headed into Waterworks- an upside down house that is pretty cool inside.

Until next time...

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T14:54:00.007-05:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Milligan family traditions continue this year...

Christmas Eve cookie decorating.

Church for the girls.

Christmas Eve party filled with cocktails, apps and friends.

It's been a wonderful Christmas.

The kids were delighted and spoiled.

Ri was stocked up with clothes for her American Girl dolls, plus Santa brought her Kanani- the girl of the year, among other things. Although her favorite gift from Santa is her dress up make up. Let's hope she doesn't try to put some on before school one day.

Jack was thrilled to see his new Combat bat, orange Zigs and lots of other goodies- including some more additions to his Under Amor wardrobe.

His cousins stocked him up with lots of baseball paraphernalia and training goodies so he should be all set come spring season.

It's hard to believe 2012 is a mere week away.

Until next time...

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T08:55:00.000-05:00

It's almost Christmas!

One more day....

We spent some time on the beach again yesterday.

It was just gorgeous.

Love it.

But - I'd love a quick turn of events and an inch or two of snow overnight!

Wishful thinking.

Until next time...

Back to the Beach

2011-12-22T14:58:00.006-05:00

We're back at the beach.

I think this is our 6th year celebrating Christmas at the beach.

Santa knows to come here because well- he just knows.

I guess.

The kids (well- Gammy) stamped our their cookies that they'll decorate for Santa

and then we headed to the beach.

It's 74 degrees here today.

But on the beach it's probably 10-15 degrees cooler.

We lasted about 30 minutes.

It was fun while it lasted.

Until next time....

Is it December?

2011-12-18T15:36:00.005-05:00

I love living in the South.

It would be a tough transition for me to live up North.

I like the warm weather.

But- 70s in December on multiple days makes it hard to get in the Christmas Spirit.

We have had an unseasonably warm end to the season of fall.

Maybe that's a sign that winter will bring bare-bones-chilly weather.

Who knows.

The kids sure are enjoying this weather though.

Todd taught Ri how to ride a bike without training wheels.

These pics and video were from a couple of days ago - she's even more steady on the bike now!

Way to go Ri.

Now we just need to get her a real bike.

Until next time...

School Days

2011-12-18T14:06:00.006-05:00

Last week both kids had school parties.

I posted earlier Ri's video but wanted to share some pics.

Ri and her Daddy!

Riley and her friends Jack, Annie and Addy.

Riley's teacher, Mrs. Helms, and Ri- Jack had her three years ago!

Ri and Miss Donna, her assistant. Riley has asked before if she can move in with her. I guess she thinks Miss Donna doesn't have rules.

Payton, Annie and Riley- the three girls in a class with twelve boys.

Silly girls.

Jack's party was on Friday.

He has a great class and I know many of the parents in his class.

Jack's class is also heavily weighted with girls.

I think there are only eight boys and 13 or 14 girls.

Quite a few cute girls too!

Rumor has it Jack likes one of them -

Jack's class.

The girls sitting two to the left of Jack is the sweet girl I 'hear' Jack likes.

The one to the immediate left of Jack has been in his class for three years now- she's always had a thing for Jack.

Silly Kids.

Until next time...

Riley's Christmas Program

2011-12-16T14:44:00.000-05:00

Riley's Christmas Program- her last program ever at Matthews United Methodist Church.

Until next time....

Ri Jammin' Out

2011-12-14T13:53:00.002-05:00

Our school had it's annual capital campaign fundraiser this fall and one of the raffle prize awards was a "Rock Band" concert with the music teacher.

Jack wasn't picked but since I had to help chaperone he was able to go.

Honestly- he could have cared less about going but his sister- that was another story.

Her and Addy quickly joined up with a group of bigger girls and practiced a dance routine to Justin Beiber's "Baby."

She loved it. Addy loved it even more.

(One of the 2nd grade teachers is a certified clown and made all of the kids balloons to wear on their heads).

Until next time...

Tis the Season

2011-12-13T07:42:00.000-05:00

As busy as this time of year is- it's always so much fun because of all the get-togethers with friends and family.

I've always wanted to have a big Christmas Party but the thought of that is quite daunting.

But- this year I decided to have a smaller scale party with a few of my friends and their daughters; a mother-daughter party.

Riley was super excited and helped make cookies and stuff goodie bags.

We had two 'older' girls come and help with the 'younger' girls with their activities in the basement.

The mommies enjoyed some adult time upstairs!

A perfect way to celebrate the holiday season.

Until next time...

Flag Football Fun

2011-12-11T14:36:00.000-05:00

Just messing around with the camera this weekend at Jack's flag football game.

Until next time...

Swipe

2011-12-09T18:03:00.002-05:00

This week has been all about the swipe.

The swipe of the AMEX card.

Ugh.

I was so behind on my Christmas shopping and it was stressing me out like crazy so this week I shopped.

And shopped some more.

I can't bare myself to see how many times our AMEX card was swiped.

I usually try to spread it out over the course of a month or so but this year I just piled most of it in within a few days.

But I'm done.

And I have wrapped most of it too!

Talk about over doing it...

This week has about done me in.

But it's Friday, and I'm done.

Just some cookies to make and a party to host on Sunday with Riley and some ladies and their daughters.

Riley and I are having a relaxing evening at home- the boys are at Jack's flag football game.

I forgot that we went to a hockey game a few weeks back.

Jack took his buddy Jeremy from baseball and they had a blast.

Great kids just having a fun time.

These pics are terrible but it's the best I could do the other.

I'm hoping to get some more tmrw during his day game.

Jack's enjoying football.

It's over in a week.

Then we're down to just one sport and one team!

Our schedule will lighten up a lot until late February.

night

Until next time...

Ferris Wheel in NYC

2011-12-06T20:33:00.000-05:00

I was super excited for the kids to be able to ride the

ferris wheel at Toys R Us in Times Square.

It's something all kids should do.

Kinda like a Kid's Bucket List, if you will.

Well- it was a bust.

First of all - Riley REFUSED to ride it.

I swear she will not do ANYTHING if she can't be in full control of herself.

I don't see roller coasters in her near or distant future.

We watched the boys from the balcony and took over-exposed pics and video with my phone.

Jack was another story. He was so excited to ride it.

But once he figured out the ride was FOREVER he was over it.

The faces he gave me each time they went around were classic.

I could 'hear' him sighing and most likely complaining to his Dad something like:

"OMG Dad- when is this thing going to be over?"

Todd even asked the dude working the controls when they were getting off.

Kinda funny.

Looks like the Milligan's won't be riding the Toys R Us Ferris Wheel anytime soon.

Here's Jack's reaction.

Until next time...

The Big Apple and More

2011-12-04T17:20:00.011-05:00

I had a mental list of things to do while we were in NYC for barely 24 hours.

That list included:

American Girl store shopping

Central Park carriage ride

FAO Schwartz shopping and piano playing

Toys R Us Ferris Wheel

Watch the ice skaters at Rock Center

THE TREE!

Get a pretzel from a food truck

We checked them all off the list plus squeezed in a yummy Italian dinner on Restaurant Row, ate a chicken cutlet sandwich and yummy egg sandwich from an old school deli and hit up the Yankee Store for Jack.

Needless to day it was a whirlwind.

Unfortunately my camera stayed in my bag the entire weekend in CT.

Makes me so mad :(-

The kids had a BLAST.

All of the boys slept over at Conner's Friday night and Riley and Finley pretended to be 'twins' and proclaimed themselves sisters for life over the weekend.

Adorable.

We squeezed in visits with lots of friends over the weekend and topped off our trip with an adults only dinner last night in New Haven with five other couples. FUN TIMES!

We love CT and can't wait to visit again.

We already have plans to go back next year in December!

Until next time...

It's hard to believe....

2011-11-29T16:07:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe....

That this picture was taken EIGHT years ago.

That Jack is now eight years old.

That Christmas is in only 26 days.

That I am NOT even halfway done Christmas shopping.

That I already have two Christmas cards from friends and it's only November.

That we're going to be in New York City with the kids in two DAYS!

That I am having a hard time finding the time to blog lately!

Whew-

Until next time....

A List of Food and Other Things

2011-11-26T16:16:00.012-05:00

Over the course of three days....

oysters

shrimp

corn chowder

homemade cornbread

salad

roasted veggies

mashed potatoes

three turkeys

gravy

stuffing

cornbread stuffing

old school green bean casserole

fancy green bean casserole

cranberry sauce

creamed pearl onions

rolls

butter

Malbec

cocktails

Bloody Mary's

Mimosas

Dunkin Donuts

grilled oysters

turkey chili

pumpkin pie

apple pie

ice cream pie

~~~~~

s'more by the fire

wine by the fire

lots of play time

5 dogs (big and small)

a visit to the museum to see a Rembrandt exhibit

football games

We had a great time.

Three days flew by and before we knew it we were in the car on the way home today.

Christmas decorations are pulled out of the attic, waiting to be put up tomorrow.

Carolina v/s Clemson starts in 30 minutes!

Poppy and Gammy needed a picture for their Christmas card.

Ri didn't feel 100% so it made for interesting photographs.

I think we got one though.

Until next time...

Thankful...

2011-11-22T21:11:00.000-05:00

This year I am thankful for....

A very supportive husband who has stepped up to the plate so I could start my own business as a Thirty-One Consultant.

A husband that works as hard as he does to provide a nice lifestyle for our family and for our future.

A husband that works his BEHIND off and still comes home and squeaks some time for catch with Jack before he eats his own dinner.

A son who continues to amaze me. His thirst for knowledge; his deep understanding of respect for friends and family (well- with the minor exception of his sister at times); his desire to be better at all sports he plays (and a willingness to put forth the extra practice time); his love for his family.

A fiercely independent daughter whom I am constantly amazed by time and time again. Her tireless effort to do things on her own; her new found love of reading and writing; her 'practice makes perfect' mentality of working on her gymnastics moves; her deep love for her friends; her compassion that comes out just enough that I know it's there, when she wants it to be.

Extended family on both sides that continue to support me, help when needed, reach out to the children and just plain love us!

Friendships that I cherish daily. I don't have a sister and have always wondered what it would be like to have one. I think that's why I fill my life with LOTS of girlfriends. Many of whom I would do anything for and vice versa. For that- I am grateful.

A top notch school for my children to attend. We are lucky to have a great public school just down the street that ranks high up in the rankings every year. We feel blessed.

Our health. Our little family continues to be filled with good health and I pray we can be thankful for this again next year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

(here's a pic from 5 years ago)

Until next time...

A Snake and a Baseball

2011-11-18T15:46:00.002-05:00

All at once Jack seems so grown.

He wants to pick his own clothes out ALL the time.

Chances are he's wearing something Under Armor.

And the sneakers- God forbid they're not some type of Zigs.

He's goes off and reads long books on his own- well for his 'required' 20 minutes a day.

No longer so I hear, "Mom- will you read with me?"

It's bittersweet.

Gone are the nights Jack and I snuggle in bed and read books about animals and silly poems.

He'd rather have "MAN TALK" with his Dad.

I rarely check his homework anymore.

He just comes home and does it.

That's it.

Even stuffs it back into the folder on his own.

Friends are incredibly important.

He'd rather be playing with his buddies than just about anything else in the world.

Even his handwriting has changed.

No more big letters like he did in years past.

It's predominantly neat.

He loves to write.

He'll crank out a story in no time.

Makes me smile.

Here's one he wrote this week:

He asked me the other day:

"Mom- how does a baby get INSIDE your belly?"

Ugh- I skirted around that one.

He also recently asked:

"Mom- do you get to kiss on the lips the night you get married?"

Oh boyyyyyy.....

The inquisitiveness of that young man.

Stay young Jack.

You have plenty of years ahead of you to be grown.

Until next time...

Some More

2011-11-15T19:32:00.000-05:00

Just a few more pics from the beach last weekend.

8 more days until Thanksgiving.

Can't wait for a break from school, homework, sports, running around, etc...

Until next time...

Kids Being Kids

2011-11-13T17:31:00.000-05:00

Our trip to the beach was short.

Barely 48 hours.

In fact we didn't even see the beach :(-

We were close.

On Friday afternoon the kids needed some 'fresh air' if you know what I mean so we hopped in the golf cart and went to the park.

We don't visit the park often because in the summer we're either in the pool or on the beach and it's pretty darn chilly over the holidays.

And we don't make it down much in the fall when it's primetime park weather.

Ri looked for rocks.

She's always looking for rocks.

If you unzipped the front pocket of her book bag right now you'd find various rocks and acorns that she finds outside at school and 'must keep.'

Jack practiced his cartwheels.

Cartwheel practicing is a favorite way to pass the time in our house these days.

Jack's flips his body over quickly.

Ri takes her time- she's more worried about 'form.'

They like to do handstands too.

Jack's pretty good at them.

Ri- not so much.

Ri and her tights.

She loves tights with skirts or dresses.

No jeans for her.

Unless I beg :)-

We had a nice afternoon.

Just chillin' at the park.

On our cart ride back to the house we came in close contact with this gator.

We were so close we actually scared him right back in the water.

My heart was beating a little fast too.

Until next time...

On the Course

2011-11-12T05:13:00.000-05:00

Todd played a round of golf with Poppy yesterday afternoon.

The kids and I were down at the park and met up with the guys as they came up 18.

What a beautiful day....

Until next time...

Beach, Bags and Basketball

2011-11-09T08:42:00.000-05:00

I'm really struggling with the fact that Thanksgiving is

TWO WEEKS AND ONE DAY AWAY!

Where are where did the fall go?

I swear two months ago I told myself we'd go to the park a few times this fall.

Guess how many times we went?

Z.E.R.O.

Between baseball, PTO, tennis, gymnastics, standing playdates, the rain and God knows what else we just did not make it.

Maybe in the spring.

Riley and Addy started a hip hop class this week.

They go to gymnastics on Mondays and then head over to a hip hop class.

Ri loved it.

We are headed down to the beach tomorrow for a couple of days.

There will be none of this...

or this...

or this....

but we will have a great time.

A little Thirty-One party thrown in while we're there too.

I'm hoping to take Christmas card pics- if the weather cooperates.

Basketball practice start tonight for Jack.

He missed the first two because of baseball.

Flag football game start next week.

That should be interesting.

Until next time...

Day Seven

2011-11-06T19:16:00.005-05:00

Day Seven of Seven.

Can't forget about Miss Priss in the midst of all these sports her brother plays.

Seems most of the pics I've taken lately have been on the baseball field.

This weekend was a special one.

Our boys went 4-0 and won the tournament.

Jack played awesome and hit probably the best he ever has.

Great memories to head into our off season.

Jack and his Coach-

Until next time...

Day Six

2011-11-05T18:51:00.001-04:00

Only three pics today-

LONG day at the fields.

Jack's in a tournament this weekend.

We're 2-0 so far.

Hoping to win it all.

Off to dinner with friends.

Unti next time...

Day Five

2011-11-04T16:28:00.000-04:00

Day Five of the picture taking.

I must admit I don't have anything yet for day 6 or 7.

Gotta work on that.

Baseball is winding down.

Jack's rec team game THISCLOSE to the championship game.

Now- just one more tournament with his challenge team this weekend and we can hang up the uniform until spring.

So now it's on to basketball and maybe flag football.

We'll see about the football thing-

Until next time...

Day Four

2011-11-02T20:31:00.000-04:00

Day Four

Miss Priss.

She was looking forward to Halloween for weeks.

Thank God it's over.

Now I just have to manage the candy.

And throw some out.

Until next time...

Day Three

2011-11-01T08:40:00.000-04:00

Day Three

Jack thought he was super cool.

Ri cried three times.

They each scored tons of candy.

Only one Baby Ruth though.

Kids were showered and in bed by 8:30.

Rock on.

Until next time...

Day Two

2011-10-31T12:11:00.000-04:00

Day Two

Pumpkin Carving.

Squeezed in after a 2 1/2 hour baseball game.

A one hour basketball assessment.

And a steak dinner.

And right before showers and bedtime.

Nothing like packing it in on a Sunday.

Forgot to get pics of the finished product.

Don't worry. The Milligan family has never been known for it's masterpieces.

Until next time...

My Challenge

2011-10-30T19:58:00.003-04:00

So I've been a slacker.

A slacker at taking pictures.

We didn't go to a single solitary pumpkin patch this year.

I was left scrambling today for pumpkins.

We found some 'leftover' pumpkins at Wal-Mart.

So- I'm challenging myself to seven straight days of blogs with seven pictures in each blog.

Not sure I can do it! Busy week.

But I can sure try.

Here's day one.

Nothing like a little help in the yard.

Until next time...

Cartwheels

2011-10-27T21:25:00.000-04:00

Practice does pay off.

Although she has a long way to go.

Until next time...

Just Some Thoughts

2011-10-24T20:26:00.002-04:00

Riley has been practicing her cartwheels like it's her job.

Twisting and turning her body over and over again.

She even has her brother doing them too.

A few weeks ago she was pretty terrible.

I must say she's come a long way.

She is one determined young lady.

She says to me on Sunday-

"Mom- I can do a round off."

Really?

Turns out she can.

I guess the babysitter taught her on Saturday night because Lord knows I'm not flipping my old body around like that anymore.

The Season of Sickness is upon us.

Luckily I'm the only one who's been affected.

For the first time in my life (I think) I lost my voice yesterday.

It may have had a little to do with all of the hooting and hollering I did Saturday night celebrating a dear friends 40th birthday.

But it's more likely it had more to do with my soar throat, runny nose and just general yuckiness I've had since last week.

I'm hoping it's on it's way out the door.

Thankyouverymuch.

Jack was one of 8 or 9 second graders picked to be pulled out once a week for Challenge Math.

Of course we're super proud of him.

He's quietly proud of himself as well.

He needs to be challenged so I hope it works out well.

I've been volunteering in his class some during writing time.

I really do enjoy it. It makes me miss teaching.

Just not that much.

Baseball finishes up soon.

We're ready for some basketball.

Hopefully he gets on a team with some of his baseball buddies.

We'll know next week.

Here are a few pics of Jack in a challenge game a couple of weeks ago:

Until next time...

Past Meets Future

2011-10-21T08:42:00.000-04:00

There are moments in time when I am watching my children in the midst of something and I flash back to my own childhood.

For instance: Jack hates drinking milk. Me too. My parents forced me to drink it as a child. I say 'forced' but really I just had to finish my one measly glass before I could get up from the kitchen table.

At Jack's well visit last week his pediatrician stressed to him the importance of drinking milk every day.

So now the poor kid has to force down a drink of milk (loaded with Nestle Quick) with his breakfast.

I feel your pain Jack-

And- by the way the kid weight 45 whopping pounds.

Eight years old and only 45 pounds.

Poor thing.

At least he has a 6 pack to show for it.

For instance: Riley has been playing school a TON these days. She sets up her animals and 'teaches' them. I was the queen of writing math problems down on pieces of paper and suckering my brother or friends into playing school.

I was always the teacher, of course, and I'd 'check' their work and slap stickers - probably the puffy ones - all over those homemade math sheets.

Today I heard her saying things like:

"Ok- turn to page four in your book and practice writing your G's."

"I told you to listen to me. Now- practice your G's."

Then she'd say to me: "Mom- (insert any name) isn't doing what I said. They're going to get in trouble."

Gotta love a little bossiness :))-

For instance: Jack came home today with one of these:

Do you all remember these? Jack called it a "Fortune Teller."

He flipped that thing open and closed so many times tonight it was a bit obnoxious at times.

We used to make them all the time as kids.

They were hilarious.

Of course he had no idea what a fortune teller was. He asked me in the car- "Mom, what's a fortune teller?"

He's going to make one tomorrow at school that's just for boys.

I love it.

I hope when he's 37 he can remember making "Fortune Tellers" in school- just like I did.

Here are the 'fortunes' on his teller:

Until next time...

Rock Crushers

2011-10-18T15:01:00.006-04:00

At the end of our driveway - not the street side but the side by the house - we have a retaining wall.

The backyard sits down behind the driveway and there is a wall that separates the two.

On this 'wall' there is a level w/ bushes that the kids have recently taken over.

They take 'rocks' (bricks, rocks, pieces of hard junk they find lying around) and bang them against the bigger rocks that make up the retaining wall.

Jack and his friend JP, who he plays with every Tuesday after school, put their goggles on and 'bang the rocks.'

I'm not really sure what their goal is, they usually end up w/ a pile of dust but that seems to satisfy their youthful minds.

Riley creates her own 'dust' by rubbing chunks of chalk over and over again on the brick wall.

It's quite amusing to watch.

I'm just glad the weather is nice enough for them to enjoy the outdoors!!

Until next time...

Recently....

2011-10-13T11:30:00.004-04:00

Jack's been playing a lot of baseball.

When his games aren't postponed due to rain.

It's been raining a TON.

I'm over it.

~~~

Riley's teacher says she's doing great.

Must be something about 'school' because

I swear she acts like she can't do a thing when I'm around.

~~~

Jack's conversations with his friends go a little something like this:

"Dude. Did you see that game last night?"

"No dude. What happened?"

"Dude. It was so cool. (Insert any name here) made the best play (insert any play here)."

"Dude. That's so cool."

God I hope he's not putting 'DUDE' in his stories at school.

~~~

Riley and I had a sleepover in a tent.

Not a tent outside- but one blown up in our living room.

With an air mattress inside.

Not a whole lot of camping experience for this girl.

~~~

The leaves are starting to fall.

If the weather wasn't so bi-polar lately I'd swear we were in the season of FALL.

I hope it sticks around for a while.

I love this time of year.

~~~

We signed Jack up for basketball.

I'm sure it'll start the day baseball ends.

No rest for the weary.

~~~

Only a few more weeks left of tennis.

Thank goodness.

Too many kids signed up for one clinic means not too much instruction going on.

I don't think we'll do tennis again unless it's lessons with one or two people.

~~~

Right now I'm listening to the pitter patter of footsteps.

Riley has two girlfriends over.

I have no idea what they're doing in the playroom.

I do know they are getting along.

And that makes me happy.

We'll see how long it lasts.

~~~

Jack's off playing with two of his best buds.

They're most likely jumping on the trampoline, shooting hoops or having a Nerf gun sword fight.

~~~

These pics were taken with Photo Booth.

They're silly and I love 'em.

Until next time...

Ri and Gymnastics

2011-10-10T16:37:00.006-04:00

Riley is taking gymnastics this year.

She took last year off from tumbling and now is back at it.

She really loves it.

What's really cool is at the same time that Riley has her class there are 'big girls' in the gym doing serious stuff.

I caught her taking a few peeks at them today.

I've been meaning to take my camera in but have forgotten until today.

I'm glad I caught some of her stunts on film.

Until next time...

From the Vault

2011-10-08T08:43:00.000-04:00

I was reading through some old posts recently and found one that I just couldn't resist posting again- it's from 4 years ago and I swear I could write the same type of story again today- just from a 5 year olds perspective.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vicious

The other day in the car RiRi was doing her usual ughh ughhhh- a piercing scream that, I believe, she thinks are her words. Jack and I were trying to have a conversation and she kept "butting" in with what she had to "say." It frustrated Jack to no end and he began to scream at her--- a "vicious" cycle to say the least.

So- At my wits end with these screams I said, "Riley, quit being so vicious."

Of course that prompted a discussion w/ Jack about what that word means and now he uses it frequently, along with his other newly learned word, 'expert'.

Honestly, Riley is not vicious, she just has a little 'tude' from time to time.

For example:

On Thursdays Jack takes a sports class at The Little Gym for an hour and Riley and I wait in the little waiting area w/ the other moms and their little ones. There are a couple of little girls (both a few months older than Riley) that Miss Priss runs around with. This one little sweet girl, Anna, was carrying around a doggie pull toy.

You guessed it- Riley wanted it. You cannot reason w/ a 15 month old, you just have to divert their attention, so I did a few times and her interest in the doggie seamed to wean. Well-unbeknownst to me, she decided she wanted that damn doggie and she grabbed it and Anna pulled it back.

Our daughter, our sweet little bow head girl, proceeded to lean forward, grab some skin on Anna's arm and twist it, all with a mean look on her face.

Y'all remember she's only 15 months old.

I was mortified. Mortified.

I picked her up and sat her down against the wall (I guess I thought I was going to try and give her a time out- yeah right). I looked her right in the eye and said, "Riley- no pinching. No pinching."

You will not believe what she did. She leaned over, with a huge grin on her face, and gave me a kiss.

A kiss!!!!

Ughhhh- I have no idea if I handled it the right way and thank God the other mom wasn't mad, but I have a feeling this is a sign of things to come.

Until next time...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some things never change!

At Least Once a Day

2011-10-06T09:36:00.000-04:00

At least once a day...

I hear: Mom- Swisher is digging.

Riley says: I'm hungry.

Jack leaves his shoes anywhere but where they belong.

Riley says: Can I play with Addy or Emelia?

I vacuum the dirt-mulch-crap off the floor that the dog brings in.

Jack plays catch with his Dad or the 7th grader across the street.

Riley wears a skirt or dress.

Jack asks to have sushi for dinner (ok- not once a day, but almost).

I hear either the hum of the dishwasher or the rumble of the washing machine - or both.

I pray that Riley will wake up dry- yes, she still wears a pull-up. :(

Jack thumps a tennis ball over and over against the house.

I wish dinner would just show up on my kitchen table magically.

I hear Riley: Jack is annoying.

I hear Jack: Riley is annoying.

I get annoyed. :)-

I am thankful for two happy, healthy beautiful children.

~~~~

Some recent pics from the field.

Until next time...

Day Trip

2011-10-03T16:53:00.000-04:00

It really is a rare occasion that we have a full weekend day with nothing to do at all.

This past weekend Jack was scheduled to play in a challenge baseball tournament but there weren't enough teams so we ended up not playing.

So- that left us with not-a-single-thing to do on Saturday.

It called for a day trip.

We found someone to let Swish out a couple of times and we headed to the North Carolina Zoo.

I have never been and I've always wanted to go.

We've been to the zoo in SC dozens of times so I really wanted to try the NC Zoo.

It was pretty cool- but the SC zoo is much better, in my opinion.

The kids loved it.

Jack has a minor obsession with snakes right now so we spent some time watching the reptiles.

Riley loved it all.

The day turned into a photo shoot for Riley.

Every time I turned around Ri wanted me to take her picture.

Until next time...

Terrific Kid

2011-10-01T16:45:00.002-04:00

Jack was selected as a Terrific Kid for the month of September in his class.

Each month our elementary school 'studies' character traits and a student is chosen from each class that exemplifies that trait.

September's trait was 'Knowledge.'

So fitting for Mr. Smarty Pants.

We celebrated with a little breakfast and a small ceremony at school Friday AM.

Daddy was traveling so it was just Riley and I but we took lots of pics for Todd.

Jack's teacher, Mrs. Garson, wrote a few words about him and how he exemplifies Knowledge.

I want to get it down in writing to keep forever.

Here it is:

~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack was chosen because he exemplifies the qualities of knowledge.

Through his actions it is clear that he is always ready and eager to learn new things.

He is confident in his abilities and seeks out opportunities to gain knowledge and discover new things.

Jack loves a challenge and works hard to be successful.

He always puts forth the effort to do his best work. I can count on Jack to be doing exactly what is expected of him because he has a strong desire to complete any and all tasks.

He is willing to take risks and try new things.

He loves to participate in class and always tries out the concept taught during mini-lessons.

Because of his willingness to incorporate newly learned ideas, Jack's stories are creative, suspenseful, and entertaining.

He sets a positive example for others.

Great job Jack.

Congratulations.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sniff. Sniff.

We are so proud of you Jack.

Until next time...

Birthday Present

2011-09-27T14:51:00.000-04:00

A little taste of what Jack's been up to:

Until next time...

This and That

2011-09-25T19:04:00.003-04:00

I'm in a blogging rut.

So much going on and lots to write about but just not feelin' it.

Maybe it's because there's so much going on and lots to write about.

Now that I've gotten myself a little job I'm finding myself taking less pictures, which in turn means that I am writing less.

But that's ok.

Something else needed to occupy my time.

I'll still be taking lots of pictures and writing about those pictures but on a wee bit smaller scale.

Speaking of that aforementioned job it's going great.

I never could have imagined being this busy.

I'm going to enjoy the ride while I can.

I signed up my 3rd recruit today and have a 4th coming soon-I think.

It's craziness but I love it.

The parties keep coming and I am meeting so many fun ladies at each party.

Jack is trucking along in 2nd grade.

His teacher is pregnant. Another year another pregnant teacher. Yeah for her but ugh for us.

Not sure when she's due b/c she hasn't 'officially' announced it but it's pretty obvious to all of the parents.

Jack will get the majority of the year with her so that's what matters.

He had a great birthday last Thursday.

Here's the rock I painted for his actual birthday at school.

I squeezed in the rock painting between rain showers.

It's rained for 6 days here.

Enough already.

We took the birthday boy and his sister and Gammy and Paa Paa to a hibachi restaurant for Jack's birthday.

He was supposed to be playing in a baseball game the night of his birthday but it was cancelled because of rain so we headed out to eat instead.

Jack ordered his token tuna roll as an appetizer and was a happy boy.

Riley is three weeks in to her last year of preschool.

She loves Mrs. Helms.

I love Mrs. Helms.

She is sweet, kind and ever so nurturing. Just what Ri needs.

Mrs. Helms claims that Riley is doing great in school.

Who knows.

I've been trying to working on her handwriting.

"Trying" is the key word.

It's painful to watch her write.

She's super slow and still has a hard time forming her letters.

Thank goodness she has an extra year- goodness knows she needs it.

Ri has always been an independent child.

Now she's even more independent that ever.

She showers all on her own.

Brushes her hair - knots and all- and fixes it in the morning.

God only knows what she'd wear every day if I let her pick her own clothes out.

Most likely it would have something to do with a dress, a tutu, a skirt and some sort of sparkly shoes.

That's about it for now-

I'm determined to take some pics of gymnastics and tennis this week.

I hope.

Until next time...

Eight Years Old

2011-09-22T07:53:00.000-04:00

I cannot fathom that my first born is now eight years old.

It's crazy how time flies.

I'll never forget those early early days of being a new mom.

I had no idea what I was doing, and neither did Todd.

But- Jack turned out to be a damn good kid.

A kid I am PROUD to call mine.

Here's a little something I put together for my boy.

Until next time...

Pledge

2011-09-19T21:30:00.000-04:00

So clearly Riley's class is learning the Pledge of Allegiance.

She recites it in the house.

In the car.

In the shower (yes, in the shower).

While we're eating.

While we're watching T.V.

When other people near her are talking.

Just about anywhere.

It really is cute - unless I am trying to actually HEAR something else.

I think she's almost got it down.

Listen for yourself.

Until next time...

Another Party in the Books

2011-09-16T19:29:00.009-04:00

In 6 short days our first born turns 8.

E.I.G.H.T.

I feel ancient.

Although at times I feel like it was mere weeks ago that he joined our family.

And man- am I glad he did.

He is one tremendous kid.

A few years ago we stopped having big parties- instead having a few buddies over each year or hitting up a local swimming pool for some fun.

This year he wanted to have some buddies over to play.

And man- did they play.

For three hours eight boys- plus a 12 year old from across the street- played.

They played football.

And kickball.

And whiffle ball.

And basketball.

And wall ball.

And basketball.

You get the picture.

It was the perfect party - for Jack. Just what he wanted.

His good buddies over for some games and pizza and polished off w/ some NY Yankee cupcakes.

My camera was acting funny - so many of my pics wouldn't load and I forgot to take pics of the cupcakes (sorry Angela- send me some of yours).

But- here's a sampling.

One of Jack's buddies, another boy named Jack, has a little sister and the girls have also become friends. Ashley hung out with Ri during the party and the girls had a great time- despite the chaos of nine 8 year old boys.

Pizza, chips and cupcakes.

Not a healthy thing in sight :))-

Happy 'almost' birthday Jack.

You're real birthday will be spent in school and playing a baseball game- I'm glad you had the chance to enjoy it a few days early.

Until next time...

Fall is Coming

2011-09-12T20:23:00.006-04:00

Summer is coming to a close.

A cool breeze fills the air in the mornings.

I heard a rumor that it's going to dip into the 40's over night this weekend.

Burrr.

We are working furiously to have our yard restored after our redneck yard guy botched it.

Note to self: never hire cheap help on the yard; never works out.

The kids have been spending lots of time outside again, without sweating.

It's so nice.

The summer flowers have passed their prime.

It's time for mums and pansies soon.

This old digger (approaching 6 years old) still sees lots of use.

One of the best Christmas presents Jack ever received.

Spider webs are rampant right now.

Swish is just about full grown.

And getting a big hair cut today.

He's kinda shaggy.

Jack plays catch w/ the kid across the street as often as he can.

The kid's in 7th grade, plays lots of baseball and is about the most polite 7th grader I've ever known.

Jack loves tossing the ball around w/ him.

My boy is growing up on me.

He hates his curls.

I remind him the 'girls love the curls' and he tells them 'that's why I hate them.'

I guess he's in the throws of 'girls have cooties' stage.

Miss Priss loves her teacher, her class, her friends at school.

I need to work on her handwriting and letter forming.

It's painful to watch her write.

Another reason I'm glad she's not in kindergarten.

I think she'd be struggling...

Only time will tell.

Cheers to fall!

Until next time...

Back in the Saddle

2011-09-10T07:59:00.000-04:00

It's Jack's 4th season playing baseball at MARA.

It's Jack's 4th team in 4 seasons.

First the Braves.

Then Dodgers.

Then DBacks.

Now back to the Braves- although it's a different coach.

We love his new coaches.

They really know what they're doing- so far!

Jack's playing shortstop - a position where he needs more experience.

So far he's doing great in practices.

Games start up in a week and half or so- not sure yet.

He's also playing Challenge Ball so that means Sundays we're back on the field again.

Needless to say - we're back at it.

Until next time...