The kids first Titans game

We took the kids to their first Titans football game this past Sunday. They weren't too excited to go because their cousin Elena had been here all weekend and they were tired. Once we got there though, they got real excited and they had an awesome time. Luckily, we had suite tickets and they were able to walk around as they wanted to. Also, there was an endless amount of popcorn for Luke. Anna enjoyed all the other food and also liked learning a little bit about football. Here is Luke trying to get a closer look:


Here is our family shot:(notice the new member Anna is holding? it's T Rac, the Titans mascot)
The view from our seats:
The cheerleaders that came by for a visit: (Luke was his charming self as usual)
We had an awesome time! We were home by 6:30 and the kids were so exhausted they were ready for bed!

First Day of School- 2009

The first day of school was last week on Wednesday, August 5. The morning went more smoothly than I imagined. Ron had to go in early that morning which left me to get them ready and try to get pictures and get to two different schools on time. I had prepared that it would be a disaster....however, the kiddos were so excited about going to school and they were angels! They even cooperated during the photo shoot and it only took 5 minutes rather than the 15 or 20 I imagined in my mind it would take. Here they are together: Here is Anna, a 2nd grader:
Luke is headed to preschool this year. He is going to Hendersonville Bible Kindergarten (HBK). He is in the 4 year old class and he goes everyday for half the day...
Here is Luke headed inside:
Luke standing outside his room: (can you tell he is excited?)
So far, Anna loves her class and teacher and has gone right back into her routine. Luke is making adjustments. His new class is quite different than what he was use to. He is learning to sit in his assigned seat and he is learning he can't just get up and go play when he feels like it. I'm so excited that he is making lots of new friends and the teacher is so excited to have him in her class.

Mother's Day Tea

Anna's class invited all the moms to school for a Mother's Day Tea last week. It was so thoughtful of the teachers to do. The children made us lots of presents and they worked really hard on their program. They each took turns reading parts of a poem and then they each read what they had written down about their mom.
Here is the beautiful table that they decorated:
We took the some extra time for an outdoor photo shoot since Anna was dressed up. She loves it when she has an opportunity to wear a dress.
Hopefully, I'll get some new pics of me and Luke soon....right now he is hard to catch!

Luke's Birthday

Hard to believe that our youngest turned 4 last Friday! We celebrated with a backyard cookout with a few close friends. He insisted on a Mario party (even though mommy tried to convince him to do something else because the Mario stuff was difficult to find). The kiddos played on the jeep and took turns swinging and playing t-ball. They all played so well together!! Here are a few pics I took:
the cake:

the pinata:
the kiddos:
fun on the jeep:
Luke is obsessed with Mario thanks to our Wii and Anna's Nintendo DS. However, we think it is adorable and allow him to play his favorite game Mario Party 8 in moderation. He has such a good nature about it...when he's not playing the real thing, he uses his little figures and just plays pretend Mario. (note: he is holding little yoshi in the jeep picture).

Paint Patrol

Here is Anna's basketball team (The Flames) at a Belmont game. Ron organized an opportunity for them to work as the Paint Patrol. What does that entail? Wiping up sweat! The girls thought it was great and they had a lot of fun together. Here is Anna taking her turn wiping up the floor:
Here are some of the girls with the Belmont mascot:
Luke was there too! He mostly enjoyed the popcorn and was ready to go by half-time.
Go BRUINS!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

It is hard to believe our baby girl is 7. On Tuesday we celebrated with close friends that have become like family with dinner and an ice cream cake. Friday we plan to celebrate again with her school friends at the "jumpy place". She is so big, I feel like she is already a teenager. She has let us know that she has now outgrown Disney princesses and her new favorite thing is Camp Rock and her nintendo DS. WOW! Where did the time go?

Our Little All-Star

Anna decided to play softball this fall rather than soccer. She has decided to try all the sports before deciding which one she wants to stick with. She has played soccer for 2 seasons, danced for 6 months, took swimming year round for 3 years and this winter we will be trying basketball.
Yes, she is a busy girl. Anyway, the softball season is going well and she has learned a lot. It is coach pitch/tee ball which basically means they get to attempt to hit off the coach and if unsuccessful they hit it off the tee. She typically has been playing pitcher (which is why she is wearing a batting helmet in the field):

She is getting the hang of batting. Just yesterday, all the girls hit off the coach and we only had to use the tee one time in the entire game!
Each team bats 10 batters (it doesn't matter how many outs you get or don't get) and when you hit you can only take one base. Here is Anna getting ready on second base:
I played softball all my life so of course I have really enjoyed practicing/teaching her the sport. Luke has gotten in on the play time too and is acting like he might be a lefty. Here he is running the bases after the game:
I'm already looking forward to spring ball...