It seems that I have to start each blog post lately with a list of excuses for why I haven't blogged. I miss it! I love having all our little pictures and stories in once place to look at- since I can't manage to print them or do anything else with them at this point! Sadly- I think there aren't really any pics of my kids from the last 2 months which also seems to be a trend for me this time of year. I spend so much time taking and editing pictures that I don't even want to look at my camera or computer when I'm at home! Also, I need to spend some time finding the pics I do take- they end up downloaded with client sessions and I think they are spread all over the place.
Quick updates on everyone
Elliott- has enjoyed her first season of softball. She has proven to be a natural. (I can take absolutely no credit for this. I did one season of softball my freshman year on a rec team. I won the award for most ridiculous run. I'm very athletic. I think I caught a pop up once- only because when I put my glove above my head it fell in. I was probably just trying to protect myself.) Softball is her thing with Daddy- he logs all the time taking her to practice and getting her to games for warm ups. He stays for every game- I flit in and out- the kids and I get there for most of them but sometimes other things get in the way. Berkley of course hates going to the games....I know exactly who that came from. She plays all different positions- its coach pitch but she plays the pitcher position often as well as the outfield and shortstop. (I think) She even got to be catcher for an inning once- which was ADORABLE! Her claim to fame this season was taking a ball to the gut at the first game- throwing it for the out and waiting to cry after it was all done. She's a rock star! After the season of softball ended she was asked to be on a tournament team so she got to play in a couple tournaments - the took 3rd place from one and 2nd in the other. I'll have to dig up some pics and do a softball post sometime soon. She is ADORABLE! She's also been doing great in school and enjoys spending time with her siblings.
Berkley- enjoys elaborate games with her princesses, barbies, dolls and brother. Her imagination is amazing. She is also a great little artist she loves to draw and is really good at it! She's very interested in how to spell everything and playing games on the ipad and my phone. She is in gymnastics this year and has amazed me at all she has done on her own. Her big thing is she doesn't like if people laugh at her and she's afraid to try things if she doesn't know she can do them- because she thinks people might laugh. I have no idea where this fear is from but sometimes she'll say the most hilarious things and she gets super upset if you laugh. She's really been trying hard and doing what the class is doing at gymnastics which is very exciting to watch! She's doing well at school and I cannot believe this year is half over and she'll be in elementary school next year! I tried to hit her growing pause button but she unpaused it ;-)
Patton. Oh Patton. How much time do you have? I so love this age he is ridiculously funny and cute. I wish I could remember all the funny things he's done over the last few months- which is why I need to be better at blogging! My current favorite is yesterday when he threw Berkley's ornament that she made on the floor and it shattered. He quickly apologized (he has very good manners- that coupled with his cuteness helps him avoid lots of trouble). Then he said "OH Patton James!" and slapped his own hand. I thought I was going to die laughing. His other big thing is cooking- he'll spend a good hour sitting on the counter helping me cook. I think there are a few pics of that below. He loves jumping on the trampoline and can really catch some air. He calls it jumparoo and most days when he gets up from his nap he demands his sister take him outside to jumparoo. He also doesn't like a lot of stuff- like his bed- I'll just hear him up there going "I don't like it" over and over again. He has also learned to get out on his own. Which means we are going to have to do the dreaded toddler bed soon. I have a feeling that Berkley being so good about bed when she moved was only to give us a break before what is going to happen to us this time. I'm terrified.
Here's my little cook- If he would wear a hat I would totally get him a chefs hat.
His absolute favorite medium to work with is eggs. He taps them on the counter until they crack, then he squeezes them in his hand. Then I pick out shells. Its super fun.
Last Thursday Tea Party preparations were in full swing. They all got in on the sugar cookie making action. P is used to "I cookin" with just me and not having to take turns. He kept saying "Patton's turn" the whole time.
I love this face!
I love when I get moments like this- the real smiles and personality. Sad that the flour is in front of Berk.
Berkley was beyond excited about the Tea Party- she talked about it everyday for weeks. She couldn't wait to make some snowman punch.
The big day finally arrived! It was Elliott's 3rd annual party and Berkley's 2nd. The elf brought them little elf mugs for their party. They have quite the collection now!
Kurt also hid in the dining room with a tea party of his own
I think I have 10 pictures of her pouring tea. She was so cute and took it so seriously.
One friend is missing from this pic- she arrived late. I managed to forget to take a group pic of them all- I'm so sad!
I love how Ry was eating her cookie
Berkley told Ry they needed to be cleaning off the knives in between colors. Very sanitary.
This is Ry's cookie- she would have kept adding to it if Amanda hadn't stopped her and gotten her to start another one.
Berk and her friend Kate Kate that is 2 weeks older than her- they've been buddies their whole lives!
Berkley chose to do a snow globe for her craft. They turned out really cute!
Elliott had her party right after school- I quick cleaned up from Berkleys and then E had her turn.
This is her friend from across the street- showing them how to be like Fancy Nancy
The conversation was adorable- they were talking about their crushes. I should have gotten a picture of the sugar cubes- they add those to their tea- and when I cleaned off the table I realized there wasn't one left. Yeah- they were eating them which explains why the last half hour of the tea party they were running in circles around the house like a bunch of wild animals! They also made a frame with scrapbook paper and glitter. Its nice that they are bigger now- pretty much just tell them how to make it and sit back and watch.
Another serious little hostess.
I think this was the start of the sugar cube consumption
Sunday we had our neighborhood Christmas party. We decided it would be fun to adopt a family that needed help and have everyone shop for them- then we had a wrapping party with snacks. All the kids wrapped the presents and had lots of fun doing it!
Berk was bent out of shape because E wouldn't help her.
Gracie was so cute helping one of the twins wrap.
Patton stationed himself by the food- which is very typical
Our crazy group!
In addition to the tea parties and the neighborhood party. We also had a bible study brunch, a pta brunch, a baby shower, a birthday party a crossfit ugly sweater party and another ugly sweater party. It was a jam packed weekend of fun with friends and too much food!
Here's Chris and I Saturday night taking our awkward family photo. If only the Christmas card wasn't already done! Chris's little velour sweatsuit had Christmas Trees embroidered across the front. It was amazing.
Friday night the crossfit party was at the bowling ally. We took our outfits a little too far- some people weren't even dressed up!
It was a fun weekend and we're excited to relax a little this week before we gear up for a Very Merry Christmas!
