1st Day of Summer

How else would we celebrate the first day of summer?  Beach day of course.  As soon as the kids walked in the door from school we got ready and headed up to short sands in York, ME.  The weather was perfect.  The water was cold, but the kids and Mike didn't mind.  

I still remember the first summer here with Elliot.  Her little diaper bum running around, screaming at the water, and getting sand everywhere.  Now I don't even have to think about her, she loves the water and building castles.  It's so nice to just sit in my beach chair, chat it up with my SIL Tracy, and enjoy the day.   

Can't wait to get in more beach time.  Tracy's condo is right on the beach!  So we have a great place to change and eat (yay, no sandy-sandwiches!).  And Mike's parents, twin brother and family will be here soon. It's only the first day, but it's going to be a great summer.

Studio 109 Classics

Elliot has worked hard in dance this year.  She had two great teachers, Meagan and Michelle.  She loved getting stickers at the end of each class and water from the water cooler.  The recital was a great way to end the year.  There were a couple of rehearsals that made me miss baseball/softball games but the show was great, so it was worth it.  Caleigh and Tracy got to enjoy the recital with me.  Thanks Tracy for giggling with me.  And thanks for bring the ipad, I don't think Elliot would have made it.

Caleigh supporting her little sis.  Cute girls.  

 Elliot loves make-up, so the recital was a dream come true.  She kept reapplying lipstick throughout the show, she wanted to look good.  Her teachers gave her a sand bucket full of goodies.  Elliot named the cute white puppy "Coconut"  

" I want Candy..."

My  awesome SIL Tracy is here for the summer.  WE love when family is here and wish we could have all our family here during the summer.  I love Tracy's easy going attitude.  Like Saturday we met her for dinner, and we drove into the Olive Garden parking lot and there was no parking available she didn't mind a bit when I suggested the Mall Food Court.  I mean who thinks Mall Food Court for dinner?

After enjoying our various meals Tracy handed out quarters for the kids to get  a candy from the bubblegum machines (you know the big bubble gum buffets at malls?)  Elliot quickly gobbled hers up and asked for another quarter.  Well, I said no and the fit started, "but mom, please?" repeated 10 times.  Finally she had had it with me and stated, "but Mom, I'm just a girl who likes candy!"

I appreciate her honesty, but she still didn't get the quarter.  Can't wait to see what future arguments will be.

Flashback Friday

I have been slacking in my blog.  Mostly because we are wicked (I know Mike, I said it) busy right now.  But there are so many fun memories that pop into my head ten times a day.  So here's my flash back today...

When Caleigh was 3 or 4 she got annoyed with Miles one day.  And in her efforts to convey her feelings she coined this phrase..."Miles, you're ticking off my nerds"

We recently remembered this story and now, we crack each other up by saying.  "You're ticking off my nerds."

It especially runs through my mind as I'm doing tick checks on my kids.  We've already had 3 this season.  And a few just creepy crawling around.  It doesn't freak me out as much as it used to, mostly I just think as I'm tweezing them , "you're ticking off my nerds."

Birthday Boy

The kids and I worked hard this year to make Mike's birthday happen.  With baseball/softball/piano/cubscouts/activity days/and dance class it's hard to fit most things in this day, but we played hookie on a softball game to celebrate this great guys birthday. 

The kids still had piano, but we picked up some Chinese and subway for dinner.  Then opened presents and ended with Mike's fav.  rainbow chip cake.  The kids and I had fun picking out presents for Mike.  Caleigh and Elliot went in together on an Angry Bird T-shirt.  (we are all obsessed with playing Angry Birds on the Nook.)  Griff got Mike some new shades (because his futures so bright) and Miles got him another T-shirt.  He wanted to get him an UNH hat, but we checked 5 local stores and couldn't find one.  Mike will just have to pick one up on campus one of these days.  

Mike is so great and deserved a good birthday.  He works so hard for our growing (as in, my four children are growing fast) family.  We love you Mickie!

Memorial Day 2011

 Visiting Rhode Island has been on my check list since we moved here, and now I can check it off.

Monday we met up with our ward for a Memorial Day Breakfast, then we parted ways and drove the 2 1/2 hours to Newport, RI.
Newport is beautiful with houses crammed on every inch of the coastline (wouldn't you want to live there?) We chose Easton's beach to spend the day.  Easton's beach has got to be one of the best beaches we've been to so far (too bad it's far away).  The sand was wonderful, the water warmer than our typical Maine and New Hampshire beaches and Caleigh was in heaven with all of the shells. We hadn't really planned on swimming,  this was supposed to be a sight seeing trip.  But, the kiddos ran for the ocean and didn't stop till they were all dripping wet.  Well, Elliot didn't get too wet but still played in the waves.  I turned to Mike and said, "Do you know what makes me happy, there is a playground right over there and our kids are playing in the ocean with their clothes on."

After the kids were good and drenched we checked out the 3.5 mile ocean walk.

 The ocean walk is a paved path along the coastline.  It is wonderfully maintained with a few stops along the way.  (for you boiseians think green belt, but instead of walking along the river, you are walking along the ocean.)  It also passes by a few mansions and a university.  I want Mike to teach here.   

After the beach walk, we played a little longer in the ocean then packed up and headed to Providence, RI.  We wanted to make sure we saw the capitol of this charming state.  Providence was, in my opinion, a mini version of Boston.  The buildings were great, full of history and character.  We found a park with a WWII memorial in it.  What a great reminder to us of all the brave men who have fought and died for our country.  Miles located the Marines seal on one side of one of the statues and gave it his most reverent solute.  We sent our thoughts to my father who fought in the Vietnam war.  Thanks Gpa!

Our plan was to find a local restaurant to finish off our experience but, after driving around and finding a dive of a place that wasn't even open we headed to the familiar, yet always yummy, Chili's.  

What a great day!  Hopefully it won't be our only trip to Rhode Island, but if it is, it was worth it.

Ticklin' those ivories

Tonight was the kids piano recital.  The twins participated last year, but this was Griffin's first year.  They were all excited and a little nervous to perform.  They've been working so hard on their pieces for months now.  Over and over we've heard the same songs while they've fine tuned each note and rhythm.  I'm so proud of them for putting in the work and doing their best.

Each collage shows what songs they played, but I wanted to point out Caleigh wrote one of her songs.  Her teacher was impressed with Caleigh's ability to transpose her song onto paper.  Kathy said she could see Caleigh had applied all of  her theory work in her song.  

In my opinion, there were excellent pieces played, but Griffin's Wallace and Gromit duet with Kathy stole the show for me.  It was so happy and fun you couldn't help but smile as you listened.

Miles never ceases to amaze us.  He sauntered up to that piano like he owned the place.  He loves to play, and you can tell, since his songs are played with feeling, not just note by note. (okay he didn't really saunter more like hunched his shoulders, shuffled up, played, then shuffled back to his seat.  But theres this look in his eye that says it all.  He's good and he knows it.)  

Kathy (the kid's teacher, whom I cannot rave enough about!) and her family ended the show with a performance.  They sang "King of Anything" and a mash up of "fix you" and "soul sister" Ahh, I loved it.  I'm sure Mike was sinking in his chair sitting next to his toe tapping wife, but it was so fun.

And of course...THE COOKIES!  Cute note shaped sugar cookies personalized with each students name.  The kids would perform for these cookies any day.   

And the award goes to...

Elliot is the girlie-est girl.  But when it comes to picking the stinky-est in our family, all fingers point to her.  And she loves the title.  She giggles every time she toots.  

Now with Mike, Miles and Griffin around you'd think she would come in third or fourth but, no her title is safe for now.  (oh and Caleigh and I are too lady-like to even participate in the contest.)

Outfield Miles

Miles made the big jump from rookies to the Majors this year with baseball. He had to be drafted to a team, and the sport gets a whole lot more intense this year.

Miles enjoyed last year, and I don't think he's hating this year, but it hasn't been all the fun and games he expected (or at least what I expected) He's learning a little and making some new friends. Mostly he loves being on a undefeated team (oh, except the game they had to forfeit because the other coach started yelling at our teams coach and so we ended the game early but the score was in our favor, so we still feel like winners). He doesn't get to play much, and has yet to hit a ball in a game. But he seems to be having a good time, and learning the biggest lesson of all, "baseball does not define him." He might not be the best out there, he's still new to the sport, and he might not have any natural talent, sorry buddy but you know who your parents are, but he's learning that he can be just okay at some things and it doesn't have to derail his self esteem.

I'm pretty proud of him. Even when he does manage to get on base (thank goodness for the 4 ball rule) and when he slides into home missing the plate by inches. Good job Miles.

Picture Day at the ball field

 And the pictures are in... Okay so I'm that cheap Mom who takes pictures behind the real photographer.  But really they came out fine.  I mean my kids can see all the faces of their team mates and that's all that matters.  Right?  I did splurge ($12.00) for a 8x10 of all three of my kiddos together.  Can't wait for that.  I might actually frame it.  (I have a bad habit of not putting pictures in frames... or not changing out the pictures for years, it really bugs Mike.)  Anyway, see if you can find my kiddos in their photos...

Elliot's pretty good this year about being dragged to the field every night.  She finds things to entertain herself with.  Mostly it's the bushes and trees surrounding the field.  Which means I entertain myself when we get home by checking for ticks.  

Griffin's tearing up the rookie field this year.  He's a great batter and his catching has come a long way since last year.  His throwing is super fast.  Mike's ankle can vouch for that.  Guess Mike will have to work on his grounder skills, so he doesn't get hit by the ball anymore.  Seriously I have to ice my hand when I'm done playing catch  with Griff.  Maybe because I'm using Caleigh's T-ball mitt?  

And I'm assured that the PINK helmet is the secret to his success.  Maybe, or maybe all those hours with MOM pitching the ball to him.  Hmm...

Lookin' good Griff, lookin' good

Griffin catch phrase is "lookin' good griff, lookin' good" he says it to himself alot as he looks in the mirror in the morning. It makes me smile. He's looking extra good these days with his new eye wear. Our family doc told me last Dec. he needed glasses and to make an appointment with an optometrist. I of course put it off until now. But finally we took him in and sure enough the kid is barely blind I think his prescription is -.50 in both eyes. But now he can see perfect again, and he loves his new glasses.

Rock-a-bye...

The babies have arrived and I am dying being across the country and not able to hold either of them. I'm so happy for my two brothers and their families. What amazing little blessings these little girls are. So here they are...

April 30th brought us Magdalene Lucia Head, nicknamed "Maggie"

The proud family.

Then on May 7th via C-section arrived Mikayla Marie Head. She has my brother Rodney's chin and lips and her Momma's beautiful brown eyes. Seriously my SIL Michelle's eyes are the most beautiful things ever, so this is one lucky little girl.

Congratulations Rod and "Michellie"

Mother's Day

Mother's day this year was wonderful.  I love watching how excited the kids get to hand over their homemade presents.

Elliot woke me up with her hands behind her back.  "Here" she said as she proudly held up her Dumbo stuffed animal.  Last year Mike got her extra elephant stuffed animal (she has two of the exact same ones, in case we lose one, only she knows the difference and calls one her "big" elephant-it has more stuffing-and one her "little" elephant.) Now I get an elephant too.  It makes me smile to walk into my room and see Dumbo sitting on my nightstand and "big" elephant sitting on Mike's nightstand.  It's like were in a secret elephant club with Elliot.  Because who doesn't need a stuffed elephant to go to sleep.

Griffin made his own present at home, since his class at school didn't do anything.  He cut out a heart and taped it to a paper lunch bag.  Inside was a homemade card with questions like:

Who's favorite color is red?  Mom
Who's a very good cook? Mom
Who does everyone love? Mom
and finally,
Who makes everyone laugh?  Dad
He was giggling the whole time I was reading it.  What a jokester!  I love that kid

Caleigh planted flowers in a pot for me at Activity day girls.  They're yellow mums that are so large and beautiful.  She was so disappointed that the largest bloom broke off that morning while she was getting it out of it's hiding spot, but I assured her, it would grow back, and I loved it.

Miles class made laminated pictures of flowers in a pot with the childs picture on it.  I hung it on the wall and I see Miles cute face everytime I go to log on to the computer.  I love that kids dimples and big round eyes.  He has been a little mopey lately, and I have been worried about him.  But I gave it some time and discovered if I hug him and joke that I'm "hugging the grumpy out of him" he smiles and returns to his old self.  Love that kids smile.  I love that he's growing up and doing more and more things on his own.  I love that I can leave him in charge and he does a pretty good job.  And I love his talent in music and his ability to make friends with anyone.

I love being a Mom.  It's hard at times and I wish I could do more, be more for them, but then I remind myself, Heavenly Father entrusted me with these children, he must know that I'm enough just the way I am, or at the very least, I'll get there eventually.

Fun with Jim

Mike's UNH coworker/office partner/friend Jim came over Monday night for a BBQ. We have had him over a few times and we all love getting to know him better. After dinner Mike, Jim and the kids headed to the field by our house for some baseball fun. After Mike "pitched" the ball as hard as he could, hitting Jim's leg in the process, they came back to our house for some music fun. (Jim has only a mild contusion and has assured Mike he will walk again).

Jim brought along his guitar and some funky looking piano instrument that you have to blow into to make work. It's called a Melodica. The kids were hooked! My favorite part of the night was when Miles was struggling a little making the melodica work, Griffin ran over to the piano and got his music for him. Like that was the problem. Funny little brothers.

Waiting...

We are anxiously waiting for babies! My SILs Tiffany and Michelle are both expecting girls due on the same day. This will be Tiff's 5th baby and Michelle's 1st. Ahhh, I wish I was close so I could hold these new babes within their first hours. So good luck to Tiff and Michelle...we'll be thinking about you and hoping all goes well.