All-Balls 2015

The annual fiasco family reunion trip to Texas was successful as always.  

Multiple families in one beautiful house with nothing to do for four days except swim, party, play games, and act like idiots always makes for a great time.  Throw in a selfie-stick and grown adults, and you're going to have a good time.

Next year with be the 10th year...looking forward to those shenanigans for sure.

Our Happy Place

I could spend all day, every day out on the course with this guy.

Self-Made Utensils

When you're in the middle of a move, there isn't time to look for bowls and spoons when the ice cream comes out.  Hand and fingers work just fine.

Swimming Lessons

This will be the year that AB finally learns to swim; no more floaties for this little lady.

Fear is slowly subsiding; jumping off the deep end, swimming in the deep end with no floaties, and breaking out of her shell.  Big year for Little AB.

She's What...?

It's not that my kids aren't active, they are actually extremely active and I make them sit down and relax sometimes, but for AB to win "Amazing Girl Athlete" (as voted on by her classmates) was the shock of the year so far.

Maybe those kids see something that we don't...

End of Kindergarten Party

Crazy to think this little lady is moving into 1st grade next year.

To celebrate the end of the year, her class had an end of year party to celebrate.  After a little shower, the dirt turned to mud, and the fun got cranked up just ever so much...

Artist Award.

Metal Mouth

This poor kid has had the worst luck with teeth, but he's a trooper and keep on rolling, because really, he doesn't have a choice.

The start of an 8-month cycle started today with braces for Jax.  This should be fun.

Summer Time Blues...From The Cold

Kids are tough.  Parents are wimps.

We went to a birthday party for a neighborhood friend over the weekend.  It was cloudy, it was breezy, and it was not ideal swimming weather whatsoever; however, children could give a damn about the weather conditions...they just wanted to swim.

They are tougher than me...my swimsuit never even left the bag I brought it in.

You Want Me To Be In Charge?

There is a first for everything.  I was a "chaperon" on Jaxson's class field trip down to the Smithsonian museums today...man, God bless teachers.

Luckily, my group was easy.  Jax, Graham, and myself...very doable.

Great kids, decent weather, and an all-around good day.

Summer times on the National Mall can be a severe beat down.

Part of the Squad

In the ongoing search for something that the kids will latch on to and join, Miss AB went to a local cheer camp to test out her cheer leading skills.

The review was mixed.  Shy at first, then she got into it, then she fell...as did her enthusiasm.

Flipping Out

Last gymnastics session for Miss AB was this week.  The season started out rough; she didn't want to go, she did want to go...but it ended well.  

She wants to do more, so we'll try and keep the ball rolling.

We Got Crabs.

Unofficial start of summer begins with the first crab fest of the season.  Some hot crabs, some steamed clams, a few ears of corn, and lots of cold beer make for a good Memorial Day celebration.

First Swim Of The Season.

It was indoors and at a hotel, but summer is finally freaking here! 

Drive-In and Chill-Out

First time ever at a drive-in movie theater (that I can remember) - we will be back.

Calm Before The Storm.

With multiple out of state trips planned in the next two months, we took a spontaneous trip to Winchester, VA for a night away with the just the four of us.  This is something we use to do a lot; pick up and get out of town for a night or two - mostly prior to kids.

It was a great little escape.  Never been to Winchester, VA and honestly didn't know what to expect - we were pleasantly surprised.  With a fantastic downtown, the local college supplies plenty of young folks with a good vibe.  Apparently, you need a minimum of one tattoo or odd body piercing to attend Shepherdstown University...

He's A Poet And He Knows It

Both kiddos have grown mentally by leaps-and-bounds this year.  Both of their teachers have challanged and pushed them out of their comfort zones - which is where you learn and change.

Jaxson's class had their poetry reading day.  They wrote their own poems and then read them in front of friends, family, peers, etc.  Proud beyond words to see him get up and do this - and actually enjoy it.  The kid has a creative side that is just begging to come out.

May I Have Your Attention Please...

Miss AB is shy; well, sometimes.

She is very shy at first glance, until she is comfortable with the people around her and her surroundings - then all hell breaks loose (much like myself).

AB's teacher sent Robyn this picture; AB is upfront of her class reading aloud a "book" she wrote recently.  Completely out of her ordinary self, but so happy to see her doing this.  Slowly breaking out of that shell.

Field Day Family Foto

Rita's - Post Field Day

How all days should end...