At Mariah's Game

Mariah has been on a great softball team for a while. They win most of their games, and every so often we come to watch her play. She's a good softball player! I especially like to watch her be the catcher. That's not an easy job. The girls are all good buddies, and when they win the coach buys them slushies. It seems to be a good motivator. They won this game. None of the girls knew the final score, but they were happily sipping their slushies. Tawny and I were so distracted from the game by the antics of our other little guys that we had no idea who was winning. We just cheered for Mariah. 

Mitchell is so expressive with his cute little face. He is starting to talk more too!

He likes to have his picture taken and then look at the picture on the digital camera screen.

It will be fun to see him as a big brother. 

Aubree and Annalisa were not their best selves this night. 

They fought and cried constantly. There was no way to make them both happy.

Anna gleefully withheld everything that Aubree wanted. And Aubree wanted everything that Anna had. 

 I wish they would stop doing this. 

Sometimes they are so cute together. Last night they had a rare sleepover and they rejoiced together when we gave them the okay. At 10:00 at night I checked on the girls. Anna was grumpy and only wanted to go snuggle with Adam. (her usual spot) So I sent her away and suggested that Aubree sleep in Annalisa's bed in Maren's room. Maren was still awake. Aubree loved that idea. She giggled and said, "I can't believe I'm having this fun sleepover!!"

What a cutie.

I love how you see smiling and happy Tawny in the sunglasses in response to Aubree's attitude. 

She is so good. 

Mariah the Catcher

The Big Coat Dilemma

The jackets and coats were the source of most of the contention. 

Who would have thought...

 

Mariah playing 2nd base

Anna the Stinker (at least this night)

At the very end, Aubree got the coat she had been coveting. (my coat)

Sweet Victory

Labor Day Fun Run

Last Monday we participated in a fun ward activity. A Fun Run!

The kids and Geoff ran the mile together. I was stationed as a volunteer to help keep little runners on the right track. I had signed up for the 5K, but after my hip began to get sore (think it's bursitis again) I decided it probably wasn't a good idea. I need to take it easy on my hip. Maren says I sound like an old lady when I say stuff like that. You know, sometimes I feel like an old lady. I just know that I need to listen to what my body tells me or there will be a price to pay. And also I wanted to take pictures of the ward runners...

The shirts say, "WE RUN FOR FUN!" which amused Maren who doesn't run or think it's fun in the slightest.

Adam and Alec came in fast.

Trevor help Annalisa quite a bit, sometimes running with her on his back. People thought that was sweet and told me so. She came into the finish line at full speed though. It was adorable.

Adam and Maren finished first in their age group, which was funny.  They were probably the only kids in their age group! (The only foot race they will probably ever win...) A lot of youth were running the 5K instead of the mile. 

Here's the Davidsons who ran the 5K while pushing all four of their children. I believe they finished third in their age group. They are amazing. 

I teach two of those little cuties piano.Another is in my preschool. :)

A Girl and her Dog

Much to Calli's dismay, Annalisa has lately taken an new intense interest in her. She fawns over Calli, hugs her tightly, walks/drags her around the house, and basically gives her all her attention for hours every day. Calli, who has never seemed to have a sense of self-preservation, has started to hide under beds. This is when Annalisa fetches the leash. She growls regularly, but Anna does not care or take her seriously. Poor little dog. This is her job though. It won't last forever. Alec used to do some of these things but is now gentle and loving, one of Calli's most favorites. (She chooses his bed to sleep in) 

Calli will just have to endure this.

 Cuties on the trampoline

G

Back to school

The only back-to-school picture I got- Sad.

I am ready for my next challenge. Preschool!

I start preschool on September 3 and I'm very excited! 8 little kids, split into 2 classes.

This green thrift store couch was a fun addition to the preschool room. Now I just need some cuter pillows. (You know, so I can pick them up myself one thousand times...)

Thinking about putting beanbags in the corner instead of the old couch...

The Supply Closet

With Tally's, April's, and my stuff, I am well-stocked!

Goodbye, Summer!

The last of the summer vacation photos- Swimming at the waterslide park

 The weather was pretty cool, and rain was threatening all day, but it never came.

Silly Maren 

Angelina is rarely without her mom. She is very attached. 

But I found out that she will gladly snuggle with the rest of us as well. She just really enjoys and needs physical closeness. Maren and I took turns snuggling her while Tally took the other kids out to the parking lot for lunch. What a little doll.

Brothers

I have to catch Grant off-guard to get a real smile. 

Mitchell got caught in the deluge.

Mommy quickly came to his rescue!