Recovering...

Friday night was Josh's birthday party. He and 11 of his closest friends (plus Ally and her friend)went to the Clemson vs Virginia Tech baseball game. We had rushed pizza at the balcony above the field, followed by Josh being able to throw out the first pitch. Here is a picture of Josh and Jack Leggett, the Clemson head coach for the last 15 years. We were in foul ball territory and Josh was able to snag one. We had a great time as the Tigers took the Hokies down 13-5.
After the game, everyone came back to our house for a night (and well in to the morning) fun. The bulk of the boys went to sleep between 4-5am and were back up raring to go at 7:15am. So needless to say, we're all more than a little exhausted! But Josh had an "awesome birthday party" and can't wait till next year. Kent and I were thinking more along the lines of maybe a birthday party at the library, followed by lunch at the park for next year. Ha ha!

Happy Easter!

Wow! Is it really Easter? Hard to believe that we have been here in SC for 8 months. Spring has finally begun to show itself these last few weeks and I am SOOO thankful! We had a beautiful Easter weekend. The kids were off school on Friday and their Spring Break begins tomorrow. We worked in the yard on Friday and we had our easter egg hunt in the yard yesterday. In the past it has been just our kids but this year we had 8. Kent and I hid at least 50 eggs in our yard and sat back and watched while the kids went nuts. It was fun!

This morning we woke up and Kent made us Easter pancakes and bacon and we went to church. We then headed out to Mom and Dad's on the lake and enjoyed Easter brunch (I guess it was more like dunch -- or ask Kent put it, lupper -- since our seating was at 3:30pm.) But the food was excellent and the kids behaved beautifully. I attached a picture from this morning.

Tomorrow Mom and I are heading north with the kids. We are taking the kids to Williamsburg, Virginia for a few days. It should be a lot of fun. I remember going when we lived in Carlisle, but that was almost 20 years ago. (GASP~!!!) Josh is studying the American Revolution in school so we thought it would be perfect. Of course, put Josh anywhere where there is history and the threat of war and he is in heaven! I'll be sure to post an update with pictures when we get back.

I wish everyone a very happy Easter!

Josh's Baptism

Josh was baptized this past Sunday. He had been sprinkled when he was a lot younger when we were members of the Episcopal Church, but the Baptist Church requires the full dunk. He recorded an audio testimony prior to that played overhead that was just beautiful. Kent and I were so proud of him! Dad was too sick to make it and Todd had a tennis match, but Mom and Nana made the trip in which was nice.

Baseball season is about to get kicked off again. Josh's first tournament is next weekend - the weekend of Mom's BIG 6-0 birthday! His team is also taking part of a local travel team league for during the week, so we'll be busy little Longhorns!

Ally has decided to give soccer a try. I think she will really like it. We bought her some cleats and she bought herself a pink soccer ball and she is having a blast. She always has to put on shorts and high socks to look the total part even when she is playing in the backyard. Even when it is 40 degrees outside, appropriate soccer fashion is a must, of course!

I'm happy to report that Oreo has successfully worked his way in to everyone's hearts - including Harley's. Harley even shares her ottoman with her at night while we are watching TV. Todd is bringing his yellow lab Bailey over today for us to keep her for the weekend while he goes to Atlanta, so that should make it interesting. Bailey was the one that taught Harley that cats were evil and should be barked at viciously through the window, so we'll see if Oreo can work his charms on her as well.

Meet Oreo

After almost 11 years of marriage, the unthinkable has happened. Kent let Ally get a kitten. She has been begging for one for such a long time, and the poor neighbors cat knows no rest when Ally is around -- so Dad finally agreed. He is the cutest thing. He is a tuxedo kitty with black fur with a white chin, paws and belly. He isn't quite sure what to make of the dogs yet (and vice versa) but I'm sure in time they will be able to live harmoniously. (hoping and praying!) And Ally is in pure heaven.
Isn't he adorable?

Snow!

Now, I know -- some of you are thinking that we are a little TOO excited about the white stuff - but we can't help it! We love snow! We got about 2" of snow on Wednesday night and in to Thurs morning. It was the first time my kids have ever gotten a "snow day". We've vacationed where they have played in the snow, but it has never fallen at our house.
We warmed up yesterday, and now they say we are about to get hit with round 2 in a few hours. The kids are in heaven! I am glad that we brought the sled home that we bought one year in Colorado, for that has been the best entertainment for the kids. Our house sits up high enough on a hill that they can slide right down the hill and right in to incoming traffic. It's great fun for all -- us and the drivers that are swerving to avoid the kids. Just kidding - we watch for cars. ;)
This Saturday marks (hopefully) a temporary break in the madness of the election. Don't forget to go vote if you are in SC! If you don't vote your preference, someone else with another opinion will! This is what is great about America -- you can complain and campaign all you want -- but it comes down to the regular American public that make the choices. Vote! Vote! Vote! (I am about to head out before the snow comes)
Have a great weekend!

Happy New Year!

I'm so sorry to have gotten so behind with the blog! (not that many people read it, I'm sure, anyhow! lol)
We had a good holiday. My grandmother that was here for Thanksgiving (in the photo on my last post) flew back to Colorado on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving and we got a call on Friday that she died of a heart attack. It was very sudden and very unexpected. So I flew out that Monday to Colorado for her service.
We stayed at home for Christmas. We woke up early (shocking, I know!) and by 9:30 or so, Dad and I were ready for a nap! So after we woke up we headed out to Lake Keowee to my parents for a fantastic meal. Everyone pitched in, and the Josh had a great time practicing on his new skateboard (his present from Santa) down the slope of their road, and Ally was his cheerleader on her scooter (her birthday present from Nana and Gramps).
Time really flew. We didn't really do much exciting, but it was a busy month. It is hard to believe that 2008 is already here! What will the new year bring for us all?

Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! As I mentioned before, we went to my parents. It was a nice day. The weather was great (although a little cool), so the kids tried their hands at fishing off the dock. They didn't catch anything, but Kent assured them that it was due to the cold front coming through and didn't have anything to do with their fishing abilities! :)
I've attached a a group picture from when we went to Whitewater Falls in North Carolina. Dad was the photographer, so he isn't in the picture. It was beautiful. You can see it from above (which is still nice) or you can walk down 160 steps below to get a closer view. The only bad thing about going down 160 steps is you have to come back up them! Grandma stayed at the top, but everyone else made the trip down and up with no problems.
Al and Lavon left today to head home. It was a nice visit, but I'm sure that after 2 weeks they are anxious to be home. We really enjoyed having them stay with us, and we tried to talk them in to joining us permanently out here. It might get a little too cold here for Al, though.