Bye Bye, Training Wheels

One of our summer goals was to get Maddie to ride her bike without her training wheels.  She had said she wouldn't do it until she turned six.  I reminded her that she's six now, so off to Pop's shop we go for her first lesson.  I am happy to say that she mastered this task in just one day.  She's a lot like her mom-she just doesn't want anything to get the best of her!! Only one wreck with two scratched knees!!!

We headed to the road in front of Pop's shop for the first lesson.  Little Bit entertained herself quite nicely while the lessons were going on!

Things were just a little rocky at times!  But she concentrated and hung in there!!

Pop offered lots of encouragement and held on tight!

Lillian also offered lots of encouragement!!

And walked through every mud puddle around!

The afternoon session was held in our neighborhood!



Little Bit and I are always close by cheering her on!

Before long, she was zooming by in just a blur!!!!

Ride on Sweet Girl!!!!

Cousin Day

Maddie loves (I mean REALLY loves) cousin days.  She had anxiously counted down the days until finally the big day arrived.  She woke up around 6:45 that morning, and the first thing she said was, "How much longer before they get here?"  When I told her it would be a few hours, she said that she'd just go back to bed until they arrived!! Actually, she popped right up, and she was sitting at the front door waiting as they arrived!

Precious Riley was definitely the star of the show!!  What a doll!!

Cousins are everywhere!!  (We missed Charley and Josey-they were at the beach.)

Lillian had lots of fun, too! 

Maddie loved hanging with the big kids.  She has always loved Cade!

These guys love a good ballgame!

 

 

 

 

Anna got to be quarterback for a little while!



Those cheeks were made for squeezing!  Kris always seems to make her way to the babies!!

Good times!

Even Maybelle got in on the fun!

Nothing like a good chicken fight!!  I'm never sure who wins these things.  I am also amazed that no one ever seems to get hurt!!

Maddie hung with the big kids quite nicely!! She is swimming like a fish now!

Sweet, sweet guys (and girl)!!

Somehow, Wyatt managed to squeeze himself through that little ring!

Maddie spent a lot of time simply watching everyone with this precious smile!

We plan on having lots more cousin days this summer!  There's nothing quite like family time! I can't wait until the next visit!

Almost Too Much Fun

We were able to celebrate sweet Lilian's birthday doing two of her favorite things-attending Frozen and Chuck E Cheese!  (All in one day!!)  We just happened to arrive at the BJCC at the same time as Lindsey and Josh, and they parked right behind us!  Perfect timing!  Lillian has been super excited about her birthday.  She has been telling people all month that it's her birthday!  Please don't tell her that her actual birthday is not until the 31st!!  Because we all know that once you blow out the candles and open the presents, it's official!!


Lindsey and her super organized self had a picnic ready for the babies to enjoy on the streets of Birmingham before went in to the show.

There was also time for a little snuggling and a little exploring on the sidewalk!  Baby Reed was sporting some new shoes that he wasn't too sure about at first. 

And then just like magic, Princess Anna and Princess Elsa appeared and we headed into the show!

Uncle C and Aunt Tay joined us for the show!

Disney does know how to put on a show!!

 

We were all excited to have our pictures made with the princesses afterward.  However, Princess Anna quickly tired of it!!




Uncle C and Aunt Tay headed south for the weekend, and the rest of the gang headed across town to Chuck E. Cheese.

Happy Birthday to you, sweet girl!!

See if you can tell which one loved the cupcakes and which one didn't!!

Time for presents!!  And for the record, she got her 2 dinosaurs and some balls!!

This angel got to be friends with Bob the Builder!

 

 

Games, rides, Chuck E. himself, and lots and lots of tickets!  What more could you ask for??

Simply a perfect day, and perfect birthday!!  We love you sweet girl!!

Sweet Summertime

I know it's not officially summer yet, but when the babies jump in and start swimming-it's close enough for me!!  The memories of all the hard work on putting in the new liner faded away with their sweet smiles!!  (At least for me- Pop might feel a little different!!)

Maddie didn't miss a beat!  She took up right where she left off last summer.  Little Bit warmed up to it slowly, and really improved in just a short amount of time!

Popsicles are the perfect snack after a fun time swimming!

This sweet thing enjoyed himself!!  Papa's lap was a perfect place for a nap!

Best Big Sister Ever!!

The box was once again a huge hit!!  I think in the future we're just going to give them big cardboard boxes for presents.  And on that note, Lillian's birthday is coming up.  When I asked her what she wanted Nana and Pop to give her, she thought for a moment and then said, "Chicken nuggets, 2 dinosaurs and some balls."  I think we can handle that!

Lillian accidentally got  still and took quite a long nap on the swing.  Fun times in the box continued for the other two!

Hi there Maybelle, you beautiful dog!!

Pop and Maddie wanted to practice T-ball, so the little ones and I hung out at the park for a while!  (Hairstyle courtesy of pool water and Nana forgetting to comb it!  Details!!)

No smiles, but I think he liked it!!

There was a lot of serious practicing going on at the field!!  Look out all-stars-here we come!!

While at the park, Uncle C and Aunt Taylor arrive, so we hurry home to see them!

So much fun!!

This little man just goes with the flow!!  I was talking to his mom on the phone as the girls were swimming.  About 35 seconds after I told her that we weren't going to put him the pool, Pop decided that Reed needed to try it out.

Clothes and all!  First, he put him in the girls pink boat.  Pop said that just wouldn't do!!

We are gradually adding more blue to our pink collection!! Reed didn't dislike the pool, but he didn't seem too thrilled, either!

Lots and lots of fun!

It's going to be a great summer!!