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Daddy swooped in from Arlington for 30 minutes to celebrate before the family had to divide and conquer at lax practice and a Board meeting. So we made the best of it and zipped through presents (complete with Margaret's own scavenger hunt for them) and cake just as fast as we could!
With Matthew's help, testing the scooter after quite a battery journey.
Why can't boys use anything the way they're supposed to!
The kids think I've been a terrible wife for 12 years, each birthday only replacing his motorcycle from his previous life with yet another toy motorcylce of some sort. But this year, Mommy finally came through....sort of.
The kids told me earlier this week, "Mom, PLEASE don't put 44 on Daddy's cake!". No one has ever been happier to see someone reach 43 than I was. Fully distracted, I put 43 on his cake last year, to which he giggled, "Awe, this video is gonna be bittersweet if I don't make it to next year!". Phew. Bullet dodged, praise God!
Ms. Gary always does an AMAZING job with these musicals considering the volume and range of kids with which she works.
Dress Rehearsal - Hummingbird
Strike a Pose!
Margaret's Lines - She had them memorized for weeks, but read off of the teacher's cheat sheet when she saw that that's what everyone else was doing:-( At least her delivery was loud and proud!
Open Gate Farm---nothing like Farmer Bob's schpeal to confirm for little Violet why she's a vegetarian!
I went out on a limb and suggested that the PTO spring for a Dunk Tank for this year's Fun Fair and I'm so thankful to have been able to pull it off! It was absolutely crazy, but the kids LOVED it and the teachers were such good sports, especially Lisa, who was in there 45 minutes!
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Andrew's team had a great basketball season and our enthusiast was probably the leading scorer! While they lost in the championship, we LOVED how the league handled it. After the game, they wheeled out a table of trophies to hand the winners one by one while Andrew's team sat and watched. With no preparation for this scenario at all, Andrew smiled and clapped for each player while other teammates were crying with their heads down or looking around for Mom and their snacks. We could not have been more proud of his response.
VABA Championship Intros
Andrew's Ode to Joy at the church Talent Show
Margaret's "Welcome to the Parade"---well done for the first time in front of an audience. She will play it as a duet with Mrs. Anderson in the recital at PVCC in a few weeks.
Andrew's Random Acts of Kindness at School-Wide Morning Meeting. Third grade "hosted" this meeting, so all third graders were given the opportunity to participate. Andrew was the only kid in his class that chose to write something to share (as opposed to reading the lunch menu or announcing birthdays, etc.). He was also one of the few children that you could actually understand speaking. He's always done great with public speaking (Herb the Gardener, "The 'H' is silent, you know!") and I pray that continues forever!
Happy 50th, Steve! Feliz cumpleaños!
Matthew's rendition of The Wheels on the Bus book...
Apparently I reached hero status with Matthew's Easter present. Best $5 ever spent!
We have no idea.
The best of friends have the best birthday evenings!
And always more fun when the men are along, too.
Vitae Spirits Tour = a fascinating chemistry lesson.
Serving dinner again at the Ronald McDonald House with church friends. The kids now LOVE Hannah and Jonah thanks to our waiting-for-the-quiche-to-cook Uno Tournament.
Lax practice is THAT way...
...no, THAT way!
I was lucky enough to be subbing at preschool when the Charlottesville Ballet came.
It's always amazing how intrigued the kids are.
First Grade Success Night - a success indeed!
She chose a project on Seahorses, for JJ.
FB memories kill me!
Over 90 years old, Warren still shows up for every Talent Show to play his harmonica for the kiddos.
The pledge of allegiance before the Oriels' Opening Day Game on spring break.
Dying eggs with shaving cream??? Let's give it a shot!
Andrew's turn at goalie against STAB. He actually made quite a few saves and enjoyed it! Took me back to 8th grade.
When I strapped on my newborn and took him to Michael's high school lax games in Denver (with Daisy and Molly along as team mascots), I didn't think about the day that they would BOTH be out on the field together. Oh, my heart!
It was so hot waiting in line for their race bibs that Matthew threw up all over me, but he rallied and ran "Little Legs, Hidden Eggs" like a champ!
I think we were in the 2 and under section. Oh well. Get your 10 and let's move on with the day. Parenting box checked---"Did egg hunt for youngest child".
Yes. In our yard. Second one of the season after none (that we've seen) for 7 years. Disgusting. SOOO grateful the kids missed it.
Learning a few things from Granddaddy.
Hasn't anyone taught this kid about a watched pot??
5 cent cone day on Tax Day! Since the big kids get to walk to Kohr Brothers with their school, Mommy has to take Matthew for his cone....straight from the gym....oops!
One never knows with this kid! Apparently he needed Margaret's lax mask to go pick her up from school??
Assuming this of the three nests under our deck is active given the Easter basket grass that Mom is using.
Digging into Andrew's bag at the end of practice...
...and now all dressed up with no place to go:-(
You should see the OTHER guy!
Matthew' class at Open Gate Farm
Margaret's colorful lax crew lead by the UVA team - what awesome encouragement those girls are for our youth.
Mom checking LOTS of boxes in one afternoon...the wine was already chilled.
