Most Improved Player!

Check out the determination! Matthew's eyes are on the ball!

We had a great second game. The boys have already improved, and the season has just begun! First game Matthew hit the ball, but didn't run. This game he not only hit the ball, but was also one of the fastest runners! He had plenty of practice too because he hit 2 or 3 foul balls first... and ran each time! I was so proud of him! He also fielded a ball in the outfield and threw it in as fast as he could. At the end of the game the coach gave a pep talk about how well they did. He talked about Matthew saying if he could go from not running last week to being the fastest, he expected great improvement out of the rest of them too. It sounded better than that, but the gist was Matthew did a fantastic job!

Austin is the lead hitter, so he gets to hit twice. He made it to first both times and all the way around! He scored two runs! He also replaced a boy for one inning on second base. In that inning he was hit one ball and was able to stop it!
The boys had great fan support this game. Mom, dad, Maggie, Nana, Pap, Uncle Jason, Cassie, Thomas, my Uncle Harley, Kimmie, Laurie, James, and Brittany!

Go Austin and Matthew! Go Mets! Our next game is Wednesday.

Spring Favorites!

We had a fantastic weekend. Very busy of course, but full of fun and sun! We started Saturday morning watching Caleb and Anna. When Amy returned we decided to take all five kids to Keeneland. All in all, they had fun. However, hindsight is 20/20. We should have never taken five kids to Keeneland on such a beautiful day (and it was Stakes? day). Keeneland was too crowed for us to have the kids. The boys worked their way up front; which was great. They enjoyed picking out their favorite horse either by number, name, or color. They yelled each race as the horses ran by. Of course they didn't really like 25 minutes of down time and then a 2 minute race.

After getting home after 4 from Keeneland, we headed to Life Group at 5. This was one of my favorite LG nights. It was so pretty outside, and the kids had a blast together. The boys left talking about how much they like life group. The kids are a great age to play together, and we adults love talking too. LG was at Lennie and Brad's house this time. Her backyard goes down a huge hill (perfect for rolling) to a creek (perfect for duck feeding). Logan brought his duck caller, so the ducks were the best entertainment for the kids. After eating and playing we went to Dogwood Park to finish the night.

Madelyn is such a great little momma. After rolling down the hill, Maggie couldn't get up. Madelyn helped her up the hill, got a comb out of her purse, and combed all the grass out of her hair. It was too cute!

All eleven of the LG kids..... we started LG with 5!

Lennie and Ava

Sunday we celebrated Mom's Birthday. The biggest surprise of all was Pa-Paw coming to the party!!! None of us expected him to be there. He hasn't been out of the house in months! It was a wonderful surprise. The family enjoyed eating together, playing t-ball, and corn hole.


Tonight the boys had their first t-ball game. Bless their hearts...... they just don't know what to do! Austin was the lead hitter. I don't know why he was chosen... he didn't know what to do. After hitting the ball (success #1), he ran to 1st (success #2). However, the strong hitter behind him, lapped him because he wasn't running fast enough. So, the boy behind him was tagged out. For some reason, Austin was not. He ended up making the first score of the game! When it was Matthew's turn to hit, he got up there, got ready, and hit the ball well! But..... never ran to 1st! He stood there and watched the entire play! With coach and everyone yelling, he didn't move. We worked on this yesterday at practice, but he just didn't get it. They got crushed (14-3 maybe??). Oh well, we have plenty of games. And, as Jason reminds me..... it's T-ball!

Sister watching bubba Austin bat

Go METS!

Happy Easter!

We had a wonderful Easter this year. The weather was gorgeous and the kids had a great time. We met my brother, Cassie, Thomas, and my parents at church for the 10:00 service. Then, we tried to take some family photos at mom and dad's before changing. Dad's side of the family gets together every Easter at my Uncle Vernon's farm. We ate, hunted eggs, played cornhole, practiced throwing and catching, and shot bb guns. We stayed there all afternoon. It was nice being outdoors with family.

On this computer I can't change the position of the pictures, so the day will be backwards- starting with the egg hunt.

Pap and Maggie

The kids filled their baskets to the top!

Uncle Jason with the boys

Maggie finding an egg

My baby boy looks huge in this picture!

After church we took a few family photos at Mom and Dad's

Can you all just sit still and smile for the camera?

Mom, Dad, Jason, Cassie, Thomas, and us

The crew dressed up in their Easter Sunday best!

Austin showing Maggie the pretty flowers

Still Here

The day is winding down quickly and so is the week. I have been a little more stressed today. I think it is a combination of things but primarily it comes down to thinking about work too much. It's not that I usually have a problem with this but the speed with which I am stepping into a new role and the amount of decisions/projects to complete in a short time frame is daunting. Still no real reason to be stressed. Just missing Becky even though I doubt she could tell that from our short conversation tonight. There were a few things going on here at the same time and I was distracted and a little curt.

The Kids had a great time today. I think my father may have more energy than me. He took the kids out for breakfast and let them play at McD's all morning then took them to the park then took them back out for lunch. It was a great relief to me knowing that he was watching them. Tomorrow back to school. Matthew never ran a fever here and has been full speed all day long. Whatever it was went away.

Speaking of my father, One of his best friends Joe lost his wife yesterday to illness. In fact Beverly if you are reading this you may want to tell Glen. I know he is good friends with Joe Swafford.

Becky returns late tomorrow night. In fact it may be after midnight. I was hoping for my sister Aprile to be able to come over while I picked up Becky but it didn't work out with the funeral and visitation beginning early on Saturday in London. So I am not sure what to do with the kids. I didn't really want to take them to the airport with me but I may not have a choice. I know what Becky wants is all three kids waiting for her but I think it would be better if they slept. Being as the airport is only about 10 minutes away.

I have really enjoyed the time with the kids this week, especially with Maggie. She and I don't get as much time to bond with mom around. So it has been really neat to have her all to myself for a whole week. I think she will be a baby to us for a long long time. The boys took another shower tonight. It couldn't be easier. They have gotten so big and can take care of themselves in many ways. Debbie, Clyde, Amy and Becky travel safely we miss you and need you back. Becky we have plans Saturday at noon at Aunt Chris'.

Returning soon

This is my last post before returning home. We have had a wonderful day here in exciting Madrid. As it is Semana Santa (Holy Week, week before Easter) the streets are packed. Madrid’s energy is different from Barcelona and Toledo’s. It is much more Spanish. We spent the day walking the streets, sitting in Retiro Park, shopping, and dining. I can’t believe the week is over, but I anxiously await seeing my family. We are getting ready to go to dinner. Then, we’ll probably come back and pack, and then go back out for a couple of tapas. We won’t stay out late as we have a 3:30 am wake up call. I will be traveling for 24 hours. Please pray for safety and sleep. I wasn’t able to sleep on the plane well on the way over.

Daddy, Austin, Matthew, and Maggie, Mommy can’t wait to see you! I’m going to give you hugs and lots of kisses. I’ll probably wake you up at midnight too! I love you!!