Cartwheels and Handstands

Lee's trying out his new baby - his camera, an Olympus E-P1.  He got some really fun shots of Sarah doing cartwheels and handstands in the back yard. 

pretty impressive handstand

Sarah started taking cheer this year, so she's having fun practicing her tumbling while Lee plays with his new camera!

Cooling Off

We've had lots of hot temps over the past few weeks, so we decided to cool off a bit at the splash pad Friday afternoon.

The girls love to huddle up...

and let the water dump right on their heads!

Granna stopped by to see the kids and Harrison came over for a quick kiss.

When we finished up, we had dinner at Huddle House in our swimsuits - well the kids did anyway!  A fun Friday night!

Working Hard

Harrison can write all the letters in his name, but normally doesn't like to write them all in the correct order.  Today he practiced spelling his name the right way! 

Such a big boy!

Harrison's First Day

Harrison started in the 4 year old room at Safe Haven Preschool today and LOVED it!  He said he made friends and was pumped because they got to eat popsicles after they played outside.  His teachers, Ms. Jane, Ms. Rose and Ms. Beth are really sweet too. 

We're so glad Harrison's school year is off to a good start....just like his sisters!

My boy

Harrison and I spent some special time hanging out today, just the two of us, since he starts school next week.  He chose to go to Toys R Us to pick out some new trains and then to the mall for a cookie and a trip to the indoor playground. 

I forgot my camera, so these pictures were taken with my phone...not the best quality.  Regardless, it was a great afternoon with my sweet boy!

Meatballs - Easy and GOOD!

I found this recipe on the Whatever blog (you can see it on my sidebar) and made it for dinner last night.  The kids gobbled it up without complaining and Lee and I liked it too. 

*Heather - it tastes alot like that meatloaf that we love from Son-In-Law's, so I think you and your fam would like it too!

Here it is...

Meatballs
2lbs ground beef
1 sleeve Saltine crackers, crushed
1 T mustard
2 medium onions chopped (we don't do onions, so I skipped this!)
3 eggs slightly beaten
1/4 - 1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

Sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp mustard

Method
Mix all of the meatball ingredients together (you gotta get your hands in it!) and form into 20 large balls.  Place in a 9x13 baking dish and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.  Mix together the sauce ingredients and when the 45 minutes are up, spoon the sauce over meatballs and place back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes. 

Good stuff!

Back to School

The girls started back to school today, so we officially have a 5th grader and two 2nd graders!  Lee talked to Anna Grace and Sarah this evening and they both said they had a great first day of school.  Emma Taylor felt the same way and said her teacher was "the best 2nd grade teacher EVER!"  I'm so happy the school year is off to a good start!

It wouldn't be the first day of school without pictures!

Me and my sweet 2nd grader!

Emma Taylor and Mrs. Crawford

Apparently you get "big" really quick when you start 2nd grade.  I was picking out Emma Taylor's clothes for tomorrow and as I was showing her what I'd picked out she said, "Mommy, that doesn't look very 2nd graderish!"  Guess that outfit will be listed on eBay soon!  :)

Summer's over....

and I'm a little sad.  It really seemed too short this time around.  Well, ready or not, it's time for school to start on Thursday.  The kids all seem ready, especially after meeting their teachers and finding out who their new classmates will be!  Emma Taylor has Mrs. Crawford, Sarah has Mrs. Bryson and Anna Grace has Mr. Marlar.  We're planning on a great year!

Treats for the teacher...

Emma Taylor calling Granna to tell her about her teacher.

Eating a delicious lunch at McDonalds after meeting Mrs. Crawford.

The face I get when she's tired of posing for pictures!

School is more fun with cute backpacks!

Be back with another school report on Thursday.  :)

Hanging with Hanna

Emma Taylor and I have a "date" every year right before school starts when we spend time together and do girl stuff.  This year, since it's the last year Amy and Hanna will live close, we thought it would be great fun to meet them and spend the day in Birmingham together - a double date, so to speak!  We started the day with a trip to Build-A-Bear where the girls picked out matching Yorkies - of course I forgot my camera, so these were taken with my phone. 

The girls had so much fun!  After lunch we went to see Ramona and Beezus, which was a really cute movie!  We finished the day with a trip to The Cheesecake Factory.  Yum!  It's so nice to have family closeby, so we're enjoying it while we can.  Emma Taylor and Hanna have so much fun together - such sweet cousins!