Southern Summer

There's nothing quite like a hot Georgia summer.

We started the summer off on a high note and went down to Columbus for Miss Edie's 1st birthday.

Matts had an awesome 11yr old scout camp. Our ward crams all their camps into one week. So, the entire ward pitches in and transports, teaches and wrangles the young women and scouts at their various camps. 

BB's are always a favorite.

Nothing like a fire hose to get the water fight started.

Because I was a Den leader for the week, C got to join in the fun. He loved "tot lot".
*I was feeling crummy one day, so Reed took over. He was AWESOME! and put us all to shame. But, I think he came away for a whole new appreciation and perspective and the wonderful, draining chaos that comes with herding boys. 

G was able to do his first all day tourney-gotta refuel right.

Buddies, on and off the field

Great group of boys, coaches and great first experience into the world of "real" lacrosse and weekend tournaments. 

Our first stop back in Georgia. 

Nothing beats a summer day on the lake. 

Except maybe, shootin' the hooch

With your loyal pooch

First Day of School 2015

Bright and Early, August 10th, the big boys started school. 

Actually, G started nice and early, Matts got to hang out until 8:15. 

Matching brothers on their way to neighboring schools

Mattie boy started Middle School! Lockers, schedules and football. One week in, he's rocking it!

G is solo at Cogburn Woods this year. He's thrilled to be in 3rd grade and have "all the best teachers"

Jups is on drop off and pick up duty. He takes his job very seriously and gives the boys the best welcome after a loooong day at school

Happy Summer!

The land of pintrest has given way to some wonderful ideas. 

Some terrible and some overwhelming, but also, some completely wonderful. 

Our personal favorite: last day of school = water ambush. 

#1

#2

#3

And don't forget...#4

And really don't forget...#5

The Gang

Complete Chaos

My Dream Home

Love, Love, Love these Creek Boys

Music Men

I always tell my boys that they "have music in your blood". I also tell them they HAVE to play piano until they can play any random hymn of my choice at the time of my choice PERFECTLY. Their teacher is a Saint as she patiently pushes past their comment of "I don't even want to be here. I don't even like piano. My Mom makes me do this". Acutally, she doesn't just push past, she applies it to the things they care about most. She's forwarded articles about the impact of music on sports development and continually reminds G that the stronger his fingers get by practicing piano, the stronger they will be for cradling in Lacrosse. She's even found apps and initiated some studio challenges to keep the boys fully engaged. 

She really is the sweetest lady and a wonderfully calming influence on our boys. 

G-Gotta love the satisfied smile that steals across his face as he performs even better than he practices.
*Chimichanga Cha-Cha*

Matts-Pure concentration and some nerves. This boy is so diligent and like to have things just so.
*Andantino*

Graduation

One day I will learn why the photos load sideways. 

Also, one day I will take photos during lifetime milestones

Here in Georgia, the kiddos go to middle school for 6-8th grades. So, today at the rip old age of 11, Mattson graduated from Elementary School. 

Little Brother with Twinning Blue Lips

Mrs. Parham-the perfect teacher to help Matts get ready for Middle School

Creek Boy Buddies

Mattson-It's been a pleasure watching your learn and grow. We are excited to see what you will become "incessed" with next.  

This Little Light of Mine

Little C had his preschool graduation on Thursday. We've decided to keep him home one for year, so luckily it's not the LAST preschool gradation EVER. But, it was pretty darn cute. I especially love living in the South and having our boys attend church preschools during these programs. There's so much love, and goodness and gospel rock that it's hard to come away without a smile.

He wanted to wear his "blizzard" for the special occasion. 

Couldn't keep a straight face for too long.

Blurry, but completely adorable.

Trying to stay quiet while feeling like a rock star (or a country star ?)

Speechless

Matts had bball. So, G was supposed to be my date for the night. 

Luckily, this guy took an early flight home and was able to join. 

G was slightly fussed to miss his special time. But, Reed is a party so he quickly forgave him. 

C's best frenemy from church and school. They are both too strong and too much alike (note the outfits). It's a great thing 95% of the time. Except when it's not. 

Have I mentioned C is going through a naughty stage and constantly testing boundaries?

However, that smile can get him out of almost anything.

As we were driving to the program, Christian kept us entertained with comments such as "This is the best night of our lives" and "I was born to do this". As it often does with him, he mixed some sweetness in by telling us "I like all the songs but I really like This Little Light of Mine I sing it when I'm alone in the dark and it helps me not be so scared". 

Boys Will Be Boys

I have often been told that I'm lucky to have a house of boys because there is so much less drama. While that may be true, we certainly have our fair share.

Matts dressed as Fredrick Douglass for the Wax Museum. We kept things simple; white shirt, khakis, vest and cravatt (be still my Austenian heart). I wanted to gel his hair all crazy, but that would be torture (see below). Matts spent the morning bemoaning the fact that this was going to be the WORST hour of his life! Not because of stage fright, but rather because it was SO UNCOMFORTABLE. Don't worry-he brought a change of clothes to immediately change into. Unfortunately, he forgot his Nikes. Fortunately, Mrs. Parham texted Reed about his crisis. And fortunately, Reed was working from home and is much more sympathetic than I am. 

G at his Author's Tea. Happily, his subject matter was much improved from last year when he did a step by step description of how to booby trap a trip wire attached to a pistol-that was fun to explain to the counselor. He read sweet poems about Reed and I. 

Crazy hair day at school. We started with a master plan involving neon lights. But apparently, hair bands and hairspray are TORTURE!!! 

No drama here-just chaos. Jups likes to drop the boys at school