Not my problem!

Yesterday Evelyn was getting into something down the hall - I think probably into the bathroom. I was in the kitchen, so I asked Jack to grab her out. He responded, "She's not mine. She's yours!" Can't argue with that, can you?

Soccer

Jack's big wind up - for a small kick!

Ellie & Jack both played soccer this spring. Neither are really into it much -- so I'll probably regret signing them up for a week long Soccer Camp this summer. My hope is that if they get better, then they'll like it. Who likes doing something you're crappy at?

Ellie did improve this year by not dancing or skipping on the field. She did get one goal that I got to see! She was one of only two girls on her team and the boys kind of hogged the ball. But mostly because the two girls weren't going after it more. So we need to work on excitement and getting after the ball.

Jack's first year this year. He ran a lot - but not normally near the ball. We didn't ever really see him standing around, but we could tell that he was usually being Spiderman or trying to catch bugs around him. We'll give him props for keeping his feet moving though. The first few games the coach would ask if anyone needed a break and Jack would always be the first to ask. So he was sitting out a lot. We told him not to do that anymore and he did better.

Overall, good experience. We are thankful for our Park & Rec program and the parent volunteers. I don't know a lick about soccer - so I'm not much help.

Sisters

Here are some instances where the girls are playing well together. Ellie had them dressed as princesses in the picture above!

Amelia was doing this for quite awhile before the video. She got tired! I love Evelyn's laugh.

Amelia Turns 3!

Amelia Marie with her Princess Cake

She wasn't quite sure what to think when everyone started singing

Amelia turned 3 yesterday - wow! Just 4 years ago this coming weekend I was moving to Huxley. A single mom with 2 little kids. The world on my shoulders and not a clue of what God had in store for me. I was really reflecting on that yesterday. When you think life has you in quite a pickle, it doesn't take long for things to turn around. I knew I wanted to get married again, and I knew that I wanted more kids ... and I am so blessed!

Amelia continues to be our comedian. Her facial expressions, random sentences, and just silliness bring a daily smile to your face. On the other hand, she is a 3-yr old "princess" that gets a little demanding and whiny too!

She plays role of little sister and big sister quite well. She enjoys playing house and dress up with Ellie. Also, playing outside and keeping up with Jack & Ellie around the yard. Jack and her continue to bicker and fight. They have to be separated daily. Her and Evelyn are quite cute though. Evelyn is now trying to keep up with her and they play real cute together.

Amelia is not necessarily a mama or daddy's girl. She's usually wanting the other when that one is gone. She cuddles and warms up nicely to either of us regularly. She's generous with hugs and kisses - and pleases and thank yous. Overall, she seems to be growing up to be a pretty sweet girl.

Busy birds

We've been fighting with some black birds trying to make our grill their home. At first we had left the grill cover off and so we felt, rightfully so, that it was our fault when we found a few twigs and sticks in there. We were smarter and put the grill cover on.

Awhile later, probably about 4-5 days ... we come back to find THIS! Busy, busy birds that had flew under the grill cover and up the side to the small holes to build this monstrous nest! I can't believe how many trips they made under the cover. These birds totally get an A+ for hard work!

I felt really bad taking it out and burning it. Luckily no eggs had been laid in it yet.

Next step - aluminum foil the holes. NOPE! New nest started again! When will these birds find a new place to call home?

Last step - duct tape the holes. Yep.

Evelyn Walks!

Yes - finally at 15+ months, the child has decided to walk! It's been a very gradual process. No marked day of when it happened. Day by day, step by step - she finally decided it was better than crawling. The picture above is the wind blowing her hair - and snot running out her nose!