Batter Up!

This Spring we signed Taija up for Tball with the Brandywine Little League.  She was so excited to play and be on the same team as her buddy Reagan.  The first practice/game Taija started off a little apprehensive since Reagan couldn't make it, but after some bribing convincing she agreed to play.  It didn't help that there were some younger boys doing typical boy things - putting there gloves on Taija's head - which she politely asked them to stop, but after them persisting she just LOST it.  It was quite funny to witness because her poor coach had no idea what was going on until Taija just flipped out and started bawling/yelling and ran over to me.  Oh the joys of girls!  But like a good sport she went back to play after the boys apologized and promised not to bug her anymore.  Taija had a great experience playing on her first team sport and was all too excited to tell Luke and Mika the 'correct' way to play Tball.  A special thanks to Stephanie for capturing some of the great moments on and off the field!

All GOOD things must come to an END

Taija has LOVED being in preschool this year.  Although there were several months days during the winter that she begged and begged me not to make her go she really did like to participate and be a part of her class.  Ms. Debbie and Ms. Katie were always shocked when I told them she fought me that morning to go since she did so well during class.  The last few weeks of class each of the students were able to be 'teacher' for the day.  Taija LOVED this activity - any excuse for her to be in charge!  She would come home that day and tell me all about who was listening and the boys she had to put on time-out.  Love my little bossy girl!  Thank you to Ms. Debbie and Ms. Katie for making Taija's first year of school a great experience.  These are some pics from the Spring Concert and her Mother's Day gift to me.

A LONG overdue Visit from AUNTIE KATE

Auntie KATE finally came to VISIT us!  I mean it's been an ENTIRE year!  We were so spoiled while in Florida because Auntie Kate would come visit pretty much quarterly and for LONG periods of time, but alas all good things come to an end - not to mention she got a NEW job that wasn't so lenient on vacation.  We were HAPPY to have her for as long as we could!  Kate has pretty much been a 2nd mom to Luke and Taija (Mika her namesake too) and they were so EXCITED for her to come!!  We didn't do a whole lot while she was here - just relaxed at the house and enjoyed time well spent with our Auntie Kate!

*Note to self - never tell Luke when someone is expecting.  We tried to tell him Auntie Kate has a baby in her tummy and he kept asking her if he could see the baby (which wouldn't be so bad if he didn't try to lift up her shirt to see the baby)!

A DAY to SHARE

This year Justin's birthday landed on Mother's Day - and since he had to work on Saturday we agreed to SHARE the day!!  On Friday Justin came home with 3 beautiful rose plants that were 'from' the kids - they were so EXCITED to help Daddy bring them in from the car and SURPRISE me!  Thanks babe!  On Saturday the kids and I went to the dollar store to find the PERFECT birthday balloons for Daddy.  And of course we made a BIRTHDAY CAKE!  Happy 3-0 to the man of my life!  I wanted to do something extra special for this momentous birthday occasion, but figured since his ideal birthday is spending a quiet day at home with the family I would grant him his wish!  NO surprise parties...this year!

We also spent some time outside getting some of the kiddos excess energy out - AND I may have insisted on a pic with the kids, it being Mother's Day and all!

Thanks for sharing your BIG day with ME!

Wilmington BLUE ROCKS!

Taija's preschool was selling tickets to the Wilmington Blue Rocks - we have been wanting to go for awhile so we figured it was a PERFECT time to go!  We left Mika home to spend some quality time with her daddy and Luke, Taija and I were 'off to the ball game.'  And what a game it was!  We got there a little early so that we could enjoy in some of the festivities.  First up were BALLOON animals!  I usually tell the kids we can't buy them, but since they were free (just a few bucks for a tip) and we were here to enjoy ourselves we splurged!!  The kids were in HEAVEN!  We added some popcorn and a drink to our purchases and were now ready for the game to start.  The seats were right behind home plate so it was fun to see how excited the kids (mostly Luke) were to see the players bat.  We lasted 5 or 6 innings, but alas the time came for us to make our way home!  Until next time...

SMITH Memorial Playground

Thanks to our wonderful BFFs the Itris - we spent a fabulous day at the Smith Memorial Playground in Philly.  It's this cute playground that has 4 or 5 outdoor playgrounds and also an old house converted into rooms with toys for younger kids to enjoy.  The kids had a BLAST running from one playground to the next.  The best part was that it was FREE!  We also went during school hours so as to minimize the crowds (not to mention it is still spring time so the weather was perfect)!

 The slide was a FAVORITE of everyone - the best part was that the kids would RUN up this LONG pathway and slide down on a sack - they LOVED it! Thanks Stephanie for capturing these amazing pics!

 They had a BLAST playing spiderman in this LARGE web

Inside the house Taija was quick to claim the rocking horse!

The basement is set up as a road map (complete with parking spaces and a working stop light) for tricycles

Such a great place that was created in memory of the SMITH family's son - we look forward to venturing back here many more times!

Field TRIP

For preschool Taija has taken a few field trips that require a ride on a BUS!  Taija has LOVED going (once we figured out by packing a little snack in her purse for the ride back she doesn't have a meltdown) on these adventures.  At the beginning of the year I promised her that for one field trip I would find a sitter for the younger two and join her.  And since this would be the LAST field trip of the year I quickly found a sitter (thanks to Abby for being willing to take my little monsters) and took a trip with Taija and her class to the FARM!  It was so much FUN!  Taija's BFF Reagan's mom was able to join us too.  It was interesting to see how Taija interacted with her peers from school.  Love this little girl of mine!

 A special thanks to our wonderful tour guide Miss Joan and Coverdale Farm for such an amazing time on the farm (and to Stephanie for letting me steal some of her pics)!

 Bus ride SELFIES!

 I am so glad I was able to join my little 'goose' on her preschool field trip to the farm - we had so much fun!