We had a great weekend with a few friends, their kids, and lot of food. Besides our dinner party Saturday night, most of the weekend was just relaxing by the pool and hanging out with the kids. Today I was sitting on my deck watching the kids play in the backyard. There was a moment where I really appreciated my family and everything I am blessed with. Even my Kia....
Stephen is getting so good at soccer and tries really hard. I was proud of him today. He took a few blows to the body and head trying to get the ball.
Here are some photos of the soccer game, kite flying, playground, and gardening fun we did this weekend.
This post has a link to photos and videos of the event. Enjoy! If you have related photos let me know I would love a copy.
Photo slide show of Melvin and Mary Mock 50th Anniversary.
Lots more photos to come.
We went to visit Caitlyn in Asheville NC a few weeks ago. I got some great nature and kids photos. Caitlyn was not in these....We forgot to take pictures when we were on campus.
We are going to a Duke football game tonight and then camping with the scouts, so more pictures soon.
View my photos
We went to UNC Friday night with the kids to see Paper Hand Puppet Intervention. They are very talented and it was an impressive show. The kids really enjoyed it. Besides by butt hurting I had a great time as well. We saw Kim and Heather from my work as well. I need to post some garden pictures this weekend for Kim....
The kids and I went to the old Durham Ball Park where the Durham Bulls played years ago.
A lot of history at this place, I could feel it as soon as I walked through the gates.
Below are some pictures of the Mascot Olympics. It was a great time!!!!
Caitlyn graduated high school yesterday. It was a nice ceremony conducted mostly by high school students. The valedictorian even mentioned Caitlyn's name. She is a smart kids, I hope she hits the books and does not worry too much about being apart of the "in" crowd. Funny how those people are not the ones you know later on in life or are the ones helping you when the chips are down.
Caitlyn took off to Florida after graduation but will be back in a week. 3 months till she goes to UNC Ashville as a bulldog!
Caitlyns graduation pictures
It was nice to have family come to her graduation. My parents stayed for a few days and visited with us. Stephen and Chloe loved spending time with them. Here are a few pictures of the weekend. We took my parents to the kids soccer and baseball games, Tobacco Warehouse, dinner at Mellow Mushroom, and dancing on the lawn with a cover band. Check out the pictures in the Grandma & Grandpa May 2009 visit. Asher even had a great time!
We have been busy this month. Trips to the hospital for Caitlyn, soccer and baseball games, getting the garden and yard back into shape, and simply keeping up with the kids. It is raining now and I decided to take some time to post an update to the blog.
Stephens self portrait was on display at the mall art show this weekend. He was one of only a few from his grade selected. We enjoyed looking at all the art and Stephen came home with more ideas. He ran to his room and started working.He designed his own shirt later in the day and has worn it for 2 days now...
Just thinking of my grandpa today. He recently died. Sad to say the last time I saw him was Christmas. I guess I let the miles get in between us.
Here is a picture of him and below is a video of him dancing with Chloe last Christmas. That man loved to dance and snack. I only inherited the snacking part...
Post your comment on your favorite memory of granpa, I would love to see them!
Stephen decided for his birthday, he wanted Jazmin to come over for the night and go rock climbing. I was amazed how fearless the young kids were and proud of the older one's who gain courage and decided to try. I was unable to take a lot of pictures because I had to help the kids, but as you can see my butt is not up there.... I am afraid of heights! Maybe next time?
I took the kids on a train ride to Florida for a week to visit my brothers. The kids really enjoyed everyone. But it makes me sad to know they are not close enough to do it more often.
I took some pictures of the trip, check them out.
Pictures of yesterday's shuttle launch from my dads front yard.
When I hear people say they are blessed, it reminds me of someone winning an Emmy and saying "I want to thank God and my family". It all seems superficial.
But, then there are days like today when I realize how lucky I am to have a job, able to take online classes for my masters, and have a wonderful family.
Tonight I was online for my class and could not tuck the kids in. After I logged off from class, my routine usually consists of going into their rooms, covering them up, kissing them, and taking a minute to appreciate how lucky we are to have them in our lives. Yes, even though the house is like a circus and I feel my time with them is all about saying no and yelling...
But tonight I did not see Chloe in her room. She snuck into Stephens room to cuddle and they fell asleep. I took this picture to capture the moment. It's not as cute as the real thing, but will help me remember no matter how much they fight, they love each other.
So now I understand what feeling blessed is like. Now if only I could win an Emmy!
Stephen and I went with the Cub Scouts to the circus. It's been 12 years since I visited the circus. Last time, an elephant slipped on poop and fell to the floor. Kathi and Caitlyn were not to excited I took them and that made it even worse.....
When I was growing up, I wanted to go to clown college and join the circus, I remember being in middle school and wishing I could run away to th circus. As an adult, I could not recall where that passion came from. But, after tonight I know why. It was a great experience.
Stephen yelled, danced, and clapped. I have never seen such a huge smile on his face. When I asked him what he liked best he said "I don't know, it is all awesome". Stephen does not get excited or show pure joy often. I don't know what was better the show or turning to see Stephen about to burst open with excitement. I think that was why I wanted to join the circus as a kid. The power and gift to bring joy to someone for a few hours no matter what their situation is....
The show has change a lot and every bit of it was pure entertainment. I am trying to figure out a way to tell Kathi, I want to change careers :)
On another note, Stephen saved $17 over the past 2 months and took it to the circus. As he shopped for a toy, he realized how expensive it was and told me, he wanted to go to Walmart and buy something because everything was so expensive. I was proud to see at such a young age he is starting to understand the value of money.
Happenings this month:
