Sleepy Girl

It was 5 a.m. when I saw a little face beside my bed.  It was Chloe.  Wide awake and ready to start her day.  I. Think. Not.  I scooted over and let her lay beside me, trying to convince her that sleeping is definitely the better option.  She didn't fall for it.

She did fairly well all morning and didn't show signs of meltdown, so I thought we had a good chance of making it through the rest of the day avoiding a Chloe "episode".

It was noon, so I started getting ready to take her to Preschool.  Her coat was on, the backpack was ready, and I just needed to finish up a couple things before we headed out the door.

I finished up and called to Chloe so that we could go.

No answer.

I walked into the living room to find this.....

5 a.m. - 1      Chloe - 0

Poor baby was so tired!!  

Archery Team

Before Christmas, I posted some pictures of Cody and his new bow.  His school had started an Archery program for gym class and we were told that after the Christmas break a team would be created for competitions.

Christmas break came and went.  When school started back, practice began for all those interested in being a part of the 4th & 5th grade team.  There were so many kids that 4th and 5th graders had to be divided into two different days of practice. 

Three weeks had passed and we were anxiously awaiting word on who would be chosen for the team.  It was announced in practice that if you were chosen, you would get a letter and begin practice for the team this week.  A few days went by and we were getting prepared for the idea that Cody would need to practice a bit more to get ready for the team competitions. 

After school on Friday, he hopped into the car with a little extra bounce in his step.  He says, "Guess what, mom?"  I replied, "What's up, buddy?"  With a whole lot of excitement in his voice he says, "I made the team!!" 

YES!!!!!! 

High fives were given!  A few "thata" boys were said.  Then, we celebrate!!! 

Way to go, Code-man!!!  We are so proud of you!!

Samantha's Art

Samantha loves art.  She enjoys coloring, painting, drawing, clay, weaving and braiding.  Basically, any type of art she can get her hands on.  Right now, she is spending the majority of her time doing pencil sketches.  She has a set of different pencils and a pad of sketch paper that keeps her attention for hours.

From her latest creations, she is concentrating on animals and characters.  Here are a few samples of her character sketches. 

I think she is very talented and I love that art makes her so happy!!

Angry Birds

Cody made these in Art class at school.  The kids have opportunities to work with clay throughout the school year and it's always one of their most favorite things to do.  I think they turned out really great!

Random

Samantha's in the shower.  Chloe is waiting patiently outside the door. 

All I hear is yelling... 

Chloe yells, "Samantha, what should I draw?"

Samantha yells back, "Draw a dog."

Chloe yells, "Okay.  I'm done with that.  What do I draw now?"

Samantha yells back again, "Draw a house."

This continues for Samantha's entire shower. 

I say nothing.

I just take pictures. 

For once, the yelling between the girls isn't fighting. 

I've learned to appreciate the strangest things...

Playing Basketball

Cody's basketball season is well underway.  Actually, we only have one game left before tournaments begin.  It's been a good season.  The team is made up of 3rd and 4th graders.  For many of the boys, this is their first year of playing basketball.  There are lots of new lessons to be learned for all of them.

It's been fun to watch the progress that each of them make each game.  Chad, as the coach, has enjoyed getting to work with the boys and help them learn the fundamentals of the game.  Cody has also loved having his dad coach this season, except for that one practice when Chad made them run lines....  :-)

Cody, 2012

Chad with all of the boys.

Shooting around before the game.

Cody at the free throw line.

Move those feet.

Bringing the ball down.

Cody playing point guard.

Other team shooting free throws.  Cody checking out the score board.

Huddle it up.

Family Time

We had some visitors from Nebraska last weekend.  My dad, mom, grams and niece made the trip and stayed for a few days.  It's always nice to catch up and spend time just hanging out.  The kids loved having their cousin here and they played from sun up to sun down.  Where they get the energy, we'll never know!

Hanging out in the kitchen.

Playing Uno and messin' on the computer.  Grams likes to watch.

These two are so ornery together!!

Chloe and Maddie are painting in their dresses.  (They spend the majority of the weekend playing dress-up)  Love it!!

It's a serious game of Uno.

Grams keeps everyone in line.