Running of the Peach (Jr)

This was Judson's 3rd P'tree Jr race and Ansley's 1st.  

To say Ansley was not an eager 'trainer' would be an understatement.

You see, she wants to be "Just Like Judson"

What that really means is

She wants to get to do the things he does

She just doesn't want to put in the effort he puts

But we(Meaning Randy did a lot of coaxing) managed to make it through the training phase

And today was the actual race.

She(and Dad) survived.

 Here are a few pics from the event. 

You can see there were quite a few kids involved.

Boys from Judson's scout group.

Just a few folks.

The 9 year old group.  (Judson's group)

Judson (white cap) is very methodical.  He gets to the back of the pack.

(you can get trampled at the front of the group by over eager runners)

Then he sets out at his pace.  He is very consistent, even methodical.

We laugh/joke because we really don't know if he likes/dislikes running.

We think he does it because, "it's just what you do"

The 7 year old group.  You can see Ansley next to the fence.

I think she enjoyed the race well enough

Just not the training.

We'll see if she does it again next year.

The only requirement is: IF you commit to running the race

YOU have to see it through to the end.

Now the three of them are on an overnight scout camping trip.

Ansley's first.  Let's hope the bugs don't carry her off.

I'm pretty sure she'll like camping better than running.

So Far, So Good

Three days into summer break and all seems to be going smoothly.

(Save one glitch where A decided to defy her momma)

This is what their days have looked like

(except for Sawyer being in front of the TV...no pictures of that)

Hours, upon hours of playing outside!

Very little fighting!

=

Happy Mommy!

They decided riding in the back yard was like trail riding.

(pretty close to correct on that point)

Randy made the swing set to hold 4 swings!

Yes, there are two of them.

Mosquito bites!

Funny thing, not one of the boys has ANY bites.

We have tried EVERYTHING on her.

Schools Out for Summer

Today was 'last day of school' 

for 2011-2012

We will take a few weeks off and then start back up again in July, most likely.

I like starting back in the summer when no one wants to play outside

And the kids start whining and creating chaos

(more than normal)

Then in the fall, we take days here and there for some fun.

It works for us.

For our last day of school,

Judson baked made brownies for a celebration.

The kids helped me plant flowers out front.

Judson dug holes and planted geraniums.

Ansley dug holes and planted petunias.

Sawyer was in charge of fertilizer.

Turner was in charge of covering the plants back up.

I did not take pics at the time because I was the peace keeper.

Then tonight, Randy and the kids are planting the blueberry bushes.

Of course, not to be left behind in anyway

Judson worked on some calculus and trig.

Wouldn't want to get behind before he turns 10!

Happy Mother's Day

On top of this, two boys who call me "Mom" and live in Ethiopia,

wished me a Happy Mother's Day also.

I am one lucky Mom!

Saturday Smiles

Some Days Are Diamonds!

Sawyer, age 7.5

My Favorite Days

The days when there is nothing planned.

Randy gets off work 'early'.

We take the kids outside to play.

We don't get enough of those days and we really should do something about that.

Mr. Serious

Yes, it's 90 degrees and she's wearing 2 shirts and 2 pants.

The True Essence of a Saw-Man

Do NOT let that sweet face fool you.

Pop-Pop's Mini-Me

The Dynamic Duo

Sometimes we do not get out of our pj's

Just Cause

I haven't posted any pics in a while and I have no new ones because I've been busy.  Trying to wind up school and preserve my sanity is about all I can do right now. 

So, I played with a picture I already had.

Happy Monday!

Happy, almost end of school!

Lame Excuse

It's not that I don't want to post.  It's just that I cannot find the cable for Judson's camera.  He went on a hike and took some great pics.  Wish I could show them to you.  Alas, 'the dog ate my home work'.

I will say, that Sunday Randy took Judson, Ansley, and Turner for a hike.  2 miles.

  Turner took a nap when they got home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, it was a good day.

My Kids, The World Travelers

We are always trying to open our children up to different experiences.  So, this spring break we decided to 'travel'.

First Stop:  Jungles and Safari!

 lucky for us, our cousins went with us!

2.  Next Stop, THE PARTHENON!

3.  Yet another stop, Paris!

I bet you're thinking, "I thought the Eiffel Tower was much larger"

(So did I)

4.  That brings us to our last stop, Milan!

Visiting with GiGi.

A Wee Bit Proud

For the past two years, Judson has participated in World Education Days. (http://worldeducationgames.com/)  This year he did really well in all aspects of the contest. He did exceptionally well in World Maths Day.  He was 10th place among US contestants in his age group.  For his efforts, they sent him a certificate and a medal.  We are quite proud of our little man. 

Easter

I just love family holidays.  Holidays when I can go back to my 'home town' and celebrate with family.  Easter is one of those holidays where I try very hard to get back home.  This year was no exception.  Many (but not all of my siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc) were there too.  We went to church.  Had a big dinner.  Hunted eggs.  All the things I remember from my childhood, that hopefully my kids will remember from theirs.

The 10 and under set.

My immediate family (minus about 9 who could not make it)

I know, way cool to have that many in your immediate family, right?

The egg hunters wondering how long I'm going to make them sit there.

After being on the road all day, I have nothing profound to say.

While I had a wonderful time, 

I'm quite happy to be home.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

More pictures to come.