The rain cleared and finally, the season began

During the first game of the season, we repeatedly were yelling at the little boys (G & J) to stop hugging and start watching for the ball. But in game 2, it was G who scored the winning goal. He had some pretty mad skills, for a kindergartener. I don't think F scored until he'd been playing several seasons. Regrettably, a few games later we learned we still have some work to do as goalie. Here's to a blossoming soccer career!
I definitely can see the similarity...can't you?

Have you smelled your butt today?

G had his school program tonight (which I have posted all 8 minutes of below, mostly for the grandparents). The last 30 seconds shows the entire grade chanting, "Have I tied my shoes today? Yes, I've tied my shoes today." It's the music teachers' way of showing the children how to bow (I figured you could just tell them to bow, but that is why I am not a school teacher.)G is on the front row in the stripes, next to the girl in the puffy dress.



Once home, while in the bathroom brushing his teeth before bed, we hear G chanting to himself, "Have you smelled your butt today? Yes, I've smelled my butt today." Oh how he laughed--

I guess I am "grateful" he did it as his encore performance...?

I want, I want, I want Charles

Why the "grits" is it so taxing to find a willing, responsible, and available babysitter? If only Charles could be in Charge!

The best vitamin for a Christian: B1

...and other things I learned on our Easter trip to the beach in N.C.
Enjoy my new nuggets of knowledge:

Pacey and Dawson are still alive in the hearts of many (we were in Wilmington, where Dawson's Creek was filmed).

I will always have a like/hate relationship with the beach.

My boys will always have a love/love relationship with it.
Vacationing where we don't have to pay for hotels is awesome (a million thanks Karma & Duane).

Aquarium "hands on" exhibits are the closest thing to "fishing" my kids will ever do.
Easter egg hunts are AWESOME no matter where they are held!

The word "grits" can be substituted for any swear word when you are in the south (try it-) and you can still be considered a lady or a gentleman. (no connection to picture-just a fact I picked up there)
My children are smile-on-demand inept.
And vacations, even mini-ones with lots of driving and little sleeping, are still major blessings!

Spiel des Jahres and other European faves

Last night we taught F how to play Ticket to Ride.Over the past few years, we have been able to teach him several of our favorite European games and Sunday game night is evolving. From the nights when half the University Ward would come over to play anything a group of 2o could play, to good friends breaking bread and playing games until it either work/school schedules beckoned from the early morning, or kids melt downed. Slowly, we are building our own internal team of European gamers.
So if you are looking for something new, here are our favorites (in no order):
(Hand-painted Dubyk version is our favorite, of course)

(Our favorite game to have child cheater rules)

(Our favorite non-preganancy game)

(Our favorite European "girl" game)

(Our favorite anti-clockwise game)

(Our favorite: "How did I end up winning?" game)

(Of the list, probably our least fave, but still a goodie)

(Our favorite we don't actually own)

(Our favorite cumbersome game)

(Our newest favorite that we have owned for years, but never committed to the German instruction novel --Thanks J & S for learning it first!)

So borrow away...

Tempting Fate

To hive, or not to hive: that is the question...

"Livin on the Edge!" (Imagine me saying this in my best Aerosmith voice)