St Patricks Day 2012

Well, this is my first time ever celebrating St Patricks Day.  I have worn green but that was the extent of it.  Here this day is celebrated all week.  People are in green for days before!  I must admit I even wore green on the 16th and 17th:) Caden was out of school on the 16th for a "teacher's planning day" but I really think it is just an excuse (not complaining though). 

We initially said we would stay clear of Savannah on this weekend.  We have heard it gets crazy!  It is said to be one of the biggest St Patty's celebrations in the states.  Jason was told that the parade was family friendly so I really wanted to give it a shot.  I mean we are this close.... why not.  Not to mention I just needed something to look forward to.  Jason humored me and started coming up with a "plan".  We ended up with many plans getting scratched but it all worked out.  Yes, we got up at 5:45 am and left our house at 6:15!!  When we got there chairs and tents were all up and down the roads. Our goal was to be on the front near the beginning of the parade (so we could head out of town as soon as it passed us and before the rest of the crowds) and hopefully in a shade.  We succeeded at it all except the shade part.  If we do it again then a shade will be a must! Jason dropped me off with our chairs to secure a spot while he went to find parking.  After driving around a bit he dropped the boys back off with me and went hunting for parking again... result = 8 blocks away.  It wasn't a bad walk though and luckily the boys and I only had to do it when leaving. 

We had snacks packed and leapsters and my ipod games:)  We ended up near a little 5 year old boy and that was great because the 3 of them entertained each other.  Blake had the hardest time understanding why we were waiting so long for this parade to start.  I knew we were asking for trouble by getting them up so early but I put on some extra patience and we dealt with it. 

The parade wasn't what I had expected.  I guess I expected more excitement or entertainment.  There were a lot of "big wigs" I guess dressed in green suits and dresses walking behind nice cars with signs like " 1981 Grand Marshall" etc.... It would be the grand marshall and all of their family.  They didn't throw out candy or beads.... Caden was disappointed in that.  So all in all I am glad we did it.  It was a good experience. However, I am not sure if I would do it again.... unless we just don't have anything else to do.  I am very glad Jason humored me though and let us go.... just so I could say I did:) You can view the pictures we took in our St Patricks Day album.

Going Green

I provided the special snack for Caden's class on the Thursday before St Patrick's Day. (they were out of school on Friday the 16th.... for "teacher's planning day" but really I think it is just for St Patty's). I often want to be creative and I think about it in advance and end up running out of time or just not being able to come up with anything.  I knew if nothing else worked I could always go to Kroger or Publix and buy the "festive" cookies or cupcakes they make.  What did I come up with??   GREEN Chocolate chip cookies!!  It was fun and Caden liked them:) I also made baggies for each of the kids and put Lucky Charms cereal in the bags. 

So I know for my ultra creative friends out there this is pretty small, but I was pretty proud I found the motivation and executed:)

Mega Track... AKA Child Care!

Blake started asking Jason to pull out the Geo Tracks.  We hadn't gotten any of them out since we moved.  Jason of course has to go LARGE!  I am not complaining.... they love it!!  We have managed to acquire the majority of our track from Yard Sales and Craigs List.  I would love to hang onto this set but even broken down and in bins it takes up a lot of room.  It is one of those things that is great to leave out for a while and then put it away.... when you bring it out again it is like a new toy. 

We had a shrimp boil that night with our neighbors and the kids loved the track!!  It occupied a lot of their time.  I cannot believe I didn't get a picture of our wonderful shrimp boil!!  It sure was good!

So I guess I should be honest and say that yes, when the kids are asleep the grown ups "may" play.....

Really I was "organizing" the trains and Jason had to re-engineer (if that is a word) the track so that hopefully it would decrease the amount of "conflict" that can sometimes arise with so many playing at once :)! 

Thing 1

Somehow I failed to post a picture of Caden on Dr Suess's birthday.  They had favorite story book character day.  I had no idea what to suggest for him...luckily he liked the Thing 1 idea.  I think it was the idea of being able to have blue hair. 

Caden's Ball

Today was time for Caden's first ball practice.  Gone are our leisure Saturday mornings for a while:)  I failed to get a picture of Caden right before practice with him posed....I assure you his excitement wouldn't have been as evident as Blake's.  I think he was excited but he just doesn't show it.  Here he is just waiting for the ball to come his way (I think he was getting bored)...

They were all eager to find out what they were going to do next....

Practicing running to first base and actually touching the base...

Practicing throwing and catching the ball....

What they all really hoped to be able to do....bat!  Caden's team is a cross between machine pitch and T-ball.  They have a machine that pitches it slower but none of them were able to hit it with that so they ended up just giving everyone a chance to hit off the T.

I think he had fun. He did say it was a little boring but he would give it more time:)  Caden is an action packed, fast paced kind of guy:).  I would say the first practice was a success though. 

Blake had his second practice after Caden's. (of course Caden's wasn't totally done and they are at different fields so it does require both Jason and I driving...luckily there are only a few that totally overlap).  Blake was still pretty excited.  Today he got to bat!! I didn't get his face but I assure you he was grinning:)

I hope they stay this eager...I know they will get bored (they did a little bit today) after a month of practices.  It is fun to watch though and I am glad they have this opportunity!

Be Born In Me

I heard this song a while back and saved it...so glad I did!  The words really hit home with me!