Don’t make that, “Who, me?” face at me.  What about if I make this face…

Now will you love me forever?

Still not sure, huh?  Well, what if I make this face…

How can you resist that one?

I can see you’re still on the fence about it.  What if I told you I’d love you forever and ever and that you’re the perfect person for me…and that I promise to make sure you always have clean underwear as long as we both shall live? 

I knew the underwear thing would do it.  Happy number nine babe.

August 2007 – we sure will be missing these sweet friends when they go to kindergarten Monday!

Last night we wrapped up our first season of organized sports and it really was a great experience for all of us.  Clay ended up serving as the unofficial assistant coach/boy wrangler/attention getter/ball chaser, Rachel loved just running around the field, Ethan’s favorite was getting to hit the ball with the new bat Mimi bought him, and I really just liked being at the field every Monday night with hundreds of other parents who were supporting their children and getting outdoors.  I think we hear so many stories of parents mistreating their children or how our society is in a rapid downward spiral that it’s easy to forget how many good people and good families are out there trying to raise their children to be productive members of society.   It was fun going to the Y every week and seeing all of the lawn chairs and younger siblings running around and seeing parents cheering on their kids – no matter how talented or awkward they may be.   Oh, back to the tight pants and tucked shirts – Ethan has informed me that he doesn’t want to play t-ball again because he did NOT like tucking in his shirt or wearing pants (we “discussed” this every.Monday.afternoon)…he wants to play soccer because he gets to wear shorts.  Let’s just hope Poppa isn’t his coach because tucked-in shirts were a MUST if you were on Chris Parker’s soccer team growing up (love you, Dad!).   I still don’t think E gets the point of baseball or even the rules, but we were proud of him for being a good teammate and for following directions and working hard.  I’m sure this is just the beginning of our sports activities…bring it on!

Like father, like son

Mimi brought Ethan a bat, ball, and stand

Fan club

And Rachel proved that a girl can never be too dressed up for t-ball

We’ve been quite busy lately hanging out with friends and trying to squeeze in a few more fun summer things before it’s too late – and before several of Ethan’s friends start school.

At the 1964 concert with Danny & Anna

Rachel and Kate playing in the bathtub

At McDonald’s with friends from school

Hawaiian Falls with Jack & Josie

Playing with Addi & Libby

At Six Flags with Lauryn & Allie

Swimming with Caleb & Kelly

Dinner with the Schneiders and Pilgrims

At the jump house with the Jones’ and Dyers

August 1999 – at Bryan’s graduation dinner and on our way to Josh & Sheridan’s wedding.  I had just flown in from spending a month in Siberia where I ate nothing but cabbage and mystery meat, and Clay had spent the entire summer in the sun working at Camp Balcones Springs. 

A year or so ago the ladies at church were really good about getting together once a month to play pokeeno.  I’m not sure why we stopped, but  I was ready to play again so I just put it in the church bulletin that it was at my house last Tuesday night…and they came!  Even though we were packed like sardines in our little living room, and even though Kelly stole the only gift I won, and even though Clay was entertaining the kids in our bedroom, we had a great time.  So, have a game night everyone (if nothing else it’s a great motivation to get your house clean)!

Just for a good laugh (if the laughter doesn’t make you smile, then Rachel’s hair should do the trick)…