What Goes on Around Here

It has rained for almost the entirety of spring, EXCEPT for on these particular days when I took pictures of what goes on around here.

Reading books.

(Must have been very interesting)

Posing for pictures

Brunching with Aunt Nancy

Sleepovers with cousins

Making pancakes

Playdates with Coopy Coop.

Starting up a band and writing lyrics (Jacob, Owen, neighbors, anyone else who wants to join and plays an instrument...anyone?)

Playing soccer and baseball

And loads of videos that perhaps only a mother could love, but I present to you the "Shermantics in Action" portion of today's post, watch at your own risk of falling asleep...

Complete Chaos:  https://goo.gl/photos/zQtcp1dspCKCAY1S9

Dancy Party: https://goo.gl/photos/bxzEmKt6W7cWF8Cw6

Walking with Baby: https://goo.gl/photos/SxNCjbZUrj193apv7

So strong: https://goo.gl/photos/yi36PSbxeGAmroMm9

Owen hits the ball: https://goo.gl/photos/N4Qb1wgy8Qd4XEpGA

And again: https://goo.gl/photos/kX3LXmaUd3fvkdP48

Jacob at baseball: https://goo.gl/photos/66NYf2amdv2aqWcL6

And for posterity:

At 17 months old, a list of words that come to mind that Amelia says these days: backpack, heavy, buckle, baby, paz (for pacifier), lovey, help, open, up, doggy (for just about any animal), book; and her tricks include making a sad face (I'll try to get it on camera), surprised face, doing a high five, a fist bump, and a belly bump (if you're up for showing off your belly too). 

At 5, almost 6, years old Owen is keeping up with the older kids he often hangs out with (Jacob, neighbors). He is quite coordinated but says he only wants to do sports teams because of the snacks afterwards. He has loved being a kindergartner and is reading well and writing even better. He's a bit of an enigma with his interests, as they change frequently, but he steadfastly loves collecting baseball cards and Pokemon cards, and of all the Nationals players his favorite is Michael Taylor and no one can sway him on that. He likes chess, and solitaire and puzzles and reading the comics. And he's turning SIX in less than a month.  

Jacob at 7, almost 8, is as curious, determined, and genial as ever. I listened to him carry on a real, informed conversation (about sports) with one of Mike's friends the other day and was amazed at how mature he seemed. He's genuinely interested in people which is really refreshing to be around. He says second grade is a challenge, but he seems to be doing okay. He wants to be great at basketball and baseball and he spends countless hours outside working on that goal. He's been reading interesting stories about history and spends a lot of time put together pages and pages of notes with drawings which he loves to show off. He collects baseball cards, loves Bryce Harper (among many others athletes), and can't get enough of playing with his dad. And this summer, he turns EIGHT. 

stream of consciousness

too. many. pictures. will. be. succinct.

missing one of our front teeth.

puddle jumping. timid at first. looked at me like i was crazy. had to show her what to do. interesting.

morning news.

rare bath time together.

baseball season has begun (Owen bottom left)

mom/memaw says i used to sleep like this too. 

these moments with amelia's friend abby make me laugh.

and then there are the priceless moments with cooper lou.

classic owen: he goes to an event at school where they wrote his name out in thai for him. next day he takes the index card with him to school, few days later all his recent schoolwork comes home and he's written his name in thai characters at the top (with no translation for the teacher).

lots of down time together with all these sports and practices. timid with rain puddles, not so much with slides.

that's all.