soccer

The difference in Madeline from her first soccer class to now is incredible.  For the first 2 classes, I did most of the class with her because she couldn't do it by herself.  It was scary and she was so shy.  But, now when we go to class, she barely even says bye to me and heads out on the field to get ready for soccer.  They always start the class with stretching and a little warm up.  

And then every week they work on a different skill.  The first few classes were dribbling, then they moved on to trapping, and now they are working on kicking.  They do so many fun games and activities.  No wonder Madeline loves it so much.  

She kicked her ball right into the goal.  

There is one other girl in her class.  Madeline picked up her ball and moved it right next to the other girl while they were waiting for instructions from Coach Jill.  It was pretty cute.  We also found out last week that Andrew and her daddy both work at the same place.  Small world.  

Showing off their super duper fast shoes.  

 They needed them so they could play catch the coach.  This is usually the last game of the class.  

Coach Jill eventually gets caught.  

 They always end class with a high five...

and hug from Coach Jill.  I don't know if it is this class or that she is just maturing.  But, Madeline has grown so much over the past few months.  She is happy to talk to strangers, doesn't cry when we leave her and certainly looks forward to her soccer class each week.  It's been fun to see her maturing.  

And during Madeline's class, Oliver usually eats whatever snack we have on hand, practices his dribbling skills, takes all the corner flags down and plays with the extra cones that Coach jill brings along.  It's fun for the whole family!

Morning Snuggles

Madeline and Oliver both love to snuggle up when they wake up in the mornings.  We usually all snuggle on the couch and watch some cartoons before we get started with the day.  It's getting hard to hold both of them on my lap anymore since baby girl is getting bigger.  So, sometimes they are happy to just snuggle together with their blankets and drinks while I get breakfast ready.  I don't think any of us are really morning people.  It takes a little while for us to get going.  But, that's ok.  As long as we are all that way, right? 

Rain, Rain, Come again...

Madeline has no issues with a rainy day.  She loves all of her rain gear.  Even if she sees a hint of a dark cloud, she wants to be prepared with her umbrella and boots.  

 She wanted me to take a picture of her and Oliver in their rain gear.  

Easter Egg Playdate

During the week after Easter, our MOPS group had an Easter Playdate.  Trisha put it all together with a story, egg hunt, cupcake decorating, coloring and a boo boo bunny craft.  I think there were over 400 eggs.  That's a lot of eggs to stuff with candy.  

Oliver now knows what comes in an easter egg.  

I love how Madeline is trying to be a sweet big sister and give him a kiss while Oliver is checking out her stash.

I love these 2 kiddos.  

After we searched for eggs, we went inside to decorate some cupcakes.  We never made it to the other stations.  But, we still had a blast.  We love our MOPS group and have so much fun with all our friends.  

Circus

Back in April, Nana and Papa (Andrew's parents) took us to the circus.  We went last year and I think this year's was even better.  They had a lot more acrobatics this year which was pretty fun.  And of course, the elephants are always fun to see.  They also had the steel cage with the motorcycles.  I remember that from when I was a child going to the circus.  It's crazy.  They fit 7 motorcycles in that ball.  It starts to make me nervous now.  I must be getting old.  Thanks for a fabulous morning, Nana and Papa!

Easter

We spent Easter down in Roanoke with my family.  My soon-to-be sister in law had a bridal shower that weekend as well.  So, the whole family was in town.  I have absolutely no pictures of the shower because I was making a most fabulous ribbon bouquet for Kanon.  

After church on Sunday, the kids enjoyed the beautiful weather and spent all day outside.  And everyone should have a recorder when they swing.  It's a must.

Oliver wants to ride the trike.  But, his legs just aren't quite long enough yet.  But, he can still pretend.  

Madeline caught a "lightning bug".  I didn't have the heart to tell her it wasn't a lightning bug, but just some other yucky bug that hangs out at Gigi and Pawpaws house. 

Oliver had fun climbing the ladder and going down the slide in the tree fort that Pawpaw built.  

One of Oliver's favorite games right now is to run away.  It's not so fun for mommy.  But, he thinks it's hilarious.  Daddy played this round with him.  

I think this captures his runny perfectly.  He kind of bounces from side to side with his arms flailing about.  I love it.  

Check out his tie.

Then it was time for an Easter egg hunt.  

Oliver didn't really care.  He just waved bye and walked off.  

But, he was happy when he found the candy inside a few of them.  

 Madeline knew exactly what to do this year.  And she knew what was waiting for her inside those eggs.  (Probably because she helped me stuff them.)

Oliver got an orange Skittle.  Can you tell?

 Oliver's stash when all was said and done.  I think Madeline definitely came out the winner.  

Dad so kindly took a picture of our family.  I am so happy that Madeline is moving past the no-picture phase.  She actually enjoys getting her picture taken now and will sometimes ask for me to take it.  

And then, some of our favorite people came over for lunch.  Madeline can't stop talking about sweet Hannah.  She wants to know when she is coming to our house about every 5 minutes.  

Then we put the cameras down to eat some yummy Filet Mignon.  After lunch, the kids played outside until it was dark while the adults enjoyed some conversation.  It was a fabulous Easter Sunday.  Of course, it was most fabulous because we were celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ so that we might have everlasting fellowship with Him.  What a wonderful God we serve!

Trucks and Cars

So, I have been a little MIA from the blog world.  But, I believe I am back.  I have missed blogging about these fabulous kids.  Oliver is now 18 months old and I still haven't taken pictures of him.  But, I think these are fun of him.   It is fun to see the differences in boys and girls.  He likes to get his cars out now and make a vrooming sound for them.  It is probably more of a growly noise.  But, we will take what we can get.  I read somewhere once that boys and girls will both play with cars.  But, boys will make them vroom and have wrecks, while girls will have a mommy car, daddy car and baby car.  So, true.  At least in this family.  It's fun to see Oliver playing with his cars and trucks now.