Soccer

Zane is really loving soccer right now. He especially likes being the goalie and takes his job pretty seriously when he's out there. He wants to practice at home on the fence and always has so much fun during games. It's so weird watching soccer games where they actually sort of play instead of just chase the ball. He is learning to dribble, stop the ball, shoot, throw it in from out of bounds, etc. Here are some action shots...

 The fans!

 Emmy took this picture of her dog watching the game. She took about 40 pics. :)

 Sweet, happy dude! He was proud of himself and I love that.

We Love our Molly!!

 Last week was our first week taking care of my sweet little niece Molly.  We are now on our 5th day and so far so good. Jord and Ben are both back at work and are both doctors in their 3rd year of residency at different hospitals, so our schedule will always be changing.  Days, week, and months will vary. 
Molly is so darn cute and tiny.  All three of my kids have done pretty well adjusting to having a new little one around.  Smith was really jealous at first and cried when I held her but I feel like has already gotten more used to her. Now he actually laughs at her everytime he sees her or makes a high sound, I think trying to say "baby." He is ROUGH too, so I have to be sure I never let him get his hands on her.  I've been strategically using gates and other things to separate them. Emmy is my biggest helper.  Especially when Zane's at school, she does everything with me.  Zane's super sweet too. 

Here's a few pictures from the first couple of days...
 
Tummy time

Zane was reading books to her.

I took a million pictures of all the kids sitting together.  I love their expressions. :)

Big eyes!

1st Day of Preschool and Dance

 Emmy had two big firsts last week.  These pictures are from her very first day of preschool.  On her first day, I was on my own all morning because Zack had an early meeting and it was also my first day watching little Molly (pics of her to come!) so our morning was a little crazy.
I love this first picture because Emmy is still finishing her breakfast and Smith is still in his pj's and diaper from the night before. LOL.  We did have to get out the door by 7:45 to get Zane to school first, so not too bad I'd say.
 
She wanted to wear her new Rapunzel shirt (her favorite princess) and florescent pink skirt.  She was beside herself with excitement and was soooo happy to be going.  She's been playing "school" at home forever now so it's about time.

 She looks so big in these pictures, I think. 

 She had a great first day.  She just walked right in and started playing, no problem.  I didn't even get emotional - probably because she was super ready and excited to be there.  I also had one baby crying in the stroller and the other trying to get out of it, so was a little bit distracted. :) She did sooo well and I haven't seen her so proud of herself and happy in a while.

 A few days later, Emmy got to go to her first day of dance class.  It's ballet, tap, and jazz all in one.  The first two are pics of her warming up at home (her idea).

 In the brochure, it said tennis shoes are fine and then we got there and almost all the girls had ballet AND tap shoes to change into half way through!!  I felt like the worst mom ever having her in her big tennies, but she didn't care at all.  Not even a little.  Not looking forward to when she's older and cares about stuff like that.  We ordered some for next time.

 She followed every single direction and really worked hard to do her best.  I literally cried because I was so proud of her and she was so dang cute out there giving it her all. (She's on the right).

 My favorite was right in the middle of learning a new dance move, she turned around and yelled, "Mommy, I really need a snack!"  Too cute.

Here's a video of some jazz action...

11 Months

Smith turned 11 months yesterday.  Here's a quick list of things to remember.  He can stand up and take a few steps without holding on.  He's also still cruising around like crazy. He loves to climb - he can climb up our slide and go down on his own.  He gives hugs and kisses.  He repeats sounds and some words. He likes to sit on toys...everything. He throws tantrums.  He always wakes up happy and sweet. I love this guy!

He gets so mad now when someone tries to take something or intrudes on his space.  Look at this face he makes now, and he makes a grunting noise.

 
I like Emmy's face in this one.  She knew she was making Smith mad. 

Sitting on another toy

Sticking his tongue out at me

Playing with his big brother and sister

Cutie pie