March Fun

I've been given a hard time for not blogging enough. So, here's a sampling of the fun happenings at the James household lately:
* Carter is now taking piano. Yep, I'm the teacher.
* Caleb is now taking violin. No, I'm not the teacher.
* Steve is in full umpire season.
* Caleb is busy with 3rd grade projects and TAKS prep. He and Carter both love school, which makes my life so easy.
* Brenner has discovered "choo choos." They are his new best friend. They go to bed with him. They go in the car with him. He's pure joy to be around!

The other things keeping us busy that are not pictured:

* Caleb is taking piano and on the swim team (in addition to violin)
* Carter is playing soccer and baseball and swimming- lots of practices and games!
* Brenner is a busy toddler. Always baby talking, getting into things, asking to go outside, annoying Elfy, and just being stinkin' cute.
* Steve not only umpires for NTSO, but is in charge of all 90-something umpires here in HV. He trains and schedules all of them.
* I'm teaching 7 kids piano in my "spare time"
* We are doing LOTS of yard work. Been nonstop planting all around our pool area. I think I've been to 3 different nurseries a total of 10 trips.
* We watch or attend Baylor basketball games as often as possible. We are now done with that until Fall 2011.

So, yes I've neglected my blog. But it's not for lack of wanting to get to it. I guess life has just gotten in the way. ;-)

Brenner's Playgroup

Brenner was born during the summer of 2009 with several of my other friend's babies. We get together monthly for a playgroup. In March I hosted the group. We spent some time in the house, but then ventured down to the pond.

Claire is pulling Brenner and Brystol in the wagon. How cute are these 2? They just cuddled together for the entire wagon ride. They look like they were on a date. Oh, heart be still.

Brenner and Brystol sitting in a tree...

Jacob chose the car for the ride to the pond. He will be Brenner's classmate this fall in the 2 year old room at MDO.

Here's Emily and Jacob. I've known Emily since high school youth group back in Waco. Who would have thought our boys would grow up together in FM/HV? Oh, and Emily is pregnant with #3. Yeah!

Hannah and Ava enjoyed feeding the turtles and fish. In this photo Hannah was 9 months pregnant with #2, but has since given birth to Stella. Yeah!

Angela and baby Addison. Angela and I did the 3Day walk together in 2008. She is also pregnant with #4.

Amanda and baby Brystol- who is now a big sister with the recent adoption of baby Elleigh 2 weeks ago.

We missed a couple of other girls in our group that day. I look forward to seeing Brenner grow up with some buddies!

Lightning Soccer

Carter is in his 5th season of soccer with his team, Lightning. Coach Tim has worked with these boys for a couple of years now and they are finally starting to play like a team! Most of the boys are first graders, so Carter "plays up" for his grade. I think he likes having so many first grade friends at school- it makes him feel cool. Steve and I have become good friends with the parents. The games and practices are something we look forward to. Go Lightning!

Caleb Turns 9!

NINE??!! NINE??!! NINE??!!

How can it be? Seems like yesterday and yet it seems like forever ago.

Caleb had a quiet family birthday celebration. We offered him a party or shopping money equal to what we would spend on a party. He decided for a family trip to the Lego store during spring break. Last night we went to dinner (he chose Chili's) followed by gifts from the brothers and a cookie cake. This morning I took the boys out for donuts for breakfast. Caleb also took 2 dozen donuts to school to share with his class. Then I brought him lunch (he chose McDonald's). After school we had a busy day of violin lesson, soccer game, school fundraiser pick-up, and Steve umpired 2 games. I think he has enjoyed his day.

Almost double digits. Love this boy!
I told Caleb he was born at 8:22pm, so he told everyone today that he was still 8 years old, but would turn 9 tonight. I told him the story that we all waited all day long for him to get here. He was definitely worth the wait.