State Fair 2008

Every year we go to the State Fair, and our kids just love it! This year was the first year that we have not gone with all of the cousins. It lacked a little spark, but they seemed to have fun anyway. Mom and Dad did end up coming out there so they had fun with them. They rode everything they possibly could several times. It really wasn't a problem because we were there for 8 (EIGHT) hours. Tim and I were so exhausted that we could hardly stand up, but those two knuckleheads still protested when we were leaving. Here are some fun pictures of them enjoying their day. These little people know how to have some fun!

Brock looked like this because....

He wasn't big enough to do this...

How does a 5 year old learn to trash talk?

So Saturday at Brock's game I realized that my son can trash talk like a pro! I have to say, I am waffling back and forth from horrified to amazed to sort of proud! What kind of mom am I? (But it was pretty funny!) Seriously though, if you just look at him doesn't he look sweet? Apparently not on the soccer fields! The competitive monster has been stirred! I just don't know where he gets it...well maybe I do. Although I don't remember ever asking anyone if (I believe it went) "Are you ready to lose suckah?" while pointing at him with both hands. Like I said part horrific, part hilarious. Oh Brocky!

Fun Times

This week has had some very fun things. Monday started off on a good note because Claire was chosen as the Character Kid for her class. This is a big honor at Baker to be chosen for this. Each week one kid from each class is chosen. Their pictures are on the board in the hallway and their names are announced on Baker Broadcast. She was so thrilled, and we were so proud!

On Thursday, Brock and 97 other kindergartners and most of their parents went to the zoo. The zoo was fun, but I have never been that much of a zoo lover. Although, LR zoo must be given major credit, because even in the last two years that have made some amazing changes. The habitats look so much more natural and pleasant for the animals. The bears are still a little cramped, but I don't really want them having an opportunity to get out either. Anyway, the kids enjoyed it, especially loved it when the Rhino peed while we were watching. It looked more like a water hose to be quite honest. Here are a few snapshots from the zoo and riding the bus (one of his first times to ride!).

When we left the zoo, one of the kindergarten teachers (Reid's teacher) had arranged for us to go to War Memorial Stadium to eat our lunch. This was sooooo much fun! The kids ate their lunch and then were allowed to get on the field and play for what seemed like hours. It was really neat for the kids (and the big kids too). I had taken Brock to his 1st Razorback game a few weeks ago, so he was so excited to be on the field where DJ had played. He and Reid ran their little legs off. I never thought that Brock would have a defensive future, but after watching him tackle every boy out there (no matter how big), I am beginning to change my mind. He doesn't really seem interested in catching or throwing, just tackling. Anyway, we had a great time, and those kids were worn out. More than one fell asleep on the way back to school. Before we left the field, I had all 5 kindergarten classes in the shape of a B (for Baker) at midfield and took their picture. It will be a great year book picture. I couldn't believe how cooperative 98 kindergartners were. Anyway, it was a great day.

Always clowning!

Hey, a mom can dream!

Back on Track!

Whew, I think I am finally getting into a good spot now. The first of the school year was such a whirlwind and so many new things to learn, for me not the kids. I feel like I have learned so much about delegating and figuring out what has to be done. I think next year will be much easier since I will have a clue of what is coming at me. Anyway, the kids and Tim have been great about taking a back seat of sorts. During the last month & a half here are some of the things that have been happening in the Ballard household...

Claire had an American Hero report on Squanto. She did fantastic! We were so proud of her and how composed she was in front of all those people. I guess I should tell you that she stood in front of her whole class of 25 kids, most of their parents and even some grandparents to give this report. That would be intimidating to most adults, much less a little girl who just turned 8! She has also started taking a gymnastics class and is loving going to that. She is in a class with 2 little girls that she knows and so that makes it even more fun.

She was so nervous!

She talked so softly that the video didn't pick up much, but she did great!

Mrs. Maple held her poster for her & was there for moral support.

Brock started soccer for the first time and is doing amazing. He loves soccer! He and Reid Bowman are in the same league which makes life wonderful. There are 2 little girls there from Baker also, so that gives him a few of the ladies to show out for, and Brock loves the ladies! The first week he did fine, but it wasn't until about halfway through that he realized he was not only allowed, but encouraged, to take the ball from the other team. Once he figured that out he was on a mission. The 2nd week he and Reid played on different fields, which was a bummer. The 2nd week he had the concept down and had 3 goals, most of them on fast breaks. He fascinates me with his ball control since he has just started playing. He would have had 2 or 3 more if the goal was about 2 inches wider. After his first goal of the day, he turned and looked at me and said "Mom, that one was for you!" It was so sweet. I hope for all the years he plays he will always score the first goal of the game for me. Wishful thinking I know, but hey a girl can dream.

Always the entertainer!

A little pre-game chase. (I love their faces, having so much fun!)

Listening to instructions (& sitting by Alyssa)

This is right after his very 1st goal. It is hard to cheer and take pictures at the same time!

2nd game, got it figured out!

One of his fast breaks with a goal...

Last Friday was Grandparents Day at school. This was the first year that Baker has had this event and it was a huge success! In my planning stages, I thought that we would most likely have a slow start up year with not too many people there and that next year it would grow and each year we would see more and more participation. I was wrong. Dead Wrong! We had 350 people show up! I couldn't believe my eyes. My kids were so lucky because they not only had my parents there, but my Grandparents. Including me, there were 4 generations at Baker on Friday. I was able to get to Brock's room to take some pictures, but by the time it was time for Claire's class I was working the lunch line serving lasagna! Seriously, I was a lunch lady! I kept singing the Adam Sandler song "Lunch Lady Land/Sloppy Joes" to my wonderful friend Sheila (not my sister) who jumped in and worked the line with me. We were just disappointed that we didn't get our pictures made back there. I have to give a HUGE thanks to my dear friend Cortney who came to my rescue with the picture station. She stood there for hours taking picture after picture. These were one of the favorite parts of the day for many of the grandparents who were there.

A few other things that have gone on that I missed blogging are Claire's 8th birthday party. It was another pool party (August birthdays have that benefit). So many friends came and had so much fun. One sad note was this was the first birthday party that Bailey wasn't there for, and she was greatly missed. Claire kept saying, "But Bailey has to come to my party". We hope that next year she can be there! The next day we spent the day with family at the lakehouse. What more can a girl want? There were some cute pictures of the twins too that I will add.

I can still do it!

On September 6th we had a celebration of the 1 year birthday of Olivia Faith King. It was a magnificent day to celebrate a precious little girl. It was so good to spend the day with friends and honor the blessing that Olivia's short life was to all of us! We had a balloon release that was absolutely perfect. Claire got so caught up in the balloons going up that she forgot to let go of hers. When we realized it and told her to let hers go she said "Here Olivia, here comes another one, catch it!" There are so many times that Claire makes you think that she can see straight into heaven, and I am not sure that she doesn't. She has the most beautiful soul of anyone I know. I am so lucky to be her mom!

That is about all we have been doing for now. I am looking forward to having a little more free time now that the PTA thing seems to be under control. I hope to be back on a regular blogging basis now. How are you guys? What has the past month & a half brought you guys?