Bike Ride

Marci's big news over the Christmas break was that she learned to ride her bike all by herself. Once she got the hang of it, she was determined to perfect her technique so that she could ride independently. This lead to some chilly bike rides in the freezing rain and wind, but I couldn't hamper her enthusiasm! We practiced on our street for a couple of days, and then we rode the 2.5-mile Delegal loop together. 

And then, yesterday, she and I rode our bikes nearly 3.5 miles to the gas station for a special treat. She took a couple of stops along the way for a water break and to throw her favorite rock into the lagoon. She even learned to coast and would proudly announce "Let's rest our legs!" at every downhill we came upon. She pedaled  her little heart out, and it warmed my heart to see the determination on her face when I would look back at her. Eventually, we arrived at the gas station only to discover that I had left our money at home! We couldn't get a hold of Daddy so we talked the nice lady into spotting us $1.06 for a Milky Way. We sat right on these steps while Marci enjoyed every gooey bite and got caramel on her cheeks and chin. Daddy and Osten ended up meeting us and paying back the nice lady. Marci rode her bike along the sidewalk while we waited, but then decided to ride home with Daddy. Lucky Mommy that I am, I got to ride my bike home with Osten. It was the perfect afternoon and especially memorable since it's the last day of Christmas break. My goodness, these kids are growing up fast. Daddy and I are so proud of them!

Golf Camp

Osten got his first taste of golf this week in a camp in our neighborhood.  The week ended with a 9-hole tournament.  Here's a family shot on his last hole of the Palmetto course.  Osten spent hours at the driving range this week after camp and thanked us numerous times for a fun week at camp.  After giving it some thought, he's decided to trade in his soccer cleats for golf clubs.  We're excited for him to try something new! 

Wild Dunes

Our annual trip to Wild Dunes was a lot of fun.  The kids kept us busy and were as entertaining as always.

Some brother-sister time at the beach.  They couldn't get enough of the waves and sand!

Point Pleasant

We had another big "first" this week as Marci is finally old enough to go to Point Pleasant.  Surprisingly, she's been a little timid in the mornings when we arrive at camp, but every afternoon she is covered in marsh mud and sad that it's time to come home.  As an added bonus for me, I hear many more of the details of their day now that she's there!  She's come home with some great stories of their adventures, and both kids have been singing camp songs in the car to me on our drive home.  Summer is here!

Holy Zucchini!

We stopped by Marci's garden after school on Monday, and we were shocked to see the size of her zucchini!  Just one week ago, they were the size of pickles.  Wow!!

More Mother's Day

Osten was so proud of all of the starfish we found. 

One last shot of the sand dollars before we set them free.

Mother's Day

We spent the night in Hilton Head for Mother's Day this year.  We found all kind of living treasures on the beach, which just thrilled the kids. 

Marci and I found this spider crab on a dead jellyfish.  The kids played with him all afternoon!

He must be quite a trooper because he survived his visit with us.

We also found TONS of starfish for the first time ever, and we found a couple of sand dollars, too.

Field Trip

Marci had her last field trip two weeks ago.  We went to Home Depot, and the kids all got to pick out a plant for Mother's Day.  She was happy to have me come along, and I had a great time with her!

Of course, we had to a silly shot!

Here's Marci with Lorien, Heath and Gavin back at school showing off their plants.

More Soccer

This soccer season got off to a bit of a rough start with the boys being outscored and often outplayed.  But they still managed to have a good time playing the game--which is really all that matters anyway--and they were finally had the game of their season two weeks ago.  It was a wet, gloomy day.  But those boys played their hearts out, and each one of them scored at least one goal.  Osten even made an impressive corner kick.  It was a game to remember for sure!  And win or lose, I hope Osten will continue to love the game.

 Celebrating with two of his classmates after their big 10-0 win!

Soccer

Osten is having another fun and exciting soccer season.  He still loves to play, and we enjoy watching him.

It's been a big deal this year to have his own Powerade at the games.

They work up quite a thrist on the field!

Team huddle with the coach - who coincidentally also coached Osten's tball team!

Field Trip

Osten had his last 1st-grade field trip yesterday - a dophin cruise.  Here's a picture that his teacher sent me.  (Osten, Carson, Wilkes)

School Egg Hunt

Marci's teacher sent a couple of really cute pictures from their school egg hunt.  Tom and I both noticed that you can see Osten in the background of this shot!

How/When did she get to be so big??!!

Marci has joined a garden club, and she just might have a green thumb!  We are both enjoying it and learning a lot.

Happy Easter!

 

Date Night

We had a fun date night last night to a 60s-themed fundraiser for the library.  Tom's trench coat and vest were his dad's and grandfather's.  I had about 30 minutes to pull together my costume and put the finishing touches on his so I took the easy route with the hippie look. 

Food Groups Field Trip

Here's the bread/cereal group with some of their selections.

All paid and ready to go!

Starfish Winter Invitational Swim Meet

The kids had another swim meet last week, and it was another good event for them.  Gramma Sue got to come, too!  I had my first post-op PT appointment for my knee, so Gramma Sue and Daddy were their cheering section.  From all reports, they had a great time, and they they both improved to boot.

Osten
Boys 7-8 Free:  21.77
Boys 8&U Breast:  40.40
Boys 7-8 Back:  25.81

He got third place in Free and Back and was so excited to have two more ribbons to add to his collection.

Marci
Girls 6&U Free:  35.13
Girls 6&U Back:  39.88

Marci dropped 7 seconds in Freestyle and got fourth place.  She got fifth place in backstroke.

We are so proud of both of our swimmers!  I especially love watching them work hard in the pool while also having a great time with their friends and coaches.

Early Morning Thoughts

This morning as Marci was snuggling in bed with me, I told her that she was cute.  Her response?  "I'm not cute.  I'm prettier than cute."  Well, alrighty then!

Backseat Banter

We were on our way to swim team tonight, and Osten was complaining that his eyes hurt when he blinked them.  Marci's response?  "That's life.  You just blink a lot!"  And that was pretty much the end of the discussion!

First Science Project

A few weeks ago, Marci had her first science project due at school.  She had a great time designing her "S" box and was very excited to take her creation to school to show to the class.  Her teacher took this picutre of her.  I just love the smile on  her sweet face!