Max Rocks!! (3/2/08)

After much petitioning, Max received a really cool guitar for Christmas along with a guitar case, a bunch of picks, and a book of basic chords. He didn't waste any time and got right to work teaching himself to play. Just 3 months later you would be shocked at his progress. He has learned a lot of chords and even some songs from his older cousins, who he loves to "jam" with. My favorite is when he plays "You and Me" by Lifehouse and sings along. I also love it when he and Chris sit around and try to figure out songs together. There is nothing cooler than a kid who appreciates the joy of music and I love hearing it in my home. Look out Jonas Brothers!

Ode to the Binky (2/24/08)

Afton LOVES her Binky!  Quite frankly, so do I.  I can't even tell you how many we have been through since she was born...it seems like we are always losing them and buying more.  But, they help her sleep, keep her quiet in the car, and she even has fun playing with them (see picture).  She even says  "Binky?" with both hands out when she's asking for it and if I ask her where it is she squats and looks all over the place.  It's really cute.  What's even cuter is her smile and little celebration when she finds it! I know the day is fast approaching that we are going to have to give it up, but for now it is a prized possession for both of us!

AHS Patriotic Program (2/22/08)

Each year the school has a huge program that focuses on the founding of our great nation. It really isa wonderful program with a great spirit to it-in fact I get emotional every time I see it. I am grateful that the kids are able to attend a school where they are able to do this kind of thing. Every student in the school participates in some way. This year Abby sang with the 1st and 2nd grade combined choir and also did some recitation with the whole school. The stars of the show each year are the 5th graders so Max was able to have a pretty bigpart. He played the character of John Adams and did awesome. He was definitely the best- and I am not just saying that because I am his mom!  He delivered his line with great feeling and was slow, loud and clear so everyone could hear.  He also looked super cute in his founding fathers costume and white powder wig.  It was a great experience for them both and we look forward to seeing it again next year.
Max's line: "Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish, I give my hand and my heart to this vote. It is true indeed that in the beginning we aimed not for independence, but there's a divinity which shapes our ends. The injustice of England has driven us to arms and blinded to her own interest for our good.  She has obstinately persisted 'til independence is now within our grasp.  We have but to reach forth to it and it is ours!"

Funny Faces (2/12/08)

Afton makes the funniest faces! She is so animated in everything she does. It really is quite entertaining and we have all had some great laughs watching her. These pictures were taken one day when she was just sitting there making faces at me. Even though she was still in her pajamas and has crusty food on her face I had to take advantage of the moment. What a ham and what a personality! 

Dance War!! (2/4/08)

                               

                                                     

                                 

                               

In February Chris and I flew down to LA to watch our nephew, Zack, compete on the reality TV Show "Dance War".  We happened to be there on his birthday as well.  It was a blast to watch the show live and to celebrate with him and a whole bunch of friends and family after the show. His girlfriend, Julianne Hough, even flew in from Nashville to surprise him! Afterwards we went to dinner at the same restaurant the cast was at.  Zack couldn't sit with us or visit much but it was fun to be together on his special day.  Happy Birthday Zack!!  

Oh yeah...Zack's team ended up winning "Dance War"!  He totally deserved it and we are really proud of his accomplishment.  Way to go Zack and good luck with whatever comes next!!

(Special thanks to my mom for driving all over LA and watching Afton during the taping, and to Chris' parents and my Dad and Wendy for helping out with the kids at home!)