Thursday, March 31, 2011

Introducing the Next Mary Lou Retton


A decade from now, my sweet girls face may just be on a box of Wheatie's in your local grocery store.  I'm just sayin'.  Okay, so I may be a little presumptuous seeing as though last night was her first official class, but I personally think the girl has got raw, natural talent.  I do realize that I am a bit biased, but I have some pretty persuasive videos below. 

Anyone who has a 4 year old knows that they are in a constant state of motion.  This is the case with Mackenzie, and her "motion" typically consists of twirling, spinning, cartwheeling, somersaulting, attempting to stand on her head, and even flipping (as in, in the air, with no part of her body touching the ground...very concerning). Because of these reasons, along with the fact that we would like to prevent her from wearing a cast, neck brace, or helmet before Summer, we enrolled her in a Wednesday evening class with our good friend's son, Antonio.  The two have taken several soccer classes together over the years, and have been friends since they were just weeks old.  Now they are little tumblers, and so stinkin' precious!  Here are pics and videos from last nights class.

showing off her new leopard print leotard, hysterical!

warming up with some stretches`


huddlin' up

showing off her back bend
working on her bar routine
          My favorite video from the night.  Proof that practice makes perfect!  So proud of my  tenacious girl!

vaulting

                                                            uneven bar practice

                                                somersaulting down the wedge


                   Is it just me, or are the similarities quite remarkable?

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Spring

Can't believe Spring break has come and gone.  Last Monday marked the first, official day of Spring.  Unbelievably, it actually felt like it, it was in the hight 60's!  That rarely happens here in Ohio! Last week was also Mackenie's preschools spring break, so we tried to fill the week full of fun activities. It was so nice not to have to rush around trying to get all 3 of us ready and out the door for drop off.  To celebrate, we headed to the Zoo on Monday, and were literally there when they opened.  It was the perfect day!  The weather could not have been better!  Mackenzie was in "big sister mode" and as we approached each animal, she would say "Look Caleb, this is a ____________"  And then she would tell him fun facts about that particular animal.  It was so precious to observe, and I was so impressed with all of animal knowledge!  After 4 hours of fun we headed home and ALL 3 of us took a nap....did I mention what a fabulous day it was?


















What was NOT fabulous, was having to take Mackenzie in for a rapid step test that tested positive that very next day,on Tuesday.  However, thanks to some fast working antibiotics, she was feeling much better the next evening. 


Wednesday, we made a quick trip to the local library to check out some books and videos, since we had to cancel our playdate with my friend Michelle and her 3 boys.  After checking out a small mountain of books and videos, we met Jeremy for a quick lunch.  It was so fun to get to see Daddy in the middle of the day, and definitely made the day go faster! 

Thursday, we bundled up and headed to the park for some fresh air.  It was pretty chilly, but we were in definite need of a change of scenery, and a little outside time did just the trick.


We also squeezed in haircuts. This marked Caleb's 5th haircut.  I think Kenzie was about 2 by the time she had her 5th haircut.  Who knew boys were so high maitnence?

before

after

 To end the week, the kids and I headed to an indoor playground.  It's a great place to go to let the kids run around and burn some energy.  Caleb was obsessed with playing basketball and was right in there with the big kids.  He had no idea that everyone else playing was a good foot or two taller.



All in all, it was a great "break" from our regular routine.  Although, I ain't gonna lie. . . my college days of going to Panama City on Spring break were a lot more exciting.  Funny how my definition of "break" has changed over the years!  A decade ago, spring break consisted of staying up late, sleeping in late, and laying on the beach with no plan whatsoever.  Present day, it's not setting the alarm to squeeze in a shower before rushing off to preschool, eating dinner an hour later b/c there's no school the next day, and switching over my kids closets.  Yeah, laying on the beach was much more exciting, but I wouldn't trade it for the world (well, that might be a stretch:) 

Now if only that wonderful Spring weather would return from last week!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St Patrick's Day!

This past weekend, Jeremy took Kenzie on a daddy/daughter date to Dublin's St. Patrick's day parade. Actually, it was a Daddy-Double date.  Our good friend Greg and his son, Joshua joined them and enjoyed their own father/son day. They started off the morning going to the Dublin Lion's Club Pancake and Sausage Breakfast, and once they stuffed themselves full of breakfast, they grabbed some front row seats to the parade.  The kids LOVED the floats, meeting some of the parade characters, spending time with each other and their daddy's, and of course the candy!  Jeremy cherished this 1-on-1 time with Mackenzie, as did she.  To say she was beaming when they returned home is the understatement of the year! 
Pancake Breakfast!
Crazy Little Leprechans
Parade pals
We started the official morning of St. Patty's day off with our green outfits, of course.  Mackenzie got a good laugh out of waking Daddy up with a pinch, b/c his pj's were not green.  After getting ready, we headed with Nana to Great-Grandma Monty's to spend the morning with her.  We enjoyed some playtime at her retirement village before heading out for brunch.  We had such a great visit, and I know it was the highlight of Monty's week, and definitely ours!  I am so grateful that my children are able to know their great-grandmother, and spend this precious time with her! From there we headed home to put Caleb down for a nap, and Kenz and I enjoyed the beautiful weather outside.  Some of our old neighbor's headed over for an afternoon playdate shortly thereafter, and left before dinner. The kids have all really missed each other, and I so enjoyed catching up with my dear friend, Krista.  It was a fabolous day, surrounded by family and friends! 

playing ball with great-grandma Monty

block building buddies

                                
St. Patty's day pals
okay, does Caleb look like he's about 2 in this picture?  Not cool!

happy st. patty's day!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Firsts. . .

We are experiencing a lot of firsts these days.  It seems like everyday Caleb is surprising us with something new.  I love watching him learn new things, and wish I could have the same patience and tenacity that he has!  We are so proud of you, sweet boy!  Here are some of your "firsts" that we happened to catch on camera. . .


first chore

first kiss

first piano recital

1st best friend

1st bday cake

1st winter walk

1st time clapping

1st bday party

1st (and last) diaper change by big sister

1st time to return to hosptial since his own birth 
1st time drinking and driving
1st "favorite" toy, thank you Limburg family!

1st time eating at "big" table


1st time to have control of the remote 

and lastly, first one-on-one game!

Looking forward to many more firsts!  Love you buddy!