#3

Reagan decided to play basketball this year.  She ended up having to play up.  Only two other girls in her class wanted to play so they are mixing it up with 4th graders!  She is having so much fun!  She LOVES to run up and down the court.  I love watching her because she is so filled with JOY!

girls night

Last night was our 3rd annual girls night.  Girls night is a night I take my 2 girls to a nearby hotel for some hang out time.  We get a KING size bed so we can snuggle in.   We spend time eating lots of junk food, watching tv, playing games (always Trivial Pursuit) and play in the pool.  It's a night I look forward to each year!  The girls get along famously (unlike during the regular week).  

This year I stopped at the local candy shop and loaded up on a few favorites.  I didn't tell the girls.  When we got to the hotel Carsyn said, "Are you hungry for some sugar?"  I said, "How did you know I brought stuff?"

Turns out that she packed candy from her very own stash- to share!!

Great minds think alike!

The hotel had an indoor/outdoor pool!  It was SO WARM!  We swam for hours!

inside....

and outside....

they also had a FREE arcade!

eagle days

Today we braved the wind and headed to Eagle Days on the Chain of Rocks Bridge.  Each year the World Bird Sanctuary holds this event to create public awareness for birds of prey and it also give people the opportunity to see Bald Eagles in the area.   This is the second year my bird-loving son has gotten to go.   It was a fun morning!

I didn't have my zoom lens on but there are 4 eagles in the tall tree....

it has begun

It's winter.  That can only mean one thing...  basketball season!  This year we have all 3 kiddos playing.  It's kinda whirlwind.   So far 2 of our teams are undefeated.  Carsyn's is one of them.  She is fun to watch...  she is quick and aggressive.  Today she made 4 baskets.  She is having so much fun!!

funny girl

One of my children, who shall remain nameless, speaks her mind.  You never know what might come out....

Child: Mom, I am NEVER going to leave you!
Me:  Really!?
Child: Yep!  When you are old I am going to live here and take care of you!
Me: Our house is not big enough.  There is no bedroom on the main floor!  I won't be able to make it up all of those stairs.
Child: Don't worry, I can carry you.  Although you'd better stop eating so much.

another day....

Me: Did you know your PE teacher is speaking in chapel tomorrow?  He went to Greenville College.
Child: Really?!  Did you know him when you went there?
Me: Nope!  He is WAAAAY younger than me.
Child: WHAT?!  He looks WAAAY older.  Like 50!
Me: He's only in his 20's!
Child: THEY LET 20 YEAR OLD's TEACH US?!  That's not right.

snow day

We had a bit of snow today.  Maybe 8 inches?!  The kids played and played outside.  They love the snow.  Berkeley LOVES the snow too.  She enjoys playing with the kids.  They even got her to pull the sled back up the hill.

Dale convinced me to go on a walk with him and Berkeley.  One time around the block was enough.

We have been enjoying our new slushy/milkshake makers.  They are amazing!   Especially after playing in the snow for an hour! 

PS- Dale does not have school tomorrow.  The kids school has not called it yet....  

goals for this year

Each year I set goals.  It's not always in the same manner- sometimes it's a monthly list, sometimes it's highly unachievable and sometimes it's traditional and "easy".  This year I am going with a traditional list that is very attainable.  I also challenged the kids to have at least one goal of their own.... 

Amy

read a book a month

blog once a week

send birthday cards to everyone on my list

go on an adventure a month- whether with the whole family or just Dale and I

have a family game night once a month

Dale

exercise

start running again

Carsyn

still undecided

Luke

read a book a month

Reagan

save the president from an attack

As you can see...  not everyone made achievable goals.  With or without, 2014 will be a great year!