Saturday, May 21, 2011

2011 Netherton Relay Race


We've been to the Netherton Relay's for the past 4 years. It started with Alyssa in 4th grade and since the relays have been extended to the lower grades, this is now Manuel's second year. Every year it has more excitement than the last (or maybe I'm just a proud, overexcited mom). Every year, the Netherton Relay's get more organized which has made it progress faster. That my friends, is a great thing, when you have 5 kids in tow. However, we still had to wait 2 hours before Manuel's race began.

These kids start training weeks in advance. They have to try out, wait to get selected based on their running times, and if they don't make it, each grade has at least two alternates. It's a lot of fun to see them train and get so amped up. In our neighborhood, 3 kids were in the relays so they were always training after school.

Manuel and his friend/fellow runner/neighboor Daniel.


He is such a great young man.

That's right baby! Waiting for the Race to start.

However, in the interim, I had 3 boys and 1 girl to entertain. Alyssa found some cousins and friends and off she went. Isaiah found a friend...

Wasn't too convinced...

Then played hard to get.

Aiden and Michael decided to play in the dirt. Freshly bathed and all 'cause you know, it's better to play in the dirt squeaky clean.

Finally, the 3rd grade boys are brought out.

Making sure the shorts won't fall off.

Last second prayers. He even said so.


Isn't he awesome? His school placed 4th. They did an amazing job and received so much love from school staff and parents. This is the last picture of the race I took because I was too busy cheering him on from the sidelines. Sorry.

I am so proud of you. You made your school proud. And did I mention how proud of you I am?

See you at next year's race baby.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Easter Business, Tithing, and Nut Wedgies

Easter was fun this year. A little sad that I had to kind of force the two older ones to participate. Manuel was hell bent on whispering to anyone that would bend over and listen that he knew the Easter Bunny was not real and that he has known this since first grade. I told him to shut his trap if he wanted to participate in the festivities. Worked like a charm. Alyssa was more the "I'm too old to be hunting for eggs" type. She changed her mind real quick once she saw me stuff the eggs with money and chocolate.

Easter festivities started Saturday with a nacho lunch outside while I prepared the egg coloring supplies inside.

G-ma Bell, your love of books has been passed on.


Aiden tried the new Minute Maid Orangeade juice drink. That's his 'I love it' face.


Manuel, the non-believer, had the most fun and painted the most eggs. Isaiah was a little upset when he couldn't get the paint off of his fingers.


Michael and Alyssa had a great time too. She didn't want to do this but I made her.  Just because I can. And she ended up fighting for more eggs at the end.



155 eggs. Compliments of Grandpa the Easter Bunny. Stuffed by momma. At 2 am. Because these kids would not go to sleep.


The Easter Bunny did not do baskets this year. I was worried they would flip out. They didn't even notice.

While I was getting them dressed and ready, I apparently pulled Michael's pants to far up. He promptly responded by pulling them down and telling me I gave him a nut wedgie. Yeah. He said it. Nut wedgie. It took me a moment to process that one before I proceeded to roll on the floor. Laughing hysterically.

                                          

                                        

Isaiah wasn't sure what was going on. However, once an egg was opened for him and he ate the chocolate, he actually pushed his brothers out of the way to get to an egg. 






Funny story. I found this new set of gold colored utensils at a thrift shop. My kids loved them. It was all they talked about and currently all they will eat with. From the oldest to the youngest. Silly kids.



Checking out the loot.

Oh, I love this boy.

Out of 11 pictures, this was the only decent one. Just saying.


Easter egg hunting was followed by a Nerf war. Isaiah won.

Then nap time.

Followed by a water ballon fight.


And then dinner time. BBQ chicken, rice, beans, and potato salad. Their favorites.

My non-believer now believes.

This boy and his hair. Love them both.

The evening church service was so beautiful. With the incense, and water blessing and the simple routine of mass. And also apparently not filled to capacity which the Priest made sure to point out. Comical I tell you. Also comical was the fact that my son, Michael, decided to whisper very loudly to his sister that he was keeping the $5 dollar bill and only tithing his $1 bill. Yeah. That was my son who chose to proclaim this while the entire congregation was feeling a moment of silence. Super.

Even after that interesting church service, Easter rocked. Loved my boys and my girl. Enjoyed my boys and my girl. And loved them some more. 

Happy Belated Easter.

I know, I know, mom...better late than never.