"Go Jackets, Go Jackets!"...no really, GO!

As I was typing the post about our night at Dauphin Island I heard frantic screaming coming into the house and down the hall...it was Russell. He was screaming about bees. As we were looking at his hand, that he was cradling, for the sting he started screaming and jerking in pain AGAIN. We immediately took off his shirt and a Yellowjacket flew out...then we saw another climb out of his shorts...this sent Russell in to panic mode and all of us in a running from the room as Jason tried to battle the Yellowjacket. Then...as if that was not enough...as I was, again, trying to calm Russell down and put him in a bath to soak...I notice another Yellowjacket crawling on his shorts. I quickly rushed him out the door for him to totally strip, for fear their maybe more hidding...so that was a total of 3 Yellowjackets that were visible and 2 that were vanquished in Grandma's house. Russell was their intended target...he got stung 3 times and Jason once.

Night of the Crabs...

We went to Daulphin Island Saturday night so the kids could hunt for crabs...we just prefer the calm of Daulphin Island over Gulf Shores, that and it is so much closer.We got there early enough to play in the water, build sand castles and attempt to fly a kite(not to far out 'cause I am a big chicken when it comes to dusk and sharks).

As the Sun started to set we got ready for the "hunt"...we packed up our stuff and got our nets and buckets out and our flashlights ready.

Aaron is an old pro, as he has been doing this since he was 2 yrs. old. Russell and Miriam still need a lot of practice. Miriam spent more time screaming that she saw a crab then actually going after one. But they each caught one or two...some with the help of their big brother.

In a related story...the only shark we saw that night was one that someone had built in the beach out of sand...it was awesome. Sadly, our camera does not work in the dark and flashlights do not make good flashes. But it truely was a masterpiece.

Football Season, how we have missed thee...

...We went to support our family last night "across the Bay" for the Fairhope vs. McGill-Toolen Football game. My brother plays in the band, third child of the six to be a "Band Geek", for McT and my cousin is a cheerleader for Fairhope. Our family was split and had to walk back and forth to show support for both. Though McT has done well in the past and had won both previous games this year they fizzled out against the Fairhope Pirates...to which we had to hear their new cannon fire for each of the goals scored. Gee, that was fun. ;)

The kids got a kick out of seeing Johnathan and the band play and Miriam LOVED that her "girl cousins" were there AND cheering.

Russell wants to play Football...um, that is all I am going to say about that...

We got there early so we could Tailgate all decked out in our Orange and Black, McT colors. Ok, all except 'Pop' who just bought a fabulous Pink striped shirt and wanted to wear it.  :)
The weather was nice, so that made the experience even better. However, the kids got tired and we only lasted the first part of the half...just long enough to see the McT band play.

We are getting very excited about watching College Football today and have gotten a few snacks to consume...though we do not have a team we normally cheer for we have decided that in memory of my cousin's good husband, Johnnie Crist, we will cheer for Auburn. I like the colors anyway...though I do enjoy a good cowbell.  :)

**The Darth Bear you see above is Russell's Birthday money purchase. He has named the bear Sam and loves him very much...he was also given a Camo tent and Army Fatigues. "Darth Sam" has followed Russell everywhere...which has gotten him a "bath" already. I am sure they will be getting into a lot more adventures...***

These are some of Miriam's "girl cousins" who live "across the Bay"...Sara is a senior at Fairhope and Erin got to participate in Fairhope's Cheer Camp overthe summer. Man are we in trouble...*sigh*
Football player and a cheerleader? *sigh* again.  ;)

Family on the Fairhope side...Antoines, Ards, Cinks, and Hunts...watching the Half Time Show

cannot get rid of this durn yellowjacket...hmmmm... 

Crankiness..

So, we got through our first FULL week of school for all the kids. Russell has decided that going until 3 is totally overrated and for the first time in Miriam's MDO/Preschool history she RUNS towards us READY to leave. Aaron has been complaining of stomach aches and blames Fruit Chews but I think he needs to get his body use to the schedule again.

Aaron has started soccer practice and really enjoys it. No word on when his first game is but we will post pictures. He also started Boy Scouts and Jason has volunteered to be the Den Dad. The first big thing will be a Regatta. They cannot wait and yes, there will be pictures for that too.

Still waiting on word on getting the house on Ginger Drive. We had our House Inspection...the house has great "bones" but has a few fixable issues. Now we have to wait on the an appraisal. Waiting stinks!

The kids are ready for their own spaces. I really hope we get our stuff out of PODS before the holidays start...

God Bless!

Today was a good day.

Today, among other things, my second oldest Russell (a.k.a. Booky) turned 6!

Pop repairing damage from hurricane Miriam

The day started out with the usual stress and trauma of getting up and going to school. My little man didn't want to go to school. He wanted to stay home and open his presents...or head to the beach for crab hunting and shark teeth.

Booky and his cousin Christopher with a preparty lego play.

Russell had a very good day at school, which was his first time having his birthday at school so maybe it wont be so painful next year.
Meanwhile, I called the owner of the house that we want and we agreed to a price. So Kim and I signed the contract and now we are closer to getting a place than before!

I want to thank all who gave Booky a great birthday! He really enjoyed every minute of it and every gift! The boy is set with Star Wars Lego stuff now. In the next day or two I plan on having it all built out for him to play with. Right now he is having a ball playing with the Lego guys from each of the kits.
Links to Bday Pics:

Booky's 6th

Ma Jones gets the Booky Hug.  She paid cash for this!

Russell's First Day of Kindergarten

FINALLY, Russell has his first day of Kindergarten. He was not happy about the whole "getting started early" thing that school makes you do...but his big brother tries to keep him laughing.

Waiting in the hallway to get into his class...

Getting into the class and learning what to do first thing...

Russell had a great day. He came out and was all smiles. He said they read a story about the Gingerbread man, they all were wearing hats they made with a Gingerbread Man they decorated on them, and after the teacher finished reading about him there was on knock on the door and "Who was at the door? A Gingerbread Man and he gave us gingerbread cookies"

I am glad he had a good first day. I was worried he would revert to my shy, pry off my leg, child...I thought I might have to call Mrs. Judy (his PreK4 Teacher) to come to the rescue. However, we have only started the "war" and that was only a small "skirmish"...a bigger battle comes next week...a full week of ALL DAY Kindergarten.

In a related story, I DID not volunteer to be a Room mom for any of my kid's classes.  :)

School Day 8.12.2010

Today was the first day of school for everyone but Bookie.  Bookie goes in about a week.  Johnathan went to high school but has been attending band camp for most of the summer. 

 Aaron seemed to be a bit nervous but managed to make two friends and get invited to a roller skate birthday.  He really enjoyed his busy day. 

Miriam bolted right out of the car into school.  It surprised the teachers as most kids need a few minutes to stop crying or say those final "I love you" and good byes, not M.  She had things to do and people to see and we were lucky to get a slight glance over her shoulder when she went in!

It was just a half day for all but they were beat.  Miriam seemed to not want to go and Aaron was happy to be heading back home.