This party is jumpin'

Today Bill and I hosted Sam's kindergarten class and a few neighborhood buddies for his 6th birthday party. Since Jack's party back in September Sam's been asking to have his party at Monkey Joe's, the local bouncy inflatable whatever-you-call-it place. After being there a few times for other parties, we relented and okayed this fiesta. But, even though we'd been before, I wasn't quite sure what to expect as host. Happily, I was pleasantly surprised with the service and would recommend this no muss, no fuss-type party.

Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE to entertain, but there's something to be said for just showing up, chatting with the parents and kids from Sam's class, eating cake, and gettin' out of dodge. Plus you get the added benefit of the kids getting all that energy out in someone else's place. The only bummer was that it rained today which made for an interesting sprint to the truck with a stack of presents, balloons and two kids. And, because it rained, it seemed like all of metropolitan Suwanee, Duluth and Johns Creek opted for Monkey Joe's as a respite from the weather. Oh well. The kids had a great time, and it was nice getting to know Sam's classmates and families a little better.

I love weddings

This weekend I traveled back to Philadelphia for my Aunt Jean's wedding. She married a lovely man, and I'm thrilled to see her so happy. It was a great time and a great chance to see my other aunts, uncles and cousins I rarely get to see -- plus hang out with my mom and sister who are always good for some laughs.

My aunt decided not to hire a professional photographer for the wedding so I volunteered, along with my cousin's boyfriend, to take pictures. I think between the two of us, we'll have some great coverage for her. It was also good practice for me.

The ceremony was lovely (minus the swarm of bees lurking on the terrace). Both her adult children escorted her down the aisle on a gray, but thankfully rain-free afternoon (although it loomed in the distance). My Aunt's new husband Ernie had his granddaughters in the wedding, and all I kept thinking was how funny it must of been for those girls (17 and 15) to tell their classmates they were going to their grandfather's wedding that weekend. (Oh, how much easier high school would have been for me if I looked like either one of them!!!!) But, back to the wedding.

Below are some pics from the day. I was surprised how nervous my aunt was, but she managed pretty well. My favorite photo is the last one -- I embellished a bit for impact. I laugh out loud every time I look at that photo. Enjoy! The dress - so dramatic

So pretty

Getting lipstick off Ernie after the "I do" kiss

We did it!

I was in love with my cousin Lisa's flowers

And Ernie's gorgeous granddaughters Joanna (l) and Mandy

So happy

My fave

This conversation will never happen in 5 years

I'm going to try to remember this conversation because it will never happen again.

Mommy: "Sam, sit down at table, it's time to do your homework."

Sam: "Okay!" (statement #1 that will not happen in 5 years)

Jack: "Why can't I have homework? I want some homework!" (statement#2 that will DEFINITELY not happen in 5 years)

Too funny . . .

Below are some photos from the bday weekend and galavanting with mom-mom at the Gwinnett Braves game.

Jack William

Today is my Jacky's 4th birthday. What can I say about Jack? He's our rebel, our fearless second child with his OWN agenda. Wanna swim without floaties - sure thing! How 'bout pet a snake - can't wait! Can you check out that dark, spooky room all by yourself - piece of cake! While Sam was dubbed Serious Sam at birth, I think Jack has been quite the opposite.

I tell people I knew Jack was going to be trouble from the very beginning (read: no epidural, and he was 8 lbs 11oz), but really he's just the sweetest boy. I've seen him pick up a toy at a baseball game and walk it clear across a field to return it to the little girl who dropped it. He's softly kissed me on the nose as I sat on the floor crying after slamming my knee into the dresser. I've heard his teachers sing his praises at school and publicly wish for more students JUST LIKE HIM. And, I've heard him remind his older brother that rain is okay because God wants the plants and animals to grow up strong. He's just the sweetest boy.

What do I wish for Jack in this next year? To get a hit off coach-pitch, to have a bit more patience, to grow in his desire to read and learn, to be able to see his grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins more often, to keep that lovely and silly sense of humor, to love farts a bit less, and to know how much his family loves his guts. Happy birthday bubbie!

Put me in coach!

So, I'm finally writing the post that goes with the below video. The boys had their first t-ball game Tuesday night! After a few practices, Bill and I didn't have very high hopes for the team winning the World Series (or keeping the boys from picking grass in the outfield - see video), but we were both pleasantly surprised. Of course my goal for the night was to avoid being that screaming parent worried her kid was going to strike out (see video).

Being new to North Gwinnett t-ball, we learned that games are usually about an hour and a half (roughly time for 3-4 innings); each kid gets three coach pitches, then two swings off the tee if needed; and, my fave, if a side scores 5 runs they switch regardless of the number of outs. That's a good rule in particular since these little guys spend more time chasing the ball than actually playing the game because very few of them can catch.

Sam and Jack played both infield and outfield, and each scored a run. Sam batted second in the first inning and unfortunately did strike out in his debut at-bat. I just tried to remind myself (all while giving the appropriate "you'll-gettem'-next-time") that even Ryan Howard strikes out.

Oh, little boys and baseball! How adorable is 12 little boys running around the field, chasing baseballs, throwing to the wrong base, running to first without hitting the ball (Jack - see video) and generally keeping the parents in the stands laughing for that full hour and a half. This should be a really good year.

But, no matter the score (we did win) and who got the game ball (neither of my boys) THE MOST IMPORTANT THING was they had such a great time. When I asked what was the best part, Sam responded quickly: "EVERYTHING." Nuff said. They can play as long as they want.

Let's play two!

Post to come later, but I wanted to get the video evidence posted!

Time marches on

Yesterday was a big day in the Anderson household. Sam started Kindergarten and both boys began what I hope is a life-long love affair with sports when they attended their first t-ball practice. The school thing was more exciting for me than the boys I think. For them, it was a reason to get new clothes and cool sneakers - although both boys ARE wild about books (thankfully) and do love their school and teachers (hooray!). Jack told me the other day that he wants to learn, and when I asked him "learn about what?" he replied, "I just want to learn." I really hope he and Sam carry that philosophy throughout their lives as there is just so much out there to learn every day. Like for instance, did you know that a grouping of owls is called a parliament? I sure didn't - thanks Dad.

On to t-ball. After some late-night trade negotiations between the Cardinals and Royals, I managed to get an ace right-hander traded to his older brother's team (an apparent paperwork malfunction caused the two to be assigned to different clubs). But, lucky for them I minored in ESPN, and I know who Scott Boras is, so I know all about no-trade clauses, arbitration and the rookie minimum. This year it's cookies, Powerade and matching baseball pants. Not bad for a day's work in between conference calls, eh?

The boys loved practice, and while it will be a LONG year (I think all the 4-year-olds are on the Cardinals), Bill and I are looking forward to lots of laughs. We got the first few last night when Jack fielded the ball then ran it to first base instead of throwing it there. He sure is speedy though around the bases. And, if we can convince Sam that he doesn't have to hit a home run at every bat and that he actually has to play defense and can't bat all the time, we'll be in good shape!

They are both growing up so fast -- something that makes me weepy and happy at the same time . . .