Parents of the Year..

Every so often, Gen and the kids stop by the soccer fields on their way home.  It's nice to be in one place as a family, even if I'm coaching.

In addition to running around with "the big kids," our gang loves the challenge of scaling the mini-goals.  Russ is our natural climber, while the girls all give it the ole college try - but prefer to excel in their own respective areas.  Caught this video as we were wrapping up the night, and we've had quite a few laughs watching the end of the clip over and over.  Impressed with the little man's determination, but feeling a bit guilty for the lack of attention paid to Ally =)  Classic, classic, Ally.  

Video Vault: Don't Stop Believin'

Found this clip the other day while backing up my semi-broken phone (yep, had to eat some SERIOUS crow with Gen after Libby dropped mine and required a replacement).  I'd completely forgotten all about this morning from a few months back.  Makes us realize how lucky we are to live in a time where we can capture moments like these from our phones.  That, and the fact we have so much more material to hold over our kids' heads when they're older.  Thankfully, our parents didn't have the same luxury...


When things get hectic in our house, music can be a welcome distraction.  Good thing, the kids were raised on the classics, and Journey is one of their FAVORITES.  Hilarious to watch this clip and see each kid's unfiltered personality personality shine through.  Have we mentioned that Ally loves the camera?  

Video Vault: Jingle Bells

Back in December, the kids participated with their class in the annual holiday program.  Despite the all-school program being cancelled (music director fell ill), the youngest group carried on with a few of their own numbers.  Two weeks of preparations for a few minutes of glory.  

A few observations:

• The room contained more mobile A/V equipment than most press conferences. Lots of proud parents, grandparents, and friends in attendance.
• Libby - small in stature, shy in group settings, but hilarious all day long.  Smiling sweetly and singing along, the kid embraces the role as youngest sibling well.  
• Ally - although she's stoic on the clip, Ally is a born performer.  She sings ALL DAY LONG.  After this program, she politely informed us "next time, I'd like to sing on the stage....but alone.  It'd be easier to hear me that way".  We worry about her confidence =)
• Molly - the first "hey!" chorus illustrates her approach to life.  Love it.  Love her.
• Russ - the video doesn't do justice illustrating his indifference.  He mouthed about every fifth word, and was more concerned with getting to the desert buffet afterwards.  He has his priorities.

Enjoy this rendition of "Jingle Bells"

Pneu more Pneumonia. Please!

Since Thanksgiving, we've had one constant in this house:


Russell John battling pneumonia.


We're currently on bout number 5, and sprinkled in between the girls have cycled through viruses and respiratory bugs as well.  Not a fun way to spend the Fall and holiday season for anyone, and can't count the amount of school and functions we've missed as a precaution.  It's nothing new, as viruses creep into his lungs and linger much differently than the girls - always have.  If we had a nickel for every breathing treatment and oral steroid this kid has been on... we'd have a ton of nickels...

Caption Needed...

That whole picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words thing make sense, but for some reason we keep drawing a blank on an appropriate caption for this gem.  Thoughts?

Escape from Alcatraz? 

Tony Bennett Was Right

"I left my heart in San Francisco
High on a hill, it calls to me.
To be where little cable cars
Climb halfway to the stars!
The morning fog may chill the air
I don't care!
My love waits there in San Francisco
Above the blue and windy sea
When I come home to you, San Francisco,
Your golden sun will shine for me."

                                - Tony Bennett

A few weeks back, we made a quick trip to the city by the bay.  Gen & I marvel at the fact we only live 95 miles away, yet rarely get back to the campus where we met, and find time to share the amazing city with our gang.  We couldn't have picked a better weekend to head down either - unbelievable Fall  weather!

Actual photo - 75 degrees & Sunny...in OCTOBER!!

Who Needs the Tooth Fairy?

If Russ' reaction is any indication, the actual Tooth Fairy, $ under the pillow, etc. may not be as exciting as the actual tooth coming out.  Amazing how quickly this guy can go from fear to elation.