Let's Play Ball

Ethan's latest passion is baseball and he's trying to convince Jillian how awesome it is too! He's been to a couple of Tampa Bay Rays games now and asks me almost daily if there is a game on tv to watch! Around the house they both have gloves, baseball and bat and we play outside and inside. So, the other day I took them to the field in FishHawk that is open for residents to use. We were so lucky that it was empty and we had the place to ourselves. The kids had me pitch to them and both hit several balls! They ran the bases and played catch-it was really a fantastic time.

 

 Ethan has the pitching stand down

 Batter up-when he connects he really crushes the ball already-and no tee

 Love Jillian pitching to Ethan

 Was so proud-she hit 2 of the 10 balls I pitched to her

Holla-second base hit-LOL



Open House and 1st day of Kindergarten

This has been a huge week at our house for Ethan and Jillian! Ethan started kindergarten and Jillian is now going to preschool 3 days per week. Add ballet and karate and we are officially up early every day and running all over FishHawk! Jillian continues with the same group of children and her awesome teachers Miss Amber and Miss Pat. Ethan seems to have wonderful teacher in Mrs. Hurst and keeps telling me how nice she is. He ended up knowing 5 kids in his new class already from prior vpk class and around the neighborhood. He is already making new friends and comes home happy to tell me about what he did and who he saw around Bevis. He is officially a Bronco! We are excited for this school year and enjoying the transition, though very tired as the week comes to a close.

 Daddy made Ethan this amazing sign for his first day

 It's official-my baby is a big boy in kindergarten

 Jillian walking Ethan to his class first day

 Mia, Chase and Ethan all in different classes this year, but still glad to see each other on campus

 This was so cute at open house

 Ethan and his good friend Alex so excited to both have Mrs. Hurst

 Some of our good friends in other classes excited to find each other at open house-Payton, Ethan, Ray and Abby

 Little sisters Alison and Jillian join in the fun

 enjoying centers at open house

 My little lady

big E



Our Ballerina

Thursday Jillian had her first ballet class and she did great! She was all smiles waving to me through the glass. Then she would turn right back and focus and follow all of her teacher, Miss Lindsay's instructions. She also made friends instantly with some of the other girls. It was so nice seeing her have her something all her own and so happy doing it! Sassy girl in the first picture! She cannot wait to go back tomorrow for her next weekly class.



Myrtle Beach Randomness

The following are a hodge podge of photos taken throughout the week with the extended family! We had family portaits taken on the beach one evening that I can't wait to see, so there should be a nice professional photo of our immediate family and the whole family attending the reunion to post in a couple of weeks. We had a fantastic week and are so blessed to having an amazing family that cares about each other and despite the distance really makes an effort to keep in touch. The kids were really awesome on the car ride up and back and I'm just so glad we were able to take this trip. Thanks to Mia and Poppy for making it possible and helping all week long!

 Miniature golf at the dinosaur course

 Elyse and Jillian watching drown the devil and laughing as people bite it

Me with cousins Melissa, Jessica and Carina

 My cousin Micah, his wife Debbie and one of their kiddos Madeline

 part of the gang on the beach-imagine like 8 of these tents set up for us

 Jillian and Layna in the lazy river

 The boys didn't need a tube to cruise the lazy river

 Brayden holding a real monkey!

 Mama and her babies enjoying vacation

 hanging while we wait for photographer

 hanging with baby Bennett

 Uncle Jim and Carly-she is expecting baby # 2

 My cousin's wife Benni and one of their 5, Aiden

 The Memenza Family

 The Roenick Family

Grandma and Grandpap and their 7 children, including my dad

Chris and I Celebrating Grandma's Birthday



Drown The Devil

In keeping with tradition the Roenick's played drown the devil mid week to see who the last man sitting in their chair would be as the tide rolled in! Poppy was the family winner-the kids were excited to cheer him on! We spent several days having SO much fun at the beach and at the multiple pools we had access to. The kids had a blast playing with cousins and second cousins galore. It was nice to see my cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents too! One last Myrtle Post coming...

 lining up

 Closer shots of the each competitor

 hello contestants

 suckas

 water starting to come in just a little

 now we see the water coming to waist and shoulders

 and wham-now it's in their face

some go through and some go under the waves-interesting choices

from behind so you can see how deep and how many are out already!

 towards the end a wave takes out 3 at a time

 Uncle Jim and Chris wipe out even later! I didn't get a photo of the winner-but they get to take home the honorary first place toilet seat until next competition!