Madalyn the SWIMMER.

This weekend has been so nice. We have been very busy, but every minute with family is worth it. Grandma and Grandpa Newell drove up to see Madalyn swim in a meet on Friday night. The bonus was that the boys also had soccer games on Saturday. First, the swim meet. Madalyn did an awesome job. She placed 1st, 2nd, and a 3rd in the 3 events. She took off 14 seconds on her freestyle (1st), 6 seconds on her breaststroke (3rd), and 3 seconds off of the backstroke (2nd). We were all screaming our guts out even though she was in the water with a cap over her ears.

On Saturday, we woke up to the smell of grass and soccer games. Hayden had the 1st game of the day. It was a very exciting game. Matt and I are not quiet parents when we watch our kids participate in sports. I am sure that some parents want to kick us out of the games. It is my competitive side. I have to bring it out on some occasions!!!! Late in the afternoon we all packed up and went to Carter's game. Carter scored his first goal of the season. We went nuts with excitement. He did soooo good. Way to go Madalyn, Carter and Hayden.

Madalyn before the freestyle. Isn't she pretty?

Grandma, Bailey and Madalyn!

That's my first born. Wow, has time flown by.

On your mark, ready, set, GO.

This was the dive off the blocks for the freestyle swim.

She did so awesome.

Grandpa, Madalyn and Grandma!!

Thanks for coming and supporting the kids Mom and Dad!!

Now looking at this picture you might think that Hayden kicked this ball. In actuality, he totally missed it, but we thought it looked like a cool picture.

Don't you think so?

He did connect with this ball. Nice goal kick son!

Bailey and I playing kick back and forth during half time.

Next year we are going to have her play soccer. Yes, this might come to a shock to some of you seeing that I complained about the cost of soccer, but I am going to start saving our $$ right now so that 3 of our children can play soccer.
We might need some food handouts next fall so friends please be prepared.

Mom, Madalyn, Carter and Paige watching Hayden play soccer.

Matt tricked Paige to get her to look at the camera. He told her that a mouse was by him. Anything for a picture, right!!

We have a dog......

.....for the week. My parents own a beautiful lab named Zip. They asked us to take care of him while they traveled to Ohio to visit my brother. My children were very excited because they have been asking me for a dog for at least 6 years. I love Zip, but I don't want the responsibility of one more thing. He is so well tempered and patient. Paige has spent the week chasing, sitting on, covering with her blankets, hand feeding, laying next to, and giving doggy treats to Zip. He hasn't once gotten annoyed with her. With all of the children being at school, Paige has enjoyed having a friend to play with. I think Zip will be very happy to see my parents. He is in need of a quiet break.

Zip trying to relax for a moment before Paige bothers him.

It's OK Zip, you try to sleep and Paige will just keep touching you!

"Well, if you want to lay down so will I"

"Come on Zip it is time to get up and let me ride on your back and play dollies with you".

"OK, if you don't get out of your bed, then I will just join you".

"Hey, Zip do you like me waving this little stick in your face?"

Wedding!!

This weekend my sister-in-law J.J. got married. The whole family traveled from all over to be there. We had a wonderful time. We got everything ready and in the process played, laughed, ate, painted nails, colored hair, cut hair, baked, slept, and last but not least bonded. On Thursday, we had a bridal shower and that went great. Matt and all of the men had a bachelor party for Zac. They went to a movie and then played laser tag. Let's just say they all came home with sweat all over their shirts. They got a good work-out! Then next day we prepared for visitors, dinners and last minute touches. We then spent Saturday eating and dressing everybody up for the wedding. It was very beautiful. The whole weekend was very good. Thanks for getting married Zac and J.J.. We love you!

This is Bailey getting ready to put her flower girl dress on. She looks like a pageant girl.

Don't you think? Aunt Julie did all of the girls hair and let me tell you she is amazing and so talented.

Hannah, Carter, Hayden and Katelyn love weddings. They get to dress up and dance the night or day away. Here they are getting ready to dance.

Carter and Hannah

Hayden and Katelyn looking like models for a wedding magazine.

One of J.J.'s best friends (those at the wedding will get my comment!!!!) Tammy, giving her a much needed drink of water.

Me fixing Mom's hair so that it looks perfect for the picture.

My Prince Charming.

Natalie and Ben walking down the aisle. They were adorable.

Aunt Jill looking like a model

Bailey throwing rose pedals. It was so cute.

She would grab a handful and give them a good throw.

Greg Adams singing You Raise me Up.

Wow, he has a beautiful voice.

The wedding ceremony

My beautiful daughter Madalyn.

Husband and Wife!

J.J., Zac and Zac's son Alexander.

Tricia and Kim decorating the cake.

Alexander and Zac.

Happy are we!!

Matt with his good friend Dave who he has known his entire life.

Ty Ty eating crackers. What a cutie!

Carter and Hannah heading off to eat.

The setting was so pretty. This picture shows the trees and plants that surrounded us.

Our family trying to get organized for a family picture.

Ok, there we are. Look at Bailey's eyes.

She likes to cross her eyes and do funny movements with her lips.

When we got home from church on Sunday, the children gathered around their aunt Jennifer for a picture. Paige was having a tantrum and so I hid behind her and tried to hold her up.

Honeyman State Park and the first day of school.

Well, the last 7 days we have been busy camping and getting ready for school. We left last week to Honeyman State Park for a weekend of sand and more sand. We make a trip to the coast to camp twice a year with our families and friends. This year Matt was unable to come with us on Friday, because he is now at the High School and needs to be at the football games. On Saturday he competed in a sprint triathlon with his friend Rich. We were all very excited to see him Saturday afternoon. Sunday we all went to church and then enjoyed talking around the campfire and eating great food. Food is a common thread in our lives! I am sure that you notice this in my blogs. Anyway, the kids played all weekend in the sand box right next to our campsite. Their teeth, clothes, hair, ears, and nose all had sand in it. I have been doing laundry for 2 days. I am almost caught up. We had rain on Friday and Saturday night. Our tent did a great job at protecting us from being soggy in the morning. Enjoy all of the pictures!

Matt returning from his Sprint Triathlon.

Madalyn heading to middle school.

This is our tent. Thank heavens for tarps!

This is just another shot of our tent.

Madalyn with her cousins and friend Lalany.

Paige and her cousin Natalie.

Lauri, Tricia and I.

Bailey getting ready to head to the sand pit.

The kids would be so cold that they would head to Grandma and Grandpa s trailer.

Katelyn, Hayden and Carter.

Paige and Grandpa.

Can you see that alligator that Carter carved out of the sand on this board?

Look closely!

Madalyn and Hannah.

Eating a smore on Sunday night.

My little nephew Ben eating a smore.

Matt with the boys making their smores.

Jeff roasting his marshmallow.

All of the kids getting ready for bed. We would put in a movie to keep them dry until we put them to bed. Can you guess what movie they are watching?

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Big 4th grader.

Excited 2nd grader.

Baileys 1st day of kindergarten. She was very excited.

Playing on the toys at recess for the 1st official time.

WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN!

Bailey and her friend Jack in the same classroom.