Cute Cousins

One of the {BEST} parts of Michael's graduation was having family to share it with. I met my newest nephew, Oliver, for the first time. WHAT A CUTIE!!!! All 7 cousins (my children and my sister's children) were together for the first time. They were fast friends and had such a great time together.

We needed an activity that would be appropriate for our group ranging from Oliver {4 months} to my 91 year old granny. We decided on Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. While my parents, aunts, and granny had afternoon tea in the square, Alexa took these {amazing} pictures of the cousins. If anyone is looking for a great place to do a photo shoot (or a free amateur photographer), I would definitely recommend this spot. Here are some of Alexa's best shots:

Some fun shots with {cuteness} Ollie

Oliver- 4 months, Emma- 5 years, Celeste- 11 years, Abe- 8 years

Just the girls

Sophie (6 years) and Emma were so cute together and were such good friends.

Celeste and Abe

{Cousins}

The 5 youngest cousins together, minus Alexa (our photographer) and Michael (who was at work).

The weather was gorgeous, like 80's ish and breezy, and all the kids were so happy to be outside. We're gonna miss these guys, till next time!

Graduation

The big day finally came. It felt like we prepared for so long for this day, and now it is over. I wish I could say it all went off without a hitch, but no such luck!!!!

The displays for his party turned out great. The big blue book is all his senior pictures, the small red book is pages from relatives to wish him well, and the poster shows him through the years:

The cake was made by my friend, Hollie, who has a business "Sugarbritches". It was an AMAZING carrot cake. However, it appears Sadie got to it first, before I could get a picture!

We did not know if we all (20 guests) would be able to see Michael graduate. There was a storm coming, and if it was too bad they would move us inside and each graduate would get only 2 guests!!! We were hoping the storm would stay away.

We took a few pictures before heading out:

Then it was off to his school. We all got settled in the bleachers just as the rain started. They decided at the last minute to go forward with the outdoor ceremony in the rain. We were all SOAKING wet but so happy to all be together to see Michael walk! Here are a few shots from after the ceremony:

And finally, my "baby's" gown, Payne Academy cord, tassel, and DIPLOMA!!!!!!

Needless to say, we are all so proud of Michael and can't wait to see what comes next for him.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there. I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating motherhood.

Softball is officially over.

Sad, but true. The girls lost their second tournament game, ending their season. There's always next year...

THEY WON!!!!!!!!!

GO LADY KNIGHTS!!!! They won the first tournament game 19-3!!!!! Round two tomorrow.......

Softball Season {a Juxtaposition}

Here is Sophie, all geared up for her T-ball game:

{cute, right?}

And here is what you can expect to see at one of her games:

-2 runners on first base at the same time {coach yelling "run Daniel"}

-a cutie orange-shirted girl out on the field with us while her team was up to bat

-kids running the wrong way, wearing the helmets backwards, batting from the wrong side of the T, etc.

-kids sitting in the outfield, chasing butterflies, or sitting on their parents laps during innings

-kids batting until they hit, everyone bats, and no one gets out {and we don't keep score}

As you can see, Sophie is pretty good:

Run, Sophie!

Now, here is what you would see at Alexa's games:

-A catcher like a brick wall that hardly ever lets a ball by her:

{yup, that's my girl!}

-Awesome, fast pitching, strike outs, and home runs

-Stealing bases, leading off, sliding into base or home

-fastest fielding imaginable {these girls rock at bringing the ball in FAST!}

-throw downs to make outs

-fun chants from the dugout, and amazing teamwork

Alexa Batting

And all around exciting, fast passed games including the following:

We were playing our regional rival, Salt River Indian Community School. They already beat us the first time we played them. Well, it was neck and neck all game, and tied 13-13 at the end of the game. We were up first in the Overtime inning, and score 11, YES 11, points! Can you believe it? We were up 24-13, when it was their turn to go up. We got them out without letting them score at all. Who do you think got the game ball for this game? The catcher, Alexa, who made outs, throw downs, and scored each time she was at bat! Go lady knights!

And, at the end of our regular season, we are tied for 3rd, with Salt River!

We start playoffs this Friday. It should be a fun weekend!

Observation

6 year olds + T ball = HILARIOUS!

{Pictures coming soon.}