the arnell world cup: USA vs. Argentina

I think I'm going to get a bit behind on my pictures of the day. This is from Sunday, but I had to post these. The name Arnell is pretty much synonymous with Soccer--we had an awesome world cup game on Father's day. And don't think just because there are some tiny guys and gals out there that anyone went easy on them at all. These are Arnells. But the little ones gave it right back, too, and didn't feel a bit picked on. It was awesome, except I was cheering for the US (girls) and they lost to Argentina (boys) 5-4. And perhaps next time I will have my actual camera that is much better at taking action shots. Brandon was too hammered from the Ragnar to play, and I'll use that for my excuse this time, too. ;)

p.s. Is it just me, or do these pictures prove what a ball hog Adam is? ;)

soccer

Phoebe and 3 of her soccer team friends watching Brandon and their soccer coach play an indoor game, after playing a scrimmage of their own in the rain and wind.

I am a bad photographer

We had a night of softball, t-ball and coach pitch. I'm so glad I'm furloughed so I was able to finally make it to the games!

Abby had a double header, they won both games. Her team is undefeated, without much help from her. She has missed lots of games and practices for dance, soccer and orchestra stuff. Now all that is over, so she actually made practice and both games so far this week. I didn't want to embarrass her by getting all up in the game to take her picture, so I tried to casually take it with my phone from the stands...

Willie got up to bat and hit the ball faster than I could snap the picture, but here he is running to first. He has improved a lot this year, the boy is a bit slow developing coordination. :)

Lucy had a t-ball game, too, but I was at Abby 's, so I missed it. T-ball gets a bit boring--you've seen one game, or even one inning of one game, you've seen them all. I had my mom take some pictures, but haven't got them yet. Lucy told me she hit the ball a far ways, and I believe her.

muffin tin monday

Happy Flag Day!

We started muffin tin mondays for the summer. I've been watching this blog:

for a while now, but haven't gotten around to actually doing the muffin tin lunches yet. I thought flag day would be a fun day to start.

Clockwise from top: Babybel cheese with a star cut out of the wax, patriotic circus cookies, pb&j cut into a mini star shape, half of a hard boiled egg with a flag pick, (I have a star egg shaper, but my eggs were not cooperating today. I gave up after the first 2) strawberry slices and blueberries.

And the best part? All 4 of my kids ate every bite. (I don't serve one to miss 14 year old) (hmm...and I think Lucy gave some of her blueberries to Owen...)

deer

See what greeted Phoebe and I on this chilly morning as we loaded into the van to head to voice lessons.

Had I snapped this with my camera instead of my phone I think it would have turned out better. But you get the idea...

The Beginning of Our Annie Adventure

Meet Annie and the Orphans! Phoebe had voice lessons this morning with the other orphans. What fun! To feel the energy of twelve 8-12 year old little "actress" girls, learning to sing properly. I LOVED it...every one of these little cuties loves to sing, and wasn't afraid to sing out loud and clear, and it sounded great, even on day 1. Exciting stuff...

the unplanned photo of the day

As I was putting Odie down for his nap today I had planned on snapping a picture of him snoozing for today. When I came down to get my phone, I found this:

My 2 girls, folding a batch of laundry each. This may be a normal occurrence in any other home, but NOT around here. I almost cried. These girls of mine, (especially miss 14 yr old) NEVER do stuff without being asked. Seriously, I don't think Abby EVER has...So when I saw this, I just knew it had to be the picture today.

(p.s. I feel like I have to explain the tank top Abby is wearing. She had a shirt on over it today, but was trying on her dance costumes just before this, and I guess the urge to help her mother came on suddenly...I know I shouldn't worry about explaining, but modesty is a huge issue to me, and Brandon very much dislikes when she wears tank tops even just around the house...the end.)

Tuesday=Library Day

Today we started our summer library schedule. Got everyone all signed up for the summer reading program, got schedules of upcoming events, etc.

The star of today's picture of the day is miss Lucy Belle. Doesn't she look happy? She got her very own library card today, add to that the whole slew of books she checked out PLUS the loose tooth she discovered sunday, and we can't wipe the grin off this girls face!

Picture of the Day--#1.

One goal I set for this summer is to take at least one picture each day. I don't plan on posting each one, but maybe. So without further ado--

We had a bit of a planning session today, planning out our day-to-day summer activities, setting goals, getting organized, etc. The girls (Abby and Phoebe, that is) cleaned their room, which really hasn't happened for about 2 months. They are supposed to clean their rooms every friday during the school year, but we have been letting them get away with a half-hearted attempt week after week. Kind of embarrassing to post, but it is super clean, now!

The boys hurried and finished their lists and turned in some "daddy dollars" to play the wii. Neither of them were even aware that I took this picture....

And as for Lucy? She finished her list and went to hang out with Gram all morning. That girl cannot get enough of Gram and Pop these days...