Batting practice

We were given a Hit-Away a while ago, but just recently Cole started using it.

We found a great tree to hook it up to, and Cole's been out back regularly hitting.

Looking through these pictures, it amazes me how intense his face is - he is really going after the ball!

Looking forward to watching Cole play in a real game eventually - once he finally gets old enough to join a team!

Western Virginia Museum of Transportation

The kids and I checked out the local transportation museum last week.

We found this cute little switcher train with Mead's name on it!

They climbed in and explored various engines.

And we also climbed aboard the cabin of a private jet - really cool!

Perler Beads galore!

My kids have always loved making Perler Bead creations, but since we moved they've really stepped it up a notch.  

They have made tons of designs, including 3D perler beads, with the help of a pattern book Grammy and Papa gave us at Christmas.

It's been a great way to pass the time this summer, while we are still settling in and making new friends.

Kids sleep-over camp

We're planning on sending the girls to Ridgehaven next summer during General Assembly, so we've been talking about spend-the-night camp with them a little bit.

The kids have never spent the night anywhere, expect when we're traveling and all together at someone's house.  So they asked if they could "practice" having a sleep over down in our basement.

I decided to give it a shot - why not, right?  The kids were so excited!

They got all their gear (blankets, stuffed animals, books, etc.) and set up their spot for sleeping.

They sure look cute, don't they?!  Well, the sleep over lasted for almost two hours, but then it got rowdy and not very conducive for sleep :-)  So back upstairs to their own rooms they went!  Until next time...

Free basketball hoop

The kids and I were headed out the other day and drove past a neighbor who had put this basketball hoop out for the trash.  We quickly stopped and decided to bring it home.

It was quite heavy, so the kids and I had to wheel it up the street, because I couldn't lift it into the van.  They were big helpers, and we finally made it home with our new treasure.

After cleaning up the backboard and washing the net, it was back in action.  So glad for this great find!  The kids love being able to shoot hoops at home.

Happy 4th of July!

We joined some new friends for the 4th of July this year.  It was a wet day, but we got just enough dry time to play outside together for a while.

Lots of kids between our 3 families!

The kids loved holding the sparklers.

Some of the sparklers were bigger than others.

Look at that pose!

Big fireworks got cancelled because of the rain, but the kids still had a good time together.

A visit with family

After our blueberry picking trip in Blacksburg we were able to stop by my brother, Todd's, house.

It was great to see his kids and him (Roni was at work, and we only got to see her for a minute when she got home before we had to get back on the road).

Todd's girls played The Game of Life with the kids - a game they don't often get to play.

And Mead and Cole loved following Midge around, despite the fact that Mead is severely allergic to dogs.  She's cursed with a love for furry animals anyway!

Until next time!