Avery's 1st Socer Game

So after going to Griffin's first soccer practice and his first game, Avery was determined that she too would play soccer this spring. So we made a call and they had 1 spot left in her age division! So our little princess in now a soccer player too! (with her pink bow, pink soccer shorts, and pink striped soccer socks...)

She absolutely loved playing! She stuck with the ball the whole time - mainly on the periphery of the "pack" and not too aggressive - but she kind of skipped-hopped the entire time! She was smiling her head off and would wave whenever she ran by Brent or I.

She seems to understand the game and the concept of playing better than little bro, who needs lots of encouragement and reminders about what he is supposed to be doing!!

The weather was freezing for her first game - with wind gusts up to 50 mph! The players seemed to be fine but the crowds were miserable!

(Katelyn, Griff, Coach Leo and Bryce, and Mrs Kim)

Rhythm and Rhymes

Avery's class spent the month of March learning about rhythm and rhymes. They started out the month celebrating Dr Seuss' birthday and reading some of his works. The concept of rhyming suddenly "clicked" with Avery and for weeks now, we have spent our time in the car finding words that rhyme. They also learned all the old nursery rhymes that I grew up with. It's been fun hearing her recite some of them. Avery's class spent some of their craft time this month making several musical instruments. Today they ended their "unit" by having a very informal show for parents. They sang and played their instruments to 2 songs...

homemade mics and everything! (avery and garrison)

here they are, displaying their instruments

(garrison, avery, maddox)

After their musical show, they performed little skits to the nursery rhymes. Avery was Humpty Dumpty. The pictures are a little blurry and I couldn't get a really good one...but you'll get the idea!

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall...

all the kings horses and all the kings men couldn't put humpty back together again.

Like Father, Like Son

Those of you that know Brent, know that he loves "all things salty." Sadly enough, he does NOT have my sweet tooth...however, Griffin definitely has my sweet tooth and Avery has a mild sweet tooth...but it looks like Graham maybe leaning towards Brent's taste preferences...

Our Soccer Star

Griffin is playing soccer this spring - his first experience with "organized" sports. He had his first game on Saturday. I had to work so Brent took all 3 kids...so this blog is "according to Brent"... Griffin had an absolute ball. He ran full speed ahead the entire time. He was pretty aggressive about getting the ball. He scored twice - once in the wrong goal; once in the wrong goal on the wrong field - but he was proud of himself none-the-less! He was thrilled with his "soccer shorts" and his "leg things." He'll be equally thrilled when their team shirts arrive. I think he looked absolutely adorable! Sad I missed it but glad that there are many more games to come.

Coach Chad and a few teammates

after the ball - eye on the prize!

little goalie

Daddy's Little Helper

Brent has been doing a little spring yard work to make the house as presentable as possible for house showings and open houses. Griffin has been getting his exercise by helping daddy with the mowing. Griffin pretty much follows directly behind Brent the entire time! Pretty cute!

(griff's mower has a broken wheel so he has to work really hard to push it!)

Savory Crescent Chicken Squares

So I haven't posted a recipe in a really long time...but here is an oldy but goody! (I may have shared this with some of you years ago - I remember making this while living in Birmingham!)

Savory Crescent Chicken Squares

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 TBSP butter, softened
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 TBSP chopped chives or green onion
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
2 TBSP milk
1 8oz pkg refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 TBSP butter, melted
3/4 cup seasoned croutons, crushed

Heat oven to 350.
In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and 1 TBSP softened butter. Stir until smooth. Add chicken, chives, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix well.

Separate dough into 4 rectangles. Firmly press perforations to seal. Spoon 1/4 of chicken mixture onto center of each rectangle. Pull 4 corners of dough to center of chicken mixture and twist. Pinch edges to seal. (this makes 4 squares with the dough sealed into the center). Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Brush tops of sandwiches with melted butter. Sprinkle with crushed croutons.

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

*I use part of a rotisserie chicken. And I normally mix the filling up during naps and then just stuff the dough right before cooking it. The kids love this!*

Weekend Fun

One of my favorite things that we have done since we've been here in Durham is having dinner with friends fairly regularly. Its not practical for us to try to go out anywhere and actually enjoy it...so we normally cook out at someones house.

We have already been enjoying the warmer weather and extra hours of sunshine! The Runkle family had us over for burgers and hot dogs this weekend. The kids burned their energy outdoors and the adults enjoyed some conversation!

not sure where this seductive look came from...

griffy boy!

the girls, always in costume!

Graham crawled around and did his own thing - no more baby for us!! And doesn't he look so big???