Steeds Dairy

 We made our annual trip to the "pumpkin patch" this afternoon. The kids look forward to going every year --- and  today Avery asked me if "going to the pumpkin patch every October is one of our family traditions?"  She is catching on!   Brent and I like to establish traditions with the kids that they will always remember and always be able to look forward to doing. 

Carsyn loved the corn pit. She sat still and daintily filled her bucket using a spoon!!  (and repeated that over and over and over....)

 on the tire swing

 shooting the corn gun

 my handsome toothless boy!

 carsyn and I rode the "train" while the big kids took off to do the zip line

 the griffster!

 hayride time

 and all 4 are looking different directions....but at least they are all smiling!!

pure joy!

Graham's Family Picnic

 The little kids preschool has family picnics every fall so that the parents can meet each other and the other kids in the class. Graham had his on Friday. I picked up Chic-fil-a and Daddy joined us for the picnic. 

 Graham has recently learned to do the monkey bars and "pump" on the swing so he was eager to show off!

 This is Brooks, one of Grahams best friends from school. Just look at them laughing!

Despite it being a family picnic, Graham wasn't too excited about having a family picture made!

Soccer Kick off

Another soccer season has begun for the Parnell family...and this year, we have a new player!  Graham has really been looking forward to being able to play soccer now. Today was their first games and everyone did great and loved it. 

 The Graham-ster, pregame. He was actually a little nervous and asked me a ton of questions about soccer rules on the way there. 

 Graham did way better than I anticipated - he knew which way to go, he went after the ball, and was pretty aggressive. He seemed to understand the concept of the game better than the older 2 during their first soccer season. I guess all those years watching Avery and Griffin play taught him something!  (note the tongue sticking out of grahams mouth. it helps him concentrate!)

 And the Griff-ster...

 I am pretty sure that soccer is going to be this guys "thing." He loves it, he is really good at it, and he is super fast. Just look at his game face here!

 He is awesome at defense - he is so fast that he can get ahead of the ball and steal it almost every time. 

 and miss avery brooke. 

avery has the parnell "tongue" gene too!

Back to School

Its back to school for this rowdy bunch!  We had a great summer. We spent countless hours at the pool. We traveled to the beach, Mobile, the cabin, and Smith Lake. We spent time with our families. We did Bible school and camps and play dates. We slept in (its relative!) and stayed up late. Kids went without baths for way to long. It was a great summer...

But now, this OCD mother gets to put life back in order!! I get a little giddy when I get my calendar out and PLAN! I love the organization and schedule that comes with a new school year. Don't get me wrong, when summer rolls around I am always ready for a break from the routine...but I work best with schedules. 

 So this young lady turned 8 this summer and is starting third grade at Stevens Creek Elementary. Her teacher is Mrs. Burton. After school activities for her - gymnastics pre team twice a week; soccer once a week for 7 weeks this fall; and Relay mother/daughter Bible study once a month. 

 My big kids!!

And this handsome boy is quickly approaching 7 years old and is starting first grade! He is also at Stevens Creek and his teacher is Mrs. McMahan. He will be doing whatever sport is in season (soccer, basketball, and baseball) and is really interested in starting Boy Scouts this year. 

 The Toothless Wonder (AKA Graham) is a whopping 4 years old and started pre-K 3 days/week at FBC Augusta. He has Mrs. Maddox as his teacher. Graham is taking a Thursday morning gymnastics class again this year and is thrilled to death that he is old enough to play soccer this fall!

 the littles!

 This little wild thing is very much a 2 year old!  She is going to MDO on Wednesday and Friday mornings at FBC Augusta. Mrs Susan and Mrs Lori are her teachers. Her after school activity is driving around in mommy's taxi cab, making sure everyone gets to where they need to be!

Space Center

 The lake house is about 45-50 minutes away from Huntsville so we left Gammy home with the 3 little nappers and took the other 4 to the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. The kids enjoyed running wild, riding a few rides, and doing some of the "hands on" activities but weren't as impressed with everything as we anticipated!

 They rode this 10+ times!

 There were several military vehicles for the kids to look at and climb on. 

 taking turns "blasting off" 

 this is a better portrayal of these 4....

Smith Lake

Brent's sister and her family moved to CA right after we moved to Augusta three years ago. Due to the fact that we live on opposite coasts, we have only seen them once since they moved. However, they just bought a lake house on Smith Lake in northern Alabama!  So we met them there a few weeks ago to catch up and play. We had a great time - we spent a lot of time on the tube, jet ski, and relaxation station!  

 Cooper is in between our boys' ages...he and Griffin played all weekend together. 

 Our big 2 on the tube....neither are fond of swimming in lake water so they did not want to fall off!

 Driver Daddy with Cooper and Carsyn (Carsyn loved to ride on the "boat")

 Cenley (almost 4 yrs) and Avery  

 Even the adults got to play!!  Clay took cara and I on a wild ride!

 S'mores!

 Avery fixed the little girls hair

 Gammy and her Grandkids

We had fun McCoys!!  Thanks for having us!