Soccer Champs

Lauren and Brandon's team placed second in the Regional Soccer Tournament.  Way to go Team USA!  

Slip'n N Slide'n with the Aunts

Lauren and Sami are lucky to have such fun aunts.  Robin demonstrated how to properly slip 'n slide (although it was more painful than she remembered it being.)

Despite a great model, the girls just couldn't get the hang of it.  Here is one of Lauren's many attempts to slide.  This is not a still shot.  She's just still.

So Aunt Dana resorted to pushing them down the slide.

That was a lot more fun.

Eli stayed cool and comfy in the shade with Grandma.  

A Fun Day Downtown

We spent the afternoon touring private gardens in Newport, Kentucky.

Afterwards, we watched a street magician/comedian.  Lauren was invited into his act.  He handed the boy a dollar and told him to give it to Lauren.  Then he told the boy it was a preview to the rest of his life.  Ha!

Here's Lauren with her dollar!

We took a carriage ride through downtown Cincinnati.

We all had a great time!

Sami's First Fishing Trip

Sami, Papa, and Alyssa before the fishing begins

Proud Mommy

Sami loved fishing with Papa.  She touched the bait and reeled in the fish all by herself!

More Birthday Fun

We've celebrated three more family birthdays since my last post!

Happy birthday Papa!  

Four against one in tug-of-war.    

Brandon turned 35 on April 29th.  We celebrated with a laid back Sunday afternoon and a meal at Lonestar Steakhouse.

Lauren is 7! 

Beach towel from Great Grandma Garrott

American Girl Doll bunk bed from Mommy and Daddy.

Make a wish!

Her favorite part!

Lauren celebrated with a few friends by painting pottery.

Sami is 4!

Samantha has officially graduated from toddler-hood.  I interviewed her on the big day, and this is what she had to say:

What is your full name?  "Samanthaaaaaa!"

Is that all?  "Samanthaaaaa Reeeeeese Galliteeeeee!"

How old are you?  "Four."

What is your favorite color?  "Hmmm.  Purple."

Are you sure that's your favorite color?  "No.  Yellow."

What is your favorite book?  "Winnie the Pooh ABCs"

What is you favorite movie?  "Sleeping Beauty"

Who is your favorite singer?  "Rapunzel"

What is your favorite song?  "That song from The Little Mermaid" (Part of Your World)

What is your favorite toy?  "My sleeping beauty doll."

Who is your best friend?  "Braxton"

What makes you happy?  "Funshine Bear"

What makes you sad?  "Nothing."

What do you want to be when you grow up?  "You."  (a mommy)  

Funny words Sami says:  "Bob's Heaven" for Bob Evans, "Crackle Barrel" for Cracker Barrel, "slushily" for slushy, "stunk" for skunk, "Awww phooey."

Funny things Sami does:  Booty dance, leaves the biggest mess at the dinner table, licks her entire finger to turn the page of a book, cries if she has to wear anything other than a dress, wears her red boots at every opportunity.   

In her Beauty and the Beast dress.

   

The Big Cut

Samantha made a big decision this week by donating 9 inches of her hair!  We think she is cute as can be with her new haircut, and she was so proud to help another child.  She donated to Children with Hair Loss. (http://childrenwithhairloss.us/)

Before

Getting ready for the big cut!

She loved this part.

The ponytail that will be mailed to Children with Hair Loss.

So proud of herself.

What a cutie!

After