UM Hoops

We went to the UM basketball game last night. We got to see Coach Rodriguez sitting several rows in front of us and we certainly contributed to many Wolverine programs as we spent a lot of money and time at the concession stands! The half-time show was the Piston Flyers that use mini-trampolines to do crazy basketball shots. Therefore, this morning, Nate and Tessa were inspired to rearrange several toys and pieces of furniture in the toy room and kitchen so they could "fly" and "dunk." Luckily, no one was injured. And, we decided we should probably start with something much simpler, like free throws.

Spring fever.

With the help of his dad, Nate built a pretty cool snowman today. He was sure to get out his Snowman Kit that Gramma Char gave to us. You can tell that we have a little spring fever in the house as the snowman is ready to play baseball! Not so sure if a baseball player should be puffing on a pipe, but, oh well. He is wearing his heart patch.

Speaking of baseball, we signed Nate up for tee-ball league in the spring. Nate's birthday missed the cut-off date but we called to ask if he could sign up for the 5 and 6 year olds since those would be the kids he goes to school with next year (I know, that's a whole other issue we're dealing with...he's going to go the school. yikes.). Anyways, the manager said they would let him sign up and then they would decide at evaluations. What? He has to try out for tee-ball? Seriously? They don't even do kindergarten screening in this district! I guess this is the big leagues around here. Baseball is a pretty big deal. Therefore, Troy, who is trying to live vicariously through his son as well as planning his retirement fully based on his son's athletic potential, has been tying Nate's right arm behind his back and running drills ever since the sign up meeting! No pressure, Nate.

Puzzle Time.

Nate and Troy have taken up an old past time that is close to mommy and daddy's heart. As nerdy as it sounds, Troy and I used to do puzzles all of the time when we were in high school. Anyways, here are some pics of the boys working diligently on Nate's first 1000 piece masterpiece. I'm sure you'll appreciate his rashguard shirt and thinking cap in the pics. And, another question I ask myself is, why do I let my children sit on top of tables? And, I wonder why they act like animals.

First School Program

Nate and Tessa had their first school program this past weekend. It was a casual affair just for the families of the students. Mac & Cheese and meatballs were served for dinner, both Nate and Tessa's classes performed a couple songs and then a magician performed for everyone. All week Nate practiced and sang his song for his performance. We kept asking Miss T what song she was going to sing and she would shout out the ABCs at the top of her lungs. She's in preschool so this did not seem far fetched. Well, it was show time. Nate was front and center on stage with his class. He didn't miss a beat, a word or motion and even managed to smile a little bit while he sang a wintery version of I'm a Little Teapot! Tessa, on the other hand, got up on stage and wandered aimlessly with a flag that she had made with her classmates for the performance. A flag? For the ABCs? Still didn't think anything. When it came time for the motions and song, Troy and I were a little surprised not to hear the ABCs. Not even close. And, there was Tessa, not singing a word.
The parents provided desserts for the event. Gotta love the mom that brought the green frosted Elmo cupcakes. Thanks for that.
This is a Baughman Blabbermouth first....VIDEO CLIP! Enjoy.

Kendall's 5th B-Day

Went back to Ohio on Sunday for Kendall's 5th birthday party. She had the appropriate girly-girl princess cake and all kids got a chance to blow out the candles....which takes a long time with all the Rosebrook and Neuenschwander cousins! Kendall has considerable eccentric flare, as many of you know. So, when she opened a flapper girl dress up outfit and a bunch of jeweled accessories, she had to try them on immediately. Not sure what Principal Wentzel will think when she shows up at preschool wearing this get-up?

Monster Jam

Troy and Uncle Todd took Nate, Cole and Keaton to the Monster Jam truck show in Detroit this past weekend. All of our favorite trucks were there including Grave Digger, Backdraft, El Loco Toro and the Detroit favorite Blue Thunder. It was loud and Uncle Todd and Troy treated the boys to a fine dinner of cotton candy!

Twenty Ten.

Happy New Year! The kids got their invitation nice and early this year and spent NYE at Gramma Gayla's house again. As tradition has it, she makes kiddie cocktails, they play games galore and get all gussied-up for Mr. Clark and the ball dropping. Well, no one under the age of 10 has even made it to the ball dropping yet (I'm not sure that Grampa Steve makes it either!?). Essentially, Gramma lets them run until they drop!