Vision Games 2016

The end of another great year in gymnastics for Claire! Over the past year she has moved from the Flip Flops to Vision A to Vision B class. Moving right along in her skills and having fun at the same time! Here's some pics from the mock-meet they do at her gym. It's a dedicated group of coaches, kids and families and we have been nothing but pleased with the skill of the staff and the fun and encouraging atmosphere they keep! You'll see Claire and Caroline. They have been in gymnastics since they were 2. Though in Vision B at different times, they are still buddies! Each kid got to stand on the podium and get medal and tshirt! COOL! Here's some pics and videos of her in action!

 

Batter Up!

Here's the next step in growing up...Take me out to the ballpark! The uniform, the glove, the team, and Coach Daddy! What a sweet group of players we have on our team...The Rockies! We are in a community league that our church sponsors. We practice once/week and play on Saturdays. Big Daddy would not miss coming over to warm her up before the first big game of many to come I'm sure! I have many sweet memories of countless hours at the ballpark. Always appreciated my parents support and my little bro cheering me on...Now Joel getting to do the same. Here's some highlight pics and a few clips to show you her stuff! Here's to you our little Slugger!

2016 April Tball Claire - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker

Carvers and Brelands Take Chattanooga

There's a first time for everything...2 mommas and 4 fired up kids in 1 minivan ...destination Chattanooga! Bring it! Daddies stayed back to work and we ventured out on Spring break! We headed straight for the Creative Discovery Museum and played there for nearly 4 hours. Checked into the hotel and splashed in the pool for a while. Ordered pizza and all crashed! Tuesday we met up with a friend from their first day care, Skye, at the Zoo. It was smaller than ours but very nice and fun! Lunch at The Good Dog. (every kids dream of a good hot dog! a must-do with kids!). Enjoyed some rides on the Carousel at Coolidge park and playing by the river. After some rest time we hit some local playgrounds...finishing up the night with mexican food followed by ice cream. All crashed again. Our final day started with some roaming around the Chattanooga Choo Choo train (Joel had been very patient waiting to see this!). Our last event was a Duck Boat tour on the Tennessee River (Claire was not a fan but took one for the team!) All passed out in the car on the way home...Very successful trip! All had a blast and all are still friends!! Tons of good experiences! THanks Jen for all you did to make this trip easy and fun! Wonder where this crew will go next!? good times! Here's some highlights

2016 March Chattanooga trip - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker

President's Faculty Research Award

One of the most fun things to get to do as a wife is to brag on the many excellencies of my husband. So let me do just that! Last night along with Jeff's parents, I was a very honored guest at a ceremony to see Jeff receive the 2016 President's Faculty Research award from the College of Engineering from the U. of Alabama. (there were 12 others from various colleges across the university who received awards in their areas). He received this award for his scholarly work in his study of software engineering and how people, not necessarily in the computer field, use and develop software. A committee from the Department of Research reviewed the work Jeff has done in his projects that have lead to countless publications, workshops and talks on the international level and his participation at the National Science Foundation and other groups he's involved in. All I can tell you as his wife, who doesn't grasp what he really does everyday, it's awesome to see him recognized for his hard work. It was a great joy to be there as his biggest fan along with his parents. Claire and Joel made cards for him and told everyone all day long about Daddy getting an award. Jeff hates the limelight!!! But it's so fun to brag on him! Congratulations sweetheart!! Below he is pictured with his Department head, Dr. David Cordes (bottom right) and with the President of UA, Dr. Stephen Bell (shaking hands).

March Photo Shoot

Many thanks to Kristie Allen for capturing some precious pictures of my sweet family.

2016 March Photo Shoot - Kizoa Video Editor - Movie Maker

Joel Turns 3!!

Here we are - welcoming Joel into the world just 3 years ago! Wow! From 9# 2oz to now a solid 30# and now 3 feet tall! He can count to 30, say all his letters, sing countless hymns, do a forward roll and picked up bike riding pretty quick with training wheels. He loves pancakes for breakfast, spinach/cheese tortellini ("green pasta"), Moe's southwest, and goldfish to name a few favorites. He just broke into the "sweets" arena recently with now liking rice krispy treats...until then - no sweets entered his mouth. His best bud is Sam Breland and 2 girls vying for girlfriend status - Chandler and Mary Grace. He is a "leader" in gymnastics and loves to help blow the leaves off the driveway. He loves to read, do puzzles and he leans towards Bully vs. Mike the Tiger right now. His dimples melt you and his hugs make your heart swell. His giggles stop you in your tracks as he chases Claire around the house. They know how to aggravate each other and are learning to work it out (and make deals with each other). He is still doing well at Pioneer Playschool and watches for Claire to get off the bus everyday when she comes for "after school program." He's quite the joy!! We celebrated with a family party the Saturday before his birthday on Thursday. His theme was construction trucks and he had a cookie cake because he doesn't like cake or ice cream. What a fun time to celebrate with our family who have been so supportive of us and our kids. We have noticed a bit of an introverted streak coming out...when he's had enough he just takes his trucks in another room for a while. He'll be back especially if Claire's close by. During the week of his birthday he invited Mary Grace over for lunch and we got to later in the week have dinner with the Brelands...all special friends!! It takes a village... Thank you Lord for this incredibly special boy!

2016 Mar Joel bday - Kizoa Online Movie Maker

Feb Fun

Feb was cold at times and warm at times. Nice pace of fun activities and some quiet weekends at home. Gymnastics continues for both Claire and Joel and both got to go see the big girls at U. Alabama compete a couple of times. Big Daddy surprised them at one meet. Jeff and Claire had Daddy/Daughter Date night with a dinner together and fun night at our church. We also had fun at "Big Machines Day" at McWane Center. A few other giggles and random silliness thrown in. A little snippet to our daily life. These kids amaze me!

2016 Feb Fun - Kizoa Online Movie Maker