You Can Dance if You Want To (aka Noodling Madi)

I really have no words for this post, except to say that to know me is to know that I am not a noodler.  Never have been.  Never will be.  Apparently that aversion is not a genetic trait.

I have said it before, and I'll say it again, my child FEELS the music from deep within her soul. She loves to dance.  She spent the afternoon making up dances to every song on the Hannah Montana sound track - and made them look "cool" all while wearing her hippie skirt and oooh-so-cool tye-dye shirt.  Peace out.

Where I've Been

For those of you who have been wondering where I've been for the last two weeks.  Here is your answer.  Can you see my kids behind the books?  I couldn't either.  I now hereby resolve to rejoin the land of the living in general, and the McGinley family in particular.  But DAMN, they were good.  Goooood. Like indulging in a wonderful gooey forbidden chocolate treat.  But waaaaay better.  I read each of these books in under two days (one or two of them in less than a day) - and I could hardly take the time to come up for air.  So selfish.  So good.  Highly recommended - but only when you have cleared your calendar and are all caught up on your sleep!!!  Enjoy!

Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa

So long 1st grade and K-4!

Carpool with the Whitings.

Long time, no blog!  Sorry for the hiatus y'all - such is life in May with three kids, recitals, trips to Virginia, swim team, growing up too fast, etc., etc.  Today is the last day of school.  After today, I will have a second grader and a kindergartener.  How did I get this old?  I will try to do a big catch up blog or three, sprinkled in with some current pics and stories - there have been a lot since last we spoke.  Happy last day of school and welcome Summer!  

Yes, Virginia, she IS amazing!

This is Ashley and George.  I am obsessed with this picture of them.  George is my "Fairy Godson" (this is the Godmother equivalent of "other than Catholic" which I have a lot of experience with, so I should be perfectly suited for the job).  Also, I want to be Ashley when I grow up.  You do too, you just may not know it yet.  And yes, she is even more amazing than she looks in this picture.  Everyone should have a best friend this cool.  

Here are George and Henry.  I have a feeling they are going to be red headed.  This makes me very happy.  VERY happy.  They are precious miracles and I love them very much.  I miss them, too.

I will be back with Spring Break '09 part 5 soon.  Just had to share my boys!  Rob and I are heading up to W&L on Thursday - so I need to finish up Spring Break before I get some beautiful shots of Virginia in the springtime!

Ann Louise's First Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Ono - Spring Break '09 Part 4

SUBTITLE:  Herding Cats

Ann Louise planned an Easter Egg Hunt for Friday.  Complete with very specific rules for hiding and hunting.  We all followed the rules, and Rob  passed them along to the "big kids" while the little ones got a head start.

Rob knew to take Ann Louise's rules VERY seriously.  

I think she approved of the seriousness with which Rob took said rules.

Mac was successful in his hunt... for the most part.

Sub-Subtitle:  If it were a snake, it would have bit ya!

Jane, Madison and Barclay scoured the shoreline for any missing eggs.

Then the Dexters, the Ortegas, the Kaufmans and the McGinleys all took a load off and ate some candy.  (Madison threw up that night - shockingly enough).

Still eating candy but with a better view from the Little's porch swing.

Susu and Mac were pleased with his Easter booty.

It's War! Spring Break '09 Part 3

Thursday marked the much anticipated arrival of the Daddys.  And n'ere a moment too soon, I might add!  Rob really needed to work on his "bow tying on the fly" skills and the extra practice really paid off.

Tim was kind enough to teach our son how to shoot a water gun.

And Mac was kind enough to turn around and commence shooting Martha.  (Don't worry, her Dad had been smart enough to teach her to shoot first - so she held her own).

The Ortegas stopped by for some beaching fun that afternoon.  Here are Rob and Suzette planning Ann Louise's Eggstravaganza set for the following day.

This is Rob's God daughter Francie.  She found Mac's tricycle and had a big time on the porch. Love me some Francie.

Susu was able to round up Ann Louise and Madison for an afternoon project.  They made chocolate covered cherry mice complete with sliced almond ears.  The girls were proud.  I ate too many mice.  

I realize that I am dragging out these Spring Break posts, but there were so many pictures (and so few since) that I thought it might be best to break them into a few smaller posts.  And we haven't even gotten to Easter!!!

Can't Catch Me! Spring Break '09 Part 2

Wednesday started out with a bang - hooray, beach weather had arrived!  All three kids stampeded out to the pool and beach as soon as I opened the door.  

Then - as if in a dream, my children spontaneously began to play with each other ... on purpose!

This game of tag/keep away/run away from your little brother lasted for half the morning.

And just when Mac couldn't keep up any longer - we had a friend infusion - Yee Haw!

The Kaufman's arrived (here it comes ladies and gentlemen) with a splash!  (I know, I have some mad skilz with phrase spinning).

Will and Madison showcased their finest canon balls.  Betcha can't guess who won!  (Here's a hint, his name rhymes with "ill" and he can also do some mean Tae Kwon Do moves on the fly.)

Not being a big splash man, himself, Mac took this opportunity to work on his tan.  Lookin' good Mac Daddy.

Speaking of Mac Daddys ... Mac has now decided to become Martha's "Baby Daddy."  Seriously, the boy has NEVER, and I'm not exaggerating here, NEVER voluntarily shared his trains with anyone.  Ever.  This is love folks.  She then allowed him to take care of her baby doll - hence the new nickname for the Doodle-Man.

Again, Barclay hit the bathtub for her post pool warm up.

And again, she was joined by the rest of the crew.  

Peace out.