How did Friday get here so quickly?
(plus a whole lotta photos!)

It's been a busy week--although, for the life of me, I can't really think of what has kept me so busy and what made the week pass by so quickly. (Ever feel that way?) I do know, though, that once I got through class last night (there was a lot of paper grading before it...so that's actually one of the things that did keep me busy), I told myself: "Self. You seriously need to post something new on your blog."

So, here I am. A little late. But, better late than never.

With such a busy week, and the involuntary absence from my blog, I certainly have quite a bit I could share with you.

I could, for example, tell you two of my favorite Scout Stories.

[Wait, I think I will...

~ A few days ago, Sydney randomly asked (she really is the Princess of Random) me and her sisters, "Wanna hear my pression of McKenna?" ("impression," if you're wondering). Of course our interest was piqued, so the answer was yes.

She put on a little silly face and said in a high-pitched voice (that really sounded nothing like McKenna, but was hilarious nonetheless):

"I drink Mountain Day all day long,
Ew, get away from me,
I love Brett."

(and, hence, Sydney nailed down several important traits of McKenna's personality..her love of Mountain Dew, her bossiness, and her current infatuation. Quite insightful for a four-year-old, I thought!)

~ Yesterday, Sydney and I were returning from a brief shopping trip and drove by a cemetary. I realized that Sydney had become uncharacteristically quiet in the back seat, so I peeked at her in the rear view mirror. She had her face squinched up tight and was holding her breath.

"What are you doing?" I asked her.

She just shook her head at me, and pointed at her puffed-out cheeks. I laughed inwardly and gave her a minute. (How long could she hold her breath? I reasoned)

When she let out the breath, she answered:

"Delaney said you have to hold your breath when you go by a boneyard. She said if you don't, you'll never have a cute boy."]

On this finally-updated blog..
I could also tell you how I've: watched "Lost," watched basketball, shopped for Easter dresses, finished off an entire Pepperidge Farm cake, had an awesome night at church, got an article assignment, started planning birthday celebrations for McKenna and Sydney, ate lots of Cadbury mini robin's eggs, saw Delaney inducted into the National Junior Honor Society, helped McKenna's boyfriend get fitted for a tux, ate some yummy hummus, wiped green pollen off my car, listened to a lot of Kelly Clarkson, and blew bubbles.
(And I just did!)

I could also tell you about how much fun we are having playing softball...
and I think I will!

(And I have pictures to prove it!)

Delaney has always been our softball player, and she is busy right now as a member of her middle school team (which has always been her goal, so she's been extremely excited about it), but even more fun has come because Sydney has decided she also loves softball. And when I say she loves it, I don't mean she sorta likes it and sometimes wants to go to practice...no, I mean she really and truly loves it and cannot wait for practice or game day.

In fact, she wants to practice outside with Gary whenever she can (this, you can only imagine, makes Gary EX-tremely happy!)...

She practices pitching inside (yes, Gary is already teaching her pitching drills! LOL)...

and she can't wait to go to practice, where she makes great effort...

and shows great form for someone so young...

Oftentimes, before we ever have Sydney's games at night (her team is the Mustangs and Gary is her coach), we get to watch Delaney's school games (which are held right after school).

Even though Delaney is in seventh grade, and most of the starters are in eighth grade, she has gotten some playing time...


And while we're at these games, of course Sydney is cheering--whether from the press box...

or the stands...

Even McKenna attends the games and supports her sister (although you might also catch her reading a Gossip Girl book)...

When Delaney was out of commission and on crutches for more than a week, she missed two games and an entire weekend tournament. She still dressed out, though, and hobbled around. And helped in any way she could...

Of course, one of the best things about ball is spending time with your friends. Delaney's best friend on the team is Kayla, who she has played softball with since they were five-years-old. It makes it special...

And when Delaney gets a chance to shine, she usually steps up the plate (literally and figuratively!) and does what she's got to do. This past Tuesday, we got stuck in a 7-7 tie in the last inning and had to do something to win the game. The coaches decided to sub Delaney in for another hitter (she hadn't played any so far that day) so that she would bunt the ball (something she's usually pretty good at) and hopefully get on base. She laid down the bunt perfectly, got to first, got to second on a steal, and was hit to third. With two outs, though, she needed to score. On a wild pitch by the other team, Delaney slid into home and beat the throw back to home plate...

Where she was then given a high-five by her coach...

When we get lucky, Delaney's games are played at home and at the same ballpark where Sydney plays. When that's the case, Sydney likes to watch Delaney play before it's her turn...

(I LOVE that picture!!)

And then she gets busy with her own team, playing in centerfield (see her back there all ready to go!)...

And hitting the ball (and just generally looking incredibly cute)...

(and, by the way, she can actually hit the ball. For a girl her size, she has great form and has hit several hits toward third base. She also strikes out--which she does not like!--but hits more than not. We are so proud of her!)

And she loves to celebrate a win by turning her jersey around backwards...

and celebrating with her team...

We are having such a fun time with it all...and I'm continually reminded each and every day how fun and rewarding life can be when you take it by the horns!

I hope you all have had a wonderful week, and I'm going to do my very best to catch up with all of my blog-visiting. So I hope to "see" you real soon!

In the meantime...Happy Friday and Happy Weekend!