Wall-E Review

The Smith Family went to the movies again. This time we went to see Wall-E. At first I was a bit skeptical about the movie but we all had a great time. Listen to what the girls have to say about the movie by clicking on the title link above. If you care to read a little, you may read my written review but it is not nearly as cute at the girls' review.

To Begin Anew

Today was my first day at my new job. I have moved on from Accounting Services and now work at the University Club. The first day was a little shaky but I endured. I sure do miss my friends in Accounting. I'm sure I'll see most of them soon enough. I look forward to learning new things and eating good food. :)

Abbie's Birthday

Abbie celebrated her birthday this weekend. She had a party at her mother's house. Dad played pizza delivery guy and stayed and took some pictures. She had a couple of friends sleep over, Cecilia (on the left) and Christina (on the right of Abbie). They are going to stay up late and tell scary stories and watch movies. I'm ok with that as long as they don't talk about boys. Adrienne (not pictured) went to her friend Madison's house for a sleep over of her own. You can follow the link in the title or here for more pictures of Abbie's 10th birthday.

Another Exciting Game

The Spider Monkeys played another exciting game tonight. The audience was pretty big for a 9:00 pm start time. The Spider Monkeys started very shaky, giving up eight runs in the top of the first inning and a dangerous collision involving three players left the team rattled (I think Nikki is ok). Things looked bad and their fearless leader (out with an injury) appeared shaken by the tough inning. Things turned around in the middle innings as the Spider Monkeys scored 12 runs in one inning.

The umpire was ready to call the game in the 5th but the Spider Monkeys could not break the 13-13 tie so the game went on into the 6th and even the 7th innings. After getting the opposition down in order in the sixth, Spider Monkeys pitcher John, found himself in a pickle with the bases loaded in the top of the 7th. John was able to make the most of the situation turning a double play on a sharply hit ball back to the pitcher. It really was a great play that saved at least one run. In the bottom of the 7th the Monkeys were finally able to seal the victory with a line-drive single into left field that drove in the runner from second.

Throughout the game great plays were mixed with laughable moments, in typical Spider Monkey fashion. Kudos to all the Spider Monkeys as it seemed all of them had hot bats tonight. Brandon seemed to get a bit nervous in the later innings but good players like Jason, Melissa, John, and many others made big plays at big times.

A New Beginning

Here are before and after pictures from Adrienne's first day at big kid school. She is kicking it in Abbriel's stomping ground, Mary Paxton Keeley Elementary School. As you can see from the picture above she is very excited for the first day. She was a little nervous but she told me before I left that she was not going to be shy.

Below you see that the glow of the first day of school has hardly faded. She said, "It was awesome." She chirped on and on with stories of the first day and the new friends she made. She must have been excited because she took a nap at nap time. So excited that she forgot to leave her things in her locker. She brought the towel, change of clothes, and water bottle back home even though the lockers exist to store these things. No troubles.

Abbriel had a good time at school too. It is old hat for this veteran of the playground. They called grandma when they got home and told her all about their day. Ask her about her paper airplane competition.

Dad's Day

I know that my girls love me because they made me breakfast in bed on Father's Day. I asked for two eggs over easy, bacon, and toast, but they brought me Golden Puffs on a Nemo tray table. Oh well, it was pretty good - just like the girls. Then Abbie brought me the check. I could not believe I had to pay for breakfast on Father's Day. Three kisses and three hugs is a pretty steep bill (I normally pretty tight with that currency). I paid up like a good customer.

OK, so maybe I'm not at my best - first thing in the morning, but it was fun for the girls and I.

The End of an Era

Adrienne's last day at Kids Klub House. They had a pajama party at Kids Klub House to celebrate. Adrienne is excited about school, but she knows that she will miss her friends and Mrs. Becky. I picked her up early and brought a change of clothes and we went and watched the new Hulk movie. It was a busy day.

Update on Brandon

The thumb is broken and will be set and immobilized. Surgery appears eminent. He will survive but miss the rest of the season. Best wishes to Brandon in hopes of a speedy recovery, and his return for fall ball. We are optimistic that he will be able to enjoy his vacation in Vegas this weekend.

Brandon called and had this to say, "Say no to drugs kids!" As he refused the local anesthetic, but they gave it to him anyway. Tough guy.

The Spider Monkeys

The Spider Monkeys played softball again tonight. The game was on the verge of a blow out with the Spider Monkeys leading 14 -5 in the fourth inning, but then an unfortunate event turned the game against them. Their leader Brandon was thrown out sliding into third. He severely injured his thumb and was forced to seek immediate medical attention.

After Brandon left the game, his team struggled to score runs and the opposition made the most of the opportunity. Back to back big innings by the Mafia made it a one run game as time was expiring. In the bottom of the sixth with the bases loaded and two outs the Mafia made their final stand. It was only after a heroic play by Kristen (playing 3rd base tonight), tagging out the hard charging runner from second, were the Spider Monkeys able to claim this exciting victory.

I have not been this excited at a baseball/softball game in a long time, but that's because I'm a Royals fan. I will include an update Brandon's injury as soon as I learn some new information.

Graduation Pictures and such

Here are some pictures from Adrienne's graduation. I have more in this web album. She received flowers for her graduation and adores them. Props to all the people at Accounting Services who helped me decide on flowers.

Adrienne was one of two graduates at the ceremony. She was very well behaved. She sat quietly in the chair through the ceremony and sang well during the songs. She has grown considerably during her time at Kids Klub House. She starts summer school on Monday June 16th and is very excited. Tomorrow she gets to meet her teachers.

Adrienne's Graduation

Adrienne's graduation at Kids Klub House. The YouTube video does not have great resolution and I will try to get a better version for all to see. Very short but precious.