Just Loved It

Took this picture yesterday at the football game and just loved it!! Katie is such a good big sister and I can count on her to help me with the little ones. I see a very sweet, loving side to her when she is with Will and Julia. She will be such a good mommy some day .....

Are You Ready for Some Football?

We had a blast yesterday morning at Matthew's first football game. This is the first year for Pop Warner in Celebration and we are the Storm. Matthew is in the smallest division -- Tiny Mite. He was very excited for his game!!! They played in South Lake, which was around 45 minutes away. Their weigh in was at 8:00 so it was an early morning!! All the kids were very excited to see Matthew make his first football appearance. He is the quarterback and is having a blast!! As we expected, it was a pretty tough game. We kind of looked at this game as just a "practice" since none of our kids had ever even played football. We lost but the kids had fun and learned alot!! Matthew did great ... there was one fumbled snap but he picked it up and ran for a couple of yards. He completed 2 pitch plays and had his first completed pass. The last play of the game they did a quarterback sneak and he gained about 5 yards. It took a bunch of kids to bring him down. We were so proud of Matthew ... his focus, his enthusiasm and his determination. I have to admit when he took the field, I got all teary. You all know that is not me ... it just goes so fast!! I can't believe Matthew is now a football player. Wow!!!

Pre Game Warmup

Getting Ready to Take the Field - Matthew is #16

Team Captain Huddle

Matthew's First Snap

Our QB

Five Yard Gain

Post Game Smiles

Beauty Queen

Julia has a new fascination with makeup (and particularly lip gloss). Lately, when she is quiet and I haven't seen her for a while, I proceed to my bathroom to find her in my makeup. She has drawn on her face with eyeliner, covered her arms and legs in face cream, and recently gotten into Kate's lipgloss.

The New Demi Lovato

Sometimes Julia, who is 3, believes she is a preteen!! Just like any other house in American with a 10 year old girl, Katie (and Matthew and Julia) loved the made for tv movie, Camp Rock. I have to say it was a pretty cute movie and even I, the one who hates movies, have seen it!! One day I overheard Miss Julia singing the "This is Me" song from the movie. Too cute. I have been begging her to let me video her, but she becomes shy. Finally yesterday, she let me record her. Although, this performance is a bit weak and quiet. She usually adds many more dance moves and it more theatrical!! Maybe we will have a theater arts type of kid this time .... that would be different. Andrew, of course, denies liking anything to do with Camp Rock. He would prefer to rock out to Led Zeppelin or the The Who on his Ipod.

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school for the big kids. The pictures are nice and dark because it was dark out when we left today. We had to get all their books, supplies, laptops, lunchboxes, etc into the classrooms so we left a bit earlier than we normally would. Katie popped up before 6am and got ready quickly. She is very excited to be in 5th grade, to be the big kid on campus and she had a lot of her friends in her class. We never have to worry about Katie and school ... she always does her best work!!

Matthew is a First Grader. He was very pumped up for school this morning. His teacher is Ms. Fagan and she is so kind. I know he will have had a great day.

Sigh, tear, sob ... My andrew is in SEVENTH GRADE!!! Wow - how does time go this fast. He was very happy to be back in school to hang out with all his friends. He has a tough workload with Algebra, Latin, Cultural Geography, Language, Science and band. He will also be starting middle school football tomorrow.

All Set and Ready to go!!!

Reconnecting with Old Friends

One of my best friends in Jacksonville, Chris, recently moved outside of Winter Haven (and only 15 miles from us!). We actually live about the same distance apart as we did in Jax. We went to their house tonight for dinner and swimming (although very little swimming took place because, guess what - it was raining!!).
We had a great dinner (thank Troy!) and had a chance to catch up. I know for a family of 4 to invited a family of 7 to dinner is a big undertaking!! Thanks Chris and Troy!!
After dinner, some huge birds came right up to their back door. The kids got to feed them bread. Julia really liked feeding them and William was mesmerized!!! I am totally excited that we are so close!!!

Quinn, Maddie, Katie, Matthew and Jules

Rain or Shine

Matthew blocking #80

Now Matthew sitting on #80??

Team huddle - go Storm!!

Another great practice!

Even with Tropical Storm Fay dumping tons of rain on us (and big wind gusts), Matthew still had football practice on Thursday and Friday (practice was cancelled Monday and Tuesday!). Their team had great practices and we are so thankful for our awesome coaches. They totally have it together .. very organized and instructional. It was funny, at one point yesterday, the only team on time, ready to practice, in the pouring rain was our team - the Tiny Mites (the youngest guys .. some are not even 6 years old yet!). Our jamboree was cancelled today but they had to weigh in. First game next week ... we are very excited!!

Lauren & Julia

Julia's best friend Lauren is in her class at Montessori. They have known each other since day one ... actually Julia went to visit Lauren in the hospital when Lauren was born. They love each other so much and Ashley (Lauren's mom) and I always say, it is easier to have both of them together during a playdate. They just play, never fight or argue. So sweet together!!

When they came out of school today, we noticed that both of them had their shoes on the wrong feet. During the school day, the students wear slippers and have to put their outside shoes on right before they go home. I guess we will be learning left and right this year.

Even though they are only 3 years old ... they have had so much fun together.

First Day of School

Off to School Look how long that hair is!!
So excited to be at school!!!


Today was Julia's 1st day of Montessori. She was up very early (6:00am!) and was excited to go. Katie made her a good luck card and left it out on the bar so Julia could get it this morning - very sweet. She marched right into the classroom and was off. Boy, the transition to school is sooo much easier with the younger ones. She had a great day .. made a pipe cleaner and bead bracelet, was so excited to see all her friends (Lauren, Ben, Monoi, Griffin), and was surprised to see all her "kids" at the door to pick her up. Her teacher is Mrs. Saint Leger and we are so grateful that she has taught all of the kids!!

I have to say it warmed my heart to see how geniunely excited and proud Andrew, Katie and Matthew were of Julia today. They all gave her a big hug and kiss at pick up

Montessori Open House

Julia starts school tomorrow at Montessori (the same school that Andrew, Katie and Matthew went attended). She had a short "meet the teacher" and open house this afternoon. She was a bit shy but warmed up. She found her cubby and put her slippers in her box, practice using the special Montessori potty and took a work from the practical life area. She was very particular (does that surprise anyone?) and was very proud. We are excited for her first day tomorrow. Now let's hope this rain will stop .....

Our Beautiful Julia

Took a couple of snapshots today on the porch of Julia. I always try to get close ups of the kids so you can really focus on their features. I love the way her eyes look in these pictures!!

Another Nephew

We found out today that my sister, Melinda, will be having a BOY in late December!! We are so thrilled to have another nephew - looks like it will be Cooper Warren Greer. So we are now at 5 boys and 4 girls so Meredith's baby will either give the boys a huge lead or tie it up!! What a blessing to have another little one in the family!!! We love you already Baby Cooper!!!

Hanging out ...

One day last week we had a fairly cool afternoon so we hung out at the park for awhile. What makes this trip noteworthy is that it is Will's first trip to the park where he was really mobile. He was crawling all over, trying to walk in the mulch, climbing up the slide over and over again, swinging and getting filthy. The other kids had a blast watching him have so much fun, except for Katie who was home at her piano lesson!!

Time to Hit

The day Matthew has been waiting for ... full pads and full contact!! All the kids were to excited to help get Matthew ready for practice last night. A hour before practice Andrew, Katie and Matthew were running around the backyard tackling (remember - Matthew is the only one with pads on!).

Gearing up for practice - Go Tiny Mite Storm!!

That is Matthew with the ball ... he has been working out at quarterback. They have 4 plays right now (and even one sweep play). After practice, he came right home and played for another hour in the alley working on his handoffs and throws. We are so lucky .. our coaching staff is amazing ... very knowlegable, patient and motivating. I am sure we will have many more football posts.

Clearwater Tournament

We spent last Sunday in Clearwater at the Mizuno softball classic. The games on Saturday were rained out, so we played 3 games on Sunday. Katie got the opportunity to pitch and she did a great job. We were excited for her to get some game experience and she threw al ot of great pitches. We are very proud of how hard she is working to improve her game!! When we got the sports list from Windermere Prep this past week, looks like they will have softball this year (and 5th grade is included!). She is excited about softball at school ... now they just have to get the field and coach!

Piano Man

As soon as Katie tries to practice piano, William crawls over and insists of doing a duet with her. She is a good sport and lets him sit with her. She has had to change her practice schedule to coincide with naps!!

Baby Steps

Check out Will's newest found trick .... walking. He is doing ok at it. Look at his lunge at the end. And of course, Matthew chimes in his critique. Does that surprise anyone? Will still chooses to still crawl, but the kids are having a blast letting him walk between them. Julia also lets him hold onto her dress and she walks him all around the house. Too cute!!

What's been happening ...

Haven't been plugged into the blog world this past week. My laptop is acting up .. the fan keeps kicking on and performance tanks. Something is overheating. We had a good week ..

This past Saturday Katie and Sean ran a 5K and guess what? KATIE WON her age group from 8 - 14. She got a really nice trophy!! She continues to amaze us with her athletism and determination. She had 2 really good softball practices this past week and worked out at quicks one day.

Andrew went to basketball camp at WPS - he LOVED IT!! They have a new basketball coach and he really learned alot. He also did quicks this week and helped Mom out alot!!

Matthew had 3 nights of football and LOVES IT!! He has found his niche. They get to work out in pads this coming Thursday. He has a really nice and knowlegable coach so we are totally happy with that!!

Jules and Will just flopped around the house, being raccoons, playing, making messes, riding in the car to shuttle the others, and laughed and smiled and enjoyed their week!! Nothing like being little and in the moment.

We went to the beach to visit the Stellwags yesterday and spent a nice day with the Whites and the Stellwags! It was a stormy day so we did some beach time, some pool and some inside time. Ended the day with a trip to Moes for dinner. Sean and the older kids went to Clearwater today for Kate's tournament. The day was a wash and they ended up going to visit Sean's brother and are doing a bit on mini golf before they come home. We will try Clearwater again tomorrow.

hope all is well with all our friends and family .. we are settling in and getting ready for the back to school rush. Jules starts on the 21st and the big kids on the 25th.

Down, Set, Hike

Matthew started Pop Warner tackle football last night. He is a proud member of the Celebration Storm Tiny Might team. He will practice THREE days a week and have games on Saturdays. He did great last night - mostly conditioning and speed and agility stuff. I was so proud of him ... doesn't he look like a football player. I predict this will be Matthew's sport. It is a good match with his personality. Go Matthew!!!

Time to Celebrate

The kids insisted that I hang up William's name like I do theirs!!

We had a small, family celebration for Will's first birthday...just his brothers and sisters, mommy and daddy and Aunt Mere and John. He was pretty tentative when we gave him the cake. He used his fingers for a mintue and then wanted a fork. What nice manners from our little man. He opened his first present and then tried to chew on all the others. He loves all of his gifts - but is especially fond of his baseball tee and bat from the Stellwags and the ride on truck from Grandma Wilkie!! Julia of course loves all the presents!!

Our Special Baby Boy

William Brooks:

We couldn't have imagined how our life would be changed by you, our 5th blessing!! As soon as we found out we were expecting a new baby, wow!!! How could we manage 5 children, where would you all sleep, how would Mommy ever lose the baby weight again, how would Daddy ever be able to teach FIVE kids to play baseball, but as soon as we saw your sweet face, nothing mattered. We were in awe at the miracle of another baby. Your sweet, chubby face melted our hearts. The most precious moment that first day was watching your brothers and sisters (especially Matthew) hold you, kiss you and welcome you into their club.

You look so much like Andrew (and have his personality too). You are always smiling, especially when you wake up from nap, you are an expert cuddler, give the wetest kisses and seem very content and happy to be with us!! The red hair threw us for a loop ... that must have come from Popie. But it is your signature ... differentiating yourself from the others. You have learned to crawl, drink out of a straw, stand by yourself, clap, play peek a boo and so much more.

This past year has flown by ... you are so loved by so many. William, you are our special baby boy. We anxiously await to see you grow and your personality blossom.

We love you!!

Mommy & Daddy

Will's Mullet is Busted

BEFORE

GETTING READY

ALMOST DONE

AFTER

To celebrate William's 1st birtday, Meredith and I took him for his first haircut!! He was pretty clueless as to what was going on. Pedro has been cutting Sean and the boys' hair for 3 years or so!! Of course he would do the next Kane boy's first haircut. He looks very handsome and the kids were very happy that he did not have a mullet anymore. They thought he was ready for a new do ....