I'm #1!

Michael is #1 in t-ball, NO SERIOUSLY, his jersey number is 1. He came back from getting his uniform screaming, "I'm Number 1!" Go Rangers!

Michael turning for home on his clean-up hit! Last in the batting order means he gets a home run trot every time!

His coach taught him EXACTLY where to drop the bat. Since he forgot to drop the bat when he finished batting, he returned after starting to run to put the bat EXACTLY where it was supposed to go. Then off he went. Again.

Man, Michael looks so much like little Kevin here. Don't you agree ma?

It was a slipin'-slidin' transformerific day

We finally took the opportunity to use our PRIME real estate on the corner to make Michael feel super special on his big day. The entire neighborhood knew it was his birthday! Thank you sidewalk chalk.

We bought a few slip-n-slides and roped off the front ward. We had the skim board slide, a three-lane racing slide and a Dora the Explorer Hopsplash. Not to mention there were a couple little pools in the backyard. So much fun - but SOOOO HOT!

Huntie staying cool with her friends Shelby and Cameron.

Quinner and her best baby Elle.

Oh man, this was the greatest cake. I think Michael had very high hopes for this Transformer cake from grammy. She so met, and exceeded, his expectations. He was very very pleased. We usually have some cake leftover for later, but not one morsel of this white cake with fresh strawberries and cream cheese frosting made it past the party.

Oh yes. The presents were all perfect.

Our grownup guests had a blast playing with Michael's new Transformers - Jeanette, Bo, papa, Kev and John Shults. They must have all grown up with the originals.

Grammy helped Michael put together his super awesome Lego spider guy. So creepy! I'm glad she worked with him on it, becuase I just hate spiders and don't think I could have finished the job - YUCK!

After taking many many birthday pictures of Sir Michael, he exacerbately asked me, "mom, can I dance now!?" So here it is. The five-year-old birthday dance.

Hola Ashley

We have welcomed a new member of our family this week! Little bunny Ashley become a member of our family Monday, May 19, 2008. She has accepted us as her family, and we love her a lot already. She belongs to Huntie, but we all have to admit, especially Kevin, that she has already found a place in our hearts.

Thank you Elle for "smiling" for the picture. We like to let Ashley out of her cage everyday to hop around our yard. We watched her very carefully the first few days to see if she found all the vulnerabilities in our fence and run away. She did find all the little holes, but she never once tried to run away. She loves to squeeze next to the air conditioner and between her cage and the shed to rest. I think she's very comfortable here and we hope to have her around for a very long time.

Huntie's A-B Honor Roll

Huntie was honored at school for receiving A-B Honor Roll this year. We're so proud of her!! She has worked very hard. Her favorite subject is science. She is often researching in the backyard studying plants and insects. She also loves making all sorts of concoctions in the kitchen.

Silliness, just Plain Silliness

Ready for bed, all jammied up, we had to take a quick trip in the car. And everyone was just plain silly. Luckily, we had a camera with us to document the silliness.

Michael's Gradumication

Mike was LAST on the list of graduates. Since everyone was asked to save their applause untill the end, he got a standing ovation. He was quite touched and could not contain his smile back to his seat. He has learned so much and is so ready for kindergarten. For his graduation performance, he sang many songs, one in French and another in American Sign Language. He was especially good at the rhythm songs. He never missed a beat.

Grammy was there to see Michael's special program and him receive his diploma.

Nana Jean Ann came for his special day too.

Michael and his buddy Joseph Roger.

Michael with his friends Joshua and Trey at his after-graduation picnic.

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

I couldn't wish for a better gift.

5K Run for Excellence

To show that Kevin does not discriminate against local races, be they small and simple, I've chosen to post evidence that Kevin ALSO does races in Houma and that those races do, in fact, exist. Thanks to Aunt Jenn, below are pics from our very own, Houma Louisiana, 5K Run for Excellence.

Unlce Greg, Dave Hulbert and Kev showing off their manhood in a variety of ways.

Aunt Jenn (and baby cousin ?), cousin Scottie, Bo, Jeanette, Kev and Unlce Greg. I got to stay home for this one as I severely sprained my ankle about 2 hours before the race. Yippee!! These guys are troopers though. It was SO hot. And raining - at least over Greg. lol, jk.

Memphis, Jackson, Oxford & Ruston, oh my!

Just days before Kevin's triple-race weekend in Ruston, Louisiana, Kevin had a business road trip he needed to take and we ALL got to go with him! During one of his meetings in Memphis, Tennessee, the kids and I went on a rock hunt. Michael scored finding the biggest rock. It was so big he could barely hold it up for the picture. As you can see, he is very proud.

We loved staying in the hotels with Kev. This room in Jackson, Mississippi had a loft with a bedroom upstairs. While Ellie napped and Kevin was at another meeting, Huntie and Michael made their first of many forts. It was pretty outstanding. I think they could have played in there for the entire day.

Ellie just after her nap. Enough said.

With all his business finished, Kevin's signing in for his races. He asked for a small race shirt this time around and gave it to Michael - which Michael has since worn to bed religiously. He's pretty proud to have his daddy's race shirt.

The kiddos loved the playground at the race venue. Ruston is a beautiful place.

Elle made a new friend - Desiree. They found seashells together in the lake.

And voila.

Huntie braved the lake waters too, but in search for fish. There were hundreds of little fish and tadpoles. Huntie's plan was to stand quietly in the water until they swam into her shoes. Great plan! Except for the catching fish in her shoes part. :)

Yes, we love the sand. Even in the rain. And what is Michael doing back there?

"GO, Dad, GO!"

My best attempt at wearing sunglasses . . . and looking cool.

Elle inspecting the beach on race day.

This is what a "mass start" looks like. All the competitors run into the water together and spread out as they swim. It's pretty amazing. Kevin is right in front of the short wetsuit guy front and center. He kicked butt on the swim and was among the first 20 out of the water. Pretty awesome.

Next was the bike. This was his first ever Xterra race, which is an open-water swim, off-road mountain bike followed by a trail run. He was making great time

Coming to transition 2, off the bike, on to the run. Huntie and Michael cheered him on.

Elle was so stoked to see Kev!! She giggled and clapped for every biker she saw in anticipation of seeing her daddy. When she saw him she could barely contain herself.

Now on to the run. I seriously don't know how he does it. On top of this, he had another 5K trail run later this day, then another road triathlon the next day!

After the road tri - his THIRD race in two days. He did REALLY well. We are so proud of him!

Our new friend Desiree placed second overall. She's got quite a collection of medals already so she offered her medal for this race to Elle, who of course loved it.

Our monkey, being a monkey.

Although Kevin didn't place in the top three for any of these races, he did win quite a prize. They drew his name to win entrance into a national championship Xterra race anywhere in the US. I think that was the best prize of all. (notice him kicking his leg - sure tell of sheer joy)