leah maria spaghettia

The many faces of Leah.

An actress in the making, perhaps?

code red

Only one in the bunch of Cody.

He was more interested in running and jumping and begging someone to let him fish :-)

hannah banana

The next few posts will be some individual photos of the kids. Starting with the oldest, here's Hannah:

that's how we roll

Tell me:

Is this wagon so much fun because it's at Papaw & Totsie's house on a lovely Easter afternoon?

Or can this crew have fun any time, any where?

I think you're right. That's just how we roll!

more (almost) good ones

This picture has been cracking me up all day! There's always one in the bunch that's making an odd face or looking away. Poor K-Man had the sun in his eyes ... makes him look a bit like a pirate or Popeye!

picture perfect evening

Wednesday nights are quite busy for the Russell household. Cody has soccer practice at 6:15 at the park just up the street and Hannah has to be in Plainfield at 7:30 for gymnastics. I tend to get quite frazzled with the "GO! GO! GO!" action of trying to get everyone fed, changed, and out the door on time. This Wednesday, the kids rode their bikes to the park for Cody's practice. While Hannah gathered sticks to use as fuel for the rocket ship play set (ah, imagination!), Leah, Kaden & I hit the swings.

It was one of those evenings that was quiet, relaxed, and just what I needed! Leah ventured off to help Hannah with the stick-gathering project, and Kaden hopped onto my lap on the swing. We had a wonderful time seeing how high we could swing and leaning back as far as we could to see the sky. After a little bit of that, Kaden turned to face me and we swung some more, with his little arms tight around my neck. That doesn't happen too much any more, and it sure does put a smile on my face. I was a little sad that there wasn't someone with me to catch his sweetness on camera, because it sure was a perfect Mommy-Kaden photo op. But I've got the memory to hold tight ... and I'm looking forward to our next great evening at the park.

another fun night with Dolly

We are LOVIN' this Spring weather! Dolly came over last night and we had a blast! Playing outside, dancing to 80's music, and the first Ice Cream Truck visit of the season. Definitely off to a great start!

Ice cream makes Leah use her "mean voice" - lol!

spring soccer: game 1

Spring soccer games kicked off on Saturday. Cody's game was the first game of the day. Due to the chill in the air and the early rise time, Mike was the only one that attended. Cody seems disappointed that his team isn't stronger and that he didn't score a goal, but I trust that they'll all improve as the season progresses.

Kaden has been talking about soccer non-stop. He wants to wear his cleats everywhere and is always kicking around his ball. But he had a severe case of cold feet when we arrived to the fields on Saturday! Coach Teany was wonderful and offered up a Starburst bribe which did the trick! Once K-Man was on the field he had a blast!

Getting a quick pep talk from Coach Teany:
Kaden's team-mate and friend, Emily, doing her victory jump after scoring a goal:

Giving a thumbs up to his fan club after a good play:

Ready for action:

Yeah, I think he's enjoying himself, don't you?

Kaden even scored a goal! I never seem to have my camera aimed in the right place to take a goal shot, I guess because I'm too excited and too busy cheering! It was definitely a nice change from his attitude at the start of the game!

Then it was on to Leah's game. We have lots of jokes about Leah's last 2 seasons, where she's been more interested in waving & smiling at her fan club than actually kicking the ball. But she did GREAT this game! Hardly any waving, and she was very focused on defense.

Hanging back and getting some advice from Coach Teany:

Chasing after the ball:

And smiling! (And don't forget the one & only Mr. Cole Teany on the bench!)

The weather cooperated and it was a beautiful day for the start of the Spring soccer season. The Russell's headed to Steak 'n Shake for a celebratory meal with sunburns all around!

my faves

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07 April 2010

Easter

Another beautiful Spring day! The kids woke up bright & early and went hunting for eggs & Easter baskets in the house. We opened the windows and had a lazy morning while waiting for the time to head to Papaw & Totsie's for lunch. The day was so beautiful that we all ate outside and played and played! Finally we decided it was time for some more egg hunting ...

We even attempted some kite flying!

Totsie & her girl, Leah:

Although we were exhausted by the time we left my parents, we decided to take a family walk/bike ride to Williams Park. Fun on the tire swing, a game of tag, and the trip to the park made for some tired Russell's!