Just like Mommy!

I usually wear a bandanna on my hair around the house when we are just hanging out. Today Ella wanted one too. She looked so cute, I had to take some pictures!

LA, LA, LA, LA!

Notice the lip- the result of the fall at the pool yesterday.

To swim or not to swim

This week has been weird. I know you are thinking, its only Tuesday, but let me explain and you will understand. A little background info is necessary. Our neighborhood does not have its pool yet - we expect it any day, but trust me, neither one of us have time for me to go down that road! Since we don't have a pool that is close, like last year with Charlotte's neighborhood pool, we have been inviting ourselves to everyone pools. Sunday, we went to a pool party and cookout as an appreciation for Children's Ministry volunteers. I can hear you now, Mrs. Wade, and yes they had to wait till you left! :) While we were there, we lined up 2 days of pools. For those of you who know me, you know I am not shy and don't have a problem asking people things! So, Monday we (me, my three kids, Charlotte and two other children I was keeping - that is 7 people total) were going to my friends pool at her house. I called Monday morning just to double check and get directions, and she told me that she had decided 6 kids was just too much. I guess some people have a kid limit - I just haven't found mine yet :) No big deal- sprinkler time!!! So last night, I talked to Kara to double check about going to her neighborhood pool ( the same one where the pool party was held, so no problem, right?) We couldn't go because DHEC made a surprise inspection and they did not have all the signs they needed so the pool was shut down! By this point, I think it is not meant for us to swim! So we load up and head to Target - where all moms go when they can't go swimming :) While there, Cindy called and said Sheri's pool had just become an option, but the time frame would interrupt nap time. It took me about 6 seconds to decide that Ella would nap late and we would finally get to swim! When we got there, the pool was full of debris from the storm last night, so we had some clean up to do. While we were cleaning, Ella fell and hit her lip on the concrete. You guessed it, she fell apart. Now, I am starting to rethink the whole late nap thing, but she settled down and we finally got to swim. Grace decided today would be the day she would want to try jumping off the diving board. Only she waited till time to go and I had already changed my clothes. Thankfully, Cindy was available to be rescue catcher. She didn't need it! She did awesome! I think all three of my kids are part fish, because they LOVE the water - pool, sprinkler or ocean!!

Yeah ORANGE!

Last night the Orange played and won 9-2!! I missed 2 games last week :( I think the beach was worth it!! They won one and lost one last week, so now we are 4 - 1. Not too bad! We had 2 home runs - Lisa and Nina. Laura and Kara were hitting machines! They both went 4 for 4 with a couple of doubles each. We played really good defense - Laura had 5 catches in left, Shannon had a few great stops at short (one was a super long throw - it was sweet!), I did well at pitcher - 2 strike outs, 2 pop flies caught, 2 grounders for outs thrown to 1st - one was a bare hand grab :) Jerry calls me a puma 'cause I have "cat like skills". That is so funny because I am so slow, especially running to base! We have no more games this week or next, so I guess I may need to convince Cindy to throw and maybe take a trip to the batting cages!

Beach Fun - the final chapter!

These are some more pictures from the beach. I thought all of these fell into the "really cute" catagorie.

Say cheese Ella and Daddy!

Hi! Josh and Cindy!

This is my favorite shot of the kids!

Daddy and his girls!!!

Beach Fun part 4

The only thing Ella didn't like about the beach was when she was ready to go, she hated the sand on her feet. Here she is trying to wipe the sand off with her towel.

One day, the boys went to Nascar Speed Park. The weather did not cooperate, so they ended up playing video games. Later in the week, Les and Jonathon went back to use their tickets. Les took pictures with his phone, but I have yet to figure out how to retrieve them, so you'll just have to trust me when I say they had fun :)

I have the cutest kids to ever walk the beach!!!

I said earlier that Ella loved the sharks at the aquarium, here's proof. She could have spent a very long time in the tunnel just looking. The cool thing is I have a picture of Jonathon doing this exact thing with Les at almost the same age. It is hard to believe that he is almost 10.

All loaded up and ready to go home! If you look close, you can see the way back is packed as high as Grace's head :)

Beach Fun part 3

Our big excursion for the week was a trip to Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the beach. The kids loved it! This is the crew out front waiting on the dads to park the vans. Almost everyone is looking, except Ella :)
Jonathon is touching a horseshoe crab. I don't know who was more excited - him or Ella!
This is a posed shot :) I told everyone to point and look amazed. How did they do?
Grace, Lizzie and Ben were checking out the jellyfish.
Here's the family after all our undersea adventures. It really is a great time for everyone. Ella loved looking at the sharks when we went through the tunnel. Jonathon is a science nut, so he loves anything to do with animals. Grace was fascinated by all the fish, and she really liked the sea turtle. We had to drag Les out of the pirated exhibit - he is one of those people who reads every plaque. He also enjoyed touching the stingrays. I just enjoyed watching the kids be amazed by everything they were seeing - isn't that the best part of being a mom?

Beach Fun part 2

Cindy brought a craft for us to do. I would have never thought to do that so I sure am glad there are people like that around. We made visors. The girls got a little carried away with flowers and ladybugs. Ella's favorite part of the craft was taking the stickers off and sticking them everywhere they shouldn't be - like on walls, carpet, furniture. This shot was taken while the little ones were napping and the guys were playing the PS2.

One day after nap, we went to a park a few blocks from the house. We rode the bikes, which can be an adventure in itself. The kids really enjoyed the playground, but I think there favorite thing was when Les convinced them to walk across the retaining wall that went about halfway around the playground. We would turn our heads, and Ella and Josh would be up there - those two have no fear! In the shot above, Ella, Ben and Josh are taking turns to go down the slide. In the shot below, Ella and Lizzie are climbing up to the slide. I don't think Ella knows she isn't supposed to be able to do everything the older kids can do!

We went to play mini golf one day after naps. This was fun. I got a hole in one, but Les did not!!! Ella liked to hit the ball. Grace always said she got 4 no matter how many times she hit the ball. The course was cool. It was based on pirates and they had a cool effect that made it seem like canon balls were being shot and landing in the water. The first time it happened, I think all the kids jumped :) Two holes were in a cave. The only drawback was that it was really hot! The shot above is the Gale family. Josh was very funny. On one hole Ella hit the ball in the rocks, and he ran and got it and brought it back to her to hit again. It was sweet! The shot below is our family. Jonathon and Grace always tried to hurry to the next hole. I think we called them back a million times! Luckily no one was in front of us.

Beach Fun part 1

We had such a great week! The kids were awesome! Except for a few melt downs, their behavior was really good. I think the easiest way to do this is post some pictures with a little info. We'll see how this works, if it doesn't, I'll try something different.

This was on our first day at the beach. Don't I have a beautiful family? The kids loved the beach almost as much as me and Les :) Ella loved to go out in the waves, Grace and Jonathon did too. By the end of the week, Jonathon was using the boogie board on the big waves!

It was a toss up between the waves and the sand as Ella's favorite. Here she decided to combine them. One time, Cindy and I were out body surfing (sounds cool, doesn't it! really, we were just getting dunked by wave after wave, but it was sooo much fun!) when I looked back at the shore, and here came Ella! She was coming to play with Mom!

Grace and Lizzie taught themselves to boogie board - with a little assistance from us patents! They got really good and as the week went on, very brave! On Sunday, they were in the very shallow waves, but by Saturday, they were out in the waves that came up to their belly buttons! Good job, surfer girls!

Everyday, you could tell what time it was by Ella. Almost like clockwork, she was ready to go between 11:45 and noon. Here she is all wrapped up and ready to go back to the house for lunch and nap. We went to the beach everyday from 10 -12. Needless to say, Josh and Ella usually took really good naps!

I'll post more after the kids go to bed! Now that vacation is over, real life has returned!

We are here!!!!

We are here!! Here are a few shots of the gang and all the fun we are having. I'll try to keep you updated on our super fun adventure!







Grace and Lizzie at dinner waiting for the food. We had to wait 30 minutes for a table, then the service was awful. The food was good - once it came. The kids did great with the wait!

Our first day at the beach was so much fun. Most of the kids loved the water (Josh wanted no part of it, but really enjoyed the sand). Jonathon is trying to escape a wave in this shot. Ella did great, and I think Grace may be part fish! Her and Lizzie had fun putting sand on their legs and letting the waves wash it off.

Here's the whole crew. As you can tell we take over everywhere we go!!

Beach Bum or Mermaid? You decide! Looking cool, Grace!

You could win a prize if you can guess what or who is floating in the water :)

This is on the way down. Ella loved using the headphones to watch the 'oovie'!!

1 more thing . .

I don't know how I forgot to mention the bikes! We have all 4 bikes strapped to the back of the van - Les', Jonathon's, Grace's, and mine with a baby seat for Ella. I am sure it is a sight. I will post pictures when we get there!

Beachbound and hammer down!!

Well, we are on our way. We wanted to leave at 1pm, but that didn't happen - I know you are shocked that the Scott's left late, I think we are late for everything!! We got everything loaded and are on the road as I type. Our neighbor called Les, Griswald, because of all the stuff on the van. On top are 2 suitcases and the pack & play with a mattress, in the back is 4 or 5 ( I forget and there is no way I am climbing all the way back there to count) bags, a CD player, gloves, beach toys, pillows, Jonathon's PS2 and games, and other odds and ends, in the van are the family including the dog, Daisy, and the necessary travel items (DVD player and movies, pillows, blankets, diaper bag, snacks, books, toys, and the laptop I am now typing on). So far we have only had 1 potty break. With 6 kids, I think that is pretty good!

Out of the frying pan...

VBS is over. It is bittersweet, because your energy is gone, but you really looked forward to the kids and other adults that you saw every night. Now I need to focus on vacation. We leave tomorrow! I am very excited, nowhere near ready. I need to finish laundry, start my stacks, figure out how to get all the stuff I plan to take in my van, AHHHH!! Vacation is supposed to be relaxing, right? I think ours will be great other than a few husband work issues that require them to either come later, leave for a few days, or work while we are there. No matter what the men need to do, Cindy, the kids and I will be beach bums, determined to relax and have fun!!

Vacation, VBS, and various things

In 2 days we leave for a week at the beach. As you can guess, we are all excited. I am also overwhelmed! This week has been VBS at church and it has been crazy! Last night we had 373 kids!!!! Wow! God is awesome!! The flip side of that is the energy required to lead 50 kindergartners doesn't leave any energy to prepare for vacation - which is only 2 days away. I am one of those people who makes a packing list. When we first got married, my husband thought this was weird, but after many trips where the kids and I have everything we need and he has no undies, he has changed his mind ( I refuse to pack for my husband - he is too picky about what to take). I don't even know where to start, because I have never been anywhere on vacation for 7 days. I think part of my problem is too much on my plate. I need to go to town, to get things I need for vacation (vacation is an excuse for new clothes, right?), but I have not left myself any time this week (extra kids, vbs, Ella nap time). What was I thinking??????? I could go to town tomorrow, but I need to get the oil changed in the van. I give up. Wal-mart is open 24 hours, right? I guess I'll find out if you have to wait in line at 1am. Sorry for all the whining, it is easier to grip to you than to Les, he's been working mega OT this week because of a project at work that will not go away!! Maybe that is part of my craziness, I feel like I am doing all this alone. Not his fault!!! He is a wonderful provider and it makes him crazy to miss so much time with me and the kids. He also did not get to help with vbs which really bothers him. God will honor him and his dedication to commitments he made and kept. Les, you are the best!!

Here's a few pictures for Grandy- I know that's the only reason you check the blog :)

Jonathon in his favorite spot - on the beanbag, in front of the PS2!!

I see you Grace!!

"I wanna see!" Ella thinks every time you pick up the camera, there is a picture for her to see!

This is my squad. You can't see everyone, but we do take up 4 rows.

Math- Mommy style

5 girls + 1 playroom + mom downstairs fixing lunch = A TOTAL MESS!!

The culprits, Charlie, Draye, Grace, Grace Madison, and Charlotte

- they look so innocent, don't they!

Did I say 6?

I said yesterday that I would have 6 children in my house today, but I was wrong, it is 7 - Jonathon, Charlotte, Draye, Grace, Grace Madison, Charlie and Ella. Jonathon, Grace and Ella are mine, Charlotte you know, Draye and Charlie are sisters and I play ball with their mom - GO ORANGE! She had errands to run. Grace Madison is our neighbor. Her mom is painting their new church building. They have been doing pretty good this morning! We have colored, watched Noggin and now we are enjoying the playroom (aka trashing beyond belief :). My goal today was to mop the kitchen, but with that many little feet, it may be impossible. That is just too bad that I won't get to mop, it was going to be the highlight of my day:)

Coloring is hard work when you are a toddler and your mom FINALLY lets you use the markers. Great job, Ella!!

Only 4 days until vacation and I can't wait! The last real family vacation we took was when Grace was 6 months old! She is now 5 years and 3 months. That is too long for anyone, especially a stay at home mom (Yeah, right, like I stay at home- more like stay in the van mom!) that seems to collect children on a daily basis. We are going to Myrtle Beach with the Gales. 4 adults, 6 kids and a dog are loading up- Myrtle Beach here we come!

VBS was great again last night! Somehow I keep ending up on stage acting silly! I know you are completely shocked by that. We had 320 the first night and 350 last night. I had 45 in my squad, but the 4th grade won the prize for biggest squad - they had 51!! God has been awesome in providing workers for all these kids. He also has worked the weather amazingly. Yesterday, we had rain from late morning till right before we left for VBS. Not a drop fell from the sky until we were pulling out of the parking lot. YEAH GOD!!! I can't wait to see what He has in store for us tonight!

Kids, kids and more kids!

On any given day, there is no telling how many children will be in my house. Today, the number is 6. As you can see, things get a little crazy. Charlotte and Victoria are see-sawing on the cow (it really is just a rocking toy, but kids can be creative :), Grace is in the tunnel which also doubles as an inside basketball goal; Grayson is trying to shoot, but as you can see, Grace is playing tough defense. Ella is wearing my flip flops and heading into who knows what kind of trouble. Jonathon is in the other room chasing the other ball. Just a normal day in the house of Scott.






Grace and Charlotte riding the "Cow-Saw". Whew, this is fun!!!

Tomorrow, the number will also be 6, but the kids will be different! Never a dull moment!

Having Fun with the Kids

After we got home from VBS, we were all a little wired, so we were being silly with the camera.

Ella doesn't like to have a hair bow, as you can tell. Say "Cheese!" Ella!!!

Grace was doing her "famous" cheerleader pose.

What are you eating, Ella? "tips" (FYI- this was before we went to VBS)

Grace laid on the floor for me to take her picture and Jonathon jumped beside her to get in the shot and this is the result.

I guess what they say is true, 2 heads are definitely better than one :)

Did I mention that I am raising a future football player? Hey, Jonathon, show us your muscles!! As you can see, Grace couldn't stand not being in the shot.

I am soooo blessed. I have 3 wonderful children who even on their bad days, are awesome!