Clemson Basketball at Littlejohn

We bought tickets for the only basketball game that worked with our kids' crazy sports schedules a long time ago . . . and today was finally the day we got to venture to Clemson to see a basketball game in the newly remodeled LittleJohn Arena!

It was quite an exciting game against the Seminoles, but unfortunately the Tigers just couldn't pull out a win, losing by just 2 points at the buzzer.  Never the less we still had a fun time seeing the game in person.

Quiz Bowl Champs!!

It's hard to put into words how proud I am of this sweet girl!  She was hand picked to represent PSE on the Wednesday quiz bowl team.  I remember her coming home a few months ago complaining about how she really didn't want to do it  . . . and how she'd have to go in car pool once a week to be on time to practice.  I told her that it was an honor to be chosen and she would need to stick this out for the team.

Fast forward a few months and last week they had the southeast competition.  She felt pretty good about their performance.  It's 100 questions that the team works together to answer.  More points are scored for faster answers.  She came home saying her team scored 1233 points, and according to the coach anything over 1200 usually ranks.  We waited a long weekend to go back to school Tuesday and find out her team was FIRST place in the entire southeast of the country!  The Tuesday team came in 7th, which is pretty awesome for one school to rank twice in the top 10.  Way to go girl!!!

A New Favorite Way to Relax

We have been blessed with amazing weather this week!  I looked out one afternoon and found these two silly girls chilling in the kids' new hammock.  It is quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite . . . we left for running club this week and there was a neighbor kid just relaxing in the hammock all by herself. :)

Winter Conditioning Begins

It has been so unseasonable warm this "winter" that Coach Diane decided to have a winter conditioning class.  Since basketball is over and soccer hasn't started it fits perfectly into our schedule!  This is the first time that Preston is participating so both kids were super excited when the running club kicked off today.

Coach Diane was excited to see how much Savannah has improved (and grown) and had great things to say about Preston's running too.  I'm so excited that they are both thrilled to be running and that they can participate together . . . that gives me 45 quiet minutes every Wednesday afternoon to enjoy a nice leisurely walk alone!

Celebrating LOVE!

 Happy Valentine's Day!!

Our morning started off with exchanging a few cards and letting the kids open their gifts. 

The day continued with Preston's valentine party at school.  It was so much fun helping with his party and watching the kids exchange valentine cards.  Thankfully the craft and snack were a big hit!

He enjoyed his skewer of donut holes, strawberries, and heart marshmallows

Sadly, Savannah's class didn't have a party and not everyone exchanged valentine's, but I guess that's what happens in fifth grade. :(  Anyway, once we were home we had a low key dinner and exchanged the rest of our cards.

 My absolutely favorite cards are the handmade ones . . . Hallmark can't touch these priceless treasures!  My kids know me oh so well!!

We wrapped up our day with the tradition of Cheesecake Factory Adam's peanut butter cup cheesecake!  YUMMY!!!  So, so thankful for my sweet family and the love we share not just on Valentine's Day, but everyday!

Mommy & Me Bible Study

My precious friend Jessica started a mommy and daughter Bible study on friendships a few months ago. . . and it has been such a blessing to spend this time with our girls that are all around the same age.  The six duos are reading a book together and Jessica always has a craft and several visual examples of ways to really help the girls remember the valuable lessons we are learning about.  I hope Savannah is enjoying the study as much as I am!

Basketball Finales

Preston had a great basketball season this year!  They finished with a winning record and, more importantly, had lots of fun playing.  Today was the last game of the season and it ended with a celebration that included cookie cake and trophies.

Savannah also wrapped up her season today.  She too enjoyed playing even though she was out for several games (with her cracked growth plate) and even without a win, they still had fun.  Her celebration included cake and ice-cream along with goody bags.  At the moment I have NO pictures.  OOPS!  We were in a hurry to get out the door and get her to a birthday party so I didn't get any pictures of her team celebration. :(

Per tradition, we celebrated the end of basketball season with dinner at Red Robin!  YUM!!

A Project and A Crazy Week

Preston's South China Tiger

It's funny how different life is with your second child . . . when Savannah was in first grade we spent LOTS of time, energy, and worried way to much about her big diorama animal project.  This time around (with Preston) I asked what he wanted me to buy and once I got the clay, it was all his!  Thankfully we did start a bit early with the research and written part of the project so when he was down to the wire last night before the deadline today, it wasn't THAT big of a deal. :)  I think he did a fabulous job all on his own and after a few runs with the oral presentation he was ready to present it to the class.

It didn't help that this week was filled with a day and a half of work for me at PSE, Jump Rope for Heart for both kids, Bible study, church committee prep work, an HOA meeting to plan for and attend, the appointment with our accountant to file our taxes, basketball practices, getting Savannah's room painted, and having a neighbor over for dinner.  Whew!  Let's just say that I'm thankful the weekend is almost here.

Circus Finale

Since the Ringling Brothers circus is officially ending their tour we had planned to go as a family one last time.  We were super excited to find out last week that thanks to Chick Fil A, we  could attend for FREE!!  Savannah posted a crazy picture on facebook (using Dave's account with permission) with a CFA cow sign to enter the contest and we actually won!!  Not only did we win family of four passes, but we also won a year's worth of Chick Fil A sandwiches too.  Woo hoo!!

To top that all off I was able to pick up a mystery shop to pay for parking and $100 worth of circus merchandise once we were there.  It was quite an adventure trying to shop 12 different vendors, but at least the kids left with some fun circus souvenirs.

Savannah reported that her favorite part was the acrobats and Preston's favorite part was the motorcycles in the cage.

It was a great way to spend Sunday afternoon and also a way to remember the real circus.

Preston wearing his cotton candy hat and Savannah sporting her lanyard and light up glasses.