AAU National Championships...

Payton's AAU team, Arkansas Wings Elite, traveled to Memphis, TN last week to compete in the National Championship Tournament. This team has only played together a handful of times over the past 3 months. In fact, this tournament was the first time ever that all 9 of these boys played together.

They started out a little rough, going 1-2 in pool play. This sent us to the Classic Bracket of the tournament.

Where they fought back hard, playing against some tough teams, and went 5-0.




And became NATIONALS CLASSIC CHAMPIONS!!

Not bad at all for a team that is just starting out. I was so impressed with the caliber of the players and coaches in the Wings organization. These boys are so talented and have an amazing future ahead of them!

Go Wings!!

Elyse's Dance Class...

Elyse started taking a ballet/tap combo class a few weeks ago. The girls are sooo incredibly cute to watch! Half the time they are too busy staring at themselves in the mirror or twirling around to pay attention to what they are supposed to be doing. I have to brag that Elle is one of the best at listening to her teacher and paying attention. Here are some videos of the routines they are working on. {Elyse is in the hot pink.}

Under the Sea ...

Demonstrating for the Class...

The view from the parent's waiting room is not very good, so I did the best I could, but I promise to get better videos at her first recital. :)

P90x'n...

Over the past month I've started doing P90x.

I've heard so much about this exercise program, and at first I was a little skeptical.

But it is amazing! Hardcore!

Although I haven't lost any weight, I can tell a huge difference in my body.

I feel better. And when I run, it's sooo much easier!

I can go farther and faster without as much effort.

So now me and some of my friends are training for this...

Before long I will be RIPPED!

Dancing...

Dancing is something I've always wished that I was good at.

Really good at.

I'm constantly amazed at the dancers and choreographers on So You Think You Can Dance.

They are absolutely amazing!

Elyse is a big dancer. She's always leaping, gliding, shaking, and tapping around the house.

Her very favorite song is "Single Ladies" by Beyonce.

As soon as she hears the beat, her little arms and legs start moving.

So cute!

Maybe someday my little dancer...

Will be able to dance like this...

While I've Been Gone...

Hello, hello!

A lot has been going on in the past few months.

So much in fact, that I have seriously neglected this little blog.

So sorry to the three of you who read this. :)

I took my National Boards exams at the end of May, and feel ok about how things went.

Now I just have the looooooong wait until November when I find out if I passed or not.

Please say a little prayer (or a million) or keep your fingers crossed for me.

Or something.

Any token of good luck will be appreciated.

More big school news.... I'm LOOPING with my kiddos!!!

This means that I'm moving up to 3rd grade with them and get to keep all 25 of my sweet babies for another year.

Woohooo!!!!

I am more excited about this than I can even explain.

I've just been jumping up and down a lot to show my excitement.

And screaming.

People are beginning to think I'm a little strange.

{Luckily, Jenn understands how I feel...}

Now on to the good stuff... the pictures.

So sorry you had to see this awful picture, but I just had to show this since Ryan just did not believe that I actually held a snake.

My. biggest. fear.

I look awful because 1)it was pouring down rain 2)I was trying not to scream and frighten all the children 3)I was trying not to scream and scare the boa constrictor that easily could have choked me to death.

Shudder.

Our littlest angel, Elyse, turned 4 and celebrated with her besties at a spa party where they were all treated to manicures and pedicures.

These kids are living the life!

Payton made the team again at his junior high. Go Payton!

He also joined an elite AAU team out of Little Rock, The Wings.

This group is much more competitive and has players from across the state and even from Tennessee and Louisiana.

They are awesome!

Unfortunately, a week after joining this team he broke his big toe at practice and is now out for 4-6 weeks.

He's hoping it heals in time for Nationals at the end of the month.

Elyse started her dance classes.

She's had a great time learning ballet, tap, and tumbling.

Cutie Patootie!!!

A Day in the Park...

The weather this week has been so amazing! We've been spending lots of time playing outside and enjoying the sunshine. Here are some pics from our trip to the park...

{She was telling me she wanted to stay and play for "4 more minutes, Mom!"}

Tournaments...

The Hawks have played in Clarksville and Dallas the last two weekends. Here are some pictures from their games...

Let's go HAWKS!