Stinker!

To say that Sutton keeps us on our toes is an understatement. He's incredibly sweet and funny, but he is always into something! His newest "trick" is rummaging through the candy and gum drawer. He has a huge sweet tooth, which I take full responsibility for. But, he's also a picky eater, and last night, he refused to eat his dinner. He knew we were upset with him and even told us, "Time out!" Afterward, he sauntered over to the candy drawer for a little dessert...

I think he was puzzled as to why I was just snapping pictures...

His signature move: the reach and grab...

Success! A box of Valentine chocolates...

Oops, he lost one...

I intervened before he ate it, and then he went back again. This time, he pulled out a container of gum...

He looks so innocent...

But, he knows he's a stinker!

Don't worry--I didn't let him chew gum. He's had a little piece before and promptly swallowed it. At some point, however, I'm fully expecting him to love gum as much as his sisters do!

An Interesting Start...

to say the least! After the buildup of excitement for Ella's soccer season to start, yesterday was a bit of a let down. I'm blaming it on the weather, which was unexpectedly cold and humid. Here's the full play-by-play:

On our way...

A cute player and a cute coach...

Before she noticed the cold (and after she refused her sweatshirt)...

Hustling onto the field (with her biggest fans and after she accepted the sweatshirt)...

A little pre-practice practice...

And, here is where it started to go downhill--when the coach asked them to line up and run down the field. She started complaining that her shin guards hurt and refused to run. Notice that she's still on the starting line while other kids were well down the field...

She actually made it all the way down, but the way back was just as painful...

Travis was doing his best to comfort and coax her...

Whatever he said must have worked because Ella started listening and participating. She played "red light green light" all the way down the field and started learning how to control the ball...

And she scored...

She was super excited...

And that totally improved her attitude...

She also learned that her pockets would keep her hands warm...

She was on a roll...

Uh-oh. For the mini-scrimmage, she decided she wanted a jersey. But, then she cried about it and was ready for soccer to be over...

Now for the highlight of the hour--snacks. She perked right up and ran over to grab the goodies...

Out of my three babies, Ella is the best sharer. She is so generous and never hesitated when Grace and Sutton asked for her snack and drink...

Love this sweet girl...

At last! Everyone was happy and forgot about the chilly temperatures...

After practice, we headed to Breadwinner's for a yummy, hot breakfast (and lots of coffee for me and T). Although it didn't go so well, Ella has since told several people (friends and strangers), "My name is Ella. I am 3, and I play soccer." She was even upset today when she couldn't join in Grace's practice.

Here's hoping that next week we see warmer temps and less tears!

Shaggy-Haired Sutton

This is the first time we've let Sutton's hair grow out, and although he's looking a little messy, I absolutely love his curls!

Ella's Gearing Up...

for her first soccer season! She starts next Saturday, and she and her trainer couldn't be more excited. She even sticks her tongue out just like her big sister, and she's got great form...

First Daddy-Daughter Dance

This completely melts my heart! Grace and Travis attended their first daddy-daughter dance tonight, and it was quite a production. Last weekend, Grace and I went shopping for a new dress. It was very surreal, and I know we'll have many of these special trips in the future. She liked the first dress she tried on, but as soon as she put the second one on, her face just lit up and she was so giddy. She exclaimed, "This is the one!" After selecting a new headband, necklace and shoes, she was all set. She looked forward to the dance all week and told anyone and everyone about it. I loved, loved, loved helping her get ready. She showered, had her nails painted and hair blow dried, and put on a touch of blush and lip gloss. She is a girly girl after my own heart!

I will never forget seeing Grace and Travis walk downstairs together. They both looked stunning and were so happy. Just look at my precious girl!

Look at how giddy!

Ella did not want to be left out. She cried when they left.

These two are such a sweet pair! Grace originally wanted Travis to wear a bow tie with his tuxedo, but then she was thrilled that he had a tie that matched her dress--from our wedding no less!

They didn't get home until 10:00 p.m., and Grace was exhausted. She went straight to bed and slept in this morning. They had a blast and are already looking forward to next time!