More Precious Than a Picasso

This painting is more precious than a Picasso because of who created it...

This was such a special night. I turned the babies loose with watercolors and a giant canvas, and they created a masterpiece. Sutton started with his favorite color--orange, and the girls followed with their own creative touches. They had a blast with this, and I couldn't love it more. I'm so glad its the first thing people see when they enter our home. You can even see it from the street! All of them have been telling our visitors (and there have been quite a few lately) about it, and each time we pass it, Sutton exclaims, "I paint! I paint!"

It's the perfect addition to our new home, and the memories behind it are priceless!

A Milestone

Today was a milestone for Grace, and I couldn't be prouder. She's been working hard at school and at home with a self-imposed goal in mind--to learn how to read before she starts kindergarden. And today, after she had her kindergarden screening and while Ella and Sutton were napping, she read a book for the first time on her own!! She was slow and steady, sounding out each syllable, but recognizing some sight words. She didn't stop at one book--she read five totally unassisted, and then she read two books to Sutton and Ella at bedtime. It was heartwarming, and although I love reading to them every night, I was happy to pass the torch to her. She is proud of herself and can't wait to show off her new skill at school tomorrow. As a book lover, I am giddy with excitement about the new world that has begun opening for her. Way to go, Gracie!

Pizza in the Park

We have a new tradition around the Spillman house--pizza in the park on Thursday nights. Travis picks up pizza on the way home, and then we head to the park for dinner and playtime. It's fun for everyone, and with the time change, we're able to stay out a little later and enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

Grace is determined to master the monkey bars. This is her classic concentration look...

I love spending our evenings this way and look forward to more Thursdays!

A Little Late...

As I prepared to schedule our summer photo shoot (for new family pics, Sutton's 2-year pictures, Ella's 3 1/2 year pictures, and Grace's 5 1/2 year pictures), I realized that I never posted last year's summer pics. It's amazing how much my sweet babies have grown in the last 10 months! These pictures make me smile as I remember the blissful chaos of that day. I realized early on in my motherhood career that photo shoots with small children can be crazy with a capital "C." Rather than cry with frustration, I choose to laugh and embrace the chaos. I remind myself how blessed T and I are to have three precious, healthy children--and the tears, eyes that won't look at the camera, and goofy faces that come with them!

Fantastic First Game

Grace's first soccer game of the season today was nothing short of fabulous. She's been practicing up a storm in our backyard and at the park with Travis and is learning how to use her long legs to run faster. Last night at bedtime, we prayed that God would help her to remember everything she's practiced and to be brave (not scared of getting in the middle of the pack) and to do her best. Our prayers were definitely answered, and it was just amazing to watch the transformation since the fall season.

First off, the other team parents could not believe how much she's grown. I guess we don't notice it because we see her everyday, but she's grown at least three inches in the past few months. I'm not surprised given all the middle-of-the-night leg cramps she's been having, which was always a sign for me when I was going through a growth spurt. She's now one of the tallest on her team.

They also couldn't help but notice her "skills." She was fast, aggressive and played really smart. She knew when to go after the ball, and she knew when to fall out of the pack to set up for the next play. All her practice and hard work paid off when she scored not one, but TWO GOALS!! It was unbelievable, and both times she turned to us with a "did I just score?" look.

I am so mad that my camera didn't make the switch from manual to auto-focus because all of my shots are blurry. But, for memories' sake, I'm posting them anyway.

Kicking the ball in...
Hustling to get the ball...
At the first water break, the smile on her face showed us that she knew how well she was playing...

Water and a high five for Daddy...
Hugs from Ella during her down quarter...

Big Sutton (aka Travis) trying to keep Sutton entertained. Bubbles and lots of snacks did the trick...

More aggressive play...

First goal of the season...

The second goal happened so quickly that I barely saw it and didn't get a picture. We are so proud of Grace for doing her best and working hard to be a better soccer player. She really loves the game!

And, not that we're keeping score because this is pre-K YMCA soccer, but the Rainbow Unicorns "won" 10 to 2!

Goofballs