Annual KY trip

We just made our annual pilgrimage to Kentucky to see some of our family. I wish we didn't pick the dead of winter to go every year. Bluegrass country is so beautiful, though, no matter what time of year you go. There is nothing like the breathtaking views of rolling hills and horse farms. And I don't mean farms in the "hee haw" sense. These horses live in barns nicer than our house (think $1 million each with chandeliered ceilings). One fabulous farm after another makes an amazing sight. It is just a truly gorgeous part of the country.

Eli got to visit his Aunt Julie and Uncle Tripp's house. He LOVED their two huge dogs, Annabelle and Sadie!! He got mad at Tripp for not letting Sadie out of the gate at first. She is there on the chair being petted by Eli's Pop who he loves to see. Pop bought Eli some play dough which was a huge hit. He was obsessed with making ice cream cones all weekend.

Tripp and Julie are expecting their 1st child and everyone is so excited!! She is due really any day now. We all took bets...I said March 11th so I assume I didn't win since it is the 13th and I haven't heard anything. They will be awesome parents. Julie is a school teacher so you can imagine, and you should see Tripp interact with Eli....Eli loves him dearly.

Eli with Meme and Big Daddy (and little Sarita). He loved being with the great grandparents (me, too). After we flew back to Fort Worth and drove all the way to our house, we pulled into the drive and he started yelling, "NO! I don't want to go to this house! I want to go to Big Daddy's house!!". I wish it was not a flight away, too.

The weather was too cold to get outside, and Aunt Julie had recommended we take him to a kid's place in Lexington to let off some steam. What a good call! He LOVED it. On the way home he decided he wanted to put the sticker he won on his forehead. Then he promptly passed out. The other funny thing about the picture is that we forgot gloves for him (we live in Texas...not such a necessity). Well, Meme offered a small pair that she had (shown here). He never wanted to take them off. No one was overly excited that Meme offered these particular gloves b/c they had the actual finger slots...trying to get them on a small child proved pretty difficult, mainly because he would put two fingers in one hole. It took us literally 10 minutes to get them on, but he was bound and determined to wear them, ha!

My little Meme! What a precious grandmother.

Poisonwood Bible

We just had our book club get together and I hosted at my house. I can't believe I forgot to get a picture or two! Figures. I love to get together with the ladies and gab, eat, and have a glass of wine. We set a record this time and gabbed until after midnight.

We read The Poisonwood Bible this go round. I actually have not finished it, but am close and plan on finishing it before moving on. It is kind of dark, and may not be for everyone, but I thought it was really good.

Basically, a wacko Baptist minister drags his wife and four daughters to the depths of the Congo in the late 1960's to do some "missionary" work. His idea of missionary work is probably different than most. This is around the time the Congolese people are planning a revolution against Belgium who has been an occupying force there for years. The minister's family is under the impression they will be spending "only" a year there, but that year comes and goes and the minister doesn't allow his family to take the last plane out before the revolution occurs. They are trapped there...no food, no money, no transportation, no doctor, no protection, etc., etc.

This is not a plot spoiler....the mother tells you early on that she buries one of her daughters in the Congo and has to leave her behind. The book describes one hardship after another of living in the jungle, and interacting with the tribe who has been forced to become their neighbors. You just never know which of the calamities will be the most tragic, and which daughter will ultimately lose her life.

Banned from soccer practice

We started soccer practice a couple weeks ago. Some friends of ours are coaching for a team through the YMCA and asked us to play. I am like a fish out of water with boys and sports, but was so excited for us to go and participate! We have learned that Eli generally does better for Aaron in group settings. For example, I used to take Eli to the Little Gym when it was a Mommy and Me class, but now that he is in the class by himself Aaron has to take him. If I take him he doesn't listen to the teachers and takes the opportunity to run around the room like he is showing off.
Well, Aaron was traveling for our 1st soccer practice and it did not go so well, ha.

Here are the coaches gathering the group to pick a team name and go over some basics. Notice most of the little ones are all ears. Eli is nowhere in sight.

Oh wait, there he is....running by himself at the edge of the field.

This is the only time he actually participated with his group. They broke off between red and blue jerseys. I am not sure the coach covered this move that he is doing.

Most of the time he sat or climbed on the bleachers and looked at the swing set that he wished we were playing on.

Aaron was in town for the next practice, and my goal was to hang back and watch while Aaron helped him. Apparently I am a distraction even while hiding behind the other parents. I went ahead and left practice early and Eli suddenly began to focus and get into it for a few minutes. Our friend/coach suggested I skip practices from now on. I am bummed because they are so cute and I would love to see them run around, but totally understand of course. Whatever it takes to get him to participate. Wonder if I have to be banned from the games, too??