Mitchell Reunion

The Mitchell reunion has been a long time coming. The last time we all met was over 12 years ago, before Jason and I were married. Thanks to ALOT of work and preparation on Mom's part, it was a big hit.

The original Mitchell clan: Bob and Joan, Robin, Linda, Joanna, and Betsy

By far, the biggest hit of the weekend was Poppy's potato launcher. Matt and Dad were like 2 little kids with that thing. On Saturday night they followed me and Jason, Luke and Shane as we took a little stroll down the dirt road. It was dark as we headed back and out of nowhere, a blast, and something whizzes over our heads. The two "boys" were waiting in the middle of the road like 2 snipers with the potato gun loaded and ready for our return.2 of Kimberly's boys: Austin and Anthony

Poppy with his babies along with Samantha Champion, Kurt and Melissa's middle child

Bedtime stories

It happens the same way everynight...after dinner is bath, teeth brushing, and then every child picks one book. We never know what will be the choice for T & E but to be sure, the choice for TC is either Bob the Builder or a book about trains. Jason is so patient as the kids jockey for position and comment about every other word, all while TC climbs all over everyone. While I'm in the other room, periodically I hear Jason say, "Lay down" or "quit fighting", but for the most part the kids listen intently, all the while snuggled next to each other. I hope the kids remember this because I don't remember being read to as a child. I hope I remember this as it is a pretty endearing sight to see three little munchkins squeezed next to their big trunk of a daddy as he puts on his character voices for his sweeties.

Dancing Princess

Emma's first dance recital was a BIG deal. I just knew I would bawl through the whole thing but I was so busy getting the perfect shot (127 shots to be exact), that I distracted myself from the tears. She was the prettiest one on stage and hit every mark. She did't suck her thumb, or stare into the audience, or act even a little anxious. She just marched right out on stage and danced her little slippers off.

After the recital, she got flowers, which she thought was pretty cool

The Dean's and the Gattis' met at Duke's for the after recital party. The cake and cupcakes were a big hit

Emma received her first ever trophy from her friend Chapman Burkhart. The plaque was inscribed "to my friend Emma, love Chapman". What a perfect day for a dancing princess.

Sweet Dreams

They fell asleep holding hands...

Chicken Feet

Emma walked into the kitchen with her princess gloves on...and announced "Chicken Feet!"

Catching Rainbows

My kids and I are a sucker for a rainbow. The fact that I can catch it on film makes me giddy!

Crow's Nest Farm

Tatum and I went on our first ever field trip together, along with all the other kindergarteners. We rode the bus to Crow's Nest Farm and saw some of the coolest creatures we've ever seen outside of a book. We had a picnic on the grounds while a peacock strutted around looking for crumbs. There was every kind of owl, turtle, and chicken we knew of along with ostriches, emus, goats, pigs, cows, and donkeys. Did you know that an ostrich must sit on its eggs for 50 hours before they hatch? Did you know it takes 15 minutes to milk a cow by hand but only 2 minutes to milk her mechanically? Did you know that artichokes look like giant thistles when they bloom? Did you know Emus growl? Neither did we!