Hoop Dreams

It's the most wonderful time of the year…for a six year old boy! 

Basketball Season has arrived! 

Max tried b-ball games of all types, including the NBA to see the Charlotte Bobcats!

But he was the most excited to get back on the court himself, especially when he discovered his team would be outfitted in RED jerseys, just like Louisville! 

A hug for luck!

Kyle stretches out before the game

Max brings the ball down court

The competition was fierce…even among the same team!

Taking it to the hoop!

Time out for fun 

Back in action

Hugs for Coach Daddy

Biggest fan!

(She even wanted to wear red to support the team)

Fast Break

Defense!

The Luke Hancock (or Spike Albrecht) of the Munchkin League

The champion receives his congratulations

Awards Ceremony

Can't wait to see him playing for Louisville one day!

School Ties

After NINE consecutive weeks of shortened school weeks and at least one child home every day, you would think that I would spend my blissful child-free hours basking in the quiet, getting some chores done, or running errands. Instead, I ended up spending more time with my kids - in their classrooms at school!

  At Sarah's school, the snowman beckons you to come inside!

(Her teacher is incredibly crafty)

(Late) Valentine fun

Wanna take a ride with me?

Decorating cookies

Sprinkle overload!

After learning about President Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. in honor of Presidents' Day,  Max informed me that they both "got shot" and MLK "freed the slaves". Hmm…One of Max's classmates told his mother that he didn't want to be President because "it is hard and they get shot". He also said he no longer wanted to stay in hotels because MLK was killed in a hotel. I'm not sure this particular history lesson was helpful!

Max's schoolwork is particularly entertaining when they are encouraged to spell words on their own. "I know that polar animals have blubber. I know that penguins eat fish." (Spelling corrected)

Max got a surprise at school for lunch…and it wasn't the mystery meat!

Auntie Beckers kindly agreed to participate in the lunch experience by eating cafeteria food at 10:30. Max was very excited to introduce her to his friends. "Gray, Will, this is my Auntie Beckers. She got here last night." Auntie Beckers got an important education in kindergarten politics as she was told who she could and could not speak to by Max's friends.

I'm so very grateful to be able to spend time at both of their schools, but I'm also grateful to have an entire week when both kids go to school on their assigned days!

Tooth Patrol

Sarah has recently been staring at her mouth in the mirror while she wiggles her teeth, and every time she says, "I think my tooth is loose!" One benefit of having a big brother is expecting milestones to occur approximately 3.5 years before they should!

But if my 2 year old is going to start losing teeth, then a trip to the dentist is mandatory!

First visit with Dr. April!

She was a little nervous, especially when Dr. April talked to her about kicking the thumb habit when she turns 3. 

Say what?

The best part of a trip to the dentist is the treat afterwards!

Show me those pearly whites!

Winter Olympics

The Olympic spirit was burning from Sochi, Russia to South Carolina!

Making flags of countries

Team USA!

Max was obsessed with snowboarding, but Daddy would rather watch U of L basketball.

The combination of the Winter Olympics and actual snow in our backyard was a dangerous mix! Max wanted to try snowboarding. On an actual board. Of scrap lumber.

Future Olympian!

Backyard Olympics 2014

Team Richards vs. Team Womack

1st Event:

Sliding

A perfect landing!

Team Womack came out with extreme speed on the slide

but a bumpy landing

The youngest member of Team Womack shows the most natural talent.

Event 2:

Ice Rings

Event 3:

Snow Wheeling

Event 4:

Snow Soccer

Event 5:

Ultimate Snow Frisbee

Clearing the Ice for the final event

Event 6:

Figure Skating

These games will not soon be matched in the level of artistic grace and athletic achievements!

My Funny Valentines

Neither snow or rain or fog will stop our annual Heart Hunt for Valentine's Day!

Looking for Clues

On the Hunt

Frank was hiding a clue!

Thank goodness Mommy had tucked away a few goodies before the snow!

Since the Julie Valentine Memorial at the park was covered in snow (and Sarah's dress was short- sleeved), we were not able to take our traditional picture. Max, who has been practicing his negotiating techniques, said he would take photos for the bargain price of a quarter.

"Mommy, taking a picture will cost you a quarter, but the kiss is for free!"

Worth every penny!