Weekends at the Batchelor Pad

We have had a couple of fun weekends here at the Batchelor Pad. Last weekend we went to a Dance-a-Thon to benefit the local children's hospital. It was for all the local elementary and middle schools. David and the kids got their groove on. I danced a bit and quickly learned that my knee was not ready for that. I was sore for a couple of days.

Doing the limbo.

This weekend we split up. Baylie and I went to watch USC women's soccer play a spring game against Coastal Carolina. We have become big fans of this team. The principal of the kids' school is the star of the team. She didn't play today because she is playing with the national team in Spain. It was a beautiful day to be outside - high 70's with a light breeze.

David and Jalen went to a free soccer clinic at the local ice rink. Jalen LOVED it. We may have to look into him playing in the future. The only problem is that hockey is at the same time as football - and it's very expensive.

He got to keep the jersey and the stick. Isn't he adorable??!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

A day late and several dollars short, but here's our Valentine update. 

We make photo cards every year. Usually we attach a pencil or eraser or something else, but this year it was just the photo. I have to admit I felt inadequate as I saw all the creations made by other moms. Plus there were moms that did something Valentiney every day of the month. Not me.

Baylie's card

Jalen's card

Both of them card

Cards from me to them

The kids kept asking me if I would keep up with the tradition of "surprising" them with a fun table in the morning. So I surprised them. (Most of the stuff was mailed to us from my sister, Tiffani.)

I forgot to take a picture at the beginning, so I took a picture of what was left by the time I remembered.

David planned a date complete with babysitter to an old theater downtown that I have wanted to go to. We saw LaLaLand, which is something I've wanted to see. It wasn't what I expected, but it was good. The theater was great.

Inside the theater.

Root beer

Afterwards, we went next door to Sweet Cream, a homemade ice cream parlor that was quaint, but had weird flavors like rosemary/olive oil and rose/chocolate. (See a full list of flavors here.)

It was one of our better Valentine's despite the lack of photographic evidence.

Smarty Pants

Baylie has always been a smart girl. So far, school has been easy for her. She even likes doing homework. Her biggest challenge right now is that she wants to just guess at answers rather than taking time to actually figure them out.

This year is the first time she gets letter grades. So far she has been on the all A honor roll both terms. The school does a nice little ceremony each time for students on the A/B honor roll and the all A honor roll.

Waiting for the ceremony with her friends Savannah and Isabella.

Walking across the stage and greeting Mr. Scott...

Mrs. Wiley and Mrs. McCaskill.

She got a certificate, a pass to the local trampoline park, a free lunchroom treat, a free month of karate lessons and a pencil.

There's nothing wrong with your eyes. There is a problem with mine.

Baylie with her amazing AGP (academically gifted program) teacher, Mrs. Paddock. Baylie loves her. Her class is full of enthusiasm and creativity.

Another shot with Isabella. These two have been great friends since kindergarten and have been in the same class three of the four years.

 We celebrated by going to Sonic for a milkshake (thanks, Grammy).

We are so proud of Baylie and how hard she works. She is such a fun girl to have around.