Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the slide...

Tonight we went to one of Brad's very last softball games of the season. Besides Brad, you can guess who is the second most (and may even beat out Brad for first) excited about these games. Especially when she learned at the first game she went to that there was a huge play area just for her :)!

Tonight was no exception, although, it was a little different. Every other time we have gone, the play area has been away from the field we played at, so we've played for a little while, then gone to watch Daddy play ball. Tonight, the play area was right next to the field - which was really nice, except that I still had to have my head turned to see what was going on, so I basically missed the whole game instead of half :).

The girls and I left after the first game so we could get back for bedtime. As we were walking out I was asking Kate if she had fun with Emily and Claire on the big slide. "Yes" she said emphatically. "It was soooo fun with Emmy and Claire! It was soooo fun on the big slide! Thanks, Mom. Thanks for taking me!"

I couldn't believe my ears. I knew there would come a day when she would appreciate the little things that I do for her, I just didn't know it would be so soon. I also had no idea how wonderful it would sound.

I can't believe how much I love these two little girls, and just when I think I can't love them anymore, they do something like this, and I love them all over again.

Our thoughts are especially turned to Olivia, who, one year ago today was just a 7lb 4oz bundle of joy. Happy Birthday, Olivia. We love you too, too much!

My baby grows up:

While we were home last weekend, we had an early birthday party for Olivia at Nana & PawPaw's house. Mom found the cutest ever puppy dog cake. She was a little unsure at first, but as you can see through the picture progression, it didn't take long until she decided to DIG IN! The "mustache" picture is my fav :). Adam and Rosie will host the "big" birthday bash in about a week and a half! I'm sure there will be lots more pictures then :)

Starting A New Chapter

It's really hard to believe that just 3 weeks ago Brad and I were sitting on the couch talking, and he said something to the effect of, "well, since I'm looking for a job anyway, what about moving back up to Indy now instead of switching jobs again in another year?"

So here we go. Three weeks later. A new job, a house up for sale, some very upset in-laws and neighbors ;), and one exhausted Mommy.

It is never easy to leave behind really, REALLY close friends and family. It's never easy to step out of your comfort zone and go into the unknown - or semi-unknown in our case. But we are anxious for our new life, being close to my parents and sister, and rekindling old friendships.

So here's to starting a new chapter, to packing up a very cluttered house, to leaving the only "home" our girls have ever known, to saying sad goodbyes, but then being welcomed home with open arms.

Reunion - group shots

Every other year over Labor Day, my Mom's side of the family has our big family reunion. Every year we say it was the best one ever, but this one really was. It was one of our smaller groups due to some last minute cancellations, but there were still about 80 of us in all. We met at Sugar Hollow Retreat in east Tennessee. The place was awesome! Here's a group shot of *almost* everyone:

The Sellers' clan, minus Tommy, Josiah, & Nathan (Christi's husband and boys) and Silas (Brad and Hannah's newest, who was asleep :) There are now 18 grandchildren, and one more due any day now!

Reunion cont. - all kids of fun...

The guys played cornhole ALL DAY on Saturday, and most of Sunday afternoon. They even went so far as to have a cornhole tournament with "double elimination" to help move the never ending game along.

This is Kathryn with her second cousins Jenna & Lindsey. Their mom, Meredith, and I have so many great "cousin memories" from growing up together, so it was especially fun to see our kids play together.

Kathryn with PawPaw

toward the right, my brother Tony, S-I-L Teri
toward the middle, nephews Eli & Kaj, neice Michal

Reunion cont. - My Family

Here are some individual family shots of the Sellers side


(LtoR) Tony (brother), Elijah, Noah, Michal, Kaj, Emma, Kady, & Teri


Dad & Mom, Isaiah, & Christi (sister)

Heidi (sister), Taylor, Jack, Ella, & Josh


Hannah (sister), Corbin, Brad, Truman, & Cozy (Silas was asleep :)