Five Brown Kids

Twice this summer we have been at the Fosters house for supper and had the absolute joy of watching our three brown boys get beat in driveway basketball by the Foster girls (they have a girl from the Brazilian national basketball team living at their house and going to American school so it's not really a fair match up, if I'm defending the boys reputations. This night there were two Brazilian girls.) The boys talk lots of smack and it is hilarious to watch Aysia guard Taye in some vey high contact and very silly defense.   The toddlers are now big teenagers...  Every time the big boys leave the house I feel terrified by what could happen, but I'm simultaneously loving watching them turn into grown ups. So fun!

Taye is swimming like a mad man. Two YOTA practices many days - nothing like five hours of swim plus a work shift in between to wear out a kid. Taye is swimming hard, working hard and filling every spare minute hanging out with friends. He's having a really happy high school experience. Scotia and Taye are both swimming summer swim too. Scotia's turning into a really good swimmer. Taye is unbeatable and everyone loves to watch him. Little kids come up to talk to him like he's a hero. Fun to watch. Blythe swims while Scotia practices - she jumps in over her head and swims to the side. Also bounces around in water up to her top lip. So brave. Also loves to play horses or mermaids with her toys in the "tiny pool". Every now and then I can bribe Jaxon and big D to the pool too- usually with food and snacks. They love to play basketball at the pool. (Jaxon has had three weeks of basketball camp and he loved it all. Big D has had high school football practices...

The city planted a big field of sunflowers near the greenway on the other side of town. Crickett did mini shoots there so I took the girls to get updated photos. Professional photos to come - these are just my iPhone pictures.

Feeding hungry boys (bread, corn on the cob, grilled chicken, noodles, alfredo sauce and left over spaghetti sauce for me!) Horses and breakfast, must be summer time Selling baked goods at the corner.  Lots of preparation and organization and planning and painting and baking went into this project. Art museum fun Art museum, on her tippy toes

Tyrone had an Anesthesia Conference at Kiawah Island last week and I went too.  It was the most relaxing thing I've done in a year.  Tyrone had class until noon each day so I read and walked on the beach or biked on the island until he got back and then we ate, napped, biked and read on the beach.  My typical home day is full from 6 am to 10 pm with the non-stop needs of 5 children and all their activities.  It's amazing how much time there is in a day to play when there are no children!  I'm back to work but I have fond memories of four whole days with nothing I had to do.... Saw my first wild alligator.  Just crossing a little wooden bridge on my bike. Went in to Charleston one evening to wander around and eat at Rodney Scott's BBQ.

Taye turned 16!  We had a low key birthday celebration.  He went shopping for new shoes with Tyrone.  We took donuts to the end of swim practice and all his teammates sang happy birthday.  We had yummy supper and cake at the end of the day. Taye's swim consumes a significant percentage of our family income so I think this less expensive celebration was just right.  I think he looks happy.  Can't believe Baby Taye is so grown. I took Scotia and Blythe and Isabelle to Three Bears Acres, they got filthy dirty and soaking wet and had a blast.  This slide is a favorite.  Blythe would woosh down by herself. So brave. Taye starting working as a lifeguard.  Checking off all the appropriate miles stones in preparation for adulthood.  These hanging baskets on the back porch are so much prettier in person.  You can see them from the living room and kitchen and they make me happy.  Lots of plant watering every day. Scotia and Taye are both...

We are one year into our new house.  I love it even more than the first time I walked through.  When the listing showed up with a half finished basement we jumped on it fast, and in hindsight it was a great move.  The house has bedrooms for all of us (Before Big D arrived, at least).  Girls and boys both have separate play rooms.  I love the quiet, private cul de sac we live on tucked in amongst the trees.  I love how modest the house looks from the outside (and then when you walk in, wow!).  Our neighbors are great and best of all I am close to the gym and school and carpool for swim and SuperTarget. Before - with those awful brown shutters Current - Grey shutters and big flower pots Before - Living Room move in day Current - Living room Before - Girls Playroom After - Girls Playroom After - Girls Playroom Before - Basement Bedroom and Bath Before - Basement Bedroom After...