Spelling Bee

Nervous...N-E-R-V-O-U-S...Nervous. Yes, that is how I felt watching Corinne approach the microphone in the first round of the Wellsville Elementary Spelling Bee. But it was unnecessary because my cool-as-a-cucumber girl rattled off h-e-s-i-t-a-t-e with no hesitation! Then she proceeded to spell her way through five rounds until in round six they found her achilles heel with c-o-e-r-c-e. Darn that "coerce" and it's crazy "s" sound! I am so proud of her. She did so great and didn't seem nervous at all. AND she finished 3rd place!! She got a bronze medal and a certificate and I've granted her the title of my "queen spelling bee" forever!

Here is a sampling of round 5 as she spells "whistle". The 3 kids on the right are all that are left in the competition besides her.

Big smile for a job well done! We L-O-V-E you, Rinnie!

Two-Wheelin'

Yay for Spencer! With this gorgeous "winter" weather we've been having this week, Matt got the kids bikes out, including taking the training wheels off of Spencer's bike. Within minutes he was doing tricks, jumps, racing his sisters...well, maybe not all of that, but he was riding without falling down and having a great time!

In other news, on Friday Matt and I went out and Nicole and Corinne babysat. We told them they could have a movie night. What we meant was, "You can get your pajamas on and watch a DVD." What they heard, "Make a big mess in all of your closets!" So after we left they all got dressed in their finest to go to the movies. CRAZY! I have to nag and beg and yell to get them dressed on Sunday mornings, and this, they do for fun?

Here is Spencer in a hand-me-down suit that he hasn't grown into yet. I don't know who tied the tie, but I love it!

Here is Spencer with his date. Paige is wearing an original "Disney" (night)gown, turned inside-out for a dramatic flair.

And here is Claire, walking the red carpet with her matching clutch bear and blanky.