Southern Miss To The Top!!!

Last night, we attended a USM game in Hattiesburg as a whole family!  It was Ellie's 2nd game, Abby's 1st.  They had so much fun and were really good, even though it was a long night.  USM beat Kansas.  After the game, there was a big fireworks show!  Go Eagles!!

Little Eagles

We arrived on campus just in time to see the USM marching band parade through campus!

Our seats were in the 6th row, 50 yard line.  Awesome! 

We could practically hear the players talking on the sidelines. 

Ready for the game to start!

First down Southern Miss. . . TO THE TOP!

USM Head Coach Larry Fedora  -- he looks like he's smiling but he's really yelling at those two players.   Tighten up, guys.

Abby was a champ for most of the game, but we did take a little break and walk around the stadium for a while.

Watching the players come back on the field after half time.

Tim was VERY excited to be at the game with his two little sports fans. 

Must've been a tense moment during the game!

There were two in the bed and the little one said. . .

Night night, my precious girls!!  Soon enough you'll be having real sister slumber parties!

But for now, a few snuggles before you head off to dreamland in your own little beds. . .

she's snoring!

good-night giggles

silly smiles

kisses. . .

. . . and hugs!

someone turn off the lights!  we're going to sleep!!

Makeup!

Abby LOVES helping me apply makeup in the morning.  It's become our little morning ritual after Tim & Ellie leave for work/school.  She's decided that pink tube of lip gloss she's holding is "Abby's Makeup" and swabs it all over her little cheeks and  lips.  (Good thing it's Clinique and won't break out her soft skin!)  Then she'll admire herself in the mirror and say "Abby is so pwetty!"  Yes, she is!!

Start of Soccer Season!

Ellie's soccer season has started!  She's moved into the next age category - the Under 8's.  Tonight was her first game.  They played really well and came in second place (score 0-1).

Excited soccer player!

Abby liked watching from the sidelines (when she wasn't running around in the empty field next to the game) -- and cheered for big sister!   Ellie with sisters Marin & Amelia.

Action shots!

Sam & Ellie

good game, good game, good game , good game, good game

 Before they slapped hands with the other team, Coach Will told the players:  No matter what the other kids say, ALWAYS say Good Game!  Very good advice.

Go Eagles!!

Yesterday, Ellie & Tim attended their first USM home game together.  They had such a fun father-daughter-football date!  First they ate at Backyard Burger, then wandered around the campus a little bit (it has changed A LOT from when Tim & I were there), and then they hit the stadium to watch the big game!!  GO EAGLES!!!

Our little Golden Eagle

During halftime, Ellie & Tim got to go on the field as part of a spirit line, and watch the players run back out!

Ellie even "high-fived" a couple of players (see the big giant blurs in the background?  Big old guys!)
P.S.  It was a BLOWOUT.  USM totally won.  Go Eagles!!! 

William's Off-road Bike Party

William is one of Ellie's best buddies. We celebrated his 7th birthday at the Mt. Zion Bike Trails.  Super cool place for a party!  The boys hit the trails first, for a 5 mile ride, and after a quick hot dog lunch & cake (and lots of blue gatorade!), the girls did a shorter ride.  Ellie was a biking champ -- just a few months ago, we took off her training wheels -- now she's riding off road on super serious bike trails!

 

How cool is this cake?

Olivia & Ellie

Biker Dudes (& some dads)  headed out for their FIVE MILE ride through the woods, over several bridges, by a pond. . . these guys are hardcore!  Birthday Boy William is in the red shirt -- he knows these trails like the back of his hand.

Ellie & William's mom, Lisa.  Lisa led the biker chicks on a GIRLS ONLY  trail ride!

Biker Chicks!

Ellie riding the trails. . .

Abby brought along her motorcycle to keep up with the big kids!

Hot Dog lunch for hot bikers!

Headed down the big trail!