The O'Brien Boys AND GIRL

Friday, June 28, 2013

And then comes t-ball

To say that Malachi was excited to finally be on a baseball team, is an enormous understatement. This kid is all sports. He takes it so seriously and I just love to watch him. He's not the best one on the team but he is one of the best. Yes, he's a good hitter. Yes, he can throw the ball fairly accurately. Yes, he can field the ball pretty well. But the reason he's one of the best players is because he is a team player. He encourages his teammates. He gives them high fives. He pats them on the head and tells them they did a good job. I don't care if he can play ball; I care that he is a good leader and a good teammate.

Do you see what is happening here? Malachi is right handed. He decided that he want's to be a "lefty" which means he is insisting on being a 'switch hitter.' And he can do it!

Daddy is a coach on Malachi's team. Malachi tells him that he is his 'favorite' coach.

Malachi running for second. He's #11.

Mathias found a friend on the sidelines. This is his friend, Josiah. His big brother is one of Malachi's teammates. They play t-ball on the side lines, lift their shirts to feel a sprinkler spray on their tummies and whatever else they dream up together. It's an extra fun bonus to the two-games-a-

week commitment.

Videos to come...

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Baseball Season

Baseball in Winona with Uncle Thomas and Daddy.

Baby girl waits in the grass and plays with flowers...

She's getting her first tooth, sitting up and totally in love with her big brothers.

Mathias plays at the park. He wants to try everything. He's such a playful kid. What he really loves is people.

Did I mention he's a poser? :)

Anabelle is such a happy baby. She's sure to return a smile to all who engage her. She's got big baby cheeks and a playful personality. She kicks her legs and jumps up and down on my lap, squealing with joy at her own antics.

Her brothers love her and willingly give up nose, ear and hair for her entertainment. They love connecting with her and making her laugh. She is the great encourager. She can make a sad brother face turn in an instant with her sweet touch (or drooly grab).

My handsome big boy.

Fun family memories. Uncle Thomas is always a humble and willing playmate for my boys. I'm so thankful for the way he's given his time and attention to connect with these young men.

Malachi is the great imitator. He has always been able to see and do. It makes him a good athlete. But it also fuels his creative lego productions. His lego guys follow the seasonal sports with football fields, basketball courts and now, baseball fields. The details are impressive.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Wednesday Family Group Adventures

We had a tour of the Environmental Center in Rochester. Soooo cool. We learned about erosion and the benefits of wetlands. I never knew. (This government school girl is reaping the benefits of homeschool teaching!)

Mathias finding out how much energy it takes to run a hairdryer.

Which light bulb takes more energy to run??

Supply verses demand.

Tour of four of the FIVE Salvation Army buildings in downtown Rochester. TRULY, they do the most good. Don't donate anywhere else. It's not even close.

Park date with the crew after our educational tours! This 'recess' lasts for hours!!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Winter Daze

HOMEschool....

Jonesing for golf leads to this....

Micah got to decorate his own cookie! I should have thought that one through.

Haircut!!!

5 year check up for Malachi.

3 year check up!

Skype with the Johnsons in Thailand.

Having friends over makes some of the sweetest memories.

Family games. Mathias ROCKS Jenga. Beats us all every time. Seriously.

My skinny rock star.

The flu hit our house and Mom turned into a germ nati.

Quiet reading time...

Malachi and Mathias took a soccer class together.

Wednesday Family Group sledding fun!

Forever friendships being cultivated...

Valentines Day treats from Auntie Anna!!

Dad and Micah building snowmen!

Playtime in front of the fire...

Wrestle-mania. Every. Day.

Walking on the frozen lake. Making it across the frozen lake without falling on your butt is a real sign of man-hood.

A much needed walk around the neighborhood!

More man-ly dares. Yes, there were some falls and bruises after this.

Mathias was smart enough to stay off the ice most of the time.

Valentines Day. Each child got six or seven hearts with things that Daddy and I love and appreciate about them. We announced each one at dinner and they got to place their hearts by their names... A new tradition.