Tuck family

Sh*t Sorority Girls Say

2012-01-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

Fugging hilarious. I don't know which is more pathetic: the fact that this depiction is as true as it was fifteen years ago or that I still find it so funny!
Go Dores!

M.E.M.P.H.I.S.

2012-01-10T08:15:00.000-08:00

We went to visit Matt and Laura in Memphis and got to watch Vandy lose the fifth bowl game in the school's history. Doh! At least they sold beer at the game ;)

And we had to go to Graceland to pay our respects to The King, of course:

(In case you were wondering, M.E.M.P.H.I.S. = Makin' Easy Money Pimpin' Ho's In Style)

Here comes the bride (and her baby...!)

2012-01-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

Ski trip 2011

2012-01-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

Sam learned how to make a pizza with his skis (stop) so he graduated from the magic carpet (uphill kid conveyor belt) and got to ski down from the top of the beginners' gondola. He was so proud of himself and with good reason. Andy and I skied with him in the afternoon when ski school was over for the day and he was fantastic! Not timid but not out of control. Very independent, "I don't need any help!" and "Dad, I know! I know!" to Andy's suggestions. It was the happiest I've ever seen him after playing a sport. He keeps asking to go back again.
Lily also went to ski school and really liked it. I couldn't get any pictures of her in action because I was hiding and spying so she wouldn't see me and freak out. You should have seen her tiny skis and ski boots. Adorable.

My favorite sculpture and a cool (ha!) ice sculpture in Beaver Creek village

Naughty or Nice?

2012-01-06T11:54:00.000-08:00

We visited Santa in shorts and t-shirts this year. Woo-hoo! I love it.

A Tuck Thanksgiving

2011-12-13T11:35:00.001-08:00

Sweet babies at the zoo

2011-12-13T11:21:00.001-08:00

What do you get the man who has everything?

2011-12-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Easy. Junderpants.

You're welcome, Andy.

Why didn't I think of that?!

2011-11-21T18:45:00.001-08:00

Ugh. All the good tobacco-tinged ideas are already taken. Smoking mittens:

At least a few are somewhat mildly humorous. My favorite is the Cigarette Dispensing Donkey:

Great season for the Wild Animals!

2011-11-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

Whose Jimmy Choo's?

2011-11-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

Shanny better watch out- Lily really likes her shoes!!

Veteran's Day 2011

2011-11-14T06:42:00.000-08:00

Every year, Riverside Military Academy marches in the Veteran's Day Parade in downtown Atlanta. We weren't sure what to expect since this is Ben's first year. It was pretty impressive! All the boys look so handsome in their uniforms :)

Sorry I didn't get a picture of Ben in action- by the time I spotted him, he'd marched right on by.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-07T06:56:00.001-08:00

The Pumpkin Patch with the Freemans

2011-10-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

Stone Mountain Sunday

2011-10-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Even though I've lived in Atlanta on and off for a total of about 5 years, I had never been to Stone Mountain. No giant carving, no laser light show, nada. So, following Margo's brilliant suggestion, we made the trek over for a day of hiking a few weeks ago. It is awesome! We took the sky-lift-thing to the top and walked a few miles back down (Ah, the lazy man's hike- that's the way I roll).
I know it is a giant piece of granite but I never imagined what it really looked like. The very top, where there is no vegetation, looks like the surface of the moon (at least last time I was there). Grey, bleak, and full of craters and holes. The views are amazing though.
The kids loved it. Sam actually took the lead and practically ran the whole way. Lily, on the other hand, meandered slowly, and talked the ENTIRE time. She chatted away, told herself stories, and sang songs. I wonder where she learned that... Seriously, I am a pretty quiet person- how the hell did I give birth to the LOUDEST boy and the chattiest girl on the face of the earth? Sam seems to have no volume control (Remember Will Ferrrell's character with "Voice Immodulation Syndrome" on SNL? Just like that.) and Lily feels the need to narrate every second of her life. If you start a conversation with her, you'd better make sure you have some extra time, you're going to need it. But I digress...
It was such a fun day! I can't wait to go back. Hopefully next time Andy can come too. He had to work :(

See? I told you these things are everywhere!

Did someone have a birthday?

2011-10-24T07:21:00.001-07:00

Nonnie and Papa came to school to help Sam celebrate with his friends.

This kid is obsessed with squirt bottles (actually both of mine are).

New DS game!

Wishing for a little more meat on his bones.

PFC Hughes

2011-10-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Some things never change

2011-10-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

June 2010

September 2011

Wheeee!

2011-10-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

Charlotte and Sam catch some serious air on a bounce pillow.

Mesmerized

2011-09-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

We watched Les Miserables on PBS and Lily's eyes did not move from the screen for at least half an hour. She was entranced.

Note to self: You should really do something about all those loose cords. They look terrible.

The Vanderbilt of the North

2011-09-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Aunt Jeannie, for bringing the kids shirts from Grandpa Van's alma mater. Sam decided to wear his to school today!

First day in the Flowerspot 3's

2011-09-08T07:11:00.000-07:00

A little late

2011-08-22T11:53:00.001-07:00

First day of kindergarten

School Update

2011-08-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

Day Two- (otherwise known as First Day on the Bus) got "Ten thumbs up!"

Week Two- Reality Sets In

The teachers asked that we send the kids through the morning carpool line from now on instead of walking them to the classroom. Understandably, she wants them to learn to be more independent and figure out how to navigate their new school. Even though we talked about it the previous weekend and reminded him of this as he got ready that morning, he apparently still wasn't prepared for it.

Andy drops him off on the way to work (He rides the bus home.) Monday he did okay, Andy said he just got very quiet and buried his face in his arms when it was time to get out of the car. Tuesday, whoa. Andy had to drag him screaming out of the car and THREE teachers had to push/ pull him through the school door.
Ugh. I am so glad I wasn't there. I don't know if I would have been really pissed off or heartbroken. I suspect the latter...

The next few days he did better... we told him if he could behave for the rest of the week he could have a friend spend the night Saturday night. Unfortunately, his buddy got sick Saturday morning and couldn't sleep over. Sam actually took the news much better than I thought he would. Of course, ice cream does usually ease the pain of bad news.

Today is Monday afternoon of Week 3 so we shall see what this day brings...

Time to go meet the bus!

Day 1 complete

2011-08-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

Oy. Kindergarten. It's finally here.

Today Sam joined the ranks of thousands of other students enrolled in one of Atlanta Public Schools. It's a pretty low key school system so I'm sure you've never heard anything about it. We love our school and believe Sam is in the right place to learn and grow. Oh yeah... I'll be hitting you up for donations later this year.

I have mixed feelings about sending him off to kindergarten. Basically it boils down to: I can't believe my baby is this old (He's just a baby! He needs me!) vs. Thank you Lord, I thought this day would never come.

I told myself all along I wouldn't cry or be sad, and I did feel a bit down yesterday, but this morning I was totally fine. Actually, I was kind of relieved because he was acting like such a toot before school. Frankly, I think we were both a smidge eager to spend some time apart.

Sam had a great day based on the information I could pry out of him. The first time I asked how his day was, all I got was "good." Then I asked what he did. "I can't remember."

Hmmmm.....

"What did you do in Math?"

"I can't remember."

"OK, what did you do in Reading?"

"I can't remember."

"Alright... did you play any games? Sing any songs?"

"I can't remember."

What?! Who are you, Oliver North?

Thankfully, while talking with other moms, I learned I am not the only one who receives these trite answers from my son about his school day. Apparently there is some gene that kicks in when a boy is about 4 or 5 that negatively affects his short term memory. The memory loss is most prominent when trying to recall any useful or academic information. Interestingly enough, the capacity to remember all things Beyblade or Power Rangers remains intact. One can only assume that this retained information lays the foundation for an enormous part of the male brain inside which millions of obscure and useless sports statistics will one day reside.

(I also have a theory about little girls, Disney, princesses, and vaccines but I will save that for a later date!)

Back to the subject at hand...

More than anything else I felt (feel) nervous about Sam going to kindergarten. My worries: What if he doesn't listen because he's lost in SamWorld? What if he doesn't speak up when needs something? What if he doesn't make any friends? What if all he talks about is Mario and Luigi and the Power Rangers? Will other parents judge me for letting him play video games? Will his teacher question my parenting skills? What if he cries and acts like a brat? And, of course, HOW CAN HE POSSIBLY FUNCTION WITHOUT ME??

I know, I know- I need to stop. Truthfully and selfishly, I am a little worried about how his behavior will reflect upon me. I don't like to think that others are judging ME based on my children's behavior- unless they are judging me for their excellent behavior. Then, by all means, judge away!

So, it turns out this transition will not be easy. For me. I need to get over myself! This is about the boy- not me!! Will you remind me of that every once in a while?

Tomorrow is Day 2- First Day on the Bus. Stay tuned...

Princess Tiana Ballet Camp

2011-08-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

(with some gymnastics thrown in too)

Lily told me this was her favorite part. "Ta-da!" and loving adoration from her fans. She was the tiniest girl in her class (and, of course the cutest too!) but she could hang with the big kids.

Isn't she an angel?

2011-08-06T13:09:00.001-07:00

The Tucks do Disney World

2011-08-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

Disney, Disney, Disney!

2011-08-05T10:46:00.001-07:00

And, of course, the Princesses

2011-08-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

There once was a man from...

2011-07-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sam's buddy, Jack, and his family are vacationing in Nantucket. But if you ask Jack, they're actually in Samtucket.

Goodbye kids..... Hello tropical vacation!

2011-06-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

One of my oldest and dearest friends, Tara, got married in St. John USVI a few weeks ago. We took a few days and made a vacation of it, thanks to Nonnie and Poppie Tuck who kindly kept the kids at home. (Carol and Hazen, we can't thank you enough!!)
We shared a villa with friends we haven't seen in a long time and had such a great time. We did absolutely nothing but drink beer at our pool and on the beach. It was AWESOME!

The beautiful bride and her daddy

She looked so happy and content

"Taking the plunge" They really did!

Most of the old gang from high school (Girls who couldn't make it, we missed you terribly!!)

The view from our villa

Sammy's PreK graduation

2011-05-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

All together now..... Awwwwwww

For some reason I thought it was a good idea to get Lily all jacked up on candy right before the ceremony and she bounced around like a crazed monkey in a banana factory (Yes, I am aware that bananas are not made in factories... but you get the idea.) At one point, she stacked up some hymnals to make herself a higher seat (at least they weren't Bibles).

Sorry,

these are terrible pics.

Look out kindergarten! Here comes Sam Tuck!

Mother's Day Tea(s)

2011-05-23T18:25:00.001-07:00

Lily's class

Later that same day, Sam's class

Mother's Day hat made by Sam (just in time for the Derby!)

Thanks, Sam.

2011-05-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

Lily's friend told her mom she didn't want to come play at our house because she was scared. Trying to comfort her, Sam said, "Sarah, our house isn't scary- just messy."

Easter Morning

2011-05-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

You have to read the clues to figure out where the Easter Bunny hid your basket!

The hunt is on!

Easter basket booty..

One of these things is not like the others...

2011-05-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

First Checkmate!

2011-05-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

The kid beat his old man!

I wonder what the 1994 National Chess Championship team would say about this.....

Masterpiece

2011-05-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

Lily had a birthday party with some friends at a kid's art studio where they each got to paint their own princess (of course) castle and take home to hang in their room.

Here's when I had some hope. Looking pretty good, right?

And, uh, ta-da! Here is her finished painting:

Well, maybe she'll be good at math.....

Unprecedented

2011-04-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

No one is sticking their tongue out or making a face!!!

And the Thunder rolls...

2011-04-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

Sam's t-ball team this year is called the Thunder (lame, I know). He is playing with one of his best buds, Blake, so it is very entertaining watching them when they are supposed to be paying attention. At one point during the first game, Sam convinced Blake (whose jersey says "Michael" on the back) to abandon his position at second base so they could hang out and play pitcher together. No one seemed very surprised or upset so, hey, they just went with it.

Of course he won't tuck in his shirt or wear his cap...

Fric and Frac

Not sure what he is doing here.... the potty dance?

Big hit!

C'mon over, man! We don't need a second baseman anyway!!

I'm just sayin'

2011-03-25T19:34:00.001-07:00

If the hat fits....

Natalie Portman is one lucky girl

2011-03-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a lovely case of pinkeye.It lasted all week. One. Whole. Week. The kids and I were stuck at home because I was trying to not spread my icky eye germs around. Here is what I looked like:

Except I didn't bother wearing that much makeup.

If you think about it, though, Natalie Portman and I DO have a lot in common. (And it's not just our stunning beauty, but you're really sweet to say that!) For example, Natalie graduated from Harvard University and I graduated from the school people go to when they are rejected from Harvard. She is an Academy Award winning actress and in third grade I won the spelling bee! She is engaged to a talented choreographer, Benjamin Millepied, and almost every weekend my husband choreographs a trip to Waffle House and Home Depot with the kids. As Zac Posen's muse, Natalie often wears his gorgeous gowns and I, too, can rock my Zac Posen for Target sundress, if I do say so myself. See? I told you! Uncanny, isn't it?

PS. If you ever get pinkeye, I'd advise you to steer clear of any preschools- let's just say the staff wasn't happy to see me coming. It was like I'd waltzed through the door after escaping from a leper colony and, infected with the flu, planted kisses on everyone in sight. Apparently, they don't take kindly to highly infectious diseases in schools. Hmph. I bet that's where I got it in the first place.

For Steve & Elissa

2011-03-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

......but the ATL is better ;)

We miss y'all!

Nashville bound

2011-03-07T13:03:00.001-08:00

So cute

2011-03-02T19:53:00.000-08:00

Today Lily introduced me to her (imaginary) baby, "Sweetie Pie." And she christened herself "Tootsie Mama."

That's my funny silly girl :)

Hey Macarena!

2011-02-19T17:35:00.000-08:00

Yes please

2011-02-19T12:04:00.001-08:00

Holy Cannoli!

2011-02-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

Hmmm.... I don't know what to say...

Posted By - The Associated Press

Last Updated On: 2/9/2011 12:14:36 PM

NEW YORK (AP) -- Got sins? A new app for the iPhone and the iPad seeks to help Catholics prepare for confession, that sacred ritual of seeking penance for sins big and small.

"Confession: A Roman Catholic App" does not purport to take the place of an actual confession. Not even the Catholic Church, tech-savvy as it is with the Vatican tweeting in six languages, would approve that. Rather, it guides you through the Ten Commandments with a slew of questions attached to each.

Check boxes for the sins you've committed - and there are many, as any lapsed Catholic knows. The $1.99 app then guides you through contrition and an exchange with a real-life priest, who can then absolve you of your sins.

(Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

My doppelganger

2011-02-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

Well, what do you think?

Congratulations Emily and Michael!

2011-01-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago, we went to Tuscaloosa (home of the University of Alabama and the "Crimson Tide" for you Yanks) to celebrate a wedding with an old friend. I grew up with Emily and her sister, Kristen, and brother, John. As a little girl, their house was my home away from home. We were always together and our parents remain best friends. Emily is the youngest; I can remember the day the she was born (How's that for making you feel old?) and there we were celebrating her marriage! Time really does fly.

Lovely bride and groom's first dance

Even Nick Saban was there! Andy couldn't resist having his picture made with him.

Aaawww... the kids were so tired the fell asleep right on the floor. Yeah, right! They were breakdancing.

We forgot to bring our flattened cardboard box.

Lily added a little of her own choreography (This is one of her ballet moves. She's self taught. Can you tell?)

This is what I got when I asked the kids to "take a nice picture with Mommy."

On a side note, I hope Emily will forgive me for the commotion Lily caused while she and Michael were trying to say their vows... Lily started yelling "I sing a song! La la la!" I snatched her up off the pew and started running for the door with my hand clamped over mouth. You could hear us all throughout the church, the click, clack, click, clack of my heels echoing on the tile floor and a muffled but determined scream streaming out of her darling angel mouth. It was a smidge embarrassing. Sorry, Em!

Snowpocalypse 2011

2011-01-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

Last week, our fair city was bathed in 6 inches of snow which soon turned to ice trapping us in our home for 5 days. FIVE. DAYS. The snow was magical and beautiful and fun but when it turned to ice and refused to melt for so many days, it wasn't so great any more. The city just shut down. No one went to work. No one went to school. One day we didn't even take our pajamas off. I did not leave my house (except to sled and play in the snow) from Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon. As you can imagine, I drank. A lot.

I probably could have ventured out on Thursday or Friday morning but I was too scared. As everyone told me, "I'm sure you'll be fine. It's not you we worry about, it's the other drivers who don't know how to drive in the ice/snow." Oh wait, I AM the other driver who doesn't know how to drive in the snow. So I thought it best to not try. At least I have the sense to know that, right?

NYE 2010

2011-01-20T08:46:00.001-08:00

Dinner party at the Persons'

Gather 'round the piano

I seriously think I drank my weight in champagne that night. Hey, it is not often I get to have champagne that costs more than $3.99 a bottle!

Party shoes!

Guess they weren't that naughty after all...

2011-01-20T08:31:00.001-08:00

Princess dress ups and a pink guitar

Dude, we are starting a band! Cousin Trey can be our drummer :)

A Barbie, princess, and ballerina all rolled into one. Heaven.

Checkers... He is getting good! He has come close to beating me several times.

Daddy pretending to be excited about getting clothes for Christmas...

Hughes grandkid update

2011-01-08T13:40:00.000-08:00

(from left) Lily, Claire, Molly, Will, Sam, Evan, Charlotte, Maggie holding Anna Eloise

Nonnie and Papa need a bigger couch!!

Fight! Fight!

2011-01-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Fight for your parents' love!!

Hehe... they're fighting over Daddy's glasses.

Gorgeous

2010-12-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

Frozen fountain in Forsyth Park in my beloved Savannah

(Photos from www.savannah.for91days.com)

O Holy Morning (at Northside Drive Baptist Church Preschool)

2010-12-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

Friday morning was the 22nd Annual Christmas Pageant at Sam and Lily's preschool. Sam starred, in a pivotal role, as Joesph and Lily was a donkey. He had one line, which he delivered beautifully,

"Mary, I have been commanded by the King to go to Bethlehem. Please come with me."

He did make goofy faces when he first saw Andy and me in the crowd which I quickly nixed with the "Don't you dare!" glare that only mothers can give. He then proceeded to bend over with his hands on his knees repeatedly, as if winded from standing up for so long. You'd think he'd just competed in a 500 yard dash or something. He was belting out those songs though. He did a great job.

Lily the donkey was too weary from her journey to Bethlehem to stand on her own little donkey legs and insisted her teacher hold her while she turned her back to the crowd and stuck her hand in her mouth the whole time. She also refused to wear her donkey ears- I kind of expected that. I'm glad I put a big white bow on her head so I could spot her in the sea of donkeys. I think she may have rung her bell a few times but that was the extent of her participation. Maybe she is holding out for a bigger role ;)

Mary and Joesph

The back of Lily and Ms. Alicia

They were thrilled to pose for pictures afterward.

On a side note, who in the world asks a nine months pregnant woman to hop on a donkey and walk to a faraway town? Couldn't Joesph just vouch for her in the census?
"Listen, my wife is nine months pregnant- gonna give birth any day, I mean she wanted to come, but then she would be all uncomfortable, you know how women are, stopping to go the bathroom every five minutes, pestering me to ask for directions... You understand, right? Besides, I beat my best time by 26 minutes! 26 minutes!! Impressive, huh?"

Am I going to hell (I mean for this, not all that other stuff)?

All kidding aside, St. Joesph must have been an amazing man with an extraordinary faith in God and is an example to us all on how to love unconditionally. May God bless us all with such attributes.

Progress!

2010-12-12T09:02:00.001-08:00

Why do I even buy toys?

2010-12-02T18:37:00.001-08:00

Lily likes to help me unload groceries and then play with all the cans. These are all her "fwiends" and are all named Hot Dog.

Turkey Day Mishap

2010-11-30T11:18:00.000-08:00

We went to Fairhope to celebrate Thanksgiving and my niece Anna Eloise's baptism. This was our first time meeting her and she is a gorgeous sweet baby.

I wish I could share some great pictures with you but I forgot my camera. I forgot it because it was all packed away in my suitcase and I FORGOT MY SUITCASE. Oh yes, you read that right. I forgot my entire suitcase. It sat on the floor of my empty bedroom for five days while I ran around in my Mom's undies (TMI?) and borrowed clothing. Luckily, Shanny brought half her wardrobe and kindly let me wear some of her clothes. So I was not only dressed, I was well dressed! Better than I would have been had I brought my own clothing!

Next time we travel, MY suitcase is going in the car first.

Thumbs up

2010-11-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

For when baby is just too tired to take one more step....

It's only just begun...

2010-11-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

Lily has become, well, quite verbal and assertive recently and doesn't mind sharing her opinions with me. She talks incessantly, which to me, is a bit surprising since her brother simply will not stop talking all damn day. I always thought she would never get a word in with his constant

"Hey Mom, look at me! I'm shaking my booty at you."
"Mom, how old will I be when I am in the fourth grade?"
"Mom, what's 399 + 72?"
"Mom, can I play Angry Birds on your phone?"
"Mom, I used to be sick. Remember when I threw up? I threw up on November 2."

But I digress. This post was supposed to be about Lily, right?

She is every marketing executive's dream. During commercials advertising any toy (doesn't matter what it is- she's not the discriminatory type), she yells at the TV, "I want dat! I get dat!"
To which I reply, "If you're a good girl, maybe Santa will bring you ______ (whatever stupid piece of plastic shit she is referring to)." The first time I said that, she turned around, hand on hip and with a look that could wilt flowers, she informed me, "My daddy buy me dat."

Oh hell no. Is this my sweet baby?

Yesterday at breakfast I overheard her tell Sam, "I don't like you." (Then, of course, there was some tattling, blah, blah...). So I tried to explain to her that instead she could say, "I don't like what you are doing" or something similar. Going on, I said telling people you don't like them could hurt their feelings or make them feel sad. Immediately she looked over at me with the same soul piercing look and declared, "Well... too bad for peoples."

Maybe you had to be there. Reading this story is probably not as funny as the version I hear in my mind. I know, I know, my doctor said not to listen to those voices in my head anymore but sometimes they are so funny.... ;)

Stereotypes are a real time-saver

2010-11-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

*** Disclaimer: Everything in this post is stolen. The title stolen from The Onion and the rest from my friend Ashley's blog. I couldn't resist!

GIRL, n.: A squadron of pink ribbons; will learn to say ‘gimme’ almost automatically
— Not Your Average Dictionary

BOY, n.: a noise with dirt on it.
— Not Your Average Dictionary

PS. If you can't tell, I don't know to change the size or style of the font on my blog :(

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T18:26:00.001-07:00

Three Little Bulldawgs

2010-11-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

Will the real Cinderella please stand up?

2010-10-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

Monday Night Fever

2010-10-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight at bath time, the kids were coloring in the tub with bathtub crayons. I told Sam that we have to teach Lily how to write her name. So he showed her how to write the letters in her name and started showing her how to write other words too. He wrote big, cat, Dad, and finally, ball.
"Look, Lily. This is the word ball. This is how you write it. B-A-L-L. You know, like a disco ball?"
Ummm... I did not see that one coming! A baseball, a soccer ball, maybe a golf ball?

Where does he come up with this stuff?

Let the festivities begin!

2010-10-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Get ready for a barrage of Halloween pictures. Mario and Cinderella are going Trick-or-Treating four times this year. Gotta get our money's worth out of these costumes :) Right now we are two down and two to go! These are from the Children's Museum:

Gross but cool

2010-10-24T17:32:00.001-07:00

Andy is very proud of his barfing pumpkin.

Punkin' Paintin'

2010-10-23T07:02:00.001-07:00

We decorated pumpkins last night. Sam

and Lily painted a few.

Andy carved one

and Shanny made a crying ghost pumpkin.

I drank wine and supervised.

Soccer Time

2010-10-17T17:35:00.000-07:00

Look at that goalie! He's ready for anything!

(Yes, he always wears his shin guards outside his socks.)

Obligatory pumpkin patch visit/ photos

2010-10-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

Ridiculous hometown pride

2010-10-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

I am sure you have seen these telescope-y things in towers, scenic overlooks, and at other attractions before. You can find them all over the country, even the world. Why does Katie care so much about these stupid things, you may be asking yourself. Well, because they have been manufactured by See Coast, Inc. for 50 years in.... wait for it.... wait for it.... Fairhope, Alabama!! I have seen these viewers in many foreign destinations (such as the botanical gardens in exotic Atlanta, GA, as seen below) and I always look down to confirm, yup! Made in Fairhope, AL!
AND, the owner of this company lives a few doors down the street from my parents!!
He has an awesome pier.

Good story, right? I bet you wish you could have the few seconds that you took to read that back, huh?

Seriously, on your next vacation, if you are out sightseeing, look at the bottom of the viewer/telescope/fancy looking machine (Despite my unfounded love and pride for these things, I still don't know what to call them.) and I will give you ten bucks if it wasn't manufactured in good ole Fairhope, AL.

You'll take a two-party out-of-state bad check, right?

Au naturel

2010-10-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

After explaining to Sam that he has a make-up soccer game tonight instead of practice, he immediately refused to go. So, of course, I told him he is going whether he wants to or not. We argued back and forth a couple times and he started to pitch a fit. I said something really loving and motherly like, "What is your problem?" and, near tears, he shouted, "Mom, I am NOT wearing make-up to my soccer game!!"
It gave me a good laugh :)

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

2010-10-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

The kids and I took our first trip to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens this afternoon. That place is huge! We were there for several hours and didn't make it out of the Children's Garden. I think I will go back with adults next time so I can actually see the rest of the grounds (in about 15 years or so, right?). There were several kids' activities happening this afternoon.

Pumpkin bowling

A pumpkin toss

And face (or arm, in this case) painting

Some of our favorites

2010-10-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the scarecrows we liked best at the Botanical Gardens (There were actually much cooler ones but these were among the few that didn't terrify Lily.):

SEC Sports Fan (I only picked him because of his Vanderbilt flag.)

Scarecrow made by the Morris Brandon Bees (where Sam and Lily will go to elementary school)

Sam's favorite: MarioKart

Awwwwww.....

2010-09-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

A birthday card from a little girl in Sam's class:

Birthday Booty

2010-09-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Sam opens his first present- a disc shooting robot

Karate uniform (No he does not take "kara-TAY" ,as he pronounces it, but has been asking for a uniform for ages!)

Nerf gun!!!

Saved the best for last- Mario Party DS game. Think he's excited?

Who wore it best?

2010-09-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

The Family Tuck

2010-09-20T18:57:00.000-07:00

The family minus Jaedyn :(

Katie and precious Phoebe

Teresa and Jackson, the best dressed man in the room

The grandkids from left to right-
Jackson, Jaedyn, Trey (well the top of Trey's head), Sam, Lily, the Phoebster

90 is the 70

2010-09-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Van turned 90 years young last weekend so we had a big party to celebrate. Almost every member of his family came to town. It was truly an honor to be a part of his birthday celebration.

The birthday boy

Grandma and Grandpa Van with their beautiful daughters

Ellen tells stories about Grandpa

Lisa takes the wheel

Jeannie's turn

Dinosaur Roar!

2010-09-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

You may not know this, but my mother-in law, Carol, is a rather famous paleontologist. On a dig in Montana a few years ago, she discovered a toe bone of what turned out to be one of the few juvenile T. Rex's ever found. After her discovery, several more digs were planned and finally the dinosaur's skeleton was revealed. After thousands of hours of work, the T. Rex, dubbed "Jane," was excavated, delivered to the Burpee Museum in Rockford, assembled, and proudly displayed. Jane is now the star attraction of the museum and the city. And Carol found her!!! Amazing, huh? I bet your mother-in-law never did anything that cool! Just kidding, I'm sure she is great ;)

Close up of Jane

Jane in all her majesty

What Jane may have looked like

Taking the kids to see Nonnie's dinosaur

Discovery Center

2010-09-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

All aboard!

Poppie and Sam doing a little work in the auto shop

Dusting and watching baby... what a supermom!

My Heisman pose

Andy gives the Discovery Center the "The Tuck Two Thumbs Up"

The Discovery Center in Rockford is the best Children's Museum I have ever been visited. Andy, Sam, Lily, and I had so much fun! The kids asked to go two days in a row. Personally, I could have gone back a third time, but we had other things to do. I love the Discovery Center; you will too next time you are in Rockford ;)

Our trip to Madison (specifically the zoo)

2010-09-16T19:57:00.001-07:00

Nothin' like wrasslin' with yer cousins!

2010-09-14T13:41:00.001-07:00

Caroline's Baby Shower

2010-09-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

My friend Caroline and her husband Steven are expecting a baby next month. They are going to be great parents! Mrs. Georgia organized a beautiful party (she always does). She hired a wonderful chef who made and taught us to make delicious food with ingredients that are both inexpensive and easy to find. The food was awesome. We had a lot of fun.

Aww... the sound you have to make when a gift is opened at a baby shower

Mama Caroline and her friends

The spread! Beautiful, right? The chef bought all the ingredients at Wal Mart!

Caroline and Mrs. Georgia with Steven's mother, grandmother, and sister. They came all the way from Arkansas!

The surprise guests- Jess, whose husband brought her from home (3 hours away), and her gorgeous six day old son, Monroe

Things you can't unsee

2010-08-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Please, please, someone tell me this isn't true. Pleeeease. Someone, anyone. This isn't happening. This is photoshopped, right? Right? Oh Lord, surely this is photoshopped.
I.... I..... I.... don't know what else to say.

Back to school

2010-08-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

Daddy took Sam to his first day of PreK.

Lily's first day of school ever!

Mr. Bubble Man

2010-08-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to Fernbank on Saturday and we saw Mr. Bubble Man outside. Lily helped him blow some awesome bubbles. The kids loved him.
He was actually the best part of the day, thanks to the behavior of a certain four year old who shall remain unnamed. I was that mom with that kid making a huge scene, you know, the kid everyone is thanking the Lord that he doesn't belong to them.
*Sigh* It was a long and interesting (read: shitty) day.

Slip slidin' away

2010-08-18T08:38:00.001-07:00

A shower for Sue

2010-08-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Susan and Todd, are having their first son, Ethan James, this October. I went to a shower last weekend to celebrate baby boy's upcoming arrival.

As delicious as it is darling...

Susie Q getting some advice from Lacy

The benefit of naming baby before he/she is born- monogrammed gifts.

Todd's "Proud Dad" hat

High school friends/ party guests

Up up and away

2010-08-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

There is an airport in Atlanta with a playground where kids can play while watching the planes and helicopters take off and land. It is called the Peachtree DeKalb airport (PDK) and its traffic involves small aircraft, personal planes, chartered flights, etc. It is actually much busier than I expected it to be. Makes for a very fun morning at the park.

After playing on the playground, we had lunch at the restaurant overlooking the airfield (Is that what it is called?). I loved it. We are thinking about having Sammy's birthday party at the playground there this year.

Baby's 1st salon haircut

2010-08-16T18:33:00.001-07:00

She was totally fine with it once they turned on a cartoon and gave her a lollipop and toy. Ah, bribery; it works every time!

Touch a Truck

2010-08-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to go to a Touch a Truck event, where we got to meet police officers, firefighters, even SWAT team members and learn about their equipment and what they do to help the community. At first Sam & Lily were not very excited:

Then we saw the bomb detecting robot which was AWESOME...

Then Mama tried on the firefighter's helmet

...and they loosened up. Sam actually got on the police motorcycle.

Lily looks pretty comfy up there!

Touch a Truck was so cool. The kids got to see and climb on police motorcycles, a fire truck, and a SWAT team truck. We met a dog trained to sniff out explosives and a robot used to disarm explosives. So amazing! The only bummers were the police horses could not come because it was too hot (not a huge surprise) and the helicopter couldn't land. For the past twenty years, the police landed their helicopter in the park for Touch a Truck but couldn't this year because the trees had grown too big. Oh well, great for a beautiful shady park, not so great for small children anticipating climbing all over a real helicopter. I am not sure who was more disappointed, the kids or me. Actually, I'm pretty sure it was me.

Surprise!

2010-08-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

Andy surprised us last week and came home from work early. That is a big deal for us!!!!!! We took advantage of his free time and all went to the pool. It was such a treat. The kids loved having extra time with Daddy and I was pretty happy too. :)

All dressed up and no place to go

2010-08-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hughes Family Reunion 2010

2010-07-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

Mountain Weekend

2010-07-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Exploring a creek

Four goofballs getting ready to hike around the lake

The big kids (Dads included) made it all the way out to floating platform

The lake will really wear you out

Lily teasing the baby with her favorite toy

Playing in the pool

Our sweet friends invited us back to the Highlands for the Fourth of July weekend. We went exploring, hiking, and swimming. The kids all had a wild time together. And, more importantly, Andy and I are the Outburst champions! Haha! Nice try, Nicole and Russ!!

Oh, and thank you so much, guys. We had a blast :)

What's in a name?

2010-07-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Sam found a baby naming book on the bookshelf and was flipping through it when I asked him what he was doing. He informed me that we should have let him name Lily. He decided that he would have named her Timeka or, had she been a boy, Dick. Timeka, I get- It is his teacher's name- but Dick? Hmmm.... who knows?

If we ever get a dog, I may have to rethink letting him name it.