The 5 Ratliffs

Finally back on track

2011-03-06T19:54:00.008-05:00

OK, after much much much hiatus, I now have a camera back and will be trying to stay back on track with my posts. :) We'll kick it off with the end of the basketball season. Woo Hoo, we won our one and only game (with the exception of the tournament) this past Saturday. The boys played great and earned every point they made.

Next is baseball season but 2 young men couldn't wait for the snow to melt.

out with the old, in with the new

2010-02-15T21:25:00.003-05:00

Well, it finally happened. The old coffee maker is in the dumpster. It served me well for many many years. Although terribly stained from it's many years of service and partially broken, it was a good coffee maker and will be missed. But now I have a lovely new black one. Stain free, fully functional, and no burn marks from when the griddle got a little to close. RIP, old coffee maker (even if Mom and Bobby called you junk).

one down, two to go

2010-02-11T11:19:00.007-05:00

Today was Aaliyah's Valentine Day Party at Explore and Grow. It was packed with Valentine Bingo, a story, and ofcourse lots of sweets and treats!

Gymnastics

2010-01-29T21:17:00.007-05:00

On Thursday, Aaliyah's class went to Gymnastics Unlimited in Hudsonville. It was a pretty cool place. They had lots of fun going from balance beams to foam pits to trampolines. Here are some shots of the action.

At the end, everyone got to jump in the pit at the same time...very carefully. I'm sure someone's head got stepped on. Looks like even Miss Mary is in the mix (brave woman).

Christmas Break

2010-01-03T18:48:00.008-05:00

Here are some shots of this year's Christmas Break.

Lori came by to visit before going back to KS. Playing with Aaliyah's hair is a MUST.

Christmas Break ended with my first Sunday off in 5 weeks! I actually got to sit through service at Church. After, my mom came by for some ribs (yup, Bobby grilled) and Aaliyah did my hair.

Boo Boo likes to play football in the house and Kyle just likes to beat up on his dad.

2009-12-27T20:35:00.012-05:00

So, I'm a couple of days behind but I work retail, so that's my exuse. We had a nice Christmas this year. The kids are at the age where they love board games, so we've been enjoying some fun with that. Some of us are more competative than others (Bobby and Aaliyah). In the evening we went to Eric and Deb's for dinner and fun. Here are a few shots.

Grandma with 5 out of 9

A couple of rare shots. (We made Bobby take this one)

Uncle Eric giving Aaliyah bunny ears (meanie)

back on track!

2009-12-08T20:03:00.020-05:00

Alright, I've been a big slacker, but I don't know that we've done much blog-worthy lately. Here are some shots of randomness from the past month or so.

At Abby's 2nd Birthday Party

Then my baby turned 9.

I think Kyle was a little pooped after the first snow fall.

Aaliyah had her Christmas performance the other night. They did awesome. Brandon and Kyle took time for some goofiness before the show.

First Field Trip of the Year

2009-10-16T21:18:00.008-04:00

Ok, I'm a little slow. Aaliyah took her first field trip of the year last week and I am just now putting it on the blog. It was a cute and quick trip to Wells Apple Orchard. We took a short walk through the orchard to check out the different types of apples they grow and where they store them. We got to see the little pumpkin patch they have where you can pick out your own pumpkin (COOL) and then took a quick minute for some cider and donuts. YUM! Unfortunately my batteries on the camera were not up to par, so my pictures are few.

Aaliyah and Allison on the bus.

Checkin' out all of the apples in the bin, freshly picked.

The whole class (not really listening to Mrs. Wells)

Aaliyah sings again

2009-09-21T20:47:00.003-04:00

I often put on one of my playlists while I mess on the computer, and Aaliyah likes to sing along in the background. She was doing such a good job, I had to record her and put her on here. Enjoy.

Last stop before Kindergarden

2009-09-09T21:28:00.004-04:00

Today was Aaliyah's first day back at preschool. She goes M-W-F, so she didn't actually start until today. Ofcourse she chose the best shirt of all to wear on her first day since her and Grandma agree that "Girls Rock!" Even Kyle's threat to write the word "don't" between the "girls" and the "rock" couldn't dampen her spirits. She had a great day and even got to be the line leader. I have officially reclaimed the house on my days off!!!

The Boys are Back!

2009-09-08T21:40:00.006-04:00

(Not sure about Aaliyah, must have blinked.)

YEAH! Today marks Brandon and Kyle's first day back to school. Since their school from last year closed due to budget cuts (no big loss if I may be frank) they are attending Oriole Park Elementary this year. This is one of the best schools to go to according to greatschools.com...anything is better than last year. They both had an awesome day. Kyle is in the same class as his best bud from last year, and Brandon had no trouble finding a new group to run around with at recess. I was so proud of both of them. They had good attitudes (on the outside, anyway) and had a successful day. We look forward to many more.

I was not allowed to take the shot right in front of the sign...too embarassing. I'm lucky I got this one.

Li Li found her summertime "dirt buddy", Skyler. Her brother played on Kyle's team this summer and now goes to Oriole Park. Turns out the ladies will be in Kindergarden together next year.

Too busy, couldn't hang.

Birthday Girls

2009-08-31T22:16:00.005-04:00

(It had to say "Li Li" since I was running out of gel, I couldn't fit "Aaliyah")

Today we got together to celebrate Aaliyah's Birthday (the 26th) and my mom's Birthday (today). It's always good to have everyone together even if it's for a little while. It's really cute to watch the kids grow together, everytime Abby gets a little more brave. We're pretty sure Abs loves the attention that her older cousins swarm her with when she's here. :)

the birthday girls enjoying their seranade

Abby also got a pedicure!

Aaliyah got 'em pierced

2009-08-27T23:03:00.008-04:00

For a while now, Aaliyah has wanted her ears pierced so she can have pretty earrings like everyone else. Once she examined Lori's ears and noticed a hole in them, she changed her mind, but had since changed it back. I guess once you turn 4 you gain some bravery and decide that the poking of the hole in the ear isn't so bad after all. I mean really, how bad can it hurt? After a few tears and lots of hugs from her support system, she is fully satisfied with her earrings and looks even more beautiful than before.

Looking a little concerned.

Getting it all cleaned up.

Thank you, Brandon and Kyle

to be continued...

2009-06-22T13:20:00.002-04:00

Certain computer issues (like lack of home internet) are not allowing for blog posts containing pictures. I promise, once I hook myself up with a little home internet access again, I'll be set! Stay tuned...we'll be back.

Batter Up

2009-05-30T14:16:00.011-04:00

I took the camera with me to Brandon's game since Bobby had to work, but he ended up making it anyway. Here are some shots of the action. Kyle's next game will be documented as well. Yes, I am "that" parent on the ball field. Infact, I almost got Boo Boo out stealing 3rd with my mouth. Some things never change. Next year, Bobby and Jarod's dad are thinking of coaching...that gives me a little more liberty to shout advice.

Bobby stays pretty much perched on the fence for the whole game.

This is the shot right before he stole home and slid like a pro under the tag. I would have taken a picture, but I was too busy shouting.

'Bia Bear on the fence.

For some reason she LOVES the dirt. She's making "supper"

Kyle was desperately trying to blow a bubble. It was too funny! He's getting there.

Spring

2009-05-09T11:28:00.006-04:00

One of the many fabulous trees in our yard.

There are definately signs that there is spring in the air. Along with the budding of all of the awesome trees and flowering bushes in our yard, there is also the stupid pollen that goes with it. Consequently, as most know, allergies are in full swing here and we will be starting allergy shots in a couple of weeks. Now that everyone is over the pneumonia and the pneumonia-like germ that ran through our house last week, we were actually able to get out and about on Friday for a few errands. We're not out of the woods yet; Kyle had to miss his game today (it rained anyway). He'll have to wait until his lungs get a little stronger. But Aaliyah enjoyed a few puffs at the "blowy flowers" in our front yard in the fantastic 75 degree weather on Friday.

So sweet and getting so big.

Now that we replenished out supply of rubber bands, Aaliyah can again have "victoria hair"

cows and milk and stink

2009-04-28T22:55:00.025-04:00

Yesterday was Aaliyah's field trip to the Dairy Discovery Dairy Farm. She was sooooo excited to go until she got there and realized that she was about to come face to face with real live cows and their butts and utters. Lucky for her, Daddy didn't have to work that day, so he hauled her around for part of the day until she was brave enough to have her feet touch the ground with the help of her friend Amber. I kept telling her that Abby wouldn't be afraid if she was here (which would've been awesome, but timing stunk). Aaliyah wasn't buyin' it, though. She kept her distance for the most part. It was actually a pretty cool trip and aside from some cow booty all up in our grills, the rest of the Dairy Farm was pretty sweet. (they even do birthday parties...what a cool idea).

Aaliyah on the bus...and hanging on for dear life at the farm

Thanks to Annie for bravely leading the tour on which only the adults were pretty much listening.

This cow couldn't hold it...no, that's not her in the previous pic

Aaliyah thought it smelled too "fresh" for her liking.

SICK! Anyone who knows Bobby can guess his explanation for this.

Everyone got a chance to feel a calf some water out of a bottle.

Sanitizer...then milk and cheese for snack. What else do you have on a dairy farm???

after snack they played in the hay maze and the corn box

If there was any way...we'd have a pet now. Aaliyah LOVED the kitten!!!

One thumb is for the kitten and one is for the cows.

So Sweet

2009-04-20T12:50:00.014-04:00

We have a new baby in the family!!! On April 15, 2009, Megan Mae Brogger was born at 1:14 p.m. She is just as sweet as she wants to be and, I think, looks just like her big sister. Abby isn't totally sure yet, she keeps pointing at her and asking "what's that" everytime Megan squeeks. How cute!

To keep Auntie and Grandma occupied while Debbie was in labor, Abby and Aaliyah played together for the afternoon, then my mom and I went up to visit in the evening. Debbie was more awake than Eric, but all in all, it was a easy and successful labor. Everyone is healthy and well. Just another miracle and answered prayer...thank you Jesus.

Kyle takes the field!

2009-04-11T21:54:00.007-04:00

Today was the first practice of the '09 season for my sweet Chuckie-bear (which I am SO not allowed to say in public anymore). He is the oldest on his team. They play off the Tee for most of the year, but at the end, the coaches will pitch to get them ready for the next level. After a few warm ups, they fielded some grounders and did a little batting practice. All in all, they have a pretty good looking team! These kids can actually stop a ball (a feat not often mastered at the tee-ball level!!!). There were a couple of kids who spent most of their time in the dirt trying to "dive" after the ball, but overall a good lookin' team, cool coach...looks like it's going to be a great year!

My batteries died, so I sadly could not take very many pictures...there's always next practice.

Oh, and there is another post after this one, so check that out too! I'm normally not a double poster, but we had a full day.

workin' out the kinks

Daddy out there for a little extra coaching (because he can get away with that in Tee Ball)

Aaliyah feeling the need to be filthy.

Easter Egg-Mania

2009-04-11T21:41:00.005-04:00

Today we joined the rest of West Michigan at Kentwood Community Church for their annual Resurection Egg Hunt. It was a great way for the church to reach out to the community and open up an opportunity for those who do not know Christ to join in on our celebration as Christians. So many people think of Easter as "Christmas in Spring" and frankly, it drives me nuts!!! It's not about presents, a bunny, eggs (still not sure how we've managed to mesh eggs and bunnies, but oh well), it's about someone who loved us so much that He made the ultimate sacrifice so that we as born sinners can become immortal and live for all eternity in Glory with God Almighty. If that doesn't beat the heck out of a basket of Peeps in some "grass" that you'll be vacuumming for the next 6 months, I don't know what does! Anyway, the kids had a blast. The hunt was short and sweet following a cute presenation in the sanctuary. We were even lucky enough to have our dearest friend Lori come along for the fun. (Thanks, Lor! It was a blast!) Here are a few shots of the action.

That's a lot of egg hunters!!! (and that was just by the preschoolers and 1st graders)

Li Li checking the haul

Big Leagues

2009-04-02T20:51:00.005-04:00

Today was Brandon's second baseball practice of the new season. He is the only 8 year old in a league of 9 & 10 year olds at Pinery Park Little League. Since he had 2 years of pitching machine in KC, he was allowed to play one league ahead of everyone else and go to the "minors" aka player pitch. I am both proud and extremely nervous at the same time. He is doing really well keeping up with the other kids, you'd never know he hasn't played player pitch yet, but one of those pitchers better not hit my baby with a ball!!!

Kyle starts his practices after spring break. He has to play one more year of Tee Ball, but he'll do great! He really wanted to play coach pitch, but that will have to wait a year yet.

Here are some shots that I, the only parent at practice with a camera, took.

Playing 3rd base

Blurry, but you get it.

The most handsome man in the stands!!!

Playworld!

2009-03-19T15:56:00.008-04:00

Waiting to go in...

Today was Aaliyah's second field trip. This time it was to Playworld in Grandville. It was just the right idea for preschoolers, perfectly sized toys and tunnels for the little ones. They had a blast and got all sweaty in the process. After a quick lunch break, it was time to leave. Good time at Playworld!

Finding her way through the tunnel.

Going dddooowwwnnn....

mmmm.....

KING ME!

2009-03-11T21:23:00.008-04:00

Kyle purchased a little checkers game with his "power paws" at school and Brandon got a deck of cards. Since then, there has been quite the checkers competition in the house. Tonight, Kyle tried to redeem himself from his horrifying defeat last night. Looks like Brandon took a swing at the action himself.

(note the p.j.'s, Nic)

Kyle, the resident penny pincher, counts his money! (He counted his dollars as 100 cents...it sounds like more)

Aaliyah stayed far away from the action and played her Strawberry Shortcake video game on the computer.

And one last shot of Aaliyah's "big eyes" with a smile. Creepy, huh?

Sweet Smile

2009-03-06T20:06:00.005-05:00

Just less than a month ago, Kyle lost his cute little tooth and last night he lost the other in the same way. Kyle teamed up with his Dad and together they pulled the poor thing out. There was a little blood and a few yelps, but once the tooth was hanging by a thread there was no turning back. One final tug and one final OUCH later, the tooth was out. He's so darn cute without his teeth! Hopefully the tooth fairy is done for a while.

aaawwww!!! such a sweet 6 year old smile!

Brandon and Aaliyah sharing a hug.

Li Li showing off her artwork from school.

Another one bites the dust

2009-02-12T08:54:00.005-05:00

Last week, all of Kyle's hard work payed off! He has been working on this tooth for a few weeks now and it finally fell out! He has patitioned the help of his uncle, dad, and grandfather, and no one would help, so he had to do it all on his own. When he grew more and more frustrated, Bobby had mercy on him (or on the poor tooth) and with one swift tug it was OUT! I recieved a call at work from a sweet voice saying, "Mommy, my tooth fell out". He looks just as handsome without it as he did with it. I am just dreading the big boy tooth because that means he's probably going to look older! They sure don't stay babies for long!

Preschooler

2009-01-21T16:57:00.006-05:00

I often would think that I couldn't wait for all 3 kids to be in school, but now that it's a reality, IT'S AWEFUL! Aaliyah started preschool at Kentwood Community Church's Explore and Grow program on Monday and I am left with an eerie silence in the house while I get ready for work. She looked like such a big girl and was so excited to start her day with Miss Katie and all of her new friends. The day went off without a hitch. She picked out her own outfit and even sat still while I did her hair. She did admit to crying at naptime because she didn't want to sleep, but later told me that she "fell asleep when no one was looking." Sneeky girl!

...and one more forced shot with the boys.

SNOW!!!

2008-12-23T11:31:00.010-05:00

Since Kansas City only gets a few inches and calls it a storm, I thought the kiddies would like to see what playing in the snow is REALLY like. After 45 minutes of gearing up, we were ready to head out and brave the elements of our back yard. They had so much fun!!! Aaliyah didn't have as much fun as the boys since her little legs weren't long enough to get up over the snow. She kept falling every couple of steps. Tonight we may try to hit the hill at Pinery Park (all you Knapper's know what I'm talking about). That should be interesting!

Brandon found a good spot to relax

...so did Kyle

She's tryin', but waist deep snow is tough!

Note the distress in her eyes. Big brother to the rescue!

And a quick HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Nicki. We won't get all into numbers and stuff, but on behalf of all of us, Happy Birthday to you!

2008-12-21T16:58:00.007-05:00

This past week, the kids had their Christmas (excuse me..."holiday") parties at school complete with no decorations, no music, no presents. Nice, huh? Aside from the secularism that surrouded the occasion (wouldn't want to offend anyone) the kids had fun. Here are a few shots of the action.

The next day was Bobby's birthday. For his first birthday back in Michigan, he got the biggest snow storm so far this season. Yay! We had a nice day just hanging out as a family, something that is pretty rare these days. Happy Birthday, Bobby!!

Around here, you get whatever wrapping paper is on hand.

Deck the Halls

2008-12-11T19:59:00.008-05:00

Today, we finally got around to putting up our tree. The kids did a great job of strategically placing the ornaments on the tree in just the right spot. I decided to leave the majority of the ornaments toward the bottom and off to one side...just because it's cute. The ornaments toward the top of the tree are Brandon's doing, since he's the only one who can reach that high! I took some shots of the one's Aaliyah did (I guess she was worried we'd run out of branches).

Bowlin' Brothers

2008-12-07T14:06:00.004-05:00

Saturday night was a time of fun, fellowship, and smack talk at Eastbrook Lanes. Some of the guys from church got together to defend their honor at lanes 12, 13, and 14. There was a whole lot of old school dancing (thank you Brother Paul for teaching Kyle the "robot") to the early 90's jams they play and a chili-cheese fry bet that Bobby and Paul broke even on. It was lots of fun and a great way to spend a cold, snowy, Saturday night.

Punky Brewster is BACK!

2008-12-05T11:05:00.003-05:00

Oh my, this is what happens when you let Aaliyah pick out her own outfit. This is the 3rd day in a row that she has opted for the "Sunday best with p.j. pants ensamble" Hey, I guess if we are staying in, what the heck, right?

Note how she has chosen to accessorise with a red scarf (festive for Christmas) and Kyle's Spiderman boots. The hair is the natural look. One word...YIKES!

He's still my Boo Boo!

2008-11-27T19:22:00.008-05:00

Well, it happended again. Brandon had another birthday and is now 8 years old. He no longer needs a car seat and is happy to point that out, along with the fact that his feet can now reach the floor of the car when he's sitting WITHOUT his car seat. He did promise that he will still be my Boo Boo and that I can still snuggle him (just not on my lap anymore).
So, Vince McMahon is now a little richer (again) since all of Brandon's presents were of the WWE persuasion (thanks, Bobby). He had a great birthday!!! We love you, Boo Boo!

Car seat Liberation!!!

I'm sure there will be a title match later.

Mean ol' Daddy got him right in the kisser!

Autumn Fun

2008-11-08T12:52:00.003-05:00

So, Aaliyah got a taste of what the fall in Michgan is really like...especially when you have a very large, very leafy tree in your back yard!!!

Aaliyah and her side-kick "Sissy"

Harvest Fest!!!

2008-11-03T10:21:00.008-05:00

On Oct. 31, every year, our church offers a great alternative to trick or treating. We set up in an elementary school and offer games, candy, candy, candy, fun, and candy. It is open to the public which gives people who normally go trick or treating a chance to join us for good clean fun and a little of the Word to go along with it. Our kids, along with many others, made quite the haul and got all stinky and sweaty in the mean time. It was a total blast from set up of the various games(YIKES, so glad the instructions were still in the box) to loading the truck back up at night. See you next year!!!

2008-10-23T18:57:00.001-04:00

So, last week we were blessed with a job for Bobby up here and he came home for good. The kids enjoyed a day at the park then back home for some bike riding while I went to work.

Then, the kids decided to try on their holloween costumes. We are not doing the whole trick or treating thing (these are costumes from 2 years ago which is why Kyle's spiderman fits Aaliyah).

For holloween, we go to an event with our church called Harvest Fest. It is held in the gym of an elementary school and it's a night full of games, fun, candy, face painting, and food. My mom and I are volunteering, so your prayers will have to go to Bobby as he chases all of the kids around for the night.

Superman, John Cena, and Spidey-girl???

Little choir girl

2008-10-11T22:32:00.000-04:00

Since we have been back home and back in the greatest church in Grand Rapids, Word of Faith Christian Center, Aaliyah can't get enough of it! She has her favorite song that they sing (she has now labeled it her "jam") and since I have it on CD in the car, we listen to it over and over until we reach our destination. The lighting is kind of bad, so sorry. Oh, and this is the re-mix!

Stab Wound

2008-09-20T21:57:00.000-04:00

Ok, so not like a real stab wound, but it sounded cool! I started working at Victoria's Secret this week. I really like it so far. The whole team is really great, so that makes it a little easier to ease back into Limited Brands. Today was the completion of my first week back and in the middle of my shift I managed to step on the pin part of the sensors for our higher ticket items and the sucker went right through my shoe and into my toe. It was one of those moments where you know exactly what is going on, but the law of physics (an object in motion shall remain in motion blah blah blah) prohibits you from avoiding the horror that lies ahead. So, as my foot was stepping down, I felt the pin go through my shoe and into the meat of the toe. YUCK! I politely finished my transaction and went to the back to triage myself. Just to be safe (and because workman's comp says you have to) I had to go to the urgent care center and get a tetnus shot. I have to say that the shot was worse than the stab!

First day of school

2008-09-02T11:05:00.000-04:00

Today is a happy day, a sad day, and a quiet day. Today is the first day of school. We were excited before we got there, ready to go and meet new friends. Once we got there, we were a little nervous and there were a few tears shed (mostly by Aaliyah who was the least ready for the boys to go back). And now it is so quiet in here with just Aaliyah and me this is going to take some getting used to! I asked Aaliyah if she misses "her boys" (for those who didn't know, that is how she refers to her brothers) and she looked at me and said "terrible." A few minutes later, she put her shoes on and said that we had to leave and go get them. Good thing we have Nick Jr. to distract her. Here is my handsome crew just before we left.

Good luck at your new school, boys. You'll do great!!!

Party and Uncle Eric's!

2008-09-02T10:48:00.000-04:00

Sunday was my mommy's birthday, so we headed over to Eric's and Deb's for a little grillin' and chillin'. The kids hung out on every inflatable device that they could find as Uncle Eric enjoyed splashing everyone with cannon balls and chasing the kids under water. (What a pest!) We had a great afternoon! Here are some shots of the action.

What a cheese ball!

And they are all still above water!

The boys took Uncle Eric to the "gun show"

Abby chilled with the ladies Look out below!!!

We made grandma some popsicle stick picture frames for her birthday.

We hope you enjoyed your birthday, mom! We love you!!!

Happy Birthday to Aaliyah

2008-08-27T19:59:00.000-04:00

Aaliyah and I made a deal that when she is done being 3 that she will go back to being 2. OK, maybe that is never going to happen, but it was my last hope of keeping my baby little. They get so big so fast and on Tuesday, Aaliyah got even bigger! Here are some shots of the big day.

Big helper???

Make a wish...

A pretty crown for a pretty princess

Everyone loves a bubble beard!!!

Home sweet home

2008-08-19T18:18:00.001-04:00

Well, we finally made it back to GR. Kansas City was great (HOT, but great) but there is just no place like home. The first thing we had on the list (if you don't count Bobby's need for the Chicken Coop and Meijer) was go to church. It felt like we never left. There were hugs around every corner. It was good to be back, that's for sure. In between a little laborious unpacking and cleaning, we took some time to grill and chill.

Li Li made a friend (thanks for coming by Kim and Leona)

Finally some girl power!

We are in the perfect spot for riding bikes!

We like it when Daddy waters the grass. Can I have a turn?

A super special thanks to my dear Mommy who always comes through in the clutch. There is no way we could have moved back without all of your help and support. Thanks for all of the sweat and lack of sleep and laundry duty! You are a lifesaver!

SUPRISE!!!

2008-08-17T21:11:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we had a suprise birthday party for Bobby's dad. I would have blogged this sooner, but with the crazyness that is moving back to Michigan, I was finding little time to chill on the computer. Anyway, the party was a huge success. From the food prep (where's Terry Carp when you need him) to the cleaning and all of the last minute pick ups and set ups, it was wild, but worth it. The party was not just to celebrate Henderson Ratliff's 65 years and counting, but also to celebrate 45 years of marriage with the renewal of wedding vows. Here are some shots from the big day!

Bobby fried 100 pieces of chicken with an electric skillet and frying pan!

Then we waited...

and waited...

SUPRISE!!!

Uncle Troy officiated the ceremony complete with robe, bible, and pulpit benieth the arch that Lynise (the most resourceful person I know) made out of empty carpet rolls.

It was all a huge sucess as you can see. He was completely caught off guard (amazing!), the brand new dress from the thrift store was a perfect fit (Lynise paid $15 for the whole bridal attire and the tags read $650 for just the dress!), and yes Bobby, the chicken was good! There are no pictures from after the party because we were all soooooo tired. I guess throwing a party for someone as family oriented as Mr. Henderson Ratliff and having the family hide the whole thing from him for over a month is a lot of work!

Party ON!

2008-07-27T22:33:00.000-04:00

Today was Kyle's birthday party at Air Zone. Air Zone is one of those seemingly popular inflatable fun lands here in Kansas City. Kyle has been asking for a party there since the beginning of the year. It was really fun and loud. Everyone jumped and bumped until they were ready to sugar up and go home! Even Aaliyah and her friend Tracey kept up with the big kids with no problem. Here are some shots of the fun.

Birthday boy on his way down

Double Trouble

Ladies first

Upon importing the pictures into the computer, we noticed a cute before and after of Aaliyah.

Almost 1 year old and almost 3 years old

We have one more question...What happened to the cupcakes, Aaliyah?

Baseball's Over

2008-07-21T21:37:00.000-04:00

Well, as all good things come to an end, the season's over. Brandon had his last game yesterday (the hottest day of the summer...heat index 105 degrees) and Kyle's was last week. It was fun while it lasted. Now we look forward to a fall of football and a winter of basketball and batting cages.

Batter up!

Three hot little ones at the T ball field.

Play's at third...one more time.

Brandon and Aaron take a cool off break in the shade.

Since it was sooooo hot out, by the time we got to the 2nd game (yes, it was a double header), Aaron had to go home with some nasty heat exahustion. He turned out to be alright by the end of the night, but it sure was scary. In the mean time, that put us down one player, so Kyle, fresh off T ball, stepped in to save the day and be the extra player. It was too cute. The Ratliff boys had the outfield covered for an inning! Everyone from both teams clapped for Kyle when he came out on the field and bravely took his turn at bat. It was a perfect way to end a wonderful season!

A brave brother at third.

Since we had been out in 100 degree heat for 5 hours yesterday, we decided to take this hot one inside. And what happens when you entertain 3 rascals inside? THIS happens to your living room!!!!

"Kindergarden Cop", anyone???

Kyle's 6!

2008-07-18T19:46:00.000-04:00

Today, my baby turned 6. As hard as I tried to stop it, the day still came. We had a McDonald's lunch complete with the play area and all. Daddy even went up in the jungle gym and down the pink slide. (sorry, no pictures of that). After that, it was home for presents and cupcakes. Kyle got all of the WWE stuff he could handle, and then went to Toys R Us with Grandma's birthday money for more wrestling goods. YIKES! You can guess what has been going on in the house all day! Happy Birthday, Chuckie Bear, we love you!

The next champ!

And then there were two!

2008-07-10T19:57:00.000-04:00

My baby is loosing his teeth! Just another reminder that my children are indeed getting older, Kyle lost his second tooth and now has the sweet little gap in his mouth that all almost-first graders get. He put a lot of effort into loosing this one (as did he with the first one). There was wiggling, blood, gasps, toilet paper to soak up the blood, more tugging, and more blood, but it's finally out and the tooth fairy will have to make another trip to the house tonight. Not only is he loosing his teeth, he will be 6 in just 8 days! Aaliyah will be 3 in a month and a half. (At least I have until November before Brandon turns 8...he said I can't call him BooBoo on the blog, only in the house). I have decided to try to find a way to not let them get any bigger. I will just keep them this size forever! They get too big too fast. For anyone with little ones, love every minute of it because you'll blink and they've grown!

A Fun 4th Weekend

2008-07-06T14:33:00.000-04:00

I actually had the 4th of July weekend off (no, not the actual holiday...AFTER the holiday), so we decided to get out there and have a little family fun. After enjoying some fireworks with the whole family, we took a little train ride on the Line Creek train. The kids loved it!

Even KC gets a little chilly at night

Three of the four stooges. I don't want to know what they found!

ALL ABOARD!!!

DOG PILE!!!

2008-07-02T01:21:00.000-04:00

This is what Bobby's napping attempts usually look like. Hey, your reap what you sow. These are the monsters he has created.

And our summer days would not be complete without a trip to the baseball fields.

Para ti, Tio

Summer Fun

2008-06-27T21:35:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since our last entry because this "kids home during the summer" thing really wears you out! We had to find some fun activities to cool things down and break up the day a little. We found the Line Creek Pool at the near by rec center, and Penguin Park around the corner and down the street.

I'm sure the mom's behind them on this shot appreciate being in it.

Bathing Beauty catchin' some rays!

Kyle poses for a shot.

A quick safety check before all of our floating fun begins.

Go Buy A Lotto Ticket

2008-06-15T19:05:00.000-04:00

Thursday evening we had a lightning strike too close for comfort. It may not have actually hit the house, but it was close enough to knock out power for a bit and toast 2 t.v.'s, our cordless phone and the Playstation 2, and part of the computer. We were without cable and internet for two days, but the good news is that everyone is fine and it could have been a lot worse. Here are some shots of what the sky looked like from our front door and deck. (I tried to take pictures of the hail on the deck for Dan, but one lightning strike is enough for me).

This is at about 7:30 p.m. with about an hour and a half of daylight left.

I know it looks like nothing, but really it's the way the sky looked from my back deck.

Severe Weather

2008-06-07T11:58:00.000-04:00

Here are some shots from some of the insane storm chasers around KC!

You would have found me in the basement. There is too much "tail" on this one.

This is real, not photoshopped. This cloud was in Olathe, KS, just about 10 min. south of where I work.

This one is in Lenexa, another surrounding area of where I work.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

2008-06-01T23:12:00.000-04:00

Baseball season has begun and we are in full swing. Brandon is in machine pitch and is doing rather well. He is the star 3rd baseman due to the "killer arm" he has. He has had 2 games so far and really seems to both enjoy it and do well. He is lucky enough to be on a team with his two best friends, Aaron and Owen.

BooBoo between innings Ready for anything

Chuckie - Bear connects! Playing the field

Kyle is in he second year of T-ball and it shows. He is the only player on the team to get anyone out. He does a great job and has a wonderful coach who is focused on having fun. Kyle and Brandon both have their own bat bags complete with batting helmets, bats and batting gloves. They look so big!

Now that I'm getting a little more of this blog thing, Aaliyah wants you to know "I'll be back" !

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T19:42:00.000-04:00

Today is Mother’s Day and I began my day with three little voices shouting “Happy Mother’s Day!” Now that’s a way to start the day! They were coached down the stairs by Bobby , cards in hand, and I was invited upstairs for eggs, bacon, sausage, and French toast sticks ala Eggo (for Kyle). It was great. It’s not every day I get to sleep in until 8:15. We went out for a late lunch with everyone and Bobby took the kids out for a game of kickball in the street while I watched yet another re-run of “America’s Next Top Model.”

On Friday, I enjoyed Mother’s Tea in Kyle’s class. Boo Boo had it last year with Mrs. Gee and this year it was Kyle’s turn. We were led into the class room by our little angels and seated in a seat that I don’t remember ever being so small. The children sang 4 songs and a square dance, followed by our gifts. We all received a small ceramic pot (custom made by our babies) with a sweet little violet in it and a card that began “you are my sunshine because…” We were then treated to homemade cookies and lemonade. It was a sweet start to the weekend.

Lazy day off...the moom must be blue!

2008-05-06T17:13:00.000-04:00

This is going to have to be a picture-less post since Bobby needs to retrieve the camera from the van (where everything else in the natural world is) and show me how to get those pictures from the camera to this tricky little computer.

Today is a lazy day. The weather is muggy, the house is quiet, and Oprah and Dr. Phill are on the tube. Now THIS is a day off. I hope to take some pictures of the kids in action so that I can liven up the blog a little. Hey, if I’m going to do it, I’ve gotta do it all the way!

You've Gotta Start Somewhere

2008-05-04T23:16:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Ratliff Family Blog! Something that I never thought I would do is create a blog since I am so technologically incompetent, but with the help of Adrianna I am a new blogger. I am the last of my siblings to set up a blog, so really I’m doing it just to keep up. Adri and Deb better be on stand by for a million and one questions!