The Heiselt Days of Summer...

Believe it or not... school starts for us one week from today. We've had a tremendous summer filled with food, fun, and family. Just the things every person needs before they head back to the grind. I have so many photos to share, but this is about all I have time for today. Someday soon I hope to post more. Until then... enjoy a bit of our summer.

Hanging out with cousins in Virginia! We were so lucky that Matthan and Brenda were willing to play "hosts" to us this year. We had a great time hanging out with them, trying to eat at the Golden Corral while we were "coralling" our troops, having dinner, and visiting the Aquarium. Next time... it is our turn! Can't wait to have you all in MS. My personal highlight, Eric's new nickname (via Milo)... GRANDPA!

Colonial dancing in Williamsburg, VA! We found a steal of a deal at a resort in Williamsburg. We hope the entire family will come and have a reunion there one day. We had fun in the pool, walking the grounds, playing at the playground, and yes... even Colonial Dancing! (p.s. This is photographic evidence that our oldest children danced and had a great time together!).

Shae -- "Little Mermaid-ing it" in the backyard pool. Shae is her own tv show, non-stop. This is just one of her many adventures. Just love that kid! She is so tan she has a little white swimsuit farmer tan.

Loving those homemade, chocoalte pudding pops! We found a great recipe which we enjoyed this summer. We made pudding pops of different flavors and styles. The kids loved them and I loved watching them eat them.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer! We look forward to seeing your photos too!

Now Introducing... Emoree with... BRACES!

Welll...it's official. After months of hoping, days of planning, and years of wishing... Emoree got braces today. We can look forward to praying she won't break her brackets, making sure she doesn't eat anything she's not supposed to (it is a long list). And (as she says) lots and lots of mashed potatoes. Who wouldn't want that? Feel free to send sympathy cards care of Emoree Heiselt! Luckily, her Dad went through this before so she's got a wealth of experience around her. She is welcoming all prayers in behalf of her teeth.

Volunteering is COOL!

For the last two weekends, Bryton and I have been out in the community giving service. One Saturday, we worked the MSU Garage Sale to benefit students who face calamities and cannot pay their bills. On the following Saturday, we worked the Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament. I am so blessed to have a son who thinks it is cool to volunteer. It probably didn't hurt that he got to drive a golf cart around either!!

The Piano Recital - In Triplicate

Each Spring, the Heiselt children burst forth and play the songs they have been working on with their piano teacher, Ms. Carolyn Rogers for months! It usually coincides at the exact same time when Eric and I think we cannot hear a particular song one more time!

This year the recital was extra special as Shae, Bryton, and Emoree played. Bryton was up first as we thought he had a baseball game (it ended up getting rained out). He played so quickly I didn't even get a chance for a photo (to which he is not very sad -- see face on the boy in the photo with the girls). He did a great job and looked very daper in his suit!

Shae played "Camptown Races" and was up and down so fast it was like a whirlwind. I love how her feet dangle and don't reach the floor! Emoree played "Harry in Winter" from Harry Potter and she did a wonderful job!
The three pianists! At our traditional piano photo. I just love it!
Oh, and not to leave Isaac out. His job was to stay quiet (which he did somewhat well actually) and to keep the church's hymn books in order!

I did manage to get a bit of Emoree's song on video. Eric said listening to Emoree play makes him feel like the father in a Jane Austen novel. He fancies himself sitting around listening to his daughter play the piano forte. Enjoy!

Terrific Two!

Our little guy just turned two and we are loving it (so far)! His vocabulary has spiked, he has already attempted potty work at least once, and he is really showing some of that Heiselt attitude (okay, that part we are working with). Seriously though, we had a great party. Wish you were there! Grandma H. gave punch balloons and they were a big hit (continue to be - thanks Mom!)), Grandma S. gave a wonderful Radio Flyer trike w/hat (helmet) that Isaac loves, and he received a swing for the backyard! What more could a kid want?

The Doggie (or as Isaac calls it, "Woof Woof") cake mde by the talented Eric Heiselt.

Isaac was not quite sure what to do with the cake and then when the candles were lit, I thought he was going to reach out and grab it. It took all of us blowing out the candles, and when we did -- he clapped for us!!

Thank You Aunt Jodie!

This is me wearing my apron Aunt Jodie gave me from Christmas. It really works! I was making snickerdoodles with Mom and I wore it. Thank you so much Aunt Jodie. I love it. Love, Shae. 'Nough Said. Thank you Jodie!

Our Very Own Texas Ranger!

Bryton is on his very first baseball team -- The Texas Rangers. We've had a lot of rain recently, so the team hasn't been able to practice as much as Bryton would like (daily). However, Bryton's coach is trying him out in a variety of positions to help him find his "niche." Bryton's favorite thus far...

The best seat in the house of course -- behind home plate. Do you recognize the catcher in this photo?

Yep! That's our guy. Watch the videos below to see our man in action. Keep in mind, first game, a very small amount of practice, and (most importantly) equipment made for people a bit taller than he is! Despite all the obstacles, Bryton did a tremendous job and we loved being his cheerleaders. Isaac clapped and said, "Bubba yea. Bubba yea. More?"

Life's Simple Pleasures

One day I was in the kitchen and I could hear Shae and Isaac laughing outside. I came outside and saw this...

We had experienced quite a bit of rain. The rain filled up the end of Bryton's b-ball hoop. Shae would stand on one end and jump. Isaac stood exactly over the hole and would get sprayed. He laughed and laughed! Shae stayed dry as a bone and secretly I think she thought it was pretty cool to get to soak her brother and not get in trouble.

For me.. I thought... this is the life. Finding the joy in those simple pleasures.

Photos I Love...

Eric was reading on the trampoline one afternoon and soon found several folks who wanted to read with him!

The three guys I love most in the world!

Ice cream on Sunday nights. When I took this, all I could think of was that there would one day be a time when I missed these...

We went to Cracker Barrell on one of our trips and I took this shot. I think Shae looks like a model (okay, I am biased)!

Bryton in Bente's kitchen making cookies. What a great idea Bente!

Kennedy's smile after she got her backpack -- Christmas 2009. Love all those Rodriguez kids!

Our MSU Easter

Every year at MSU, the President holds an Easter Egg Hunt for the families of faculty and staff. This year, Eric was unable to attend (Family Engineering Night) so Grandma S., Shae, Isaac and I went to the event. Note: Conflict did not allow Bryton to attend and Emoree is way to cool to attend something that has a life-size rabbit in attendance.

This was Isaac's first real "crowd-like" experience so I wasn't sure how he would do. I lucked out though, as we arrived to the event a shuttle bus was waiting to take us to the President's house. Isaac LOVED it! We could have just rode the bus around the entire time!

Hope you all had a great Easter!

Starkville Daily News - School board appt. on tap for aldermen

Starkville Daily News - School board appt. on tap for aldermen

Come see Eric in the news! Wish him luck tonight!

Bully!

MSU's mascot, Bully got up close and personal with us at one of Eric's recent events. I got to go with him as he toured campus with the "Mathletes." As the group was heading back to the building, about 35 little kids came out of the MSU cafeteria and attacked Bully. I suppose it was the first kid on bulldog mauling ever. I really did like being a Bulldog Guard for the day! Go DAWGS!