Guess Who?!

In true Davis fashion, little Elijah looks exactly like and nothing like his siblings. It seems that while none of our kids looks tremendously like another, they all have a "Davis" look about them, so I challenge you to figure out who is who from pictures taken of each at one-week old. If you are struggling, you may find this post a bit of help.

Baby A

Baby B Baby C

Baby D

Baby E

Baby F

So, how did you do?

(Answers are in the comments)

What a Wonderful Week

Elijah's first week of life and nothing here stops for a minute:) Saturday morning my mom took Calla, Bella and Noah to West Stanly High School to so that Calla could compete in the regional Hershey's track meet to defend her 400m title. She did end up placing second and was invited back to the state competition in Raleigh, but unfortunately we already had plans for that weekend.

We left the hospital on Saturday afternoon and brought little Elijah home to see his new house and all his brothers and sisters. Later that night my mom took the older boys (Noah and Micah) home for part of the week. They LOVED staying with Grandpa and Grandma who took them to the T-ball field every evening to play catch, after getting them each a new baseball glove and ball! Then each morning Grandma would take them on another adventure, Sunday was church followed by watching Star Wars on Grandpa's big screen, Monday it was delivering Meals on Wheels and lunch at McDonald's, and Tuesday was a fun-filled trip to Dan Nicholas Park which included a train ride, two rounds of mini golf, and a paddle boat ride around the lake. And each afternoon they would get an abundance of snacks and Popsicles and ice cream! As a matter of fact, I think the most nutritious meal they had in all four days was a Happy Meal! Then again that was part of the "best sleepover ever" for the boys. Monday here at home was just as busy. We had to get Calla to church by 9am so that she could catch the bus to camp. We waved goodbye to our girl for one whole week as we watched the bus drive away to Woodlands Camp in Cleveland, GA. Then on to the doctor where Elijah got a great report on growth and weight gain.

Tuesday we took it easy and enjoyed a quieter pace of life with only 3 children. We ran some errands and caught up on cleaning, but the best part was the reduced laundry and dishes. On Wednesday we got the boys back and spent the day with Grandma excitedly reminiscing about the last few days. All my boys!

Our little paci twins.

He does not like to be alone, good thing!

Thursday I was feeling pretty good and the kids were ready to go somewhere, so we stopped at the Fort Mill Park for a morning playgroup. Lucky Daddy was there to help keep things moving.My big boys.Elijah was not nearly so impressed with our outing.

It was a good thing we got our feet wet at Thursday's intimate park playgroup, because Friday we were headed for the epitome of summer playgroups at Ginger Walford's house. She did not disappoint with a veritable water wonderland for over 60 kids! Jeff had to leave toward the end to pick up Calla at the church from camp, but she was able to come back and enjoy the party as well.

Lunch for 80 anyone? (Parents + kids)

Elijah just relaxing.

Ginger even rented a super-fun, super-huge waterslide.

I think I know it's biggest fan.

If the waterslide wasn't enough, there was plenty to do like jump on the trampoline.

Play kickball.

Or enjoy a refreshing snow cone.

And even though Nehemiah never even got wet at the playgroup, he found plenty to do on his own.

And boy does he love bubbles...

and trucks...

and playing ball!

Calla getting off the bus, I think she looks a few years older:)

Once Calla changed into a bathing suit the waterslide races began.

And went on and on.

Once the playgroup ended, we stuck around to help Ginger clean up and she kindly offered to feed us dinner as well. The kids took advantage of the down time to watch a movie and dry out a bit. Saturday came with more errands and an unexpected blessing of a blackout. Around 5pm when I had dinner in the oven and dishes in the dishwasher and a load of laundry in the washer, our electricity went out. After 30 minutes, we realized that it was not a quick fix and that it would probably be out for a few hours. After eating dinner (which Jeff finished on the grill) we spent a good bit of time playing board games and doing puzzles as a family. Once the air outside cooled off a bit, we all went out to play some basketball. Being outside must have triggered a neighborhood reaction and we saw and spoke with several neighbors on walks. The kids played with just about every child in our cul-de-sac until after 9pm playing ball, doing cheers and catching fireflies. Finally the electric came back on and we all went inside just in time to go to bed with air conditioning:)

Searching for fireflies.

I think at last count the total was up to 14.

Sunday dawned bittersweet, as the last official day Jeff was off as well as Father's Day. Calla was also going to be recognized by the pastor during service as part of a group of 3rd-5th graders that routinely complete their children's bulletin each week. She did an adorable job when asked in front of the entire congregation (about 4000 people) to wish the dads a Happy Father's Day. She replied "Happy Father's Day, I hope all the Father's get to spend time enjoying their kids". And that is exactly what we did the rest of the day, enjoyed our family time.

Graduation Day!

With such a memorable June 9th, I need to make sure I don't overlook the very special June 10th. Calla and Noah both had End-Of-Year parties on Thursday, which I was able to attend. Noah's class had a giant birthday party where all students celebrated their birthday at this one party. They made cupcakes, played tons of party games and then exchanged gifts! What a brilliant idea by their teacher:)

Noah's cupcake creation, sprinkles and a gummy worm on top.Pass the present game, similar to musical chairs.Noah with his teacher, Mrs. Marx.At the end of the party everyone got a gift, including Micah! A rare picture with my guy (and baby Elijah before his debut).

After myself and the little boys enjoyed all of the birthday party fun, we headed down the hall to Calla's room for a pizza party. Calla was so excited to see us and spent the whole class sharing her seat and her lunch with her brothers.

The little boys REALLY enjoyed the pizza!

Her teacher also had a wonderful idea to showcase each child. The students voted on awards for each other (which were not academic) such as Trendiest Dresser, Hardest Worker, Most Enthusiastic and Calla's award, Perfect Personality (like I didn't see that coming). She has such an amazing gift for enjoying the company of just about everyone and making friends everywhere she goes. God has truly blessed her with an amazing personality and a heart for others.

To calm the very excited children down, Calla's teacher put on the cutest song that had the kids doing all sorts of jumping jacks and push-ups and other energy exerters.

After lunch, teams of students came to the front of the class with their "Top 10" list of things they loved about 3rd grade.

Finally, it was the last day of school and my little Bella was graduating from Pre-Kindergarten. I hated to miss seeing her sing her graduation song and switch her little tassel, but I am thrilled that Jeff and my mom were there to support her and get lots of pictures. She has learned so much this past year, more than we ever thought possible and I am looking forward to seeing her continue to grow and learn this summer at home.

The Pre-K Graduating Class of 2011!

My rising Kindergartner and her very sleepy little brothers:)