Splash - June 2022

The splash for June 2022 is taken at Samantha's new apartment - she has a one bedroom place in Chestertown.  No air conditioning, rickety steps that make you questions your life choices and a cute red refrigerator.  She's got it all.  It's minutes by bike from her work, and steps from the walking trail through town.  Right on, Samantha.  And yes, JMichael is on crutches.  More on that, and Samantha's apartment, in other posts.

And here is Ezamay - do not be fooled by the mean mug - this girl wins hearts with her smile.  The other day, Charlotte and I were at the grocery store with Ezamay, who is walking along and holding the cart.  We turned a corner in the store, and passed another lady in the new aisle.  Ezamay turned to her mom, and said, loud and clear - she cute!  Charlotte and I laughed, but, I don't think the lady understood Ezamay or paid her any mind more than a smile.  But, to Charlotte and to me, Ezamay was expressing her opinion - she cute!

 

Splash - May 2022

I'm not one to complain, or maybe I am.  {I AM looking forward to being a cranky old lady....}  With COVID, and the big ladies living in different towns, and work schedules, and the price of gas, well, let's just say that's it's been a hard winter for the Ball Team.  But here they all are.  I talk to each of them everyday.  I know they each face challenges.  I know they will find a way.  They have each other.  This photo was taken at Grandmom's house, when we got together for Mother's day.  This crew made me a Mom, Charlotte made them aunts and uncles!  Just to catch you up, dear reader - they are, from left to right: Samantha (22), Charlotte (19), Josephine (17) and JMichael (14), with Rachel (24) seated in the front.

And Miss Rascal - Ezamay at two and a half.  She knows how to take al her clothes off.  She's starting to potty train and she will talk your ears off.  You won't have a clue what the story is about, but, boy, this girl can spin a yarn.  Here hers is with her Poppy.

Splash - November 2021

 

The November splash is just the kids on a Sunday afternoon - the weather is getting cooler and the big ladies came by for a quick visit.  This is our pre-football, being lazy look.  Aren't they getting big?

And Ezamay, who is two now.  She can say What the heck?  and What happened?  and Stop.  She also says, Bless you, thank you and welcome!  We adults are known to fake a sneeze just to hear her cute little bless you.

Ezamay - two years old!

Splash - June 2021

The June splash was just a quick formation on the front lawn.  Our neighbors tell me all the time how adorable our children are when they pose for photos.  I'm kidding.  It's covid; we don't talk to anyone.

:)

Splash - May 2021

Our May splash is taken in our side yard - a beautiful canopy by a maple tree provides shade for the bright pink azaleas against the house.  It's funny, because the kids will ask me what kind of plant this or that is.  I didn't realize, Dad, how I was soaking up your random knowledge - this is lariope, this is a spathyofelia.  {Spelling was not included in my lessons, sorry.}  Plants were very important to my Dad and to his parents - we were always in the garden.  I learned what was a weed and what was to be nurtured without even realizing that I was being taught.  So, yes, I'll tell you if it's an elm or an oak, thanks to Dad.  Happy Spring everyone!

 

Splash - April 2021

April's splash is always fun for me because we have a pre-set theme - an illusion.  You might think that in anticipation of what I know will be our photo, I would plan and research and plot.  But, sadly, no.  I usually wing it - after a quick google search for inspiration.  This camera trick is simple - it's all in the position and perspective.  These Snap'd crackers were not even open for this shot.  We put them safely back in the bin for work lunches - thank you for the prop, JT!

And for our money shot - Miss Ezamay....18 months old!

Full of sass and sweet as can be.

Splash - March 2021

 

For the March splash, I hit the Dollar Tree and I conscientiously chose the most masculine of all the St Patrick's Day accessories they offered.  When we were all together this month, I told them to wear green or orange and that I would provide the spirit of St Patrick.  So, I pulled out my bag of goodies, and I watched as each of the ladies chose an accessory and left JMichael with the frilly headband.  What did this thirteen year old little man do with that headband?  He ROCKED it.  That, dear reader, is a good husband and father in the making.

And Miss Ezamay.  This sweet beauty is now 16 months old.  Her loving gaze is directed at James - Pops - and she is modeling his new hat.