Family Pictures

We went downtown last weekend and took some family pictures. There's more where these came from, but you just get the highlights. Best part about these pictures is that we had a friend take them, so they are really cheap (free). Much thanks to Robin McAlister who is doing some experimenting with photography in her down time between getting her Master's at Duke and finding a job. Old adage of "it's not what you know, it's who you know" has never been more true. Thanks Rob. Here are the results:

I also turned 32 yesterday. Happy birthday to me. Growing up, it was hard to understand how birthdays weren't as big a deal when you were older. I get it now. Another year gone by, but I don't feel any older. Except the fact that my back hurts, my hair is not all there, and college kids look really, really young.

Dressed for Success

No it isn't Halloween already. This is just how my little man rolls. Scottie had his last day of school at Crossings (he will be going to a new school in the fall), and he went out with a bang. It finally rained, so he was able to wear his rain boots. But he also wanted to wear his 'Lebron' headband. The headband isn't new, but for some reason he has had a renewed interest in it. His teacher said he wore it all day and they all loved it. He has also decided that it would be a good idea to sleep in it. So the last couple nights, Lebron has been sleeping int Scottie's bed. Whatever works?

Scott has also recently developed a serious love for farms. I have no idea where this came from, but it is definitely occupying a lot of his time. We have barns set up all over the house and all the animals have their places. We haven't purchased any cattle or horses yet, and we haven't planted any wheat in the backyard, but I'm sure those questions will be coming.

We were, however, able to visit a real farm when we went to Stockton, MO last weekend for a family reuinion. We stayed at my cousins and Scottie was in 'hog heaven'. We rode the four wheeler down to the cattle, he helped feed Boogie the horse, he lifted some hay bales when he drove the tractor, and we went fishing in the farm pond. It was the perfect place for a little boy and we had a great time with Rod, Kelly, and Ely. (Sorry I didn't get more pics, the camera had some hiccups. Guess we will have to come back)

We packed a lot of things into our Stockton weekend. We hung out with family, ate a lot of great food, went on float trip, and hit the links for a little round of golf. This was Scottie's second round and (besides the golf attire) he did really good. He is always asking to play and I'm glad he was able to watch me beat down Ryan and Kevin.

I AM Tiger Woods, Jr. (or Kid Rock, Jr. wearing the wife beater)

The Boys (w/out Quin)

Quality Programming

If you ever need to get in touch with us on Tuesday or Wednesday between 7:00 and 8:00, sorry but we are busy. Scottie has become a little obsessed with two 'quality programs'.

The first is Wipeout. If you haven't experienced this, you are really missing out. Idiot contestants compete for 50 g's while making complete fools out of themselves. Scottie has taken a real interest in 'opskittle' courses and that is all this show is. Jump from here to there without falling in the water, don't get knocked over into the water, etc. The announcers are pretty funny to add to the entertainment value. Scott has already mentioned that for his next birthday he wants a Wipeout party. What the?? I know Ann is good, but if she can pull that one off, she is real good.



The second one is called The Superstars. They team up a professional athlete and a celebrity to do different events and competitions. And it all finishes up with, you guessed it, an 'opskittle' course. This one is a little bit more watchable as they do normal things like basketball, bowling, racing, etc. I have no idea how he became so infatuated, but it occupies a late hour of the day.



And for anyone that is interested, Livy is still alive and actually survived one water change already. She made us wonder a little at first. She laid on the rocks for a good 20 minutes until the initial shock wore off. But ever since, she's been good to go. Thanks for all your concerns. I had no idea that learning to keep a fish alive would be one of life's little 'obskittles'.

Don't give up on me!

Just when you had given up any hope that this blog would remain alive, here I am. There were a few happenings as of late, so here is a recap:

Scottie and I flew to Kansas City for a little visit. Scottie got to fly for the first time and he did great. Ry got some really sweet seats behind home plate (with all you can eat and drink buffet) for the Royals game. We took full advantage of the food/drink and had a great time. Scottie enjoyed his time with Ava and Quin and they played great together. I didn't have the camera so you'll have to take my word for it all.
Jon, Amy and Ella picked us up in KC and we headed south to Branson to spend a few days with the whole Befort crew. Allen took a day off and we did alot. We went to Dixie Stampede, Rode the Ducks, miniature golf, go-carts, outlet shopping, Branson Landings, and swam. It was good stuff so a big thanks to Grandma and Papa for a fun week.


Here's Maggie owning Branson Landings

Scottie and Ella cooling off.

Scottie pumped that Uncle Allen joined him for some miniature golf.

Maggie enjoying the view from the Duck.

When we got home, I celebrated Father's Day with my two kiddos.

The Anderson's (our best friends from Scottsdale) came back and stayed with us for the 4th of July. It was so good to see them again but we really wished they could have stayed for good. We went to the Edmond parade and had a big crew over for a cookout and fireworks courtesy of Brasswood.

McNellis 4th of July family portrait.

Ryan, Matt and I got here at 7:30am to get this spot. Dedicated fathers looking out for their families or dad's getting the better end of the deal so we aren't at home for the rush around getting the kids ready for the parade? Regardless, a good time and a fun 4th tradition.

Good times for Mags and Connor.

This is the 3rd year of our 4th of July party, but it was the first time we had to deal with rain. Luckily, I had just finished the grilling when the rain started. Issue: How in the world are we going to get all these people in our house? We set some tables up in the garage and the rain stopped right after we ate. The kids ran around like crazy, did some sparklers, played some football, and got to see a great fireworks show from our driveway.

How many crazy kids can you fit in one picture?

Hello Ladies!

Waddup fellas

Fast and FOURious

Scottie turns four on Wednesday, but we had the big party yesterday. He invited a few friends from school and we celebrated four good years in Nascar fashion. Ann never has trouble planning a party and she pulled off another winner this go around.

Happy Birthday Scottie Roo!!

The cake had four of Scott's favorite cars on top.

Scott helped by coloring three Nascar pictures.

There was a Nascar race in our neighbor's driveway. There were many obstacles such as tires, cones, rock piles, sprinklers, etc.

They threw a ball through a tire hanging from the tree.

And what's a birthday without the cake and presents.

Four years have gone by quickly and we really like our little Scottie. He is a really good kid and it is exciting to imagine what God has in store for him. He has brought so much to our lives (things beyond Nascar) and we love him very much. Thanks for four great years bub.

If at first you don't succeed, TRY, TRY, TRY, TRY again

The McNellis Fam is back in the fish business (see previous post). After a little consultation with the fish expert, LaTisha, at Pet Smart, we have a new beta. The final result was that we needed to treat the water with some three dollar concoction. Scottie decided on the name Livy in hopes that a female fish may live a little longer. Right now the Over/Under is set at three days for Livy's life. I will keep you updated.

We have a big weekend ahead as Scottie has his big 4th birthday. Of course it will be Nascar, but an issue has arisen. Yesterday, Scottie told Ann, "yeah Mom, I think I'm done with Nascar." Well buddy, not for three more days you're not. Mom has planned the sweetest Nascar birthday party you could imagine and you will be all about Nascar for at least two more days.

Greg and Robin McAlister came over the other night and Robin showed Ann some new tricks on the computer. It's not the photographer anymore, it's just how you manipulate the pictures. Here are the results:

Where did May go?

So May is basically over and I have one post for the month. Totally unacceptable. So here is how the month has gone since Maggie's birthday.

Scott received a medal for completion of his gymnastics class. He had a great time and has learned how to do many "tricks". Flips, handstands, somersaults, etc. I will have to step in the first time he asks for spandex, but its been pure fun so far.

Scottie and his friend Luke after the big medal ceremonies.

We also went to a thing called 'Touch a Truck'. It was some fundraiser for the Edmond MOMS where they had over 50 trucks (vehicles) parked for the kids to climb all over. It was pretty neat and we touched everything from police cars, hummers, cranes, fire trucks, school buses, etc. Scottie's personal faves were the race car (of course) and the ice cream truck.

Driving the fire truck.

For Memorial Day we went to Grand Lake with the Smiths. Five kids under the age of 5 (3 months, 1, 2, 3, 5) was a little bit much in one house, but we had a great time. Jay and I golfed, the kids explored, the Moms cooked. Scottie said his favorite part was getting to watch movies with Gavin and Mason. Aren't vacations great? I mean, getting to watch movies, now that is what vacation is all about.

The boys acting like monkeys so they can get a cookie.

And it is great to have the weather getting nice so we can have a nice little picnic outside. Minutes after this picture was taken, Ann walked inside to grab the phone only to return to Maggie standing on the middle of the table. Guess the little girl was watching Scottie's gymnastics class a little closer than we thought. That's all for now, so Goodbye May and hello summer.