Sorority House

Daredevil Gracie

2012-02-26T09:21:00.001-06:00

One little girl in our house is not afraid of anything. Just one though.

Caroline tried it once on her scooter and almost instantly feel off and scraped her knee. It was sad. Read into this what you will.

Presidents' Weekend

2012-02-21T16:40:00.001-06:00

We love the mountains in the summer. We love the beach in the fall. We love the lake in the winter... although all of these places are fun year-round, something about the peaceful offseason makes Hill Family road trips more fun.

But first we needed to play our last basketball game of the season for Caroline. All season she has been telling me she didn't want to play, but this week she spoke up and told me that she "might play." Not sure why, but I really thought God might smile on my timid princess and she would suit up and play... but much like picture day she decided to sit this one out (earlier in the year she even refused to get in the team picture). I even tried to bribe her with a basketball after the game if she played. She responded, "Daddy I bet you will get one for coaching and maybe you can share your ball with me." After the game I of course gave her a ball and told her the team decided she was such a good cheerleader that she should have a ball of her own. Caroline responded, "Why didn't they get me a pom-pom?" She finally settled into the basketball (and even slept and prayed with it that night) but found one more too-smart-for-her-own-good comment by telling me on the way home, "Daddy you always told me one of the best ways to learn something is to watch others first." It might be a couple more years before Caroline convinces me to coach her team.

Because I was the only parent with a child "one the team, but not in the picture" we did not get a team picture, so I had to camera phone pic one of the other girls' picture. And I thought Marley looked cute in her picture and so it was my favorite.

After a fun dinner with the team and another day of work, we headed to the lake to celebrate the long weekend. Why is it that swing sets really are more fun on vacation? Especially when you are talented enough to pull of the extremely rare double sister high five.

Nature hikes are a house favorite, especially having a show-n-tell afterwards to share what you collected. Gracie collected mainly leaves and pine needles with a little dirt to keep it interesting.

Thanks G for posing for me. Yes jammie-jams are suitable attire for the lake.

Mommy complains that she usually gets called into heavy lifting on these hikes, but deep down I think she loves it.

Caroline and Aunt Laura soaked up some good time together on the small shoreline while the dam water was low.

Cousin Emmy was at a really fun stage for this trip to throw rocks and explore.

Meanwhile Caroline decided to channel her Uncle Scott and try to climb the rocks. Don't worry, this is as high as she wanted to go.

Bunk beds for these cousins was a treat especially while being super quiet watching Dora while the adults tried to be adults.

The weekend ended strong with a little tennis.

I even got to shuttle this guy around town while he was in town... Kristen knows him only because he's been on 30 Rock a few times - but as for lefty tennis players, they don't get bigger than this. It wasn't as eventful shuttling him around as I thought, but I do have more respect for him now than I did before.

If you made it this far in the post, I hope you and your family enjoyed the long weekend as well!

Saint Valentine's

2012-02-15T15:50:00.001-06:00

Our house is made for Valentine's Day.

Every day is pink in the Sorority House. Gracie has even turned the corner where she will only wear dresses like her sister did a few years back... needless to say go short on the pants market until the weather changes or my girls grow up.

It was sweet to celebrate with my three favorite girls recently to tell them We Love Them with cards, candy and special treats!

Like most holidays, this one involved baking cookies:

The girls were ecstatic!

Of course the cookies were for Caroline's class party at school.

Kristen was fortunate enough to get to see the fruits of her Valentine's labor this year as was Caroline's guest to the class party.

In leu of a class birthday party Gracie and I stopped by Gibson's (after having heart shaped pancakes at home) to stand in line for 30 minutes and then enjoy time with my tiniest valentine.

Of course Hallmark has to make their money this time of the year. Speaking of which, picking out cards for 3 and 5 year old princesses is really fun. Whatever screams off the shelf is usually what they will like best. Gracie's Snoopy card even sings "Who Let the Dogs Out." Classic.

Caroline and I shared the other doughnut treat for lunch when I stopped in to surprise her for extend-a-day.

After all of this I did steal a few seconds to cook dinner for Kristen and watch Shop Around the Corner (1940), which I found to be the best remake (40 years prior) to You've Got Mail on the market. Jimmy Stewart > Tom Hanks in my opinion. I hope Valentine's proved successful and a good way to show your loved ones that they are loved.
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If you have boys: I asked a buddy with three boys what he was doing for Valentine's Day and he told me he thought they might have their annual stick fight in the backyard. Classic.

Weekend Update

2012-02-06T14:54:00.000-06:00

My last check-in here was all about Winter Sports so why not keep the theme alive. Caroline and Daddy went to Basketball game #2 on the season and although we didn't pull out the victory, we were both pleased with a 10-4 loss. Of course scoring our first (only?) baskets of the year will forever be a moral victory and not a 28-0 loss like the week before. The athletics continued on Saturday with a gymnastics themed birthday party the girls were invited to - really just Caroline, but of course Gracie tagged along for the fun. Caroline was sweet to hold her hand and make her feel safe.

Sorry this video below might be blurry, but I had to share the scene of the massive number of girls at one birthday party I've ever been to - something tells me this is the Sorority House normal from here on out. It was awesome and madness at the same time. [HD video here]

Of course we had to see what all the fuss was about as the mighty Memphis train toppled over smack dab in the middle of town (outside my office actually).

When we showed the girls these pictures and told them where it was, they asked, "Is the chick-fila okay?" God bless 'em. And yes, as one friend told me who lives close to the accident, "The chick is protected by god. No train could damage it. Tell your girls all is safe in chicken land." Although the story doesn't mention it, I'm convinced this is an alien coverup not unlike Super 8. [PS - Great movie!]

Gracie and I are soaking up our last semester of running her school carpool. With her acceptance into St. Mary's for the fall to join the rest of the Sorority House girls, I've tried to get to school a little early to play on the playground with her since the weather has been nice. Okay so maybe I think she's adorable and growing and have gotten in a crazy picture mood with her knowing she will not be this small for long.

Mommy held down the fort this weekend while I hung out with 1,700 of my newest friends at the Downline Mens Summit... excellent as always. Dennis Rainey and Ronnie Stevens were my favorite and did not disappoint. I hope to have my notes up soon.

Winter Sports

2012-01-27T12:08:00.000-06:00

Did we tell you that Caroline is taking gymnastics? Who knew smocked dresses are the new

Oh yea, also she has been going to basketball every Friday night for the last few weeks? First game is tonight. Could be interesting.

3 Year Old Conversations

2012-01-25T14:33:00.000-06:00

As is becoming tradition here on the Sorority House blog, it is one of the girls favorite things to be interviewed on their birthday with a few routine questions. This birthday proved special for Gracie, as she was interviewed with her grandparents and Scott and Melissa while vacationing in Big Sky over New Years.

The Sky Is Falling

2012-01-16T17:01:00.000-06:00

Another exciting week at the Sorority House. Sadly this time we had to learn the lesson to watch your step in the attic... and even when you think the ground is solid, is may not be. Thanks Mommy for the lesson.

The view from our hallway:

Meanwhile back upstairs in the attic:

Thankfully Mommy has two legs so her other leg kept her from falling all the way through. Also thanks to our Spanish speaking friend Efrien for having the patience to answer English speaking Gracie's endless questions about what was going on while you were patching the sheetrock back together.

Also consider yourself fortunate I'm not the type of over-sharing blogger who posts pictures of his wife's long and luscious, but blue and bruised leg. Praise God for winter.

Typical Room Rest

2012-01-15T15:53:00.002-06:00

With a break in the cold weather sitting on the front porch I caught Kristen doing what Kristen does best - loving on the girls. It was a perfect excuse to delay room rest.

Let this be a warning to you: No moment is safe from ninja photographers.

Big Sky 2012

2012-01-10T00:39:00.000-06:00

Happy New Years from the Sorority House in Big Sky.

I thought the HD footage turned out pretty well considering most of the pics and video came from my frozen android HTC phone.

My rose from the trip was skiing backwards down the hill with Caroline who was working on her "daddy pizza" "mommy pizza" and "Caroline pizza." My thorn was putting on ski boots each day. All in all a great way to welcome the new year and celebrate Gracie's birthday with family in Montana.

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T23:18:00.000-06:00

If these southern frozen princesses could survive their first ski lesson today, I'm betting great things will be in store for 2012.

Stay tuned!

Christmas Highlights

2011-12-28T14:54:00.001-06:00

This is the season of birthday parties and lots of events to document online. My tradition has usually been to take tons of pics and video and sometimes get around to posting them come summer when I'm not tired of looking at blogs and Christmas pics, but this year I'm going to drop a few quick notes to show the highlights.

Lots of great images from this Christmas in Memphis with the girls. Here are a few of my favs...

Caroline and I went to see Annie on our Christmas date and had a blast.

With a pre-k teacher in the house you can always count on lots of cookie making and ginger bread house making going one around the end of the year.

This one likes her cookies just so...

While this one isn't afraid to pour it on...

Christmas Eve at Nanny and Poppys is always a treat.

Of course waking up early on Christmas morning at home is the highlight of the season for the Sorority House. Gracie has a new play-friend in her American Girl Emily. Santa came through with her request.

Caroline's new friend is an American Girl Just Like Me doll appropriately named "Caroline" by Caroline. Matching jammies of course.

Christmas brunch down the street at Cousin Emmy's house was a fitting way to end the eventful holiday.

I hope you had a good Christmas and will share your images online with the rest of us before the summer as well. View the entire slideshow online.

Check back soon for some ski pics of our adventure to Montana over New Years... these could be interesting.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T21:31:00.000-06:00

Be sure to show these to your kiddos some time today after the Santa-high wears down...

He's Here from the Jesus Story Book Bible:

Another classic is The Christmas Story from St Paul's Church, Auckland, New Zealand:

Bonus: Dad's Bookmark and memorize this list for today and all future Christmases (or holidays in general).

16 Daddy Christmas Tips

Christmas Daddy Date w/ Caroline to Annie

2011-12-19T16:44:00.002-06:00

Caroline and I stopped off for a Christmas Daddy Date to see the play Annie at the new Playhouse on the Square - fantastic venue by the way, what a great asset to have in Memphis.

But first we had to test our skills at Huey's in midtown at shooting toothpicks through our straws at the ceiling. I was proud of Caroline for hitting the ceiling several times but still not connecting. I felt blessed to have such a cute date!

Afterwards we slipped over to the theater and noticed the awesome gingerbread house/village in the style of Annie with characters and NYC cityscape to match.

Can you spot a little gingerbread orphan in red with Daddy Warbucks + Sandy on the streets of New York?

Oh by the way did I tell you that I won the tickets online via a local twitter trivia contest? If you ever needed a reason to get on twitter, maybe this is it - They were great seats too! Thanks @livefrommemphis!

Afterwards we got to meet the cast and get some autographs of course. It was fun seeing 12 year old girls loving on Caroline and being so kind to her as she was starstruck. I could see theater season tickets in the Hill family future with how much she loves it.

Of course Caroline's favorite was getting to meet Sydney who played Annie.

All in all a great date. The dinner was so fun and cute... at one point I mentioned she had food in her teeth on to get the reply, "It is probably from the food I just ate." I'm thankful I get to take her on these dates for many years before someone else tries to steal her from me.

Go see Annie if you have time, it was really fun and included some of Caroline's favorite elements: big girls on stage, singing, dancing, Christmas themes and a live dog to keep things interesting.

Best Christmas Lights in Memphis

2011-12-16T10:00:00.003-06:00

If these are not the best lights in Memphis, I dare you to send me the address of the ones you've found.

For part two I decided to wait and get a full shot of what has become the classic hard rock Christmsas light song and for good reason... all was well until minivan mom pulled up and decided to do what I can only compare to someone standing in front of the TV while you are trying to watch it. So I had to improvise.

And yes, that was me who honked at them.

Many of you might have seen this article in the commercial appeal recently that told the story. In case you were wondering... his electricity bill only goes up $50 during the holidays since he buys LED lights every year after Christmas. Why does he do it? "I can't help myself. What I love most is watching people in their cars as they watch the show," he said. "I love seeing them singing along and seeing their reactions. I think it brings joy to others, and isn't that what Christmas is about?"

The owner Mr. Vorwerk plays "Joy to the World" only once a season: As the clock strikes midnight and Christmas Eve becomes Christmas Day. "There usually aren't that many cars out in the street to hear it, and even if people do hear it, they probably don't realize it's the only time the song is played, but I know it," Vorwerk said. And after all, if not for His birth, there wouldn't be lights."

Go There:
6451 Daybreak Drive
Bartlett, TN 38135
Google Directions

For those familiar to Quail Ridge golf course, this is right next to the clubhouse and was about 15 minutes from 38117.

Snow

2011-12-07T08:46:00.001-06:00

Double ear infection Gracie on her way to SMS preview playdate but took a few seconds to be interviewed about todays weather report.

Schools are in session and please excuse the video quality but the snow was too pretty not to capture.

Visiting Mall Santa

2011-12-05T13:30:00.000-06:00

Visiting Santa at the mall the Sunday after Thanksgiving this year proved another success thanks to the Renshaws and Cousin Emily.

After watching this, I think I will remember this year's visit most from how excited the girls were to see Santa and how Gracie was in rare form.

Welcome Back Elf

2011-12-04T11:20:00.001-06:00

This year Caroline decided to name our Elf on the Shelf, "Snowflake."

Caroline's Little Elf Song ©
Little elf, I forgive you,
Little elf, I love you,
Little elf, I missed you,
What about you?
Oooo....
Little elf, I forgive you,
Little elf, I forgive you,
Little elf, I love you
Little elf, I forgive you
Little elf...
When Santa comes down the chimney,
I forgive you
Little elf, I love you little elf,
I missed you.
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Merry Christmas online friends!

Great American Tradition: Mall Santa

2011-11-27T14:09:00.001-06:00

I love this jolly old guy.

Oak Court Mall Santa has the real beard... gotta love that. Also if you are on Foursquare, be sure to "check-in" before paying for a pretty good Santa special.

Our Thanksgiving Turkey

2011-11-23T19:40:00.001-06:00

When Kristen volunteered our house to puppysit over Thanksgiving, I wasn't sure how this would turn out...

About an hour into it - we are in love!

So far so good, but ask me after the weekend for the full update. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Sorority House

2011-11-22T16:54:00.001-06:00

Caroline's Thankful Song © 2011
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I am thankful for my family the people that I sing about:
I love my daddy, his name is Chris.
I love my mommy, her name is Kristen.
I love my sister, her name is Elizabeth [kindof].
I love my daddy, his name is Chris. [good to be in here twice]

I love my nanny, her nameeeee is... my love.
I love my pappy once again.
I love my grandmommy.
I love my granddaddy.

I love my cousins too:
There name is emmy, Laughlin,
My next one is named Emily,
My third one is Simms,
Those are.
my family!
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

JK Bears: Caroline's Class Pic

2011-11-20T20:57:00.001-06:00

Thanksgiving with JK Bears

2011-11-18T14:00:00.001-06:00

Always fun to be able to peek in on Caroline's class at school. As soon as Caroline see me she instantly tackles me and gives me the type of hug you wish would never go away, but you know it will with time - so you hug back a little harder before letting go.

Her class celebrated Thanksgiving today - I know I feel like Halloween was yesterday and Christmas will be next week. But while Kristen is getting sun on some beautiful gulf coast beach reading her People magazines discussing with other mommies if they should ever return or not... so I was on.

As all good junior kindergarden classes are these days, they had stations for the party. Necklaces, headbands, cornbread pancakes with homemade butter, etc. Here is Caroline shaking up her homemade butter for the cornbread pankcakes - they were yummy!

Her traditional Native American attire was a class uniform today. Oh yea, for those of us who grew up saying "Indians" instead of "Native American" I fully understand the need for change, but hearing jk'ers say "Native Americans" 50 or so times during the hour party was a mouthfull and frankly exhausting.

The pumpkin pie station was a class favorite. Simple recipe: Add anything sugary you can find that looks like fall into a cupcake case, chill and eat.

Lots of Native American cuties in her class!

This guy needed some love too! Happy Thanksgiving!

Memory Lane: The Sunday After Thanksgiving

2011-11-16T15:16:00.001-06:00

The holidays seems to have all the best memories this time of the year. Of course the entire year at the Sorority House has good memories, videos and pictures (nearly 20,000 in 5 years so far) but I guess these are the ones I'm loving right now.

Please enjoy a stroll down memory lane with us and life on the Sunday after Thanksgiving kicking off the Christmas season in style.

2007 - Where it all started. If I didn't have this on video I would swear that Caroline was never this tiny.

2008 - The only year Caroline fell apart and many experts report it was due to lack of Renshaw Family support. If you work for Family and Child Services please do not watch this video.

2009 - Gracie gets in on the fun. Santa goes HD.

2010 - A year so good, all I can find is this post to cover the event. [late entry video I just uploaded below. not my best, but it works] Cousin Emily joins the fun.

Stay tuned next week for 2011 (or a year from next week). Welcome to the Holidays everybody!

A Year Ago Today: Veterans Day 2010

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

Caroline is cute enough to get away with "Happy Thanksgivering" on Veterans Day.
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In related news... two years ago today (or so). What happened to all of our little kids? :

Why The Sorority House Exists

2011-11-10T11:46:00.001-06:00

Had to post, I love this pic taken at Caroline's 5th birthday party this past weekend.

Makes me sad we don't take picture of adults anymore in our house.