Ryan's First Day of Preschool

Ryan is now in school too...preschool that is! He wasn't so sure this is what he had in mind until Mad let him know that they have snacks and then it was all good. He's excited to have his own school. He was quiet the first day but he seemed to enjoy himself. He's pretty easy going guy so I'm sure he'll have a great time at school. It is hard on Mom to admit her baby is in preschool but I'll be fine too!! Ryan was pretty fascinated by the little potties at school. I guess that means he used them!

First Day of School!!!

Yes, it's that time of year again! The girls were off to their first day of school this morning. Mad was super excited to be a first grader and stay ALL DAY at school. Plus, she LOVES her teacher Miss Cain. Lauren was nervous but she too is excited to have Mrs. Maire and some of her friends in her class. Plus, she is in a new hallway which is big stuff! The girls picked out their outfits last night and told me what they wanted in their lunch for the first day. It's pretty exciting around here! Ryan had to wear his backpack today to school too but he has about a month before he is off to preschool....but he wanted to wear his to school today too!!!

A Simple Reminder....

It's been six months since the tornado came down our street. Most of the houses have been repaired and fences and whatnot replaced. It's hard to find evidence of that amazing night when you drive down the street now....except for this tree. This tree use to be a full tree and the tail of the tornado sliced right through it on it's way down our street. Now it looks more like a "V" instead. Perhaps "V" for victory?!? For those of us here it stands as a simple reminder of the great mess that storm made and a reminder how through it all not only did everyone survive the storm but neighbors became better acquainted too! I like to drive by the tree and reflect on that eventful night and am thankful we are all well.

FIREWORKS!!!

After the fourth fest closes down, we pull our chairs out of our vehicles and watch the fireworks in the parking lot of church. I even let the kids do the sparklers this year. Plus I had those glow necklaces this year too. Madeline headed inside for her own private (read quiet) viewing of the fireworks. Yeah, I was the cool Mom this year. By the time the fireworks were done the kids were tired!! They had it. After the family time earlier in the day then the fourth fest plus fireworks....well, they slept well that night!

Fourth Fest

Being that our church is downtown, what better place to hold a fourth fest party?!? Each year it gets bigger and better. This year over 200 people were there for food, games, and music. It was alot of fun. The kids enjoyed getting their faces painted and jumping in the inflatables. Lauren and Mad had fireworks painted on their cheeks but Ryan wanted to be a dog... what a surprise I know!! The music was nice and the weather fantastic! What a great evening!!

Fourth of July Family Style

We were all able to make it to the family fourth fest this year. No emergency rooms with scary faces and shots in odd places this year! Just good ol' family time. The cousins all enjoyed playing on the playground and blowing bubbles at each other. The guys played the annual bbal game and then Uncle "D" gave some pointers to the future players. What a patient uncle he is! There was lots of good food and even better fellowship. It's always a special time when we all get together.

Summer Time!!

Yes we are still alive and no we have not fallen off the face of the earth! But, thanks for the concerns!! We have been enjoying summer around here. You know, it only comes once a year so we are making the best of it. The Parks Department here has a fantastic list of activities for the kids to do over the summer. Lauren has been learning tennis twice a week and both girls are doing kickball twice a week. Plus Lauren had church camp and a Young Writers workshop and they all have been doing the summer reading program at the library. Lauren is about to head to Art Camp this week through the Parks too. Next week Mad heads to the Fun Zone through the school. Lauren will join her the following week. Needless to say, we have been very busy enjoying our summer. I love the programs for the kids. Keeps the "I'm bored" comments to a minimum!! We have found more kids in the neighborhood to play with. There are four three year old boys within a block different directions from our house. That will come in handy in a few years I am sure!!! Mad has been playing with a girl from her class around the corner as well as Linds across the street. Lauren has been in heaven since a girl moved in right next door!!! I can't tell you how excited she is. Miley is still with us and is finally calming down somewhat. She really is a good dog, just still somewhat of a puppy.