Tuesday, August 31, 2010

First Day of School

Oh my sweet girls, how is it possible that I have two babies in school?  This is a very bittersweet moment.  How many times have a longed for some quiet, peace, and time to myself?  Now that I have three mornings a week, I am not quite sure what to do with myself.  I am sure I will quickly fill up that time but I am not so sure that I like the quiet after all. 

DSC_0013Now back to you girls.  Lily, 4K is your year to shine.  You run right into your classroom with no problems.  I am excited for all the new things you get to learn this year.  I know you will soak in every bit of knowledge you can because you love to learn.  I am always amazed at the depth of questions you ask me, and I love that anytime you don’t know a word, you always ask me what it means.  I just hope I tell you the right thing, because once you hear it, you don’t forget it.     

DSC_0031Sarah Ellen, how is possible that you are old enough to be in school?  It seems that you just started walking and talking and now you will be a big girl sitting in circle time, playing in center time, and listening (hopefully) during story time.  Even though, I may not be ready for you to start school, you sure are.  You run right in your classroom and barely notice that Mommy is leaving.  I am very thankful that you love your teachers and classroom and are so comfortable with your surrounding.  DSC_0014DSC_0017DSC_0024-1Sarah Ellen, I just love the way you look at your big sister – so full of love.       DSC_0032-1DSC_0038 DSC_0043DSC_0046As I mentioned, Sarah Ellen has no problems being left.  She jumped out the car and ran straight for the gate leading to her classroom.  She ran right in and got straight to business.DSC_0063DSC_0069  DSC_0054Once again, Lily is with her best buds this year.  I love that these three have each other to learn and grow with.   DSC_0073 DSC_0077 DSC_0078 Lily gave me a quick hug and was off to play and learn.

I am thrilled for my girls this year.  They get to spend their mornings with loving teachers in a nurturing, Christian environment. 

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Whew, I did It

I still need to tweak a few things but, overall, I am happy with my new blog layout. I had no idea it would be so difficult. Believe me, putting those pictures in the banner was no easy task with my piddly free software. There are a few things I want to change but don't know how. I am afraid I might be getting the photoshop bug. Nancy, you may be hearing from me soon for a lesson...

Saturday, August 21, 2010

YIKES

Okay, I have completely messed up my blog. Be patient with me while I try to repair it. If only there was an undo button!!!!!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Friends, Family, Food, and Fun

One of the beauties of vacation at the beach is that the children are usually so worn out after a full day of play they were ready to settle in and snuggle up during down times. IMG_2691DSC_0026IMG_2693 IMG_0394IMG_0272IMG_2720 IMG_0397Cameron eating up her little girl snuggles.  She rock rocked Sarah Ellen every night.DSC_0032DSC_0050IMG_0449Margaret Anne, I truly admire your ability to fall asleep pretty much anywhere.  IMG_2683

We also discovered that our children are little vultures.  As soon as food was near, they were swarming and devouring.  IMG_0331DSC_0029IMG_0330

Mealtimes were always an adventure.  Morning, noon, and night – nine plates, nine milks, nine “What’s for dessert?”  We ate like kings the entire week:  BBQ, baked ziti, banana pudding, french toast, strawberry short cake, mexican casserole, country fried steak, chocolate cake and so much more.  I sure hope all the playing we did made up for all the eating we did.  Did I mention how much I liked communal living?IMG_0358IMG_0348IMG_2741IMG_2742

This was Sarah Ellen’s favorite spot for the week.  She loved the water spigot and bucket.  We finally had to barricade it just to keep her on the beach.  I believe we may owe the Gaddy’s a little on the water bill.DSC_0037 Anyone who can do hair this cute sure needs a little girl.  Thank you Cameron for our beautiful hairdos. DSC_0055 DSC_0058 IMG_0238Pure cuteness   IMG_0367 Nine cuties:  Austin, Lily, MA, Olivia, Abigail, Porter, SE, Matthew, and Bailey. IMG_0377IMG_0455 IMG_0459IMG_2717Mr. Allan was our music coordinator for the week.  He brought shakers and a drum.  That’s right, a drum.  As if nine children weren’t loud enough.IMG_2724IMG_2743 IMG_2748 IMG_2761 IMG_2768 IMG_2774

Ahhh, bedtime.  With the children all snug in their beds, the adults enjoyed sunsets on the dock, games, laughing, laughing, and more laughing.  IMG_2793 IMG_2804 IMG_2806 IMG_2807

I think that about sums up our amazing week.