The Constitution

I don't have any pictures, but Abby's been learning about America this week as it is Constitution Week at school. She now knows that the stripes on the flag are for the first col-tonies (colonies) and the stars are for the fifty states. She also learned the song "Grand Ol' Flag" which just so happened to be one of my favorites as a child! So, all week we've been singing that, "The National Anthem" and reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance." It is so fun to watch her learn things and this week has been especially fun because I sure love the American flag and all it stands for!

A Visit with the Parker's

Abby and Ethan playing in the sprinklers

Princess, Nik and Ethan on Steve's 4-wheeler
Ethan and Princess Abigail... they are getting soooo tall!
Crazy Jacob dancing!
Ab dancing like an airplane.
Abby and Nik (who just woke up).

Last weekend Travis, Kara, Ethan and Nik came to visit us. We had a wonderful time even though the visit was just too short. We are very excited that they are only about five hours from here and we look forward to more visits with them. Abby & Jacob especially loved seeing their old friends from Texas. They got to show them their favorite spot Monkey Joe's, ride the 4-wheelers, dance around the living room and their favorite backyard activity... playing in the sprinklers. We sure miss the Parker's and can't wait to plan our next trip!

Long Weekend!

Well, we are coming to the end of a long weekend and it is back to the grind tomorrow. We had a nice, relaxing weekend. Steve and I took Abby & Jacob to Monkey Joe's yesterday. They had a great time running around and bouncing all of their energy out. Blake stayed home and did homework. He really does have a lot of homework all the time, but he is very good about getting it done. Saturday, Blake and Steve did a lot of yard work. Our yard looked like a jungle because of all the rain we've been getting. Poor Blake's allergies started acting up. The biggest news of the weekend is Abby lost her second tooth (and she did not swallow it). Grandma made her a tooth pillow, she was able to put her tooth in that last night for the Tooth Fairy to leave her some money. She was very excited to wake up this morning.
Princess Abby with her tooth pillow made by Grandma!
Abby showing off her "lost" tooth!

Blake will probably kill me for posting this, but he looks so serious, I love this picture!

Blake is doing well. As I've mentioned before he has a ton of homework and we feel terrible for him because it takes up all of his free time. He has joined the Spanish Club, the National Senior Beta Club and one other club that the name escapes me. The Beta Club will be really good for him and it will help him become active in the community. We are very proud of him.

Two weeks ago we had about seven days straight of rain. The last day included a small tornado (which of course I was freaked out) but luckily everyone was ok. The rest of the days it just rained and rained and rained. It rained those big, fat, splashing raindrops and there wasn't any thunder or lightning so Blake took Abby & Jacob out to play in the rain. They both wore one of his t-shirts and played so long the shirts were stretched out. They had a blast!






A typical Jacob face!

Jacob's favorite new thing to do is the laundry. The other night I was working on my homework and here he comes through the living room taking all of Blake's dry clothes to Blake's room. It was very funny. He sure comes up with some funny stuff. He really is crazy. His favorite thing to do is scream and throw things (not fun). He is doing very well in school and has been learning a lot of new things. Friday they had a "Hollywood" party at school where the kids dressed up as a make believe character to reinforce the lesson they had learned about the difference between reality and pretend. Jacob was a pirate and had a great time.

Abby loves Kindergarten. Her teachers are awesome with her food allergies and I appreciate that so much. The other day she brought home a picture of a beautiful purple flower which she made at school by putting paint on the paper, folding it and pushing down on the paper. She asked me if I knew what kind of shape it was and I told her a flower. "No," she says "it is an organic shape." "What is an organic shape?" I ask. "A shape that is not like a circle or square... you know not regular shapes." I had never heard of an organic shape so I looked it up and the definition is: Organic shapes are shapes with a natural look and a flowing and curving appearance. I guess our smart girl learned this in art class. She is also stretching out words. This is a way kids learn to read. For instance, the teacher would say "mmm-i-lll-k" and then the children say the word the correct way. They do this so children become aware of the individual sounds in speech and learn that words are made up of sounds. It is very cool to watch her learn. Friday Steve and I were off of work so I took Abby to school (she could not wait to be a car rider). I walked her to the front door of the school. She gave me a kiss and off she went down the hall. She looked so big and independent I had a tear in my eye!

Dylan had to have a tooth pulled last week, but he got through it with the help of lots of laughing gas and sedatives. The Saturday prior to that he had a belt test for Tae Kwon Do and he did a great job and passed his test. That is really great considering he did not get to practice while he was visiting us. We asked him if he wanted to continue to go here, but he did not want to do it because he is used to his classes in S.C. Here are a few pictures and if you want to see more check out Traci's blog. Dylan and Blake are about to become big brothers for the last time. Traci will be having her last addition to her family this week (Hampton) and we wish her a quick, healthy delivery!

August Update

All four kids getting ready to play softball!

I can't believe so much time has passed since my last blog. Things here have been moving right along. The kids are all settled in school. Abby, of course, loves school and comes home each night and wants to play school. She had a great week and was able to choose a toy from the treasure box for good behavior (Unfortunately, I had to take it away because her behavior at home was not good at ALL!). I love picking her up from after school care each day because she is sitting with a group of girls "socializing" with them. It is very cute. Jacob enjoys school and they've been learning all about families and making new friends. Blake has been busy every night with homework. I think kids today just have too much homework... they go to school all day and then work on homework all night. Blake does a great job juggling everything and we know he is going to have a great year.

Yesterday, Blake and I went and bought him new glasses (he needs them for seeing things in the distance). He drove everywhere and is becoming pretty good. Then, we went to Books-A-Million where he had to choose a book for American Literature. He chose "Snow Falling on Cedars" by David Guterson. I bought a copy too and we are going to read it together. It seems like a pretty good book and it will be fun to do this with Blake.

Dylan left on Thursday and the house seems a little more quiet without him. He starts school this week and we are anxious to hear about his first day. It is nice that we live so much closer to him because we get to see him more frequently.

First Day of School

Abby ready to go into school!
Abby in her classroom standing by the "reading loft"

I cannot believe Abby began Kindergarten today. She was such a big girl as I walked her into class. She helped Mrs. Hunter pass out paper to each of the desks. Abby was very excited to begin her day. The teachers seem to be very understanding of Abby's allergies, so that eases my mind a little. Today, Abby will ride the van to after-school care. I am nervous but she wants to be a big girl so that is what I will let her do!


Jacob (still sleeping, I think)

Jacob began pre-K with Ms. Stephanie again. He was very tired this morning and did not want to wake up. Once we got to school he sat down on his spot and waited for his day to begin.


Blake wishing I would not take his picture.

Blake, who did not want his picture taken, rode the bus, too! I offered him a ride but I guess he just wanted to get into the routine. He's off to the 10th grade...

Busy, Busy, Busy

Abby at the peach orchard.
Meemaw, Blake and Abby
Jacob being shy! (sorry, no pics of Dylan this go-round)

I can't believe it is already August. Last weekend Meemaw, Grandpa and Uncle Dustin came for a visit. Steve, Abby and Dylan rode up to "the meeting point" to pick up Blake from his summer visit with his mom and their family. They actually got home (with Blake driving the car) about two minutes before Meemaw, Grandpa, and Uncle Dustin got here. It was really perfect timing. We all had a great visit. Grandpa helped Steve with some handy work around the house. Blake, Dylan and Jacob stayed home while the rest of us when to Lane's Southern Orchards (a big peach orchard, restaurant, and store). We had peach ice cream and peach cobbler (yummy)! We also all went up to Macon to the Bass Pro Shop and had dinner at Sticky Fingers which was delicious. Although the visit was quick we had a wonderful time!

Blake, Abby and Jacob start school Monday. Jacob will return to Little Reasons for their pre-K program. Last night Abby had her Kindergarten Open House. She got to meet her teachers, see her classroom, check out the library and meet the school nurse. I was very pleased with how they are handling Abby's food allergies. The biggest event of the evening... there is another Abby in the class. Abby thinks that is almost as neat as the reading loft in her classroom. Blake also had his Open House last night. He is going to have a full load this year with Algebra II and Chemistry as his two most challenging classes. We know he'll do well.

Today, I took Abby to Sweet & Sassy to get her hair cut and her toe nails and finger nails polished. She had Lindsey paint a palm tree on her big toe... very cute. Then, we headed to Kohl's for some tax free weekend shopping. We got her a few new outfits and some shoes. She can't wait to decide what she will wear to school on the first day! When we got home Steve took us all to dinner at the Outback. Now we're all tired and ready for bed.

I will try to post some pictures of the first day of school Monday afternoon. I really can't believe Blake will be in the 10th grade, Abby in Kindergarten and my baby boy heading into his 2nd year of pre-K! Dylan doesn't start school for a few more weeks, but he will be in the 8th grade in S.C. Time really does fly!!!

Another Week Gone By...

Dylan's Little Burritos!

Abby fixed her own hair.

The princess ready to go bowling.

Dylan wishing he had bumpers!
Jacob bowling better than Dylan :-)
Who is this handsome guy?
The princess about to throw the ball...
Abby jumping into the pool (Dylan calls this "Abby's Amazing Flailing Leg Flop").Practicing her kicks (notice the face)

All done with the Swimming Showcase!

I can't believe how quickly time is going by this summer. Last weekend I took the kids bowling. Abby got all dressed up for the occasion and even fixed her own hair (she took it down before we hit the bowling alley). The first game of bowling was fun, but two games may have been too much to ask Abby & Jacob to do. We did have fun and Dylan convinced me to eat lunch there (which was pretty inexpensive and not too bad). Abby and Jacob had their swimming showcase Wednesday, but Jacob has suddenly decided he will sink if he gets in the pool... so no showcase for Jacob and we've got to get him back in the water. Abby did a fantastic job. The last session of swim lessons she got most improved and this time she was jumping on her own and swimming under water. For the last few summers she has not wanted to get in the water because of her skin and her fear. So, this is a big milestone for her. I am still trying to talk Steve into a pool, but don't think we will do it because this is not our permanent home.

Steve is on his way home from Texas today. We have big plans this weekend. One of Abby & Jacob's friends from school is having a birthday party at Monkey Joe's (lots of blow-up trampolines and slides). Steve and Dylan are going to see Batman and I have to do homework. Next week I have my finals and then a little break just in time for Meemaw, Grandpa and Uncle Dustin's visit next weekend. Blake will be home, too. I am sure he dreads getting back into the reality of school starting in two weeks!

Dylan & Disney

I can't believe how much time has passed since my last post. Dylan has been here a few weeks and the kids are having a great time hanging out with him. Last weekend, Steve left for a two week TDY to Texas. The kids and I headed down to Florida to hit Disney to visit my New Hampshire family. We stayed at the Shades of Green Resort (a military resort). It was very nice there and I told Steve we have to go back. We had a wonderful time. It was awesome to watch Abby & Jacob's expressions as they went through "It's a Small World" and "Winnie the Pooh." Abby could not wait to get on the Goofy roller coaster again (Jacob skipped that one) and Jacob could not wait to get on the race cars. We went into the Magic Kingdom Sunday, Animal Kingdom Monday and Disney Studios Tuesday. By far, our favorite was Animal Kingdom. The kids loved the Safari. Jacob really liked the petting zoo! It was very hot and we spent most of each day at the parks. Tuesday, we went to Downtown Disney in the pouring rain. Abby and Jacob got their first big kid Lego sets (Abby's is pink, of course). Wednesday morning before we left, we went into Celebration and ate breakfast and headed over to a pond to take some pictures. We actually saw a little alligator swimming around. Jacob thought that was really cool. We had fun with our New Hampshire family!

Amy, Abby & Jacob at the Shades of Green Resort (I love the patriotic Mickey)!
The kiddos in front of Animal Kingdom!
Jacob brushing a goat... he loved it. Once I told him to brush one and he said "No mom, I've already brushed him."
The kids in the pouring rain in front of the Lego Store!
The four of us right before heading home (Jacob was not happy)!

The little alligator!!

Abby Lost Her First Tooth

Last night we were out to eat. Before we began eating I was talking to her about the tooth and saw it in her mouth. Well, in the middle of her taco I looked at her and said "Where is your tooth?" She realized it was gone and began crying (I think I startled her). We searched all over her plate, but it seems she swallowed it. We told her the Tooth Fairy gives extra money for swallowed teeth. All evening she ask all sorts of questions about the Tooth Fairy. She was so happy to get her $$ this morning and put it directly into her piggy (which is actually a cow) bank! I can already see her big girl tooth coming in. She is just growing too fast.

June Update

I must start out with the biggest news of all... Ms. Abby has a loose tooth! We keep waiting for it to fall out so the Tooth Fairy can pay us a visit. It was loose the entire time we were in Florida and of course she just can't wait!

Well, we are back from our week long trip to Florida! We packed up the car and headed down to my grandmother's house near Tampa (Steve headed to Orlando for a symposium). The kids and I spent three days there and had a great time. We went to the swimming pool, Honeymoon Island (a beach) and the bowling ball house (a house decorated with all types of bowling balls). We also got to spend time with my Aunt Jean, Uncle Gary and cousin Anna. Abby adored Aunt Jean and was very excited to get to sit with her at dinner. Our highlight at the beach was collecting seashells and seeing a dolphin swimming close to the shore! Jacob liked the birds and shooed them away so they would not eat our picnic lunch.

Abby & Jacob at Honeymoon Island!

Wednesday we headed over to Orlando to see Daddy. The kids were very excited and Thursday we spent the day with Aunt Mary at the pool. The highlight of the Orlando trip was to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. The kids were SOOO excited. Steve & I loved watching their faces light up as they saw Cinderella's Castle as we were arriving on the monorail (which they loved). Abby got to see Ariel and Jasmine which was one of her favorite things besides Goofy's Barnstormer roller coaster. Jacob, on the other hand, had a blast playing in the water in front of Ariel's grotto, riding the Dumbo ride and meeting Buzz Lightyear! They both really enjoyed the Indy Speedway and I think they would have done that over and over again. It was really special to take the kids to the Magic Kingdom for the first time. We look forward to taking them again and again and exploring the rest of the Disney parks!

Abby & Jacob at the Magic Kingdom!!!

Mommy & her Prince and Princess on board the train at the Magic Kingdom!!

We got home Saturday so we would have a day to rest and celebrate Dad before heading back to work. The first thing Abby said to Steve Sunday was "Happy Father's Day." She was very excited to give him his gift and go out to eat. Abby & Jacob made Dad a picture holder/paper weight from seashells and clay (very cool). Steve picked Outback, so we headed out for lunch and then grocery shopping. The rest of the day I spent doing homework, the kids played and Steve watched the U.S. Open... Go Tiger!

Abby & Jacob started swimming lessons at their school yesterday. Jacob can dog paddle, but they are learning the basics this session and will have another session in July. I will keep you posted on their progress. They've had so many summers where their skin has kept them from being comfortable in the water, so we are very excited their skin is doing well and they can begin to enjoy summer.

Watchin' the Rain

We're having a nice thunderstorm tonight and the kids set up their chairs in the dining room to watch the storm. Once I brought out the camera the kids started to act like little hams!



Well, it is official... Abby has turned into a true Georgia Peach! She came home one day a few weeks ago and asked me "Mommy is it DRINK or DRAINK?" I could not stop laughing at her cute little Southern drawl. Yesterday, she asked "Is it TuesDAY or TuesDEE?" Again, too cute. All of her friends and teachers at school are from Georgia and she is going to sound like she is, too!

Memorial Day Weekend

I love loooong weekends! We are able to relax and enjoy the kids without having to worry about the upcoming week. Friday, the kids all had school (Blake's last day as 9th grader) and Abby & Jacob had field day. Parents were invited to come join the kids for pizza and games. The kids loved the bouncers they had there and getting wet without getting in trouble. We forgot our camera, but Steve took one picture with his phone of Abby playing in the water. Yesterday, Steve took Blake to go visit his mom for the summer. When he got home, Abby & I headed out to the commissary to do our weekly grocery shopping. Today, Steve, the kids and I headed out for lunch, some shopping and a long-awaited haircut for Jakey. We had planned on going up to Callaway Gardens, but decided to save on gas money and stay close to home. We bought some sidewalk chalk today and the kids had a great time "chalking" with dad (great entertainment for 99 cents). I made some jello-jigglers and egg-free chocolate chip cookies for the kids. We really have had a wonderful time just hanging out with each other. I am not sure what we will do tomorrow but I am going to try not to think about the upcoming week. We hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day.
Jacob drew a self-portrait!
The Princess drew a princess!