Back to School 2009. A 3rd grader and a Kindergartener!

Sigh. Double Sigh. I can't even look at these pictures without getting teary. I've got 2 big school girls now, and I just don't know how to take it. O started 3rd grade at a new school, and E started Kindergarten at a new school. The morning of, we started off super-motivated. As you can tell, E was especially "jacked-up" (as Drew and O would say). She bounced all the way to school, and never looked back. I, on the other hand, couldn't keep my eyes from welling with tears the whole morning. E, I am so proud and excited for you girlie.

Now, O was also excited, but seemed a little anxious at the same time. She started a new school where noone from her other school transferred. Luckily, we have one friend we knew previously in her class. However, at dropoff, O did not do as well. Let's just say after the realization she was truly somewhere new, she just had to cry it out a little before she was ready to go in class. I'm pleased to say that she's doing well now, after 3 days of school. By the way, this isn't my choice of a first day outfit ( I know that sounds snooty-sorry!) but they had field day out side the first day and they had to wear play-clothes. I'm pretty sure she's not going to put any bows in her hair this year, though!

E and her new teacher, Mrs. Kingsley. We love you Mrs. Kingsley!

O and her new teacher, Mrs. Glover. We love you Mrs. Glover!

Ashley's wedding day, part 2

Ahhhhhh....it's over! Here we are relaxing at our table at the reception. Catching up with our Brookwood friends kept us from our food for quite awhile, but when we finally got to dig in....yummy, heavenly, scrumptious WEDDING FOOD! Am I weird? I really look forward to weddings because of the food! Shhh...don't tell the bride!

Dancing with Daddy. And who knew M was such a dancer? I have video, but it's too dark. I must post some soon, though, she's quite the mover and shaker!

Beautiful bride Ashley sweatin' in her wedding dress on the dance floor with the kiddos! What a fabulous night!

Ashley's wedding day part 1

I may become a beautician. Seriously. I have never used hairspray and curlers like I did last Saturday. As each girl screamed, cried, and ran from me in terror, I just kept reminding them, "beauty hurts! beauty hurts!" I'm not sure they quite got that. And I'm not sure they should......Anyway, this is the 2 older girls with their curls just out. Though it was painful for them (I actually burned O's ear!) I think they were pretty proud of their hairdos!

Oh, bright cherubim, wouldst thou grace me with thy presence again and again? Ha! A little spitfire in angel's clothes!

Posing....and posing......and posing....for more....and more.....and more.....pictures. (but isn't she a beautiful bride?)

Ashley's Wedding Rehearsal and Dinner

I was so proud of my girls last weekend. Our babysitter and family friend Ashley got married in Birmingham last weekend. I was a little stressed when she asked ALL THREE GIRLS ( M? Really? I mean, she's only 2! Are you sure, Ashley?) But, I have to admit, I had always dreamed of the day that they would be flower girls. I actually never thought it would happen. But be careful what you wish for. It would have been nice to have them in 3 different weddings at 3 different times! Oh, well, who cares? It's over, and guess what? It went off without a hitch! (well, almost!)

Here are the girls at the rehearsal dinner.

Ashley and the girls after a few cupcakes!

Rehearsal dinner was a Vulcan-here we are waiting on the elevator to take us up!

And here is a goofy shot of me. I am terrified of heights. My girls must take after me, because they didn't want to stay up there more than about 2 minutes. I was thankful!

O's Happy 8th Birthday

A couple of weeks ago, My oldest girl O turned 8. She started off the day with margaritas and pancakes. Kidding, kidding. It's a 7-up float! In our family, when it's your birthday, you get to choose whatever the heck you want to eat for breakfast. And my girls always choose this particular breakfast. I just served it in the glass to make it festive, alright?
2 days later, she had her party. We had an art party in the backyard.

The girls had several art stations. A hat decorating station, a bubble painting station, a shaving cream marble paint station, and a canvas painting station. You can see the looks of concentrations on these faces. These girls were serious.

However, as luck would have it, the sky opened up and poured rain in the middle of the party. So we had 16 girls in our mess of a garage, plus 4 grandparents, an aunt, and the random adult who appeared here and there. It was mighty crowded!

As usual, though, what's chaotic for adults, is usually super fun for the kids. This photo is evidence of the chaos AND the fun. That's what it's all about at our house! So happy birthday (late!) to my biggest girl. You are so precious to me.