The last week before school Unity Church has their day camp for the older elementary kids and this was AB's second year to attend. She had a great time as you can see by the pics. Thankful for all that she experienced and new friendships that were made!
And then it was time for one last hurrah on the water! The girls and I took turns tubing all day that Saturday trying to get it out of our system for school was coming and we knew so was the end of lazy summer days!
I even gave it a try a few times but was almost flipped of by dad so decided to sit it out after that scare.
Dinner with my favorite people at one of our new favorite spots on central avenue.
and then this happened...maybe we shouldn't discuss it publicly but since the victims have already identified us I guess I might as well fess up. We myself and Jen Tyree took our girls over to the neighbors place for a little revenge. In our defense, we had been rolled at least 3 times by the said victims so we decided it was time to give them a taste of their own medicine. and boy did we...I think Vaseline on door handles, booby traps and all we definitely got a little carried away. I will admit it was not my shining mom moment but boy did we have fun!! And it seems for now the score was settled not sure they knew what to do to top all that!
That last week since Aunt T had to be back at school we had a visitor come stay with us for a few days. Miss Aimee had her hands full during the day with these two since sister was at camp. They seemed to enjoy all the aspects of being in charge for the week quite nicely!
And then it was the day I had dreaded for some time...my baby's first meet and greet with her Kindergarten teacher. I can't believe how time has flown by and this precious baby is so big! She was so excited though it was hard to hold her back. So proud she has Mrs. Bingham and I look forward to a great year!
AB is such a big girl now that she not only has one teacher but four! Time really does flash before your eyes doesn't it?!!!
The weekend before school started was the Watermelon Festival and since it was a wee bit later this year I was busy planning the concert so the girls and I took a spin through the Arkansas Fallen Solider exhibit and I must say it was humbly for us all. If you have never had the opportunity to visit a memorial like this I encourage you to do so it really opened up their eyes to the sacrifices of so many families for what we enjoy everyday.
This year the opening act I hired for the concert was none other than Miss America 2017! It was a first for us to have a Miss America come to the festival let alone perform but Betty did a great job and was such a sweetheart to all the many girls she met that day.
But my favorite part was this...I have LOVED the Oak Ridge Boys for years ever since I was a little girl and this moment was long time coming. I was able to meet and visit with each of them and let me tell you they are as nice and down to earth men as you will ever meet. I am so thankful that they were able to be with us that weekend and boy did they put on a heck of a show that night!
I even let Mitch be in the pic!
And the next day it was time...the first day of school had arrived just like that. As tradition the girls made their own posters that we have done each year. I can't wait to look back one year at all the changes and likes and dislikes that have occurred since Pre-K. Here are just a few of their favs...
Who said this girl wasn't ambitious?!!! 22 kids now that is something I better work hard now to retire early if I am going to help with all that!
The blessing of the backpack...makes this even more special.
Just too cute...I want to squeeze her just looking at this pic.
And the big girl backpack that she had to have this year...poor thing with all those books it may not even make it to Christmas.
I think they were glad to be back though to see all their friends and get the year started.
This really isn't something I would normally post about but considering this is meant to be a blog for my children to look back on one day I decided instead of being behind the camera I would show them something I am proud of...I do work really hard each day to make them proud of me and all that I do and being recognized by peers for that is something that I should share with them. I was chosen as one of the "fabulous 40 under 40" (which yes by the way I barely made the cut) for Four States magazine in Texarkana for my work in that community and on our campus. I participated in Leadership Texarkana last year and learned so many unique facts about that city that I have enjoyed becoming more involved there as well as Hope.
Another first for us that week was a trip to play laser tag with friends. My girls had never done this before and were a little hesitate at first but once they got the hang of it they were all over it.
She means business can 't you tell. Don't mess with this one!
And another first this year for us was volleyball. AB was asked to participate in a elementary team for her school and she ended up really enjoying it. I must say I was a fan of volleyball after it was all over too...not as much risk of injury and indoors (after a long hot softball season) these were two great perks!
And yet another first that I hope is a last!! I was at the gym working out one afternoon and as usual the girls came with me. The kids love running around and playing together until that moment when you hear a cry and you know it's yours. I saw her running to me and realized that her arm was totally out of line with her hand. It was in that moment that I scooped her up loaded her and sister in the car (dad was at the golf course in Texarkana at the time) and drove her to the ER. This sounds crazy that I would have driven her but no need to worry it was only a 1/4 of a mile from the gym! Luckily for me they got her right in and on some morphine because this little baby of mine was in pain. (Don't worry only photos taken were after she was settled and on medication and feeling no pain otherwise I was a crazy person) We spoke with Children's Hospital in Little Rock and they advised that we make our way by ambulance to their orthopedic doctor to set the arm. And so that we did. Dad made it just as we were leaving so he followed in our car and big sis stayed behind with Nana and Pop at our house.
She was so brave, maybe because she was feeling no pain from the morphine that sister was crying and as I told B she was crying because she was so worried about her she simply looked up at me and said "Why is she crying I ain't worried about me, I ain't worried about anybody!" That I knew she was feeling no pain and was going to be just fine.
Our selfie posts on the 2 hour drive to Little Rock. This is her scared face...
This is her "I'm on morphine face!" We tried anything we could to keep her smiling on the drive.
And then we were finally there and Aunt T even met us with clothes since we were both still in gym gear for the long night ahead.
We made it back home the next morning around 5 after the arm had been set and she was so excited to see all the attention that came her way. and she deserved every bit of it because she never cried as that doctor set her arm that night or even in the days following she was such a brave little girl.
Just a few of all the treats this girl enjoyed from friends.
That weekend big sis had Nutcracker tryouts and we were there to support her the whole way through.
She did such a good job during tryouts that she landed one of the best roles for girls her age...a snow Fairy. So cute1
Meanwhile, B and I found a way to literally pass the time at Lola's bday party while sis was trying out.
AB and her buddy Audrey were just too cute for words that day! Both were so excited to get to see each other as Audrey has now moved off.
And then the next week after the arm had time to heal and the swelling had gone down we were back at Children's for a cast. The only problem was that the tie die we had spent so much time talking about that one long night in the ER was not available but being as Brit is so resourceful she came up with her own design!
Which was also rewarded with a matching Purple Cow milkshake! It was huge though...I still can't believe she never complained about the size or the weight of this thing. She even picked up her left hand during school and started writing with it just like she had been doing it all along!
And more volleyball continued throughout the month. This girl even got a couple of returns!
But the hit of the game was little sis and that electric cast that had all the kids wanting to sign.
A weekend of some peaceful family time in the spa city followed. We had enough excitement for a week or two to last me for a while. Love Rolondo's patio in the fall...
and our Saturday outings to the farmers market.
But this just happened to be the first Razorback game day as well so we decked out in our gear to bring them their first victory of the season! And unfortunately one of the only ones that season!
Just a little cousin time one day at Nana and Pop's house. this is by far their favorite party the shows and performances are first class.
Happy Fall Ya'll! Bring on many more adventures and a big birthday up next!
