Just Because

Just because I love this girl in pigtails.

Just because swinging around in circles is so much fun.

Just because you are almost 2 doesn't mean you won't always be my baby girl.

Just because Anniston thinks she's an expert cartwheeler now that she's been in gymnastics for a month.

Just because I love this family. Even the dogs.

Alyssa's New "Crib"

Alyssa's room has been painted and decorated the same way since we moved into this house- she was 2 and a half. Its been pink and yellow with her little 2 and a half year old hand prints as the border for quite some time. She decided it was time for a change. A big change- she is, after all, 9 now. So, as part of her 9th birthday gift, we painted and redecorated her room. Here are some "Before's"-

Alyssa's 2 and a half year old hand prints. So little, so long ago.





And now some "After's"-

She was super excited about her new more mature bedroom.

The letters hanging above her bed were Aunt Jill's idea. I love how they turned out! This is the bedding she picked out.

Her new curtain from Nanny. It's really a shower curtain we looped ribbon through and turned in to a curtain.




Thank you Uncle Josh for helping Daddy paint. And thank you Aunt Jill for helping Mommy spray paint everything in sight black. ;)

Anniston Goes to Kindergarten

Anniston started kindergarten this year. Talk about excited! She was thrilled to find out her teacher would be Mr. Hodum, the same teacher Alyssa had. She let me walk her in the first day but requested to be "dropped off" on day 2. :( She was so proud of her new found independence. Anniston is having a great year so far. She got Student of the Week the 2nd week of school and I was so proud of her! She is a sweet girl at school (and at home most of the time...) and has made some new friends. I haven't worried about her a bit- she is at, I'm convinced, one of the BEST schools. Its kindergarten through 2nd grade so Alyssa just spent 3 wonderful years there. Coosada has the most loving and caring people working there- from the principal, to the teachers to the PE coaches and librarians to the counselors. I've never seen a school genuinely care about the kids as much as they do! I could sing Coosada praises all night- anyway, I'm very happy she's there and I know she is going to learn and grow so much! I can't wait to see what the year has in store for her! I'll leave you with a poem that Mr. Hodum passed out at Open House. I just love it and the philosophy behind it-

"Just Playing" By Anita Wadley

When I'm building in the block area, please don't say, "I'm just playing."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play about balance and shapes.

When I'm getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don't get the idea I'm "just playing" - I may be a mother or father someday.

When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please don't let me hear you say, "He's just playing."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play. I'm expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or inventor someday.

When you see me sitting in a chair "reading" to an imaginary audience,
Please don't laugh and think I'm "just playing."
For, your see, I'm learning as I play. I may be a teacher someday.

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
Or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
Don't pass it off as "just playing."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle, or "plaything" at school,
Please don't feel the time is wasted in "play."
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate. I may be in business someday.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please don't think that because I enjoy it, it is just "play."
For, you see, I'm learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday.

When you ask me what I've done at school today, and I say "I played,"
Please don't misunderstand me.
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to be successful in work.
I'm preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I'm a child and my work is play.

Doesn't that just sum up Kindergarten? :)

School Days....3rd Grade!

Alyssa started 3rd grade this year. No joke, 3rd grade. The school she was at, Coosada, was K-2 so this year she also changed schools. Airport Road Intermediate is 3rd and 4th grade. It is brand new this year so its exciting to be in a new building. Her teachers are Mrs. Kidwell and Mrs. Judge. Yes, that's right- 2 teachers! She changes up throughout the day. One teacher teaches math, science and social studies while the other teaches english, reading and spelling. Its a change all around for Alyssa (and for me!). I must admit, I am more nervous about 3rd grade than she is. But, she is a smart and sweet girl- I know she'll do great! So far, so good!
The first day in the first day outfit she picked out.



Sisterly support for Day 1!

The new backpack. Complete with monogram, of course.

Getting some 3rd grade advice from Aunt Jill.

Wonder World

The kids had asked to go skating at Wonder World several times throughout the summer. Finally, the Friday before school started back, we went. They skated and bounced on the inflatables for about 4 hours! It was a great way to spend our last Friday of summer vacation!

Fun In The Sun

The girls and I went to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach for a few nights this summer. My aunt Sheila and her twins Meredith and Madison and my Ma-Maw were staying in a condo there. We met them and the girls had a blast catching up and getting to spend time with one another! Meredith and Madison are a year younger than Alyssa and they all got along wonderfully.

Ayden Claire did not get along wonderfully with the sand, however. She was NOT getting off the towel nor was she walking in the sand!

Alyssa and Anniston getting some use out of their boogie boards.


We stayed at the Phoenix West. They sold huge snow cones out by the pool. After making the biggest mess imaginable with ours the first day, we decided against getting anymore!

Ayden Claire swimming with Alyssa

Ayden Claire loved the slide! She would go down over and over as long as Alyssa would take her! What a great big sister she has!

We went on a Dolphin Cruise one afternoon. I must admit, I wasn't as excited about it as the kids were and I was skeptical. I figured we'd see a dolphin or two for a minute or two and that would be that. It was actually very entertaining! We saw plenty of dolphins- not just jumping up randomly here and there. The boat was basically making waves for the dolphins to play in and they would swim alongside the boat for the longest time. I wish I'd gotten pictures now, but I think I was just too busy watching them to worry with the camera. It was lots of fun! Ayden Claire wasn't any too thrilled with the mandatory life preserver, though.

The girls enjoying the boat ride. It was hot but felt pretty nice while the boat was moving. So fun!

Of course, what would a beach trip be without a night spent at the Track?

Meredith and Alyssa insisted on riding the bumper boats. Needless to say, they had to dry out a little afterwards.

Ayden Claire loved the swings almost as much as she loved the slide back at the condo! I have a picture somewhere of Alyssa at this exact age on these swings. Wow-time flies!

Sadly, this will probably be the last time she rides the swings. She was really a hair too tall, but he didn't say anything. She looked quite bored and embarrassed for most of the ride. She's ready to move on to bigger and better and faster things.

Could Anniston be any prettier? She was such a sweet sister riding the kiddie rides with Ayden Claire. Usually Alyssa takes on the role of "big sister" but when Anniston does, she's wonderful too! After all, she learned from one of the best big sisters- Alyssa!

At the end of the week, Wes came down and spend a few nights with us at my dad and Jackie's house. We had a great time visiting them and Jay. Again, I didn't get any pictures at their house but we did go take a few beach pictures one day. It was not very successful, but we tried.


Check back soon, as I hope to have some family beach pictures that do turn out posted soon!!!

July 4th

Because I must have taken the month of July off from blogging. So, here are our patriotic babies.




And, because who doesn't love some $5 Children's Place red, white and blue shirts? We spent the 4th eating and eating and shooting fireworks with our favorite people- our neighbors and eating. Good times, good memories!