Abby's First Day of School

Well, it's official! Abby's a grown-up now. For all you moms whose kids haven't started yet, just wait. There's just something about "big school" that makes a little girl lose her innocence! She absolutely loves it though. She loves her teacher Mrs. Ramsey, too. She came home the first day and said she could read. She could read her book "School Time," but she has no idea that she really can't read. She wants to read a book to Elliott every night, which is really sweet. As I'm typing this I'm just about to doze off since this week has been so hectic. I guess we're just getting back into the swing of a daily schedule and such. Here's a few pics from the first day!

Beach Fun

We recently took the kids and headed to Rosemary Beach for some much needed vacation time. We had a blast!! The beach was beautiful, and the kids enjoyed it as well. Not only did we play at the beach, but I think one of the highlights of the kids' week was riding go-carts for the first time.
Here's a few pics...

LOVE

This is true love!!

Take a Look at This!!!!

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE Elliott! But... he's a boy... and totally different than his sister. I'm not going to compare them throughout life and give him the, "I'm never gonna be as good as my sister" syndrome. But Abby would've NEVER pulled a stunt like this one. Can you guess what that lovely white stuff is all over his mouth??? FREAKIN' WHITE OUT!!! What you can't see is the white out that's on the roof of his mouth! I immediately called poison control. Luckily, the man didn't think he got enough in him to make him sick. You can see how he thought the entire thing was hilarious! I guess I've got to start reading Dobson's "Bringing Up Boys" quicker than I thought!

Mud Island Fun

On Saturday we headed over to Mud Island for a family outing. Abby has been wanting to ride the tram for a long time, so we finally found time to go. We were pleasantly surprised! Next time we go we'll definitely put swimsuits on the kids. As you can see from the pictures, fun was had by all... except for the pedal boats!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

We went to my parents' house in Jonesboro to celebrate the 4th like we normally do.  We didn't get to participate in all of the festivities (swimming) like normal because of Abby's surgery.  It really didn't matter since rained most of Saturday anyway.  Here's some of the better pics!

Abby's Surgery

Abby had her tonsils out today.  It was a rough road for us all, but overall she was a trooper.  We could hear kids screaming in recovery, but Abby was just her sweet little self.  Hopefully she'll be like that the rest of the time.

Brenly passed her "earmuscles" down for Abby to use if needed.  Bren had her tonsils out a month or so ago.  She used the earmuffs when her ears started hurting.  When she heard Abby was having surgery, she asked Kim if Abby could use the muffs.  Isn't that sweet!  She's also been praying for Abby. 

Speaking of prayers...  words cannot express how thankful we are to have such wonderful friends. Many of you prayed for us, called, sent texts, or emailed to check on us.  We appreciate all of you! We love ya!!

Last Hurrah before Tonsils Are Gone!

Well Doug and I took Abby out the night before her surgery.  She's always wanted to go bowling so we went to Jillian's to eat, play games, and bowl.  We finished the night at The Crepe Maker.  Notice the score- I beat Doug by 20 points, plus I had 4 strikes!

My Kids Love Spaghetti!

That's about all I have to say about that.  Abby informed me her favorite thing that I cook is spaghetti so I fixed it the other night.  You can see the mess that Elliott made!!

Doug Is the Best Dad!

I have to let everyone know what a great daddy Doug is to our children.  God has blessed me with not only a loving, caring husband, but He has blessed me beyond measure with an awesome father to my children.  

I have to say that I was a little worried about Doug being a daddy.  I mean, he never really liked kids to begin with.  When I was pregnant with Abby, he would change the subject whenever anyone would talk about parenthood and the upcoming change it would be in our lives.  You know how people are when you're pregnant.  They say things like, "Oh, your life will never be the same."  or "You better enjoy each other now because when that baby comes..."  All that talk literally scared the crap out of Doug!!!

But as soon as Abby was born, he found a love that neither one of us could explain or have ever imagined, and he has never once thought about anything other than being the best daddy possible to both Abby and Elliott.  I just want him to know that he is the best daddy EVER, and I could never be prouder! 

Redbirds Game

Saturday night we went to the Redbirds game with my parents.  Boy, was it crowded!  We are so use to going on a week day, but since my parents were in town, we decided to go with them.  Both kids LOVED it.  As you can see, Elliott didn't like Rockey too much!

Zoo Field Trip

I went with Abby on her first and  only field trip of the year.  We went to the zoo, and the day couldn't have been more beautiful!  I can't believe she'll be starting kindergarten in 3 months!

Dance Recital

Abby had her first dance recital last weekend.  For the exception of the black hootchie mama dress, we had a WONDERFUL experience.  She was a little star!  Hope you enjoyed the photos!