Fireworks!!

Chris and I took the kids to see the fireworks in Blue Ridge on the 4th of July. They were so excited to go! You know how sometimes you have this little voice in the back of your mind saying "Bad Idea! Bad Idea!" For some reason I never listen to this little voice. Brayden and I are the only ones who actually watched the fireworks. Emma and Jessica totally freaked out! Chris had to take them out of the crowd of people, sit on the ground behind a car with on kid on each side and bury their heads in his lap. They were petrified! Brayden and I stayed and watched, but he kept telling me he was ready to go home. He wanted to see them but was scared at the same time.

The good news is I took tons of pictures. I was going to take the tripod, but when I saw how far I was going to have to walk I decided to leave it in the car. I figured I wouldn't get any good shots, so I was surprised to get these. I'm sure if I'd used the tripod I'd have gotten some super great shots, but since the kids freaked on us I'm glad I didn't have the extra baggage. I told Chris that next year I'm going alone!

Summer Fun!

We haven't had much going on this summer. It seems to be flying by though! The kids have played outside on the new swingset, and in their little pool, which they love. The days are so hot though that they ususally end up inside. Dress up is a favorite for them. Here's Emma ready to go shopping:Great-Grandma was here for 2 weeks visiting. The kids love it when she comes. While she was here we attempted to get a picture of her with all the great-grandkids, but it didn't work out so well. I used my PNS for these pictures, which explains the focus. Plus, the kids wouldn't cooperate. Oh well, I suppose they'll do.
And here's all the grandkids. I really should have taken one of Mama and Daddy with the grandkids, but for some reason it never crossed my mind. I thought this one turned out ok. Please excuse the dirty feet!

We're planning a trip to Chattanooga sometime, next month we hope. Jessica has been begging us to take her to the Aquarium. They have a neat butterfly exhibit that she just loves. We're planning to make a weekend trip out of it and probably take them to the Children's Adventure Discovery Museum, too.

Jessica goes back to school on August 6th, and she's very excited about Kindergarden. We can't wait to find out who her teacher is, and go shopping for all her supplies! Funny though, all she cares about is finding a rainbow dress to wear on her first day back. My little prissy!

More Wedding Pictures

Joe and Crystal Walker's Wedding

I had the pleasure of doing the wedding pictures for Michael's sister's wedding. I thought I'd post a few on here.

The BrideThe Bride with all her Flower Girls and Ring BearerThe Bride and her brother Michael, who also gave her away.The Bride and her BridesmaidsThe Groom

Our New Swing Set

It took Chris all weekend to get it done, but he finally got the swingset put together. And the kids absolutely LOVE it! I got some pictures, but they're not very good. It's extremely difficult to get pictures of swinging kids! And Brayden was asleep so he's not in them.

Where have you been?

So, it's been way too long since I last posted! All it takes is a little break, get out of the habit, and suddenly months have passed. I'll try to do better. I know you all just LOVE all my ranting and raving!! Ok, ok, so it's the kids that bring you back. I'm just glad you're here!

What's been going on in our lives over the past 5 months? I guess I should start where I left off!

Brayden had his 3rd birthday!

We finally got moved into our new house. It's been a long time coming, and we're so thrilled. It's amazing how quickly it became "home". There are so many trees I have a hard time getting good pictures. This is the front taken from down the driveway.

This is a close up of the front porch. You can't really tell from the picture, but the porch is so high I can easily walk under it without having to duck.This is the back of the house.

The kids are loving their new bedrooms. Brayden has his own room, and since he's just like his Daddy it's always organized. He has his own big bed, which he's finally decided he likes sleeping in. It took us a full three years, but we finally got the little clinger out of our bed. Yay me!

Jessica and Emma are enjoying their girly room. Unlike their brother however, they refuse to keep it clean. Jessica is very excited to be sleeping on the top of the bunk bed, and although I was a bit worried it seems to be working out ok.

Easter!

Jessica had her 5th birthday!

Jessica finished Pre-K last week, and all she talks about is Kindergarden. She's so excited. She's learned to write her first and last name, and she does a great job counting and recognizing her letters and numbers. It's amazing to see how she's changed since she started in school. Leaving her friends, and especially her teacher, has been very difficult for her. I keep noticing her get very quite at different times during the day. When I ask what's wrong she tells me she misses Ms. Sherry. I think she'll be one of those teachers that Jessica will remember years from now as being a very special influence on her. This is Jessica with Ms. Sherry.

I think that's the highlights. Hopefully I can do better keeping you all up-to-date. Our summer is going to be pretty uneventful, but if the rain will stop we'll be spending alot of time outside. We're in the process right now of getting a nice swingset for the kids. Chris and I spent several hours last weekend clearing out a spot for it amongst the Mountain Laurel. Now we just have to pick up the set and get it put together. Hopefully by the end of this weekend the kids will have a swingset to play on. Jessica is very excited about getting a slide, and Brayden and Emma want nothing more than to swing the day away.