First Day of School-August 10th, 2009

Where did summertime go? How could the girls be starting school already? Actually, what is wrong is that the South goes back to school way too soon. Who starts school on August 10th? These are the dog days of summer when swimming feels the best and here we are shopping for back to school shoes. I guess one good thing is that the girls don't require a whole new wardrobe. It's so hot that they will just wear their summer things for another month or so.

Today is the baby's first day of first grade (Bud hates when I say the baby) but I will always see her that way in my mind I am sure. She is the one attached at the hip. The one who would I am sure much prefer to hang out here at home and never go to school. She didn't get the teacher she wanted but I knew Mrs. Rogers would be a fabulous teacher when she got down at Maddie's level to say hello and really talk to her. I know she is nervous but I think she is going to do just fine.

Madeline 1st day of 1st Grade (2009-2010)

Abby is starting 4th grade and while I relish watching her experience new things, I will always feel that twinge. Wasn't it just a few days ago that she had her baby bob haircut and I was standing her on the fireplace to take a picture of her before she headed to daycare. I thought she was so big then and she was only 2 1/2!! She is so excited about this year. She is involved in so many things that it makes my head spin, Math Club, Reading Club, Girl Scouts, tumbling, cheerleading, not to mention her Target classes and regular schoolwork. Somehow she makes it look effortless. We met her teacher at Sneak-A-Peek and I think she and Ms. Embry will do just fine together.

Abby (my diva queen) 1st day of 4th grade (2009-2010)

Destiny begins middle school. She is finally in 6th grade. When I look at her I don't think she looks any different but when I look at the pictures of the tiny girl that came at age 8, I realize how much she is changing. She is so excited about middle school and changing classes and lockers and new friends and new opportunities. It is a chance to set herself apart from her little sisters. I am sure that she will have a wonderful year.

Destiny 1st Day of 6th Grade (2009-2010)

The girls all together with new backpacks and clothes. Ready for the first day of school.

Happy 4th of July Weekend

Fourth of July was so nice this year because Oma came to share the weekend with us. I have been blessed in my life to have Shelly. She has been more to me that just another mother-in-law. I am fortunate enough to call her friend.

The girls and Bud had a great day with her when they picked her up at the airport. They visited the Coke museum (especially the tasting room). We got a chance to just swim and hang out with her and then got to share Kennesaw's 4th of July celebration with her which included jumpy things, good food and fireworks. The girls had such a great time on the bungee jump and Oma to thank for that since only a grandmother would pay 7.00 apiece to let them do that.

This year marked the first year that we didn't have all the girls with us. Abby got a phone call from a little boy who wanted her to go to the fireworks with him. After talking to the mom and her relating the story that she offered to let him invite any one of his friends that he wanted to and he picked Abby, we decided to let her go. "He's my friend Mama" is what she told me. Friends I can handle but anything more than that will have to wait for quite a few more years.!!!

We discovered Saturday night that Shelly's ticket had her leaving Sunday evening and not Sunday morning. Bud had previously planned since drop her off on his way out of town on Sunday morning with the girls to go and visit his dad at work in Louisiana. She sweetly decided to stay with me, go to church that morning, eat lunch and then go to the airport. We had a wonderful time. The house was sure quiet after everyone left. I don't think I have ever been without the whole family other than when I was out of town on trips for work.

Abby's 4th of July "date" Hunter

Destiny

Maddie

Abby

Abby flipping

Fabulous Fireworks!!!!!