Destin 2009

We had so much fun in Destin this summer. This was our first "official" family vacation and it was well worth it. The kids did great during the 14 hour drive and we were lucky to have Mom and Dad, the Craigs, and the Starrs join us.

Our first night at the beach

Dinner at Pompano Joe's

Natalie, Emma, Kennedi, Bodi, and McKenzie

Natalie, Emma, and Bodi

Emma and Bodi (Emma says Bodi's hair looks like Dora's)

Ba with Bodi, Emma, and McKenzie

Me and Ba enjoying the beach

Ba on the boogie board, he turns 70 in October but that didn't slow him down

Holding the alligator at Fudpuckers

A Quick Stop at Nana and Pepaw's

We stopped at Nana and Pepaw's on our way home from Destin. It was a quick visit, but the kids got a chance to spend some time with them and ride horses.

Emma with Bodi holding on tight

Emma on Leroy, she is a natural!

I'm not quite ready for Bodi to ride solo just yet

Kindergarten, here we come!!!

The time has finally come..... the first day of Kindergarten!!!! Emma was excited all Summer about this huge milestone but last night, she was unusually quiet. I asked her if she was excited and she said yes, but she was a little nervous. It broke my heart when she told me she was nervous about a new teacher, new friends, and a new school. Many of her friends from Pine Crest Private School will attend Central Park but only 2 of them will be in her class. We talked about how fun school was going to be and how to make new friends.

Emma hopped out of bed at 6:15 this morning. Usually, it's a fight to get her up at 6:45 but she was ready to go. She said she was still a little nervous but excited too. I fixed her favorite breakfast(pancakes) and off we went. She was so cute! Bryan and I were the crazy parents, capturing every minute with our camcorder and taking tons of pictures.

Leaving the house, she's ready to go!

Arrival - the school had a photographer up front so Bryan and I were able to get a picture with Emma.

Right outside her classroom and looking for her cubby.

Getting settled.

Emma was a little clingy and having a tough time. As we left, Emma ran up to us and wrapped her arms around me and wouldn't let go. Her teacher, Mrs. Stamps, stepped in and told her how much fun they were going to have but she wouldn't budge. Mrs. Stamps then leaned down and gave Emma a big hug and that was all it took! Emma looked at us and said "bye". That was all she needed, I can't believe the power of a hug.

I was able to cut out of work early and pick her up at school. We went for ice cream and just talked about all the new things she experienced. Her favorite part of the day was recess. I'm so proud of her and how she handled such a big step in her life. I'm so happy we survived the first day of Kindergarten and did it without a shedding a tear, including me and Bryan. I look forward to hearing all about her days and can't wait to do it again in three years when Bodi heads off to school.

P.S. I plan to get caught up on my blogs soon. We got back from Destin over a week ago and I have lots to post... stay tuned!