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!

After the Ceremony...

After graduation, the preschool hosted an open house. This is a chance for all the parents to visit the children's classrooms and visit with the teachers. The school had so many games for the kids and even had pony rides and a dunk booth.

Katie Mae, Emma, and Natalie in line for the pony ride.

Look at Emma go, she's a natural!

I was so happy Bodi got on the pony, unlike his sister, he hasn't been around too many horses.

Natalie having fun on her pony.

Emma, Jack, Caroline, Alex, and Aiden. They have been in the same class since they were babies. They originally started at TCH and then moved to Pine Crest. They will all go to Central Park Elementary in the Fall. They are a very close group of friends.

Emma's Pre-K Graduation

Emma graduated Pre-K on Tuesday. I can't believe how fast it's gone by. I remember the day we brought her home from the hospital and she cried non-stop. She was even nicknamed "Barracuda" by the nurses in the hospital because she was the one that cried the loudest in the hospital nursery. I guess all the crying strengthened her lungs because she did a great job singing at the graduation ceremony.

Ready to get in her cap and gown....

Getting ready...

Emma and Caroline

Paige, Caroline, Katie Mae, and Emma

Pine Crest Class of 2009

Emma and classmates singing...

Aren't they cute?

After the ceremony

Bodi's so proud of Sissy!

Congratulations Emma, you're ready for kindergarten now!!!

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a great, long weekend. Bryan's mom came in from Meridian, MS and the Starrs came in from Dallas, TX on Friday. We left for Branson Saturday and met the Barnicas for dinner while the Craigs and Starrs stayed back at the hotel so the kids could swim. We left for SDC early Sunday morning. I was a little worried because there was a 80% chance of thunderstorms that day but it held off until after lunch. The rain wasn't too bad and we were able to enjoy some more rides. Once the rain started getting very heavy, we decided to make our way to the train depot so Bodi and Dougie could ride the train. The boys were so excited because that was the one thing they wanted to do. After waiting in line for a while, we were finally able to board the train but at the last minute, the conductor informed us that the ride was cancelled due to heavy rain! All in all, it was a great trip. We enjoyed spending time with family and our closest friends who are actually family to us.

Nana, Emma, and Bodi

Bodi finally met the 36" height requirement and was able to ride more rides this time :)

Emma and Ze riding the roller coaster

Here comes the rain, Bodi's ready though

My boys taking a dip in the pool

Mother's Day

I had the best Mother's Day! I always look forward to the crafts the kids make for me at school. Emma painted a flower pot and planted a Marigold in it. Bodi made a picture frame. They were both so proud of the gifts and it made me so happy to see how much love they put into making them.


Amy and I couldn't figure out where to go for brunch on Sunday, so we let the kids decide...Chuck E. Cheese it was! Although it was our day, it was nice to see the kids have fun. Amy took the pictures and I'll get them loaded as soon as I get them from her. Later that evening, the Craigs came over for ribeyes and filets. After dinner, we cuddled with the kiddos for a picture, I had such a great day with our families.

Silver Dollar City

We decided to take the kids for a quick weekend trip to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. The Craigs also joined the fun. We left bright and early Saturday morning and made the 2 hour trip up north. The roads were very curvy and eventually took it's toll on Emma. She threw up in the car about half way there. After a 30 minute pit stop to clean her up, we were on the road again. The kids had so much fun at SDC and had even more fun at the hotel, which had an indoor pool. We purchased season tickets and will visit again soon.

We got there just in time for Bodi to fall asleep.

He missed the first 2 hours there!

There was an area just for the kids. Emma could ride most of the rides but Bodi only met the height requirement for 2 rides. He might be able to ride more by the end of Summer, as he only has one more inch to grow :) Doesn't Bryan look like a giant in the frog ride?

I honestly didn't think Emma ride the swings, but she did. My heart stopped the entire time they were up there. My little girl is so brave!

We also caught some shows, the Chinese Acrobats were our favorite!

More fun pics

We had such a blast and can't wait to come back in May!