Dan Nicholas Park

Our family took a road trip to Dan Nicholas Park last weekend. Very cool public park to visit. There was something there for everyone. First stop was the train ride. Nolan took off at top speeds toward the "choo choo". It was just not an option to not ride the train first. We couldn't pass up gem mining for Ansley. Since she was a toddler, she has always loved the texture & beauty of rocks. She loved finding pretty rocks in different colors, sheens, & sizes. Madelyn enjoyed riding the dragon on the carousel best. I think we're going to try to go back this fall for the Halloween festivities.

Summer Rewind

Here's my new 8 passenger swagger wagon. Sweet ride!

3 of my pretty girls

Silliness

Sweetness

Ansley posing at ballet camp

Madelyn lost her fist tooth (Bottom front left)! She lost it while eating an apple.

Nolan's first horse ride. He loved it!

First Day of Kindergarten

Madelyn has been counting down the days for her first day of Kindergarten! She was excited to wear her school t-shirt that we bought at open house. The Kindergartners were able to bring a stuffed animal to class. After much consideration, she chose her dragon Happy Napper. Jon took her to school. She had a half day, only going in the morning. Full days will begin on Monday. Madelyn was perturbed when I picked her up from school. Apparently, a "bad boy" in her class got a Tiger Buck (school money) & she did not. I don't know what went down or why the "bad boy" got money & she did not. When asked why this boy was bad, Madelyn said he didn't use his manors nor raised his hand. Madelyn is very competitive. I hope that she will find joy in school & most of all, get a Tiger Buck of her own.

I am excited about Madelyn's teacher. She sent home a sweet poem (sniff, sniff)...

The First Day
I gave you a little wink and smile
As you entered my room today.
For I know how hard it is to leave
And know your child must stay.
You've been with her for five years now
And have been a loving guide,
But now, alas, the time has come
To leave her at my side.
Just know that as you drive away
And tears down your cheeks may flow
I'll love her as I would my own
And help her learn and grow.
For as a teacher, I too know
How quickly the years do pass
Just know that I will protect her
While she's in my class.
So please put your mind at ease
And cry those tears no more
For I will love her and take her in
When you leave her at my door.

Nolan Turns 2

My mission for Nolan's birthday was to make him smile all day long. A morning at Tanglewood Park to play on the train engine & playground with friends was a great start.

I surprised Nolan with a new Thomas the Train shirt to wear for his big day.

Our loveable neighbors made our morning at the park FUN.

Nolan had a Thomas the Train themed party. Nolan & his fellow party people jumped on an inflatable, splashed in the kiddie pool & ate pizza.

My generous & talented neighbor made Nolan's cake. Nolan preferred to blow out his 2 candles a few times before we sang Happy Birthday. He couldn't resist.

Goodnight birthday boy! You smiled from morning till bedtime...mission accomplished.