Kindergarten Updates

Kindergarten was a big step for Trey and for me. Probably more for me. Trey went to school all day last year, going to two preschools. However, these days, it seems like Kindergarten is the new 1st grade and there are a lot more expectations from this age group. Trey is handling the transition to "seatwork", etc a lot better than I had thought he would. I met with his teacher and resource teacher today for an hour to talk about Trey and the things that I was afraid were not happening in the classroom. Trey's teacher used to be a special education teacher and I thought she would be so good for him. I seriously started having my doubts after I had emailed her three times before getting back a response. Our school system is supposed to have a rule of 24 hours to return contact. That was not happening, so I had to cc the principal on the last two to get a response. I just felt like I wasn't in the "loop" as to what was going on with him in the classroom. He was having some behavior issues (most minor, some not so minor) and I was really concerned that he was not getting to be successful and that his modifications for the IEP were not being met. After meeting with the teacher and resource teacher, I feel a little better. At least I feel better that I am not thinking of pulling him from the school. I like our home school, but I know I also need to do what is best for Trey. I hope I didn't come across as "that mom" who all teachers dread see walking into the building....but I hope she knows I will become "her" if it means doing whatever I need to do for my son. For now, I am his voice.

5 Year Check up

Trey had his 5 year check up on Tuesday...and yes, I am just now getting around to posting about it....it has been that kind of week! Trey weighed in at 43 pounds (only 2 lbs up from last year!) and was 46" tall! He is basically a skinny, muscular boy! He did great....luckily no shots, only the flu mist, which he handles really well!

The down side to this visit was his doctor. There are many in this practice and we like most of them. I will be scratching this one off my list, however. When discussing Trey's diagnosis from last year of ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder, he responded with "that is a made up diagnosis" (in reference to SPD). I was taken aback. At first, I didn't know what to say. Then I responded with what I did for a living and how I see kids like Trey all the time in my classroom. I really wanted to tell him to come spend a few hours at my house and then tell me it doesn't exist. I was really shocked that he just flat out said what he thought...without disregard to my own personal opinion. I guess he thought since he was the doctor, that he knew it all. I have news for him!

At least I know my little guy is growing and, overall, is healthy and happy. That is what matters most. :)

The First Day of School

Today was our first day of school. A new year, with all sorts of new and exciting things to come. I was a nervous wreck all day, waiting to hear how Trey liked it. He did great....after I left and he warmed up to his surroundings. He was not very happy this morning and told me he did not want to go to school. I think (HOPE!!) tomorrow will be easier!
This was the only shot I could get Trey to smile in....he was not excited about today.
My high schooler. Wow...I want to cry just reading those words. It was hard to drop her off today. Harder than I thought.
Here is my very unhappy Kindergartener. He had a great day, but he definitely did not want to go. He was very apprehensive about it and would have rather gone to my meeting!
My big 4th grader. Hard to believe that in two short years, she will be in middle school. I am so glad she is with her brother for two years. I know he likes that.

Trey is Five!!

Trey turned 5 this past week. We had two birthday parties (family and friend) and he pretty much lived his birthday for over a week! He is very excited about being 5 and tells me he is bigger because his ears are bigger. Can't fight that logic! I am a little sad my BABY is going to school this year. I have no little ones anymore. Lily tells me I can always have another. I tell her that she thinks that sounds good, but only in theory. In reality, she would hate the crying, nap times, etc. I tell her to wait....Aunt Katie is next in line to have babies. :) Enjoy the slide show....

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Busy, Busy, Busy.....

We have been busy...even though summer is the time to relax. Meghan went from camp to a mission trip to band camp. She has finished two weeks of all day band camp and is now on to half days until school starts....which is next week!!! I can't believe our summer is just about over. I am sad to lose the ability to sleep in and do pretty much whatever we want, but I also know that we have desperately missed the routine...especially Trey. He alternates days of good with more days of bad (meltdowns over the littlest things). I think he is anxious to start school. While Meghan has been at band camp, we have gone to the pool andTrey and Lily have gone with me to help set up my classroom at my new school. I love it and things are coming together, slowly. I am anxious to be able to get it all complete. I am officially on the school clock as of next Tuesday. :( So long, summer!

Change is good....right?

We had big decisions to make in our family recently. Daniel was presented with the opportunity (I say that with a smirk*) to go on an agricultural mission to Afghanistan. Daniel and I had to decide pretty quickly if this was something I was willing to do. Notice the "I" part. I had a hard time the last time he went overseas. The girls were young and I felt very much alone, especially given where we lived. It was the hardest 13 months I have ever experienced and I REALLY don't want to do it again. Having said that, I realize that I married a military guy. His heart is in the military and it is what makes him him. Knowing that, and knowing that I DID survive and that their are many more resources out there for military families now, I agreed. He wanted to go because this mission was deemed "safe" (how safe can you be in Afghanistan??) and he knew when his unit is slotted to go in 2012/2013, he might be split from his unit b/c they are support. So he wanted to be able to choose. He put his name in the next day. This was statewide, so he was up against anyone else in the entire state that put in for this. We left it in God's hands. About a month later, we got the news. He was not chosen. I can honestly say I wanted to weep with joy. I didn't have to face deployment (yet). He was, however, chosen by his unit to replace a guy who did get picked to go. So starting in July, Daniel is now active duty for a year and a half. This has caused some juggling in our school routine (i.e. him putting the kids on the bus), but I think it is all going to work out. He is happy to be active and I am so so so happy he gets to stay home. God is good.

Four Medal Day

Lily just recently competed in her 3rd Feis a couple of weekends ago. (I know...I am behind on posting this). She had such a great day! She placed 2nd in her Reel, 3rd in her Light Jig, 3rd in her Hornpipe, and 4th in her Treble Jig! What does all this mean, you ask? Well, Lily started out as an advanced beginner (she skipped the whole beginner phase b/c her coaches said she was better than that). She then dances each dance with sometimes up to 20 some girls (and sometimes boys). They dance 2 at a time in front of a judge. In advanced beginner, you must place in the top 3 to advance to the next level. At Lily's first Feis, she placed 3rd in her Light Jig, moving her up to novice in that dance. This Feis was her 3rd one and she is now novice in Light Jig, Hornpipe, and the Reel. Once she is completely novice (2 more dances to go!), she will be able to dance in a solo dress....which is BIG $$$$$. We are having to save up, needless to say. They can run up to $2500...of course, Lily won't be getting one that expensive. Once she is in novice, she must place 1st in her dances to move up to prizewinner. We have a long road, but Lily is an awesome dancer and has the drive!

Lily and her friend, Alison

Happy 4th!

We headed to a nearby small town for their annual 4th of July parade. We love this parade because it is small, fun, has lots of candy, and a fun lawnmower brigade!

Waiting for the parade to start with friends and family.

Attempting to hide from the kids in the parade with super soakers!~

Showing off some of the candy collected during the parade!

Afterwards, we headed back to our downtown for festivities there and walked around a bit. We got some kettle corn for the fireworks that night and even played in the fountain for a bit.

Trey just can't help but get wet!

Lily too!

Hope everyone had a Happy Independence Day!

A Little Insight

I saw this on another blog that I read. I have to say when I read it, all I could think was, "This is me!". I really do see this on a regular basis...so much so that it makes it hard to go out sometimes. You just never know what will trigger the meltdown. Not sure if its more the ADHD or the Sensory Processing Disorder, but whatever it is, I wish it could be fixed with a snap of your fingers.

Good afternoon, and welcome to “ADHD Theater.” Today we will watch a familiar scene entitled, “The ADHD Train Wreck.” Moms of ADHD children everywhere have lived out this scenario countless times. Let’s begin…

SETTING: A playground

CHARACTERS: ADHD Mom, ADHD Kid, Playground Kids, Other Parents

TIME: All too often

ADHD Mom is sitting on a park bench with the Other Parents. The Other Parents are enjoying a beautiful day at the park, watching their children play kickball on the playground. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, healthy snacks are readily available and everyone is having a pretty good hair day. However, ADHD Mom is unable to relax and enjoy herself. This is because she is intensely watching the kickball game, while pretending to carry on a conversation with the Other Parents. She watches one of the Playground Kids roll the ball to her son, and he kicks the ball out of bounds. She begins to sweat and feel nervous as she watches the scene begin to unfold in front of her.

Playground Kids: Out of bounds! That ball was out of bounds!

ADHD Kid immediately gets upset, begins stomping and shouting on the playing field. The hair on the back of ADHD Mom’s neck stands up, and she finds herself sitting up in her chair. She is thinking, “Oh no. Please don’t do this. Don’t embarrass yourself. Don’t embarrass me. Not now. Not here… Oh crap, here it comes...”

ADHD Kid: NO, IT WASN’T!! IT WASN’T!! IT WASN’T OUT OF BOUNDS! I WANT A DO OVER!!

Playground Kids: The ball was out of bounds, dude! Get over it! Let’s get on with the game.

ADHD Kid: NO IT WASN’T! YOU GUYS ARE CHEATING! I WANT ANOTHER TURN! NOW!!! AAARRRRGGGHHH!!!

ADHD Mom feels the white hot glare of the Other Parents. She thinks, “Should I pretend like I do not know who the yelling kid belongs to? ” She wonders if she should explain to the Other Parents that her son has ADHD and sometimes has trouble calming down. She worries that the Other Parents will just think she is making excuses for her poor parenting and her son’s bad behavior, so she freezes like a deer in the headlights.
After a few minutes of watching in horror, she begins to formulate an exit plan from this “minor social derailment.” She hopes the plan will involve vanishing into thin air or using one of those memory-removal things on the Other Parents (you know, the flashy thing from the movie “Men In Black” when they wanted people to forget the things they’d seen and heard). After a few minutes of watching her son go downhill fast and realizing the Playground Kids were angry and quite tired of listening to him complain, she decides to remove him from the situation to prevent further damage.
With a delicate, kind voice, ADHD Mom lets her son know that it is time to take a break.

ADHD Mom: Son, you seem really upset. I think it’s time to take a break. I will give you two choices, you can either take a break , relax beside me, or we can head home. It’s up to you.

ADHD Kid: NO! I DON’T WANT TO GO! THEY ARE CHEATING AT KICKBALL! I HATE THEM! AAAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!

Instead of deflating the situation, the “minor derailment” has escalated into an all-out ADHD Train Wreck, and wouldn’t you know it, the Other Parents and the Playground Kids have a front row seat to watch the action.
Surveying the wreckage in front of her, she feels stuck and confused. Does she grab his arm and drag him off the field? Does she do nothing and let him completely melt down? Which is worse, removing him, or letting him stay? Both choices will probably embarrass both of them even further. As the game of Operation states, “It takes a verrrrry steady hand.”
She decides to get him out of there, even if it involves dragging him out. She has realized that there is no way he can calm down anytime soon. Throwing a fit in the middle of the kickball field will not only be painful for both of them, it will give the Playground Kids and the Other Parents more evidence toward the opinion that they are both screwed-up people who should be avoided.
ADHD Mom and ADHD Kid return home feeling awful. The Playground Kids and the Other Parents resume their lovely afternoon, thankful that the Train Wreck is over.

THE END.


Kara Thompson is a Marriage and Family Therapist in Lenexa, Kansas. You can visit her website at www.karathompson.com, find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/karatherapy, or follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/karagthompson.

Katie and David's Wedding 6/18/11

So here are some pictures that I took at the wedding. Uncle Bill has some better ones, but this gives you an idea of the overall wedding. It was a beautiful place and luckily the rain ended right before the nuptials. Enjoy!

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Lily the Party Animal

Lily had two birthday parties yesterday....needless to say it was a very busy day! She had a friend one at a local pool and then a family one at a nearby park. She had a great day!

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My Lily Bug

My Lily turned 9 on Wednesday. It is hard to believe she is almost in the double digits!!! She is quite the sweet girl. She is still very cuddly and loving, but also has a bit of a stubborn streak. Wonder who she got that from??? She loves to Irish dance and is really good at it for only having done it a little over a year. She loves school and LOVES to socialize....Lily gets calls all the time! It won't be long before its boys...YIKES! She wanted chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and chicken nuggets and mac-n-cheese for supper. We then met her cousins at Orange Leaf for YUMMY birthday dessert! Happy birthday to my Lily Bug!

(wedding pictures to be posted soon....lots to go through!)

What To Do?

Have you ever had a problem that you just can't seem to figure out? That is me. Trey is having an issue that I just can't seem to figure out. I don't want to go into detail here just because I don't want to embarrass him, but I honestly don't know what to do about it. I have done some research online and it seems that this problem is something that is common in children with ADHD, especially in boys. I just can't seem to find any solution to the problem. It concerns me because he starts kindergarten in the Fall and I don't want him to deal with anything that might embarrass him. I guess if it gets worse, then I will talk with the pediatrician, but not sure what kind of help the doctor will be. I am so frustrated and I just hate that I do not know what to do or where to turn. I am not a fan of not being in control. :(

And the Stitches are OUT!

Trey had his stitches taken out today and did such a great job! I (nor anyone else) had to hold him down. He laid down (after asking all kinds of questions) and let the nurse snip his "spiders" (that is what he called the black strings when he saw them in the mirror...said it looked like spider legs). She promised him nothing would hurt and she was right. I think it helps that he wasn't in any pain, unlike when he got the stitches. I am so proud of him! At least he won't be petrified to go to his 5 year check up in a couple of months!
Here is the brave boy with his RED crayon band-aid. He didn't cry at ALL!!!

Poor little guy had a tough day working up to his doctor's appointment. Captain Rex fell asleep on the way to supper tonight.

With his mask on....lol

We went for froyo to celebrate Trey's bravery in getting his stitches out. Some people might call it "bribery"....we call it reward! ;)

A Boy and his Dog

I couldn't resist a shot of his boots...he is definitely a boot boy.

Chasing Molly in the front yard....LOTS OF GIGGLES!

Trey loves his Molly dog!

June 5

We went to a friend's daughter's graduation party on Sunday. I was inside catching up with some old friends, when Meghan came inside and said Trey was bleeding. Daniel went out to get him and came in with his hand under Trey's chin....to catch the blood! Daniel had blood all over his arm, hands, etc. Trey's chin had a deep gash on it and would not stop bleeding. We knew he would need stitches....I really didn't want to deal with that because I KNEW Trey would not handle it well. He had been playing on a hammock swing and flipped out and fell on the concrete. He was screaming....he does not do well with any kind of boo-boo. So we got everyone loaded up into the car and headed to the ER. I took him back initially while Daniel waited in the waiting room with the girls. After they initially came in to just look, he was screaming again. I called Daniel to get him back there with me, just b/c I knew I couldn't do it alone. They had told me that he would need to be wrapped up like a mummy to keep his hands/arms/legs still. It took me, Daniel, two male nurses and a female nurse to hold him down while the doctor stitched him up. I had warned one of the nurses he was strong, but I don't think she really believed me until she was holding him down. She had to get one of the male nurses to trade places with her b/c he was wearing her out! He screamed the ENTIRE time. Nothing I could do/say/sing would console him. It was the most traumatic thing I (or him) have ever been through. I cried, he cried. It. Was. Awful. I hope to never experience that again. Unfortunately for me, he has to have the stitches out on Friday...and I am sure that will NOT be fun at all. In fact, I am dreading it. He is healing nicely, but his chin is quite sore. It is an ordeal to get him to let me change the band-aids. Ah, a day in the life of a kid with sensory issues....I just pray he never breaks a bone!

This is a picture of him right after it was over. The staff was so nice. They brought him stickers, a popsicle, and a toy car. All he really cared about was the popsicle....and getting the heck out of there!


Picture of the doctor's lovely handiwork. She was really good with Trey....even through all his screaming.

Last Day of School

School is finally out for the summer! Our last day was June 3rd and ends a chapter in my work career. I will be moving to a new school being built closer to our house. It is 2 miles from my house vs 7.5 miles that I had been traveling. Plus, I will be closer to where Trey will be. I feel better about being closer to him as he starts Kindergarten. I am also now officially the mother of a high schooler. How the heck did that happen? I'm still 25, right? Wow....just the thought of her going to school with 17 and 18 year old boys is a little terrifying for me. I hope we are ready for this. Lily will be entering the 4th grade and is such a model student. She got straight A's and the super citizen award for her class for being so responsible and always doing the right thing. We are very proud! I have finished cleaning out my room, so today is my official first day of summer vacation. Looking forward to lots of pool time!

Memorial Day Weekend

We went to Memphis to visit with my dad over Memorial Day weekend. We also went to let Lily compete in the Memphis Feis. My dad was excited to get to see Lily dance. She didn't place in any of her dances, but she made a new friend and was very close in scoring to the ones that did place! We had a great time visiting with my dad....just wished we lived closer!

Trey's Field Trip

Trey recently had a field trip with his private preschool. He had a blast! It was a place that was made for preschoolers with a giant sand pit, outdoor and indoor playground, trolley they could ride on a track, dress up stations, water play, etc etc. Very cute place.....and the price was excellent!

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Meghan

Meghan went to her appointment at a Children's Hospital for a 6 month check on her scoliosis. It has not changed much (which is great!) and she doesn't have to come back for a year! It was a quick checkup compared to last time (we got there at 8:45 and left at 11) and we are thankful for such a good visit with the doctor. Now we continue to pray that things stay as they are and she has no problems!

Dancing Day

This past Saturday, Lily and Meghan both had dancing all day. Lily went to her first feis and danced three of her dances. She placed 2nd in the Light Jig (which means she moves up a level in this dance...you have to place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd to move up) and 4th in her Reel. She did so awesome....I think I was the nervous one..she was just excited! After driving an hour 1/2 home, we went straight to Meghan's recital, of which she did 3 that day! My mom and sister came over to attend. My sister went with me to Lily's feis and then my mom stayed home with Trey and ran Meghan back and forth to dress rehearsal and the performances. It was a great day for dancing!

Easter

This Easter, Daniel had to be away on his two weeks, but my sister, Amy came and stayed to spend Easter with us. We had lots of fun and the kids got lots of Aunt Amy love! The egg hunt had to be inside due to rain, but still lots of fun....and lots of candy!

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Katie's Bridal Shower

In March, Alyssa and I had a bridal shower for Katie. It was so much fun, planning the menu and being creative. I made the cupcake tower from a blog that Alyssa found. It was very easy and turned out so cute! You can read here about the food and some of the decorations. Check out the slideshow (make sure you turn up your sound....I added music)!

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Performance Day!

Lily and her Irish dance group performed in March and it was quite a big deal. They had an Irish band perform, so they were dancing to live music for some of the show. It was really a great night! Poor Lily started feeling bad half way through the show, but carried on and danced her heart out (if you look at the pictures after dancing, you can see in her eyes she didn't feel well). Afterwards, she went home and crashed with a 101 degree fever. She missed church the next day, still running a fever, and then missed school on Monday....her first day all year! She was so sad. :(

Equine Day with the Girl Scouts

Lily and some of the girls in her Brownie troop travelled out to a local university to check out their equine center for the morning. They got to learn about different things, including horse care and they even made treats for the horses! She got to ride and trot on a horse, which she loved! It was a busy day!

Day of the Dance

Lily's Irish dance troupe does a Day of the Dance around the schools in our county on St. Patrick's day to celebrate the Irish culture. They did a great job and everyone at Lily's school loved her and her friends! Below are the ones that go to her school. Lily brought home LOTS of "fan" letters from kids at school, including some of the teachers and the principal! She felt like a rock star!

Alison, Mara, Colin, and Lily

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Festival

Finally....some time to sit and actually catch up on the blog! Here are a few photos from our St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Festival. We had a gorgeous day!

Some of the older girls, including Lily's coach in the orange dress

Lily and Will

Lily is the second from the left.

Lily and Katelyn

What a cute Irish lass!

We Are Still Here...I Promise

Ok...I know it has been forever since I last posted. What can I say? Life just seems to go so quickly and we have been so busy, for a number of reasons. In the past month, we had Valentine's Day...of which my wonderful husband made me homemade lava cakes....and by homemade, I mean from scratch, including the whipped cream and chocolate. They were soooo good! Then March 9th was my 37th birthday. Seems hard to believe that I am 37. I still feel 25 most of the time...just a little wiser lol. The rest of the time has been spent driving to and from dance classes and OT and girl scouts and youth.....etc, etc. OH...and I started my grad classes! Whew...we have been busy! Lily is currently getting ready for a show tonight for her Irish dance. It is a pretty big deal with a live band! I will update hopefully sometime this week with pictures from St. Patrick's Day parade. Stay tuned!!!

SPD

As we are learning about SPD, aka sensory processing disorder, with Trey, we are discovering that he does nothing "by the book". He has many of the "symptoms", but his need for so much sensory intake makes it a daily struggle with him on meeting it. He seems to be okay at school (more in the afternoon, than morning). He is then, as we put it, "off the hook" at home. I was telling his OT yesterday about how, especially at bedtime, he is completely out of control...he is constantly struggling to pay attention to what is said to him, constantly in motion, and VERY easily frustrated. Something as simple as taking off his socks to get ready for bed, can have him kicking, crying, and lashing out. I struggle with bath time, haircuts, nail trims, putting pjs on, going to the bathroom, brushing teeth... just to name a few. He has so many OCD type things and is very inflexible about changes, which I hate to say as mom makes me not enjoy evenings until after he goes to bed. I hope that didn't make me sound like I don't love him. I love him soooo much, but I like him better during the day than at night. He did great at OT again yesterday....I told her how much better he did the last time, so she incorporated what he loves (spinning) and, again, he had a great night. If I could have/do whatever I wanted, I would build Trey a sensory gym room, where he could get all he needed everyday. It know it would make our lives somewhat smoother and his. I got some suggestions from my OT at school, but I need more. I'm going to have to go online to try and find some alternatives for him that will feed his sensory need, but not break the bank. Wish me luck.

Mixed Emotions

Last night, Alyssa and I had planned this "goodbye" dinner for our father-in-law, Dan/Poppy. It was fun, as always, but kind of sad. He is leaving Monday for Florida....for good. He is officially retired. He has been here for 2 1/2 years finishing up his retirement. It was only supposed to be for a year, but....well...things just don't always go as planned. My mother-in-law, Carol/Mimi, has been in Florida by herself (well, not totally as my other BIL and two SIL live there, in the same neighborhood) and I know she has hated the separation. I would have. I have lived 13 months without my husband and it was not something I would care to ever repeat! However, from a completely selfish point of view, we are really going to miss him. Lily has this bond with her Poppy....she loves to snuggle up to him and just be close. He doesn't have to say anything....she doesn't have to say anything...she just loves being next to him...or sitting in his lap! In Trey's mind, Florida isn't that far...but I know once Poppy leaves, he will be asking when he is coming back and why we can't go to Florida....right now. Meghan will miss all the teasing Poppy does. I think the biggest fear I have for our family is that now that he is moving back, we just won't see them that often anymore. Life can get busy...as we all know...and expensive...so visits will be few and far between. That is where the selfish part comes in. I am so excited for Carol, but really sad at the same time. Change is hard...and we will adjust....again...but it still sucks.

Trey and the OT

Trey had the best session he has ever had thus far on Friday. He goes to the OT every other Friday for an hour. I honestly wish it were more often, but I don't want to have to pay that often. We have been working with Ms. Crystal to figure out Trey's sensory input threshold. This boy can seriously take in a lot of input. He gets in this "cage" and is hooked up to bungee cords and an strap that you might wear when repelling. He is able to bounce and get a lot of sensory input this way. He has to work really hard at jumping onto a "log" and getting balls off from the sides. He also does this cool metronome thing that is supposed to help with his attention span. He is up to 2 minutes, but struggles to focus the entire time. He is making progress. He loves when she sets up an obstacle course in their gym, but this time he got to get on the platform swing and spin. She would spin him on all planes (laying down on his side, back, and stomach, and sitting up). She was afraid he might have too much input doing that and told me to watch for complaints of head hurting or stomach hurting. He had none! He amazed me by getting off the swing and just walking over to do some coloring....with no falling down from dizziness or anything! I got dizzy just watching him spin on that swing! He did some other things in the gym that he loves, like the scooter and the hammock swing. He was so good after we got home....so calm. We finally hit the threshold! I wish I could have that everyday. Most days it is a struggle once we get home....he is loud, running into things, craving input that I just can't seem to get into him to meet that threshold. I am hopeful that my OT at school can give me some suggestions to create our own sensory gym here at home. It would make our evening so much more enjoyable...and his too!

Snow Days

We are now up to 7 snow days....same as last year and we are currently due to get out June 3rd....same as last year. However, we haven't even gotten into February yet. I don't mind a snow day, or even two, but I absolutely hate having one every week! All this snow makes me unmotivated and so blah! It got up to 50 today was so sunny! I have missed the sun! I long for summer!!!

Happy Birthday to Daniel!

January 19th we celebrated Daniel's birthday. Since it was a Wednesday night, we weren't able to go out to eat, so I made Italian for supper and Meghan made her daddy a cookie cake...his favorite dessert! He got some new dress shoes and a movie. Meg did a great job on his cookie (made from scratch!)! Trey picked out the plates and wanted Daddy to have a Happy birthday sign like his cousins Wilson and Luke had. It was a good birthday! Happy birthday, babe!

New Years Eve 2010

We went to Andy and Alyssa's house for a little NYE party. The kids did a great job playing well together (I think they all missed each other!). Meghan spent the night with her BFF, Katie, so it was just Lily and Trey. We toasted in the new year around 9 or so....just b/c the kids needed to go to bed. Sparkling grape juice for them and champagne for us. Happy New Year!

Our last day

We were originally going to go home on Sunday, but with all the bad weather, even in Georgia, we postponed our trip until Monday....early Monday :(

So Sunday was spent shopping a little bit...we hit some sales and then found a cute little toy store that Mimi got Luke and Wilson's upcoming birthday presents at. Very unique store. Wish I had seen it before Christmas! They had had some good sales....oh well.

Our trip home was really uneventful. Poppy came back with us and the kids were really good the whole trip. It is always hard to leave family behind. I really hated that Trey was sad to leave Finley. Trey and Finley had really hit it off at Thanksgiving and I was so excited to see Trey have a friend to play with. They played so well together. Trey made the comment he wanted to go back to Florida because he missed Mimi and "Fimbley" as he calls Finley. Then he said if he stayed in FL, he would miss Wilson and Luke. Catch 22. Hard to have family separated. :(

All in all, a wonderful trip and wonderful memories made. However, always good to come home.

Florida, Day 6 & 7

Okay...so I know I am a little behind....but better late than never, right? Christmas Eve, we just shopped and hung out, then went to church at 4:30. Afterwards we hung out at Jamie and Erin's house, munching on appetizers and the kids played and watched a Veggie Tale movie. On Christmas morning, Trey was up early, but I don't think he really realized it was Christmas day yet. He played on Mimi's computer (figured out how to turn it on and get on the Lego website to play games...on his own!). When I told him Santa came last night, he ran back to his room and said "Let me check!". I told him his presents were under the tree...and when he saw his Lego set, he ran to me saying "He got me the city!!". He then ran and told Poppy. It was too cute! We opened presents (all day...b/c Trey likes to play with everything). Poppy, Daniel, and I took the kids swimming later that afternoon. It was sooo warm out...I think we all actually got some sun!Mimi had dinner that night and had invited Erin's mom and dad as well as David's family. It was a lot of fun!

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