BINGO Service

For our enrichment activity, we went to a local nursing home to help them play BINGO. We had a lot of fun sitting with these elderly individuals. I personally was able to help Mr. Freddy and I think I fell in love with him instantly. Seriously, I think I want to go back just to visit with him again. He didn't say a word, at first, and let me point out every time he needed to mark a number (as the Nursing Home employee had instructed me to do). But, I had to go grab something for Annagrace when I noticed, he was doing it just fine on his own. I felt a little bad for treating him like a four year old, a child who didn't know his numbers yet. He knew what he was doing. And the more I told him so, the more he would smile and respond to my questions. I found out he is not allowed to have any candy so I offered him one of Annagrace's pretzels. He gave a quick nod, grabbed it, and started crunching away. When the game was over I pushed him back to his room.

Annagrace got in on the service project and helped push some of the BINGO players back to their rooms.

We are officially trying ...

to potty train!!!

Wahoo!

I can't believe it ... my bows are for sale online at Imaginations!! Go check them out at:

Imaginations

We've been busy

Yesterday Erin invited us to go to the North Georgia Outlet Mall with her. I never turn down a shopping trip! But, it was a long day of shopping for us much less the four poor little children we dragged around with us. We just couldn't pass up Pottery Barn, William Sinoma, Children's Place, and Baby Gap. Here is Annagrace and Frankie, ready to head home with all of our goodies.

Our little sardines were so exhausted, everyone except Jensie slept during the ride home.

Today we had to get up at 5:00 AM to set up our YARD SALE! I always feel like it's all junk, but we always sale at least half of the "junk" we put out there. Our main thing was Tyler's trailer. It was damaged in the tornado and we never had it repaired. We don't even have a trailer hitch to use it, if we did get it fixed. So, we were elated when a man walked up and made us an offer 30 minutes before we closed up the yard sale. Afterwards, we all showered and headed to a baby shower.

Annagrace enjoyed the cake icing.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Aunt Laurie passed her Texas board exam! (we never had any doubt that she would) We love you and hope you enjoy your new home in Texas. We miss you horribly and can't wait to come visit you! I am so proud of you and hope you have fun swimming with the dolphins!

Remember when ...

I thought I would give this a shot ...
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Fun Day

We had an awesome day with Tabitha and Caden today. We started out at the library for what we thought would be story time, but was actually just play time. That was fine with the kids, they ran and danced and played with noise makers and puppets.

Then we headed to Monkey Joes for even more running and playing. And finished off the day with lunch at Fuddruckers. Annagrace was so worn out that she fell asleep as soon as her hinney hit her car seat. They both love this fire truck more than any of the bounce playgounds.

Dinner at Annagrace's

She served open-face cheese sandwiches - YUM!!

Too cute LOOT

So, I'm still addicted to yard sales. Today there weren't any GREAT ones. But I had a couple of good finds -including this costume/dress up dress and fairy wings. She just prances around the house like a little fairy princess.

So I have to brag ...

I know that every Mom thinks that their child is the smartest, cutest kids ever. But, I got confirmation today! Annagrace had a doctor's visit and while the doctor was doing the examination, I distracted her by asking her to find her body parts. She knows the majority of them and pointed each and everyone out to me. The doctor turned to me, as serious as can be, and said "She is really smart! Body parts are a 18 month milestone." I was beaming with pride because my little 15 month old has known her body parts for a couple of months now. She also knows the names and sounds for about 10-15 animals, has a vocabulary of 30+ words, and is already forming sentences - but we didn't show those off to the doctor.

Unfortunately, all of her appointments end with shots, i.e crying - from both of us. She did a lot better this time, the crying didn't last very long. But I still felt sorry for her so we went shopping afterwards and found a fun new toy -this Mickey Mouse Sprinkler:

Happy Birthday

He is now officially IN his 30s!! (yikes, I'm right behind him!!)

But, seriously, I don't know what I would do without this man. He is my rock, my comfort, my joy ... my best friend. I love him more and more everyday. He is such a good husband and Daddy. Annagrace loves her Daddy and it's evident in her excitement every time he walks in the room. I couldn't be more thankful that I have such a wonderful man to grow old with.

We celebrated with a song and cupcakes. Annagrace dug in and LOVED the icing.Then Tyler and I went to see Hancock while Annagrace went to play with Granddaddy.

Two Tootoos

We tried to do a little photo session with these two little ballerinas. But, we realized after we got them dressed that it was nap time. So while we wish we had more of these:We have a lot of these:
Reese decided to cooperate for a few solos:
After their naps, it was time to take everyone to the airport. We were extremely sad to tell Todd, Kim, and Reese goodbye. Annagrace screamed and cried as soon as they walked through the airport doors. I pulled off at the first Wendy's that I saw and we went in and shared a frosty to cheer her up.

let the sun SHINE!

We woke up to a beautiful sun-shinny day. We jumped in our suits and hit the beach! Check out was at 11:00, so we stayed on the beach and in the pool until the absolute last minute then drove down to Grandma Betty's condo - we didn't want to miss a minute of the beautiful day. (And we wanted to see Betty and Laurie of course!!)And here is Aunt Laurie fulfilling her auntly-dirty duties. She is in charge of doing all of the dirty, outdoorsy, messy play times. The sand still freaks me out - getting into all of those crevices that it has no business being in and causing all kinds of irritations!

We stopped for a little souvenir shopping at Alvin's Island and for some lunch before heading home. I only wish our lunch had finished just five minutes earlier because the rain started up again and it was blowing across the parking lot in sheets while we were trying to get in the car.

all rained out

Annagrace was all excited to use her new sand bucket today, but unfortunately it started raining and didn't stop ALL day. We waited around the condo until noon, hoping that it would clear up, but when it didn't, we headed to Sandestin for a day of shopping!

We had to take a cookie break.
After 5 hours of great shopping we came home and got ready for dinner. These two little girls are so cute together. Annagrace loves giving Reese hugs.We went to Bayou Bills for dinner so we had to take a picture with the huge gator.

Annagrace finished off the night by jumping on the bed.

babes on the beach

This morning we left for the beach. We have been so excited for this beach trip!

After we checked in we went straight to the beach. Then the pool.
We were getting hungry so we went in for baths then ....went to dinner at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville.
This place is amazing. It is such a loud, crazy, fun place to be. There were people on stilts walking around making balloon hats for everyone, great music playing, huge videos playing on most of the walls, an airplane hanging from the ceiling, and half of a large boat right in the dining area.


The wait however was not so fabulous - 1.5-2 hours. Fortunately the restaurant is in Pier Park, so there were lots of stores to go browse through while we were waiting. After dinner we bought some groceries at Walmart and headed home for the night.

Beach

After 4 hour drive, swimming in the ocean and the pool she gave out.

200 Have or Have Nots

I saw this on a friends blog and liked it. Just copy it and bold the items that you have accomplised.

This made me realize there are a lot of things that I still need to do in the future!

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby's diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the Statue of Liberty (as high as they would let me)
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone scuba diving
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don't
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Been in a movie
60. Gone without food for 3 days
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read - and understood - your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover
86. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
99. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all four
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child
114. Gone to a Broadway (or equivalent to your country) play
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book
128. Pieced a quilt
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage
131. Asked for a raise
132. Made a hole-in-one (if miniature golf counts)
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter (Does Santa Count?)
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to tat, smock or do needlepoint
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a camp fire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had hives
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Responded to a NJP newsletter

Todd, Kim, and Reese are HERE!!

Their first meeting. They had a late flight in so they didn't make it to our house 'till 1am or so. Annagrace was asleep on the floor when they came in and woke up with all of the commotion. She was very excited to meet the Be-Be. Wednesday morning we just let the girls play and get to know each other.When we finally emerged from the house we went to the Columbus Museum. I was originally just taking them for the kid area but Todd and Kim had never been there either, so we did the Chattahoochee Legacy Trail as well. We hit Walmart on the way home for some baby supplies. Then we picked up Tyler and headed out for some good southern barbecue at Country's
This is the best "Hug" shot that we have of them, I think. Annagrace loved giving Reese hugs and kisses. Thursday we just went shopping - a common hobby for Kim and I.

Happy 4th of July

Okay, I know, I'm more than a little late. But, better late than never!!

We kind of laid around the house most of the day but finally made it out of the house to attend Thunder on the Hooch. They had a lot of fun rides and activities for kids and best of all it was all FREE!! AND major bonus ... Funnel Cake!

We ran into Jacie and David and were able to finally meet Chloe.

So, the fireworks were an iffy situation. Annagrace didn't really know what to think. The loud booms really scared her and made her cry for the first half. But when the whole family started cheering and clapping for each and every one - she got a little into it and would clap. She never got super excited and she squinted through most of it (???). I guess we'll just have to try again on New Years and see how it goes. Our viewing spot was excellent but we were right under them and got hit with all of the burned debris. Overall, a great time was had by all. (except Granddaddy - he had to wait in the 20 minute line to get us a Funnel Cake)

They made it!