Lost and Found

If you ever feel like you have lost Claire and Emma (not to say that we lose them often), I suggest you look in the closet. This is their new hiding spot, and Emma, in particular, loves to put herself there.

Case of the Missing Banana Pudding

This past week we had special visitors! My Uncle Frank, Aunt Cheryl, PaPa, and his friend, Loretta came for a nice little lunch date. At my dad's request, we took them to a local "meat & three" restaurant that specializes in southern cooking. They also have a pretty yummy banana pudding. I'm not sure how it happens, but that banana pudding almost seems to disappear faster than you can eat it. Hmmm. . .I'm thinking these pictures may finally have some answers to our mystery.

Bobby's Weekend Visit

Bobby the Butterfly had a wonderful weekend visit with Claire. On Friday, Claire was so excited to have her butterfly friend at home that she had to call Jeremy at work and tell him the good news. Over the weekend, Bobby got to travel to Atlanta with us, and he even made it to a farm birthday party on Sunday! Hopefully, Bobby will flutter back our way before the school year is over.

Celebrating Baby Bradley

Stacey practicing with 10 day old, Nora. . .

This past weekend we "showered" Stacey's baby boy with gifts at a cute little restaurant in Atlanta. The restaurant was a great venue for the occasion, and the fact that it was named Sun in My Belly made it even more perfect. It was a wonderful luncheon with friends and family, and Stacey and Chris seem to be pretty well set as they journey into the land of parenthood. We are all looking forward to meeting "Baby Bradley" in November!

Say "Cheeeeeeese!"

Claire had school pictures this week. I am hoping that the photographer was able to capture something a little more "normal", if you will, than what I was able to get in my own photo shoot.
This week was also big for Claire because she was "Butterfly of the Week" in her class at school. The "Butterfly of the Week" gets to sit on a special stool next to the teacher during group time, they lead the class line, and, best of all, they get to take Bobby the Butterfly home for the weekend. As an added bonus, I went to Claire's room on Wednesday to read some of her favorite books, and to take her friends on a "Bear Hunt" (they are studying bears this week). It was a lot of fun, and Claire was so proud as she showed me around her classroom. She is definitely getting to be our big girl!

Ouch!

I have discovered that Emma has just had both of her bottom one year molars, as well as a couple of other little teeth, break through her gums at the same time. It looks so painful. Hopefully, this explains the random middle of the night, tearful wakings that have been occurring over the past few weeks. Bless her sweet heart.

Labor Day at the Beach

Emma "applying sunscreen". . .

She did this for a good couple of minutes.

Claire has discovered a love for fried crab claws. That's my girl!

Last weekend, we made a much needed trip down to Gulf Shores with Jeremy's parents. While we were there, we were also blessed with visits from some dear friends. It was so good to see Jennifer, Eric, Tara, and their sweet little ones. Claire, William, Kade, Emma and Lauren make a cute bunch! As always, we are already pining for our next trip to the beach.

War Eagle!

Football season has officially arrived! This morning before school, (as Claire donned her Auburn dress for the first time this year) we decided to have a little pep rally. Emma was loving it. She clapped right along as we sang our songs and did our cheers. Although we live in the land of the Bulldogs, we still love to show our Auburn pride. Hopefully, the Tigers will pull out a great season for us this year.

Claire with a Y

For some unknown reason, Claire has recently decided that her name should be spelled C-L-A-I-R-E-Y. Maybe because Jeremy and I both have names that end with a Y? Who knows. The funniest thing about it all is that she even goes to the extent of signing her name like that on all of her papers. For now, there is no convincing her otherwise, so Claire with a Y it is!

Let the Games Begin!

Claire's new love has recently become the game of Candy Land. She absolutely loves it! I must say, it brings back fond memories for me, and it is a fun way for Jeremy and me to spend time with Claire.

A Morning Out For Mom

Today was Emma's 1st day of "school"! Actually, she is going to a Mother's Morning Out program one morning a week this year. It is nice because her MMO is located at the same church where Claire goes to preschool. I will say, however, that it felt strange leaving that parking lot with an empty car this morning. Although I will benefit greatly from having one morning a week to run around town in an attempt to get as many "child-less" errands done as possible, today was a little teary for me.
Aside from my "Where Has My Newborn Baby Gone?" emotions, Emma seemed to have a great time. Her teacher said that she did well, and that it was quite clear she has an older sibling. Apparently, Emma seemed advanced in her skills. Namely, climbing on things. It looks like she might be the child in the class that introduces the others to a whole new world of toddler possibilites.

Our "Beautiful Butterfly"

Today was Claire's 1st day of 4K in her Butterfly class. This will be her 1st year in a 5-day (9am-12pm) program, and I think she is going to love it. Claire has a lot of good friends in her class this year, so today was a very exciting day. Hopefully, as the weeks progress, Emma and I can keep up with the daily drop-offs and pick-ups!