Let's Go Rebels!

Claire and her friend, Caroline, strikin' a pre-game pose.

sunset and moon over the high school

A look of pure joy!
Emma was cheering from the stands. . .

After attending a cheer clinic at the high school, Claire (along with a "small handful" of her elementary school friends) was able to cheer at the varsity football game Friday night. The kids had so much, and I think all of the parents equally enjoyed stepping back in time to their own high school days. We may not be quite as young as we used to be, but it was fun to reminisce all the same.

Cheeeeese!

Emma had her school picture day this week!

Meet Chrysanthemum

My name vote for this guy (or gal) was "Yertle", but Claire had more creative things in mind. Thus, the little turtle that Jeremy found in the back yard was named Chrysanthemum. She was a sweet thing that kept the girls entertained for an entire afternoon. They babysat her in the cooler, tried to feed her leaves, painted her back with mud, and took her for "walks" in the grass. Although she was fun to have around, Claire and Emma were thankfully aware that her true home was in the wild, and she was set free on the same evening of the day she was found. Perhaps Chrysanthemum will come back to visit one day. Then again, she may be completely satisfied with taking her memories and never looking back!

Zoo Day with Emma

Recently, while Claire was at school (shhhh!), Emma and I had the chance to go to the zoo. It was such a beautiful day for it, and the animals were all out and about playing. We did the usual by riding the train and the carousel, visiting the animals, and playing in the splash pad.
The only sad part of our day was visiting the gorilla, Cenzoo. Two days before our visit, his father passed away during a routine medical examination. Emma loves the gorillas, so they are always some of the first animals we visit. Although Cenzoo was laid back and enjoying his brunch on our most recent visit, it was still sad to see him without his companion. Hopefully, he is matched with a playmate soon.
On a happier note, our lions recently had cubs! All five of them were out, and it was fun to see the entire "royal family". I tried to get a picture of them, but unfortunately it did not turn out very well through the glass. Maybe next time!

Our Newest Dancer!

Yesterday was Emma's first day of dance class. She was so very excited!! It was one of those days that I almost cried tears of joy because I knew how much she had been looking forward to this class getting started. After years of following Claire to her activities, Emma now has one to call her own. Needless to say, she loved the class, and has been asking to go back ever since. It will be a long week to wait!

Bowling Fun for Everyone!

Make a wish!

Yesterday, the girls went to a bowling birthday party for their friend, Allen. It was the first time bowling for both of the girls, and they loved it! It was such a fun party. Happy Birthday, Allen!

A Morning at the Splash Pad

You know when Emma sits, and pops her thumb in, she is getting sleepy. . .

The Lunch Bunch!

Saturday, my friend, Tara, and her little boy, Kade, were in town, so we decided to try out a new water "Splash Pad". We also had the chance to meet up with another friend from college, Melanie, and her three kids. It was a fun little reunion, and the kids had a great time playing in the water. After a couple hours of play, and a good lunch, they were worn out!

The day before we went to the splash pad, Jeremy and I met Tara for lunch, and we took her past the studio of the nationally syndicated radio show, Rick and Bubba. If you haven't caught on, we were imitating the sign in the background. :)

First Day of School

Bedhead alert!

The front of Emma's new school tote. . .

This past Thursday was the first day of school for both girls. Claire's school begins at 7:45, so we were up bright and early. As a matter of fact, Claire came bounding in our room at 6:00. She was beyond excited for her first day of 1st grade! Emma on the other hand, slept in and woke up right as Claire was about to leave. She popped her head out of the door for a sweet sister good-bye. Emma's 3 day, 3K does not begin until 9:00, so Jeremy stayed home with her while I dropped Claire off at school. She needed a little time to ease into the day, and the routine of school.
As a happy ending to this post, both girls had a great day. They love their teachers, and (to this point) have been so excited to go to school everyday. Yay!!

Meet the Teacher Day!

Claire's first "big kid" desk. . .

Emma found her favorite spot in Claire's new room. . .

Emma was slightly distracted by her new surroundings and friends. Slightly. :)
Although I hope she branches out, Emma may never leave this section of her classroom. . .

What a day! Both girls had the opportunity to visit their schools and meet their new teachers today. We are so excited about the upcoming year, and the wonderful teachers we have been blessed with. Claire and Emma loved their new teachers and classrooms, and they can't wait to start the school year tomorrow!!

Atlanta Quick Trip

The local Baskin Robbins didn't really pull through in the cake decorating department, so we had to take matters into our own hands. . .
Claire loved it!

Owen offering a cool drink of water. . .

A couple of weeks ago, my parents were in Atlanta babysitting Owen while my sister started back with her teaching job. The girls and I took advantage, and we made it over that way for a quick visit. As hot as it has been, the best activities involved water. Therefore, we not only made it to the Piedmont Park pool, but their new splash pad as well. It was a lot of fun!
While visiting, Claire got the added bonus of celebrating her birthday for a second time! Since the extended family was not able to make Claire's official birthday, they had a mini-party arranged for her at my sister's house. She got herself all dressed up, and thoroughly enjoyed the balloon decor and ice cream cake. She could definitely get used to the idea of multiple celebrations!