Camp Time

Heath and Allie left for Camp Kids Jam today. They were so excited to be going back for a second year. Brianna doesn't feel left out because she knows that we can do all of the "fun" things at home while they are gone. Really fun things like go to breakfast at Waffle House, find projects at Michaels, go to the movies, and have ice cream for dinner! Let the fun begin!!

Off to an Adventure!

The girls never know where the summer will take them. So, yesterday I asked them to put on shorts, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes. I packed a picnic lunch and we were off! We walked to our local park for a picnic and playground time! I told them that we would stay as long as they wanted to stay. The hardest part was the walking back home! At least we got freezer-pops upon arriving home!

Dance Competition

The girls always have fun at Nana and Papa's house. This year, they spent each evening practicing for a dance competition. There were three categories: Individual Dance, Group Dance, and Individual with Doll Dance. They had to rock-paper-scissors to see who would go first. Allie was the first to go and she was followed by Brianna. They did the group dance together and ended their program by dancing with their new American Girl Dolls. They got to wear costumes that Mary Beth and I wore as kids, so they were very excited!! The results were: Allie won the individual dance. Brianna won the group dance (I am not sure how this happened, but I was not a judge). The tied for the individual with doll dance! Great dancing everyone!

American Girl Summer

The girls have been saving their money since December so that they both could get another American Girl Doll. Well, they have more than they needed, so off to Atlanta we went. The timing was great because it was also Allie's birthday! The first stop we had was at the Varsity. After that, we went to the American Girl Store. Brianna was so worried that we would leave before she had time to pick the perfect doll! After going around and around the store for an hour, dolls were in hands, and we were ready to pay. At the end of the day, Allie came home with Saige and Brianna came home with Caroline.

Merry Christmas

We had the most amazing Christmas!  Both girls were part of our church's Christmas Eve Children's Choir.  This was such a moving event. 
Following that, my family spent the night for the first time.  They got to experience our family's Christmas traditions.  This was fun!  Santa brought the girls an x-box kinect.  The entire family has enjoyed this gift! 
Once the craze and excitement died down and the family went home, we packed up and went to Heath's parents house for our second Christmas.  This annual event is one that we look forward to.  It is when all of the cousins are together.  It is a few days of running, sugar, and laughter.  The girls cherish their time with their cousins.
So, while the rest of the world had a "winter break," we had back-to-back celebrations with our amazing families!

Merry Christmas!

Spelling Bee Drama

With Brianna attending the same school as Allie, you would think that things would get easier.  I feel as though there are days when things are much crazier!  Last week, our school held the individual class spelling bees. This is a program that begins in our kindergarten classes and runs through eighth grade.  Allie has always tried her hardest, but has never placed in this event.  She doesn't seem to get upset, but wants to do better the next year.  Well, this year she placed third in her class!  Way to go Allie!  She will be competing in the third grade spelling bee next week.  But Brianna was a different story!  Remember that she is only in kindergarten, she is just now learning sight words, and she is trying to sound out everything that she can.  She got so upset when she didn't win any part of the spelling bee, she caused herself to hyperventilate.  it got even funnier as I spoke to her about it that evening.  I told her that if she was trying her hardest and doing her best that I would always be proud of her.  Brianna replied "what if I tried my hardest, but I was not doing my best?".  It took a lot for me not to laugh at this comment.  She is so precious!
Happy Spelling!

Mr. Mom

As I was preparing for my teaching conference, I was asking the girls what information I needed to leave for Heath.  The girls and I decided to write Heath a book. Each day was another "chapter." On each day, there were places for the girls to check off the things that they have to complete, as well as, a place for Heath to check off.

After speaking to my family the first night I was gone, I had a renewed feeling of being needed. I think that Heath understands a little more of what I do on a daily basis.

I know that they will be excited to see me upon my return!