My Girl

July 1, 2005...the day I became a Mommy to a little GIRL. You were so tiny and precious, but you already knew how to tell us what you wanted. You wanted to be held tight, swaddled constantly, and never ever put down. Once you began to roll and crawl, you were into EVERYTHING. So curious about what was in the cabinet, behind the door, or in the box. You were talking in sentences by the time you were 17 months old. Such a social butterfly and you still are.

5 seems like such a big number. How is it possible to be at 5 with you? I don't know what I will do when you start Kindergarten in the Fall (wait, yes I do, cry like a baby). I love that you can get dirty with the boys but you must have on your jewelry, fancy shoes, and a dress while doing it. You brighten every room you enter and ask whatever question is on your mind when it comes to mind, no matter where we are at the time. You are so very CREATIVE. You can find fun playing with a piece of string and a band aid. Your love of life is infectious. I find you singing constantly just like your life is a musical.

Joy is what you bring to your Daddy and I. We love you to pieces, Miss 5 Year Old Princess. Can't wait to see how you bloom this year.

Lessons from Dixieland Fun Park

Here is what I learned from our visit to Dixieland Fun Park:

1. Wearing a skirt and flip flops is not the best attire when riding the "Scrambler" at Dixieland. I think I may have flashed everyone in line and burned my bum bum on the seat that was about 300 degrees from sitting in the blazing sun. Next time, I will be wearing shorts and tennis shoes.

2. The "Fun" in Dixieland Fun Park is meant for days when it is not 105 degrees outside with a heat index of 3,000,000. It really felt like 3,000,000 degrees. I am not exaggerating or being dramatic at all!!!!!!

3. The melting heat, tired feet, aching knees.....all worth it to see their faces on the "Up and Down" ride.

Who Knew He Could Sit So Still

Luke was born a mover and a shaker. When he was 1, he would jump so high in his crib I was afraid he would flip himself out onto the floor. At 2, he would jump for an entire 20 minute episode of The Wiggles NON-STOP. At times I still see him hop as his main mode of transportation. I can barely get a kiss or hug in before he is off and running. I don't think he knows what walking is because he is always RUNNING (I just heard the voice of Forest Gump when I typed running!).

Mimi and Papa bought him a few sets of Toy Story 3 Legos for his upcoming birthday. He has had sets of Lego in the past, but these new ones lit a spark that is now blazing!!!! He and Papa worked so hard for two days putting together Buzz's Spaceship and the car in the picture above. Mimi also ordered him the Lego magazine in which he now spend hours reading and looking at all the cool Legos. So here's to the inventor of Legos. Thank you for helping to teach Luke what sitting still looks like!

Making Memories

A grand time was had by all during our week stay at Mimi and Papa's. Can't wait to do it all over again next year! We love you! XOXOXOXO

How It Feels to Fly.....

Thanks, Uncle Philip!!!!!

A Girl's Dream....

My childhood BFF, Mandy and her sweet little Issa

Hayley's appetizer

Is it nap time yet??

Cousins

Pure Joy!!!!!

My heart can't contain itself!!! Ya-yas!

Hayley has been dreaming of the day she could get her very own American Girl Doll. Since she was 2 years old, she has browsed through the magazine that comes in the mail and picked out exactly what she wanted. We had told her that when she turned 5 she could get a doll. Well, the time had come and our baby girl was going to be 5. In grand style we decided to have her birthday party at the American Girl Bistro while we were in GA.

We were not disappointed. The store is out of a fairytale. Dolls, dolls, and more dolls!!!! Clothes for you and your doll. Glasses, hairbrushes, even a place for you to get your dolls hair done! It was fantastic. We lunched at the bistro which was so yummy. Every guest got to pick her own appetizer and meal. The cake was to die for and the giggles were priceless.

Our little 5 year old princess was in heaven and so was her Mommy! Happy Birthday sweet girl!