Good Bye Summer :(

Today is the unofficial end of Summer. The picture below pretty much sums up how I feel about this. Let's just say Summer is my all time favorite season and I am not looking forward to cooler temperatures. I seriously belong somewhere very tropical year round. Speaking of tropical:
Tropical storm Lee slowly made its way thru our area over the past few days and left cooler temperatures. I almost wore a cardigan this afternoon because it was so cool.
Anyways, it was a good summer! Here is one of my favorite pictures from this summer (it was taken one afternoon at Nana's house when I told the girls they couldn't swim because I heard thunder). I love that the girls are pouting in birth order.
Farewell summer time!

Real Butterfly Kisses!

The girls went to a friends birthday party at the butterfly house last week and had SO much fun! When we got there butterflies were being released and The Belle and The May actually got to release the butterflies. Apparently, the butterflies were frozen, packaged, and shipped to the butterfly house. Once there package is opened you lay the butterfly on your hand and they begin to wake up (by flapping their wings) from their induced frozen coma. The girls were giggling the entire time because the wings tickled them as they woke up. The Lynn would not have anything to do with the butterflies although they tried to land on her. It was one of the neatest experiences we have ever done. Those butterflies landed in the girls hair, dresses, and shoes! You can really see the excitement on their faces.

Working At The Car Wash!

The girls were a big help with washing the van. They did a really good job too! I don't blame them for squirting each other with the water hose; it was SO hot!!

Like Father Like Daughter

The Belle acts just like me but looks just like her daddy! She obviously gets her athleticism from him also :)

Celebration!

The Belle and The May both had a really good first day at school!
I asked both girls what their favorite part of the day was. The May said "seeing The Belle at snack time" (which made my heart happy) and The Belle said "science". Apparently, her science teacher told the class a story about his sister eating an ant when they lived in Australia. The ant was not dead and it attached to his sisters throat!!! The Belle was totally amazed and has told everyone the ant story.
Both girls did say that they almost cried at some point in the day but didn't. The May told Scotty "my eyes just got a little wet".
I have to say it was a little strange only having one child but I think The Lynn enjoyed her one on one time with me. After we dropped the big girls off we went for a run. She was happy to ride in her jogging stroller and pointed out all the things she saw (leaves, dog, pond, birds, rocks, etc.). I have to admit running while pushing a jogging stroller (with a 2 1/2 year old inside) is no easy task!!!
Aunt Sarah invited us out to dinner to celebrate the first day of school tonight. The girls were excited to take their first trip to Chili's; and we were excited for the kids eat free coupon that Aunt Sarah gave us! The kids had a great time telling each other about their first day. We all decided that we should make it a tradition to eat dinner together on the first day of school every year. All in all it was a really good day! Here's to a great school year :)

First day of school!

I thought about going back and blogging about everything that has been going on this summer but that may take me until next summer so I will just start with today and go from there! Today was the first day of school!!! I still can not believe I have children in the 1st grade and K4. The girls are registered as homeschoolers but they are attending a sweet home school. They go to school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and both girls are out by 12:30. I think this is going to be a good fit for our girls. It gives them a school environment but yet they aren't gone ALL day for 5 days a week. The May was thrilled about her first day! She jumped right out of bed and was SO excited when we got there! The Belle was excited but it was obvious that she was anxious about starting. I can't wait to hear how their day went!

The Belle Turned 6!

I have absolutely no excuse for not blogging other than we no longer have internet connection at home (I know we are living in the dark ages) and well I have 3 kids. So, I guess I do have an excuse. Anyhow, life has been very busy in the past 3 months (I can't believe I haven't blogged in 3months!)! I am seriously finding it difficult to type.

The most recent event that has taken place in the past few months is that The Belle turned 6 (10 days ago). I would be lying if I said everything is going just great in her little life. The truth of the matter is the past few months have been some of the most stressful in my (and her) life. Long story short she has some medical issues that are causing her severe anxiety. We still haven't gotten a final diagnosis but have eliminated some things. We do know she has an intestinal obstruction. We go Friday morning to take a series of allergy tests and then again in a couple of weeks to do more tests. I guess deep down that is also one of the reasons I haven't blogged. I have been so focused on living day to day and helping her the best way I know how.

When we began discussing what type of birthday party she wanted she quickly chose a pirate theme. I'm not a huge pirate fan so we compromised on a treasure hunt party. The best place to have a treasure hunt is well..the beach! Husband and I arrived a couple hours early to bury treasure clues and a treasure chest full of loot. The kids had a great time and the majority of them left the party thiking that Captain Hook himself had buried the treasure! It was a really fun party. So, here is my letter to my sweet girl and some pictures of her special day.

Dear Belle,
It amazes me at how quickly time has passed by. Some days it seems as if you were just a little baby learning to walk and talk and then others it seems like an eternity ago. The past few months have been really difficult on the both of us. It has been heart wrenching to watch you go through not only physical stress but also physical pain. I am determined to find out how to help you and get you healthy. You have grown into a beautiful girl inside and out. I love your willingness to help your sisters. You are quick to take The Lynn to the potty, teach The May everything you learn, and help around the house. It is you who always cleans up after yourself without be asked to (not all the time but for the most part). It is you sweet girl that made me a mommy and I will forever be grateful to our Creator. It is Him who has carried us through and He will continue to. I have clung to many verses at certain points in my life but most recently it has been Phillipians 4:6-8 "6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". He will guard you.
I love you more than any words could ever express!
Momma

One of the pictures wouldn't rotate but it is my favorite of The Belle so turn your head!