FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2013

 CARSON

8th Grade

Collierville Middle School

 CARA ANN

4th grade

Mrs. Trimble

Tara Oaks Elementary

 RYLEIGH

3rd grade

Mrs. Ladd 

Tara Oaks Elementary

 While the girls are away, the boys will play....BASEBALL that is!!

While we were in Virginia Beach dancing, Carson was in Orange Beach playing ball.  They didn't get many pics, mainly because Dave was doing all he could do not to kill the 2 year old haha!  Besides ball games they spent a little time at the beach (where Carson was stung right away by a jelly fish), they did a little miniature golf and lots of yummy eating too.  Dave has never been so ready to come home.  With a baseball through his windshield, vomit in his bed and 100 plus degree weather he had had enough!!!  The boys played as well as they could.  Not our best season!!!

 VIRGINIA BEACH JUNE 2013

The girls had their National dance competition in Virginia Beach this year.  Grandma Shauna came along and brought the best surprise with her....Abigail!!!  We kept super busy.  We did a little dancing, beaching and road tripping.

 We spent our first day in Williamsburg.  It was probably the cutest town I have ever stepped foot in.  I felt like I had stepped back in time.  It was beautiful.  I wouldn't complain if any of my kids went to the College of William & Mary and I had to visit them haha!  It was beyond hot that day but the girls were troopers.  

 Once we left Williamsburg, we met Reiley in D.C. since he was there working and living. It had been at least 20 years since I had visited D.C. but it all came back to me instantly.  I love that city!  There is so much to see and do and that we did.  I think we hit almost every tourist attraction and monument that we could in a days time.  We walked and walked in the rain and heat but it was worth it.  The girls were most excited to see the White House but I think the American History Museum was their favorite...with a little help from "Night at the Museum" of course!!

 Arlington National Cemetery 

 Iwo-Jima Monument

 "Changing of the Guards"

 The Smithsonian's

 Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean and Washington Monuments

The Lincoln and WW2 Memorials

The White House

 Our Nations Capital

 Virginia Beach with dance friends

 pics from here and there...

 We played and danced in between.   The girls did awesome!  Ryleigh and Cara's lyrical dance, SKYSCRAPER took 3 all around.  Cara's tap dance SWING took 1st all around and Ryleigh's jazz RESPECT took 5th overall.  Not too bad for our first year of Nationals.  I was so proud of my girls. 

 My favorite pic I took on the trip.  

 Most people know I'm a TV junky so going to DC Cupcakes was one of my highlights.  Georgetown is so cute...so modern but cute.  I think I could stay in Georgetown shopping and eating forever!

Great vacation full of tons to see and do.  Thanks Grandma and Abigail for joining us.  You made it that much for fun!!! xoxo

4th of July-neighborhood style

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY SMILEY RYLEIGH!

 Ryleigh has been planning her birthday party forever. It changed weekly and so did the invite list.  In the end I think she invited the perfect number of girls and did the perfect activity, especially for her age group.  We met at Stix a hibachi grill and then we went to a cupcake decorating party.  I love the idea and the girls thought it was so much fun.  We had frosting and cake everywhere and I'm sure the hostess took a long nap after we left but the girls loved it.  Ryleigh has a great little group of friends....from school, church and dance.

 This beauty of ours is full of spunk and personality.  She keeps us on our toes.  She is constantly at my side and more of a mama's girl than I ever thought.  She is so talented and so fun to be around.  Keep smiling Ryleigh!!!!

 PIONEER TREK 2013

 MY COLLIERVILLE WARD BFF'S-DON'T WE CLEAN UP WELL!!!

 I've been dying to go on a full trek for years.  I've been over the youth several times and my schedule has never allowed for it or it was an off year for trek.  I was so excited when they called and asked if I would be over food.  Most people think that would be a punishment but I felt the complete opposite.  Yes, it was hard work, super hot, emotionally and physically draining...but I wouldn't have changed the experience....EVER!  What an amazing group of youth we have here in western Tennessee!  I can't wait until the day my own kids get to experience such amazing and spiritaul event.

Carson's first Scout camp....

Carson was finally able to make it to scout camp this summer.  In the past it either intereferred with a sport or a family vacation. He had a great time!  I was a little worried about him until I received an email from a scout leader saying he was by far handling it the best.  He worked hard, played hard and swam even harder!  His least favorite merit badge haha!  Proud of him for making it a fun and positive experience.