just like big brother

Griffin has really gotten into his legos (pronounced yeh-goss - with a lisp at the end)

Mattie Ruth making her move

We are hoping with two Brashier boys to choose from, Mattie Ruth will someday be my daughter-in-law...and Evelyn can be my other daughter-in-law. Nothing wrong with dreaming?! Friday she made it clear she might have eyes for Wren - she moved in quickly for a kiss (i may or may not have asked her to)

Out of the box

So, we did let the kittens out of their boxes - as soon as the kids got in the van. I am pretty sure at one point there was a kitten under the gas pedal. We got them home and they scattered into to any corner or crevice they could find, only to be coaxed out by a broom stick. It didn't help that Griffin abused them by "holding" them....
We are all getting used to each other. I think they like us!  Meet CC (black) and Odie (orange)

Kittens and tu-tus

MB had a little too much fun dressing Griffin up. He actually enjoyed the wings. I was holding my breath when he went to show Brad......

Mary Blake stayed home Friday with an ear infection. Griffin loved having her home. The hat is a nice touch

Well, we adpoted two kittens this weekend. So far they are a the easiest pets ever! I will have more pics of them (out of the box!) soon.

sisterhood of the traveling crafts

Last weekend, me and my college roomies gathered in Starkville.  We have been doing our best (thanks to Sarah Largen and her organizing skills) to get together each year....so far, we have been to Jackson, Tupelo, Nashville, Jasper,  New York, St. Louis, Birmingham, and Memphis. More often than not, one of has been pregnant - one time 3 of us were pregnant (christy bought a test that weekend) cuh ra zeeee!
Last weekend, we had a craft weekend. SOOOO much fun.  I will admit that my rosette craft was put to shame by these gals. Here are some highlights:

We started out by making bookmarks.  Perfect warm-up for what was up next!

Next, we started in on Mandy's project.  Here is a little side note on Mandy.  We go way back - and I mean WAY back to 7th grade.  We did just about everything together.  Even when we had boyfriends, we still made sure we still did stuff.  This girl is one of the most talented people I know. Not only is she very creative, she is CRAZY!! Like, you never know WHAT is going to come out of her mouth. If you know Mandy, your life has been spiced up, and BLESSED - enough said.

Christy acted like she couldn't handle crafts weekend....whaaaatttt?? She rocked the drip painting adventure!

This is the start of our drip paintings

Sarah and Mandy's (to the left)

mine

Christy's tree!

This was Christy's craft.  Mandy nicknamed her the craft minx. She was a sneaky one - acting like she couldn't hang with a craft! Mary Blake and Collins have this string of coolness hanging in their room now.

Dining at the Veranda with these stylish ladies

Ok, I know he is my baby, but really, he was a trooper. Didn't fuss a bit either night when we went out to eat. Love you Wren, Wren!

Mandy jammin' to Party in the USA, entertaining Wren

Last craft - flippy flops. This was another cool craft of Sarah's. I will say that my rosettes and flip flops were last on the list.  Mandy may or may not have made mine for me :). Her rosette was super rigged and ended up in the trash. She was smack talking and not wanting to follow directions....

Christy, on the other hand, diligently twisted and sewed - making Hazel Jane a sweet head band! We also discovered that ripped pieces of tshirt make great stretchy headbands

Yippee for breakfast at City Bagel - lots of memories made here!!!

first day of school

Mary Blake just started 4th grade, and Collins started 2nd grade.  They both love their teachers and have already made new buddies.  I can't believe I am saying this, but starting school this year was relatively easy....no tears (from cb), no clothes disagreements (yet), and we have made it on time everyday (it has only been a week). Anyway....here are some shots from the first morning.  Collins decided he was too teased for me to take a picture of him and his teacher.

2nd and 4th graders!

here come the brashier kids!

my 4th grader!

not. gonna. make. me smile

all of our new gear

Emma Claire's first day of KINDERGARTEN - apparently things went down hill after this sweet shot....BUT she has recovered nicely is getting adjusted - misty, on the other hand, is still adjusting. :)

MB's cute teacher, Mrs. Ward