Oh no they didn't. . . .

I looked outside this afternoon and found Mary Blake playing in the mud and Collins looking on skeptically. Hmmm. . . one of those moments where you think - is it really a big deal? It is just mud. I called out to Mary Blake telling her it was fine to keep playing, but make sure you rinse your hands off before you come back in. About 5 minutes later, I looked outside to find them both looking like this:

I will let you know if Oxy Clean really works!

First day of school for Collins!

Today was Collins' first day of 4 year old preschool at Calvary. This has been a much anticipated day. He has asked me everyday - no less than 3 times a day - for 3 weeks - when is his first day of school. When that cute little head peeped over my bedside this morning and whispered, "Is today my first day of school, Mama?" you better believe he jumped for JOY when I finally answered YES! When I sent him to brush his teeth after breakfast, I found him also brushing his hair . . . with his toothbrush. . . then proceeded to brush his teeth - Way too excited to think straight. I think he actually skipped inside his classroom! Meanwhile, that left me with a big lump in my throat scolding myself for being such a sappy mom. I know, get a life, right? Not to worry, this gal has plenty to do! I am sure 11:30 will roll around all too quickly!

Look on the bright side. . .

Last week I picked up a bag of animal crackers to put up, and it completely split down the middle and spilled all over the floor. Not just a little bag - the 3 lb. bag! It had really just been one of those days and I thought I might explode. Instead I looked at Collins - he looked back at me and shrugged his shoulders, "Well, I guess we will just have to eat them!"

So thankful for the kid perspective on life!

Brad trying out the slip and slide. . .

This afternoon Brad, Greg, and the kids decided to slip and slide! I missed all the fun in the water, but got to have a fun lunch and a visit from Amanda!

Slip and Slide in the front yard!

Veteran's Park

Today we went to the new splash park at Veteran's Park with the Waterers. For any of you who haven't visited yet, you should go! There is plenty of shade for the mama's and a lot of fun for the kiddos!

Mont goes to school!

Collins' best buddy, Mont headed to school today at TCPS. I think Collins thought it should be his first day of school too because he woke me up at 5:30 whispering, "Is it my first day of school, Mama?" In case you are wondering, he didn't fall back asleep! Here are some shots of the two of them together.

First day of 1st grade

Open house was last night at Mooreville. We made a night of it and ate out at Chic-fila. Mary Blake loved her new school and was very excited about her 1st day of school. . .

Collins, Brad, and Mary Blake (Collins is really ready to go to school too - check out the backpack)

Brad and our baby girl!

My people!

This is Mary Blake's teacher Ms. Loyd. I walked Mary Blake in this morning and snapped this picture. All of those cute little students were sitting in their desks writing quietly. Mary Blake scanned the room, then marched herself to hang up her back pack. After that, she glanced back at me, and then started practicing writing her name. She had the cutest teased/determined look on her face. . . it was a face that said I am a big girl, I'm in first grade, time for you to leave mama. No, she didn't say that, but I know my girl, so I waved goodbye and left. Oh my! I so thought kindergarten was hard, but this big girl - it really got to me! I bumped into Camille and Walker Powell in the hall on the way out - Camille saw my tears and gave me a hug. . . I'm thinking I might need a support group waiting at Starbucks next year when I drop of Collins too!!!! On a brighter note, Collins and I had a great mama/son day. We baked cookies (he's a great baker) and even made his favorite lunch - pancakes! Then when went and picked up Mary Blake who proclaimed that she had a GREAT first day and she can't wait to go back tomorrow! Hooray!

Here are pics from the Ocoee! Scroll down for more. . .

White water rafting

This weekend we headed to Ocoee , TN to whitewater raft with a group from church. Despite the crazy ride (there and back - Amy, Misty, and I were on the very back seat of a 15 passenger van) we had a great time. Our fearless leaders Jason and Hayley Warren did an awesome job of organizing the whole trip. Mark Kuiper fell out of his raft and my raft managed to wrap itself around a rock! Thank goodness for my hubby hanging on to my life jacket, and for Amy legs! I was sure hanging on to her tight! Nothing like feeling like you are going to be whooshed away by some rapids! Needless to say, my legs were jell0-like for the next few minutes. Here are some pics of the trip. . . Jim and Misty

Brad and Me

The whole crew

Breakfast at the Ocoee Dam Deli