"Un-officially" Closing out the Summer.

I have no pictures to share, but thought I would still post. I am coming to terms with the fact that this last weekend of Blake's Summer Vacation has made ME feel probably more "sad" than even Blake. With every "last days of summer break" just means my little boy is growing up and I can't help but think that next year this time I'll be starting my last "little" boy into Kindergarten. But we made it a great weekend! Saturday meant going to the annual WMA Duck Blind draw in Lebanon for Jeff and Blake. (Yes-they got a blind!). Adam and I went to the gym. I tried Zumba for the first time. Hmm. . . Not sure if I'll maka a second attempt. After Blake's baseball practice, we spent the rest of the day in the kiddie pool and Slip-N-Slidin' in the back yard. Sunday, had a great church service, went to Chef Wang's to eat (yum!) and then hit the mall for Back-to-School clothes. (yes, even Jeff went :). I am just holding to the fact that Summer is NOT over yet!! Still plenty of days for pool time and playing outside :)

Blake is a Second Grader!

We went together as a family today to register Blake for Second Grade at Barfield Elementary. This will begin our 3rd year at this school and, already, it feels as if we've been a part of this school for much longer. This is a picture of Blake and his new second grade teacher. Her name is Mrs. Emily Flanders. I already like her. She left a Hershey's bar on all of her students' desk! We are excited about beginning a new year and look forward to making new relationships and seeing Blake fill those 2nd grader shoes!

Blake's 7th Birthday!

We celebrated Blake's 7th birthday in a big way with a laser tag party on Saturday, March 6. Both friends and family attended and I even got to participate in the laser tag game, which was so fun! An added part to the weekend was having Blake's cousins, Clayton and Jack, spend the night. After so much excitement on Saturday, the boys played out before 8:00!!

More fun in the snow!!

We finally got to go sledding although the snow was a bit dry. With 3 layers of clothes, I managed to just get a little cold. I do NOT like cold weather so bundling up for about an hour of sledding for me was a big sacrifice. It was worth it though to see the smiles on the boys faces. And Mom even took a turn, too :) Sorry, no pics. Finally the snow is gone and the weather forecasted to be in the 50s later in the week. Maybe we should break out the shorts!

First Snow Day 2010

We had our first official snowfall of 2010 today. The weather stations predicted 2-3 inches but we only have about 1/2-1 inch on the ground. Not quite enough for sledding (although Adam disagrees). I just happened to be off from work today so it worked out that I could be home to enjoy the fun. We spent the day first going to Adam's tumbling class at Small Wonders, then to McDonald's for McGriddles, then to Patterson Park for indoor swimming. When we returned home, Blake ran in and transformed into a football player. His response when I suggested he wear his coveralls and coat and maybe "wait" until I could go out with him: "but this is my dream to play football in the snow!". Watching him run plays solo with the snow falling all around him was priceless!! Later, Jeff and I repaired our yard-sale treadmill. Now, I can no longer use the excuse, "my treadmill is broken" for not exercising. At least I can walk indoors where it is warm :) !

Closing out 2009

Wow, what a year. 2009 was indeed a year in which I was blessed richly but not without some heartache. We closed out the year the week of Christmas being with our family in Paris, Rives and Jackson. After all the excitement a "quiet" New Year's Eve and New Year's Day was definitely in order.

Winter Fun

We have been pretty busy this winter!! Although we have not yet had more than a "dusting" of snow, we have had very cold weather and very warm weather. The ducks flew well on the cold weather days. Unfortunate for them, Jeff was out every chance he could get. Jeff hosted several guys this winter on duck hunts and managed to take some youngsters, too. The only one who politely declined every invitation--Mom. I'm just not a fan of cold weather and smelly birds!

We visited the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro with our cousins, Clayton and Jack Shackelford. There is so much to do there!

With all the fun we are having this winter, I am so ready for Spring and some outdoor fun!!

Until next time,

Paige