Nora's Adoption Day

Today we celebrated Nora's Adoption Day. She chose chili and a surprise dessert to celebrate! I pulled through with cupcakes and turquoise (her fav color) sprinkles!

Nora Singing

Here is a clip of Nora singing a Christmas carol. Enjoy!

Almost Christmas

I can't even believe that it's almost Christmas. Where has the time gone? I still have so much to do and dare I say...not enough time. Yes, I know (as my brother would kindly tell me), what do you have to do, you're not working! Well, I'm quite busy...doing, you know, things!

Thanksgiving was truly a time of gratitude for us this year. We had the best week and half filled with family. Lynne, Amy, Brandon and Mere came to stay first and then we went to Hilton Head with my mom, dad, Brian, Hillary, and Hillary's bro John. What a beautiful holiday season and thank you all (or y'all) for spending it with us.

Voting in Third Grade

The past two weeks in Nora's class have been about the election. They learned about each candidate, made posters, and promoted for each side. It was really interesting to hear a kids perspective. She informed me that if Obama wins he is going to make math and science more fun in school. I asked her how and she said, "I have no clue."

The vote is in: out of all 7 third grade classes - Obama Wins.

HALLOWEEN!

Why is it that the kids like those cheesy store bought costumes? I always try to talk them out of it and it worked for Nora, but not so much for Reed. The crazy thing was...all his friends had the same type of costumes and they were all different Star Wars characters. Boys will be boys.

Sandals

Believe it or not but we are still wearing shorts and sandals these days. The weather has been beautiful and we still haven't had to put the heat on. Lovin' it!

Adoption Day!

On October 21st we celebrated Reed's adoption day. He wanted chicken nuggets and french fries for dinner and pineapple upside down cake for dessert!

The Wonder of the Egg

Have any of you heard of using the inside slimy layer of the egg shell on head bumps? It works every time! Right after you or your child incur a head bump take them right to the kitchen and get out an egg. This will clear up the bump and bruise.

Reed fell yesterday while playing tag on the asphalt. Of course he hit his forehead. I wish I would have thought to have taken a before picture, but you'll have to trust me that the bump and bruising were bad. The bump was the size of a golf ball and by morning it was gone - leaving a very attractive road rash.

I hope you don't need to, but try it next time.

Grandma Plays Football?

When my mom and dad were out last, my mom played football with Reed. Check it out!

FOOTBALL!

Well, football has been very interesting to say the least. Jeff is one of the coaches and the season started with draft picking 6, 7, and 8 year olds. Then started a round of trades and from there an argument on the real meaning of the rule "no blocking." Apparently there are variations to the rule - to which Coach Jeff threw his clipboard on the sideline in disgust. I'm sure most of you are not too surprised! Oh, did I mention this is flag football?

Reed's team hasn't won yet, but they finally scored last week and boy were they excited. Here are some pictures and also a couple video clips. I'm still not good at the video clip thing, so while you'll see Reed in them, you won't really see him catching or scoring the ball. He's running in one and hiking the ball in the other.

Hilton Head Island

We took a very relaxing weekend to HHI. We went with our friends from Ohio - aka - The Gipps! The kids had a blast playing in the ocean and the parents had fun playing Mexican Train dominoes with drinks.

3rd Annual Whitewater Festival

We spent Saturday at the U.S. National Whitewater Center for the Whitewater Festival. It was a blast. It is the world's largest man-made whitewater river and an olympic training center. It has hiking and mountain biking trails, zip lines, kayaking, rafting, and rock climbing. Nora and Reed both went rock wall climbing. Nora made it to the top twice at two different heights. She climbed about 30ft.

Labor Day Weekend with an Old Friend

This past Labor Day weekend we went to Georgia to spend a fun-filled weekend with my friend from 3rd Grade! Yep that's right, 3rd grade. Most of you probably remember her because the two of us were inseparable and she was my Matron of Honor. Michelle, her husband Todd, and their three children welcomed us into their home and included us in all their activities. We went swimming, tubing, jet skiing, rock collecting, pontooning, you name it we did it! We even had an opportunity to visit with her parents and sister. The best time of the weekend was when we were able to sneak away and chat about all the memories we have together, people we know, and that we're finally adults with our own families. It doesn't seem that long ago that we became blood sisters.

Look Who's 8!

How could I have forgot? Nora turned 8! I can't believe how big she is. She is certainly growing up and is a beautiful young girl. This new year has brought about a new and wonderful sense of independence and self-esteem. It is amazing watch her grow and find her own way. I am so grateful to be aware of this, and as much as I'd like her to wear the clothes that I think are cute, I'd rather her choose for herself. Happy Birthday my love.