Ronald McDonald Storytime

My first real job out of college was with a Ronald McDonald House...It was a very special and meaningful time that I will always be fond of. When I heard Ronald McDonald would be at our local library, I couldn't resist. Seems the kids loved him as much as I do!

Potty All the Time! Potty All the Time!

I know....cheesy! But we are now on our way to being one less in diapers - WOOHOOO!!! Katie has done an excellent job learning to use the big potty (for rewards of course!) Never thought it would make me so proud. She started on Monday and goes all the time by herself now. Could it really be this easy????

On a side note, I know that we have been MIA. I have thought a million times to jump on here for an update and then things start moving and I never did. Going to try to pick it back up.

Things have changed in so many ways recently. All the babies can say everything now. Their little languages seemed to have developed overnight. They answer questions and tell me what they want. Amazing. Their bond has really strengthened also. I find them giving one another hugs and kisses here and there. They will also come up and grab my leg with a huge squeeze...melts my heart!

Yesterday morning, I was talking to them while driving to school. Katie was able to name every single child in her class....Ben (which she LOVES), Jake, Hannah, Ashton, Livie, Stella...she just went on and on.

I am so proud of them. I have to say they are some pretty smart little babies :) I'll download some pics soon :)

Karen

Howdy Halloween

Cowboy and Cowgirls...Three Amigos? Whatever they are, they sure were cute! Using some outfits that Minnie and Papa sent from Houston, the babies went Western for Halloween this year.

Wylie is ready to go!




Our First House - Thank You Nyenhuis'!



Checking out his Loot :)

"This isn't MY first rodeo" Maggie thinks...



Leo from next door...How cute is he!!!

After doing a few houses on our block, we went over to the Lane's for some chili and pizza. Here is Luke all dressed for Jersey!





What a night...What a night! Time to head home for a long bath and NightNight.

SURPRISE! Aaron's 35th

For Aaron's birthday, we had a surprise party for him at Bubba Up's - a Mexican restaurant on St. Simons. Not sure if he knew ahead of time, but it was a great evening!


Chocolate Cake - His Favorite :)

Jennifer Blackerby and Birthday Boy





A trophy for his Fantasy Football Team

Party with RockStars! O.A.R.

What a turn this year's trip took!!! Aaron and I headed down to St. Augustine, FL to catch the O.A.R. show. Last year, we had so much fun that both of us were looking forward to seeing our FAVORITE band in an outside amphitheatre.

We arrived and headed over to Sunset Grill to pick up some dinner before the concert started. We really like this dive bar and have talked about it nonstop since last year. Then we headed on over to hear some music!!!

Shortly after they started, they stated that a song was dedicated to some friends in the crowd. I noticed how a group next to us got really super excited and told Aaron that they were who the song was for. Neither one of us recognized the song, so, afterward the song, I asked them what the name was ("Tonight"). Then, throughout the concert, we talked and danced and had a great time. When the show was over, they asked us if we wanted to tag along backstage. Um...YEAH!!!!!

We got backstage and got to meet everyone except the lead singer who had gone on to New Orleans. We all hung out to almost midnight when they found out that something was going on with loading and it would be a couple more hours till they left. No one knew St. Augustine or where to go, so Aaron and I recommended SUNSET GRILL! AND THEY SAID SURE!!!! We all loaded up in THEIR van and off we went. It was surreal! Aaron is giving directions to the driver; I am sitting towards the back with band members all around me. It was so much fun!

Turned out to be one of the best nights ever....


Aaron before the show

Lights off...time for the show!





Jerry DePizzo - Saxophone

Benj Gershman - Bass Guitar

Mikel Paris - Keyboards

The Van ride over

Left is Chris Culos - Drums



Richard On - Lead Guitar

First Day of School

Could they really be old enough to be in a day school???? I can't believe it but they are! We decided to put them into St. Marks Day School Tues-Thurs half days. I think it will be a good thing for all of us. They will get to be around other children and learn a bit more structure than I do at home. I get to go back to work P/T which is kind of exciting for me. I took a Volunteer Coordinator job with Heartland Hospice and will start next week. We have all been in the house for the past two years and I am hoping that some "fresh air" will be welcomed!

I tried to get a good group picture but it is harder than it sounds! We were in such a frenzy getting dressed and to school on time that I really didn't have the opportunity to get everyone happy. Maggie was excited though!



Katie was not having it. She was ready to head back to bed!


Aaron and I both dropped them off. It was really difficult. I have heard how hard it is but saying goodbye these guys and letting someone else take over broke my heart. Katie and Wylie had a hard time also. Hopefully, in a few more days, we will all be able to leave without tears!

Charleston Bound

The annual pilgrimage to Charleston to catch the O.A.R. show. Michael VanCise drove over from Atlanta to join us this time. And of course...sweet Tosya was there!

Our babysitters for the night - Maddie and Winnie (and Grandmama of course!) Check out the back of their t-shirts :)

The entire gang!



Hot Wings!

"I Feel Home" Katie Bug waiting on us :)