Tropical Storm Fay

Here are a few pics of what we saw yesterday with Tropical Storm Fay all around us. We didn't have much activity during the day yesterday, but last night we had lots of wind and rain. We haven't lost power, Internet, or phone...but our cable did go out for awhile late last night. (Don't really understand since our cable, phone, and Internet are all through the same company !?!)

Nobody knows what this crazy storm is going to do next, but since Elizabeth is out of school and most of the other school districts around here went back today we are off to Disney for a little while! I think we are going to visit Magic Kingdom until the next bands arrive!

All of the pics were taken no with no flash so you could experience all the different colors with us! Keep your fingers crossed that the worst part is over for us and pray for those who were really affected by this storm!

First Day of Third Grade

Summer is officially over at our house. Today is Elizabeth's first day of Third Grade!! Oh, where has the time gone?

It really does feel like just yesterday she made her early entrance into our world. Now she is so independent and grown up it seems. Time really does fly!

Banastre is going to miss Elizabeth so much now that she is back in school. Yesterday, he told me he wants to go to school and learn his ABC's too. I may start looking for a part time preschool where he can go one or two days a week.

Our eyes and attention are tuned into Tropical Storm Fay right now. It looks like Elizabeth may not have school every day this week if it stays on track. The current path would bring the worst of the winds right here, so school may be canceled for a day or two! I will keep you informed on how we are doing. We are completely prepared and ready to ride out our first storm since moving!

Conversations with Banastre

Boy is he persistent. This happens at least ten times a day!

Banastre: I want to go to museum and see big dinosaur.

Mom: There's no museums around here with big dinosaurs.

Banastre: I want to go to Nana's house.

Mom: That's a long trip.

Banastre: I want to go to museum and see big dinosaur!!!!

(After finally calming him down and reassuring him that mommy will find him a museum with a big dinosaur, he has this conversation:)

Banastre: I want to go on Safari.

Mommy: Animal Kingdom is very hot right now. Maybe later.

Banastre: Ok, I want to see giraffes, elephants, rhinos, tigers, and pet goats.

I foresee this boy having something to do with animals in the future. He is absolutely obsessed with all animals.

We took him to Animal Kingdom to try and get his mind off of dinosaurs and museums (no, we haven't showed him the dinosaur dig site there yet) but now I think we are all getting just a little tired of the safari ride and the petting station with the goats and sheep!

I hear him waking up. It must be time to start this conversation for the day!

A New Super Hero

The newest Wonder Pet has arrived at our house. Check out his cool new pajamas courtesy of Grandma! He loves the new cape!!!!

A Trip to NC

On July 17 the kids and I loaded up the Jeep and headed up to NC to spend some time with my family and friends. We had a great time! The drive up there and home went pretty good. Especially considering it was just me trying to keep both kids busy in the car so I could concentrate on driving.

While we were there, we visited the Splash Pad in KM, Aunt Mackie and Uncle Danny's house (with guest appearances of Eric, Emily, and Brian), went to church in Indian Trail, went to the Museum with Brandy and her kids, and spent a whole day with my grandparents! We were busy everyday and loved every minute of it

Here the kids are playing at the Splash Pad.Showing off at Nana's house.

Here's a few monkeys playing in a tree!

Ewic and the kids playing croquet.Every day since we have been home all I have heard from Banastre is: "I want to go to Museum and see BIG dinosaur!"Banastre, Elizabeth, Chaise, and LoganEverybody's favorite attraction of the day..the baby bobcat.

Banastre has renamed this bear, it is now known as the Chocolate Bear.We visited Bessie Mae again...but I don't think she remembered us!Across the street from my mom and grandparents, Mr. Jim has horses. On our last day there, Granny took the kids over to see the horses. Banastre was enthralled!!!
Family picture time. Mom and Lauren have a lot more pics that came out a lot better. Unfortunately, my cd of their pics did not burn correctly...so I will post more family pics when I get them!We had a great time and can't wait to go back again!

Long Awaited Update With Pictures

Today Banastre got a REAL BIG BOY BED!!! We have been talking about it a lot and he was so excited. We went to play with some friends and when we got home, Daddy had it all set up. Yes, it is bunk beds. We need to go get one more mattress for the top bunk. Elizabeth can't wait to be able to sleep in there with Banastre for a sleepover night. Banastre even helped me put the sheets and blanket on. He laid right down at bed time and was asleep in less than 5 minutes. I definitely think he likes it!!

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Elizabeth took these pics of the famous Peabody Ducks. We didn't get to see their march on the red carpet. But it was really neat to see ducks in the fountain of such a nice hotel.

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We had Hall of Fame Dance Competition Nationals on Tuesday the 8th at the Peabody Hotel Orlando. Monday night was spent at the Floridays resort with two other dance moms and their girls. (Thanks Lisa!!!) We had a lot of fun and the three bedroom suite was great. Yes, I left Banastre at home with Matt and Elizabeth and I went by ourselves. Why??? Her first dance was scheduled for 8:00am. For make-up, hair, and practice time we had to get up at 5 and the Peabody was only 10 minutes from the Floridays. (We would have been up around 4 if we had stayed at home.) All of the dances went great!! Lollipop had a 1st Place High Gold score, Bang had 1st place Platinum (the highest possible) and Hairspray also received a 1st place Platinum. We are so proud of Elizabeth and all she has achieved this year. It was a wonderful competition season. (Although, Mommy and Daddy are looking forward to the month of rest before we head back to dance classes!!) Here's a few pics:

They added a wig to Lollipop. I hated it at first. But now I love it!
Alyssa and Elizabeth. Alyssa's mom is the one who got us the great hotel!
Lollipop Group Shot
Bang
Bang group shotHairsprayHard to get a Hairspray group shot with all 48..so here's a few people in the ending pose. Went to look for Elizabeth while waiting on awards. She's front row, center stage...Who would've guessed?This is the pic you get when all of the Mini Moms want a picture taken and the kids are taking the picture!
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On the Fourth of July we had a wonderful cook out with Grandma, Grandpa, and Doodle. We enjoyed the usual foods of hot dogs, hamburgers, and watermelon. It was a wonderful meal and wonderful time spent together. It's great to live in a country where we are free to share time with anyone we choose!!! After dinner, we headed over to Disney's Magic Kingdom to watch the fireworks. We arrived slightly before 7:00. The crowds were already amazing. Even more people than the fireworks Christmas night!!!!! There was no nighttime parade before the fireworks and the sides of Main Street were already covered with people. We decided to walk to the "hub". That's the spot right in front of the castle by the Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney statue. There were lots of people standing around and while we decided what to do, people around us starting taking out beach towels and blankets to sit on. We decided we would just sit and wait too. I had no clue I was going to have to entertain both Elizabeth and Banastre for two hours. Luckily, I had a few toys and a snack. I also want to thank the nice lady sitting beside us from Naples, FL. She played and talked to Banastre almost the entire time and didn't even mind when he decided he really liked her ECV and thought the tires needed to be "worked" on. Finally, with a literal sea of people surrounding us for as far as I could see, the fireworks began. WOW!!! There were fireworks behind the castle. There fireworks going off behind us at the train station. At several points during the fireworks, there were shots going off 360 degrees around us. It was very patriotic and moving when during certain parts people (and ok..nerdy me) were singing along with the songs. I also loved the way they decorated the castle at the end.

I must say these were some of the best fireworks I have ever seen. Matt saw Epcot's last year, so he says I have to see theirs next year. They are supposedly even better! I can't imagine!

Banastre and Matt when we first arrived.
Elizabeth is still smiling!
It was so hot I thought I was starting to melt.

Look close enough and you can see the Mickey and Walt statue. This was one of my favorite parts of the night!

Short Update

Things have been wild and crazy around here as usual. We have spent a lot of time in our pool and the community pool, lots of dance practices, at Disney, and with family. Tomorrow is Elizabeth's National Dance Competition. If they place in the top 5 we will also be competing Wednesday night. Please keep Elizabeth and the whole dance company in your thoughts and prayers. We pray that they all stay healthy and safe and do the best they can!

I will do a much more detailed post when all of this is over. We have some great pics of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom on the 4th and we will have pics of Banastre's new Big Boy Bed when we are done this week!