Trip to the ER - Take 2

Poor Mallary had another trip to the ER.  This time she was dancing in the waiting area of our dance studio waiting for her class to start.  She took too big of a spin and lost her footing and fell right smack into the floor.  She immediately started screaming and I picked her up.  One of the mom's (a nurse) said I think she busted her chin and I immediately pulled her away from me to see BLOOD pouring out everywhere.  She was covered, I was covered.  Luckily Nurse April and Miss Kim were there and grabbed the paper towels and helped us get it stopped and let me get cleaned up.  ( I don't do blood very well).  We raced home to get Daddy and head to the ER.  I took 3 internal stitches that will dissolve and dermabond on top.  She never cried once we got to the ER and was VERY BRAVE!  I left to get Gracie at stitches time, but Daddy said she never even fussed for her stitches.  She came home with an ice cream cone, sticker and hot pink bandage and never complained since.  I feel so bad for my little dancer. 

Our little buddy's birthday

Andrew is our little buddy and bless his little heart, the only boy in the family.  We just love him and had so much fun celebrating his birthday at the Southern Museum of Flight.   The girls got to explore all kinds of planes, hear some history, play in a moon bounce, ride toy planes, play with friends and cousins - a great afternoon.  Fun for the adults too.

Here are some cute pics from the day.   Can't believe he's 3.

 

1st Day of School - Gracie

All summer long, I've thought that kindergarten was no big deal - we're going to a small school, we're not entering public school, it's only a half day, we're used to going every day, etc.etc.etc.  Well something happened at parent orientation and my eyes got a little teary and they stayed teary for several days.  I think I used those aforementioned sayings as ways to convince myself that my Gracie girl was not truly a big girl, but oh she is.  She is so grown up and she is so ready for kindergarten and all the learning and fun that goes along with it.  I'm so proud of how well she did on her 1st day and so proud that she was able to go to a new school so full of confidence and walk right in without thinking twice about not knowing anyone.  I love that she is excited to go to school and embrace learning with such eagerness.  I love that she has come home talking about her new friends and her great teacher and the many many things she has learned.  My heart could not be more full watching her this past week. 

 My Big Girl

 She loves her new "big" backpack

 At her new school

 Signing in

 Putting her backpack on the hook

 With her sweet teacher

 after school...she got a treasure chest treat and a "tip top" for having a great day!

1st Day of School - Mallary

Monday the 22nd was Mallary's first day of school at Mrs. Donna's Class.  She was excited and picked out a pretty dress for the day.  When we got to school she was all smiles (which I didn't anticipate - nor has that trend continued since...) She had a fun day and was glad to see her friends.

                                                       Ready to go                                                   

In the 3 year old class

She's off!

 We're Here!

 Big Sissy to tell her goodbye

 Putting her teddy bear in her pouch for attendance

 With her nametag

Back to School Parties

The countdown is on - only 1 more week until Kindergarten starts for Gracie and less than a week until preschool starts back up for Mallary.  We are ready for friends, daily activities, more learning and routine. We have enjoyed our summer together, but the girls miss their friends and anxious to start back.  For those that do not know, Gracie will not be attending public school this year.  She will be doing kindergarten through a different program.  We had a couple options for her and are so excited with the choice we have made.  We have never second guessed our decision and stood firm with it from the beginning and can only find more and more reasons for us to be happy where we've landed. 

Anyways, with Back to School looming on the horizon, what better way to celebrate but with Back to School WATER parties!  Saturday our pool had a band, games with the lifeguards and a huge water slide.  The girls were in heaven with the slide and loved it.

Tonight our church had a Back to School Bash complete with an inflatable slip and slide, water balloons, dunking booth and a cookout dinner.  It was so much fun!!!  The girls had so much fun playing.

Gracie and Abby throwing water balloons at each other!

Erica's Wedding

We timed our trip so that we could be there for my cousin Erica's wedding.  Unfortunately it was kinda dark and lots candlelight at the reception so my pics didn't turn out great.  We got lots of good ones though before of our family so I'm glad for those.  Erica's wedding was lovely.  We enjoyed a yummy dinner and delicious cake.  The girls enjoyed the chocolate fountain they had set up during the cocktail hour - Mallary especially!  We were glad we could celebrate with Erica and Ross and wish them lots of happiness!

 The girls with JJ

 Gracie and Mallary with their favorite MeMe, Grammy and JJ

 THE BEST GRANDPARENTS in the world!

I promise they don't even compare to any others : )

 They look great for 90 and 81!!

 Enjoying treats from the chocolate fountain

 Gracie sipping her fancy punch

 Time to cut the cake

 Me and Jacquelyn

The Toledo Zoo

We are so lucky that about 45 minutes in either direction from my Grandparents house are 2 top ranked childrens' zoos.  This year we opted for the Toledo Zoo with my cousin Jacquelyn who was so sweet to take us while Mom, Mary Beth and Grandma got to shop a little. 

The baby Elephant, Lucas!

 

 The girls with Jac

 The Polar Bears were by far their favorite attraction. 

They were so active, swimming and playing, when we stopped to view!