Five!

Let's see...where do I start?  I let it go too long again!  I guess the most exciting thing we've done was decide, spur of the moment, to head to Memphis for a week to get our Baughman fix.  It had just been too long since seeing them.  Sadly, Mark couldn't come because of something ridiculous like...work;).  But, the girls and I piled in the car and headed over.  Reese was starting his educational career, and we thought it might be nice to be there to help send him off.  Reese is Kay's righthand man, and we knew it would be a sad parting.  It was our job to keep her busy and a smile on her face.  We did A LOT of laughing, so I figure my job was done.    

We did so many fun things.  We visited Mud Island, went to the pool a few times and shopped, shopped, and shopped.  I came home with a van full of stuff!  It was a lovely visit.   

On our road trip we stopped for lunch.  We had a ton of great options and this is where the girls begged to go.  They love IHOP! 

Fun at the pool 

Love these two girls 

They LOVED this frog! 

Pure Joy

My little snuggle bug

The man of the hour!  Can't believe he started school! 

Our healthy dinner 

Kaylee got Rosie this prairie dress and, I kid you not, she has worn it every day since.  It's her favorite thing in the world.  I've gone in her room in the night, and found that she's changed out of her jammies and is sleeping in it.  As soon as we get home from outings, she runs upstairs to put it on.  I have a love/hate relationship with the dress.    

While we were gone, Mark focused his energies on training for the LPC Triathlon, so timing was perfect.  He could spend his evenings swimming, biking and running, and didn't have to feel bad about neglecting us or anything.  We were excited to get home and cheer him on.  

We got home on Saturday evening and Sunday morning was the race.  Mark did so well.  A few of our friends and our neighbor also participated, so it was fun being cheerleaders.  

So proud of him! 

Kiki was proud, too!

Kent, Mark's friend and triathlon buddy! 

I was at a friends house and we happened to be watching the news.  If you look closely you can see Mark!  He's famous:) 

Last week, we spent some quality time with friends, before they had to go back to school.   One day we went to the pool and another day we went sunflower picking.  

The girls loved being the only ones in the kiddo pool! 

We thought we would get rained out, but somehow we missed the storm!

The three musketeers! 

The place Anca found to go sunflower picking was so cool.  The girls loved playing with chickens and bunnies and swinging on the tire swing! 

It was SOOO hot that day and at one point, Kiki plain gave up. 

On Thurday we went to the Biltmore for their concert series to hear Third Day and Stephen Curtis Chapman.  What a fun night hanging out with friends and listening to great music! 

You can't beat this view! 

I love this guy! 

Such a fun night!

Saturday, the group I sing with, did a mini concert at my church.  Then, late in the afternoon, we had a few people over to celebrate Rosie and Kiki's birthdays.   

Happy Birthday to you! 

So, that was supposed to be a four layer cake originally, but it totally crumbled when I was removing the layers from the pans.  Oh, well!  Who doesn't love a trifle?! 

Picnic Dinner

Rosie and her picnic basket! 

The Children...

Gift excitement! 

I'll give you one guess what's she's licking off her finger.

Finally got her own dessert and in heaven! 

Oh, this face! 

If you could measure her excitement that day, it would tip the scales! 

Blowing out candles 

It was a fun evening!  The girls are still talking about it, which makes me know it was all worth it.  The next day, we did all kinds of different errands.  One of those included hitting the JCrew Sample sale.  I didn't get much, but I found a few great pieces.  

Monday was Rosie's actual birthday.  She had been asking for a porcelain doll like her friend Aeva, so that's what we got her and she's so excited.  She's taking super care of her "portland" doll, as she calls it.  She named her "Rosabelle." 

Can't believe this little dolly is five!!!!

This kid makes me smile every day!  I just love her! 

Five and Fun! 

We've had a good rest of the week so far.  Today, I started school with Rosie.  Even though I'm a teacher, being in charge of teaching Rosie to read is absolutely terrifying to me.  Since I taught older grades, I've never had to do that.  Today went really well and she seems really excited.  Kiki definitely complicates things, but I'm trying to get her as involved as possible to help with that.  Rosie also started Adventurers today, which she really loved.  It was a full day for her! 

Tomorrow, we have swimming lessons and music practice and then we have to prepare for our friends, the Putt's coming for a visit!  We are so excited!  

Sorry this was such a lengthy post!  Hope all is well!