Summer Fun!

We've been busy around here with Ella's birthday, friends visiting, lost teeth, and going to the pool. Ella turned 5 on July 1st and we celebrated with a High School Musical theme. We also went to Chuck-e-Cheese with a friend. Ella was excited to get a Camp Rock cd and some movies along with a few new Barbies. She also lost a couple of teeth which i could not believe. I had to call the dentist to make sure that was okay. I thought that didnt' happen until much much later. My friend Sara from college stopped by to see us and we ate lunch together. It is always so good to see her and she always tries to make time to stop if she comes by our way. We're trying to figure out a time that i can come visit her in Nashville. We are enjoying our summer swimming at the pool and just having fun!

Birthdays and Vacation

Lily turned 3 on May 26th and I forgot my camera but she had a good time. After Lily's b-day, we went down to Helen,Ga to stay at a time share. We swam at the pool, played mini-golf and just enjoyed relaxing. We also visited Babyland which has the world's largest collection of Cabbage Patch dolls. I felt that i had gone back to my childhood! Some of the dolls that i had when i was little cost $200. Seeing that i was not going to buy the girls 400 dollars worth of dolls, i bought 2 at walmart before i left, kept them in the car and let them buy diapers and bibs. This is the neatest place b/c they actually have the dolls being born and you can name them. The place is free to go to and you don't have to buy anything. They have a nursery, school, christmas theme, and hospital. Totally cute! The gift shop has everything you can imagine. It's located in Cleveland, GA which is in the middle of nowhere but is the birthplace of the founder Xavier Roberts. We recommend it if you have time. In other news, we have just been hanging around. I'm still looking for a job.. We are having fun at the pool and enjoying our weather!

Ding-Dong

Ella has been telling those corny knock-knock jokes lately and Lily has picked up on them.

Here is Lily's version

"Ding, dong"(as opposed to knock, knock)
"Who's there?"
"Joker"
"Joker stinks!"

She thinks she is the funniest thing ever and kept changing joker stinks to joker pooted. All this occured while getting ready for bed. We were laying on Ella's bed and every time she told the punch line she body slammed us. Think WWF Smackdown! Funny, funny that girl!

In Mourning

Ella's new hair cut
Goodbye Pal!
Well, I am officially in mourning over Ella's hair that is. She wanted to get a haircut which we have done at least 5 times but just never this short. She likes it, it will be cool for summer but i am having a hard time b/c she looks so much older. In other news, Lily's pal(pacifier) has gone to Pal fairy land. I have put this off as long as i could but the time has come(well long time ago should have come) to say goodbye!
We have been enjoying the outside and went to Baskin Robbins for the first time today. I had forgotten how exciting that place it, well if you like ice cream that is. But if you don't, well i guess it wouldn't be any fun. So many flavors to choose from.....

It's Graduation Time

Accepting a certificate from one of my professors
Dr. Webster, me , Dr. Freeman
Me and my friend Jamal
My very dear friend Terri who graduated with me

I am officially graduated with a Masters degree in school counseling. After 7 years, 2 children, a few wrinkles and a couple of strands of gray hair..... I am done! Thank the Lord! Yesterday, i participated in a dedication ceremony for my program. I even had the opportunity to speak about one of my professors in front of a couple hundred people. I was asked to speak at graduation in front of a thousand people nonetheless on behalf of ALL the graduate programs at Southern but since graduation was today at 9:30 i declined. I did feel like that was a huge honor. I don't think it has set in with me yet but i know that in a few weeks when i receive that diploma that it will. I still don't have a job yet, but that's okay. I know one will come about eventually. So, yeah me!

Shooting with Daddy

Brandon was practicing bow hunting and Ella decided she wanted to try also. She enjoyed it and Brandon thought it was great. Anyway, things have been busy with us. I have finished my last final of my program. I graduate next week and am still looking for a job. We have been enjoying the great weather outside. Hope your week is going well:)

Picnic at Chester Frost Park

Today, we went to Chester Frost park for a picnic. The weather was nice but windy. The girls wanted to get their feet in the water. There were kids there swimming in the water! Way too cold! Considering the girls have never been to the beach, this was huge! Our friends the Butcher boys kept going out further and the girls thought they could follow. Their dad had to get them to come back so the girls wouldn't get their pants wet:)