School's Out for Summer!!

Gracie at Camp Carolina at the Aquarium

Anna Grace is out of school now. She had a wonderful year and loved all of her teachers. Robert and I can't believe how much she is learning and growing every day! She talks 90 miles an hour and rarely takes breath. She tells us all the time, "I have a good idea...!" Usually the idea involves playing with our neighbor.

There is just something about being out of school that makes me want to go lots of places and do lots of things! So... that's what we've been doing. Last week we went to The Children's Museum, The Aquarium, the pool, the lake house, and several friend's houses for playtime. I think the girl's are getting tired of "GOING"! We should try to stay home at least one or two days a week.

Anna Grace and Madalyn loved our trip to The Children's Museum. The highlights were the shrimp boat and the grocery store. Anna Grace was very impressed that there was a bathroom on the boat and Madalyn had a chance to push her own shopping cart. She loaded it with bananas (her favorite) and a fish! The only problem was she never wanted to check out. She ran over a few people's toes and heals. But, she did have a great time!

Anna Grace was impressed with the potty on the shrimp boat!Maddy shopping!Gracie restocking the shelves! The toddler playroom

The Aquarium was not as much fun this time. We happened to pick a day that every school planned a field trip there. There were actually 900 children there from schools. I had one of those terrible "heart stopping" feelings. I lost Maddy in the play area. I watched her walk in, but I never saw her come out. I was waiting to take a picture, but I didn't realize that there was another exit. Thankfully Anna Grace and I only had to search for a minute or two. I looked down to the next area and saw a woman walking toward us holding Maddy's hand. I don't think Maddy even knew that she was lost!

Anna Grace taking advantage of a teaching moment.

The only area not too crowded!

Friday we went to the lake house in Santee. We had a great weekend there and enjoyed the company of two baby eagles that have made their home the tree in the front yard. We definitely had to watch the two family chihuahuas. They would make a nice meal.

Baby Eagles

Anna Grace had a few milestones this weekend. She overcame her fears of riding FAST in the boat, putting worms on a hook, and staying without Mommy and Daddy at the lake.

Madalyn loves the lake, the boat, the food, and everything else! I think she may be our tomboy despite Robert's attempts to toughen Anna Grace up.

This week we also put the girls in bunk beds! They love them and absolutely love sharing a room (for now)!

We are so thankful for the blessings that God has given us! Through both of our children God is teaching us so much. I am refreshed constantly by Anna Grace's lack of concern over material things and how important "quality time" is to her. God is teaching me about His faithfulness, His sovereignty, and His timing through Madalyn. She continues to talk more and more. One day really soon we will have two children talking 90 miles an hour.

She Speaks!

We have a HUGE PRAISE!! Madalyn has spoken her first words. A few weeks ago Maddy started saying "NO". I have never been so excited to hear that word. I probably encouraged her a little too much. Now that's about all we hear! It's her answer to everything! I am kicking myself now for all the No, no, NO, no, No, no's Maddy and I have had back and forth. She has also said baby, Daddy, Mommy, Ellie (our dog), nose, eyes, moo and probably a few more that I can't remember right now. We are thrilled! Thank you all for the prayers. They have definitely been answered.

We met with our pediatrician this week and he is also very encouraged. Maddy is very bright cognitively. He would like us to have her re-evaluated for Early Intervention. Most children her age are beginning to say 2 word phrases. I am confident that she will get there soon!

Gracie in the Butterfly House at Cypress Gardens

Mother's Day - It was a great day! Robert and the girls made breakfast for me (courtesy of Krispy Kreme)! We all had doughnuts and made a mess in the bed! Robert and the girls took me out to dinner. They also gave me an Ipod with an inscription. I have really needed something for those runs around the neighborhood.

FUNNY STORY - Robert and I have been trying to keep our fitness level up since we have lost all this weight. In order to do this we have decided to run in some races to help us set goals. We signed up for a race in North Charleston called the Green Village Tour. It was an 8k. Robert and I showed up for the race only to find ourselves the only newbies. Everyone was decked out in their gear, monitors, Ipod's, etc. Robert might as well have been in street clothes. Needless to say... we came in very close to last and next to last. We did finish and were very happy with our progress after the Cooper River Bridge Run. Robert and I figured out that we cut almost a minute off every mile we ran. I think that we will be running in a 5k next month on Sullivan's Island.

THIS WEEK - Robert took vacation all week. We have had a blast. Tuesday we went to Cypress Gardens. The girls loved the reptiles, butterflies, and the canoe ride. Madalyn couldn't stop smelling the flowers. Anna Grace couldn't get enough of the alligators, snakes, and tortoises. If you ever get a chance it is definitely worth the drive to Moncks Corner from Charleston. We went to the Lake house at Santee Tuesday night and stayed until late Wednesday. Robert and Anna Grace played golf Wednesday morning while Maddy and I went window shopping. We all had so much fun. Today was Anna Grace's last day of school. I don't know whether to be happy or cry. She is growing up way too fast. We also put the girls in the same room tonight. They are eventually going to be in a bunk bed, but first we have to get parts that aren't broken. We have been preparing them for weeks for this!

I'll post pictures when we get the bunk beds up! EXCITING TIMES!

My little caterpillar!

Gracie and Robert in the Butterfly House.Madalyn smelling flowers.One of the many reptiles!New princess PJ's!