vfffk';l .mnnnbbvfbbnnnnmm,hhhyhk bv v cnasfgfv.;lkj (aka Luke's Big Day)

(BTW: Ella typed the first part of the title of this blog.  She really wanted to help.  ;) )

Today was a really big and special day for Luke.  It was his first day of pre-K 4.  Can you believe that Mommy's sweet little Luke is old enough to be in Pre-K!  I still remember the day he was born (as I am sure Mommy does, too!)  He was such a little thing - all cute and little with his tiger tail coming out of his crib.  I miss those days, but am sure enjoying these days as well.

The day started out more special than we could have imagined.  While getting dressed this morning, Luke got a special phone call.  It was Mommy!  I wish everyone could have seen the sparkle in his eye when he spoke with her.  (Of course, we forgot to take a picture!!!!)  There was one funny story that happened during all of this.  After Mommy had talked to Luke for a minute, he gave me the phone.  It was on speakerphone so Luke and Ella could hear everything that she said.  Well, of course, a Mommy voice is a little different than a sister voice.  While Angie (Mommy) was talking to me about what the plans for the day were - Luke stated, "That's not my Mommy, she doesn't sound like that."  I responded, "Yes it is Luke, here, talk to her again" and handed him the phone.  Mommy instinctively started talking in her "mommy" voice again and Luke said with as much certainty as ever, "This is Mommy!"  I wish the world could have experienced the smile he wore. 

After talking to Mommy, we headed off to school.  Grandma and I both wanted to be there with Luke on his big day, so I headed off to pick up Dusty and Grandma packed Luke and Ella in the car to head to OFA.  I must say, we had a slight panic this morning - we couldn't find Luke's booksack!!!  I winded up finding it, thank goodness.  I would have hated having to use an old booksack on such an important day!

When we arrived at OFA, Luke helped Grandma and me get his booksack and nap-pack out of the car.  We were able to convince Luke and Ella to take a picture together before headed to the school house.  Luke wanted to stand next to the Yellow car in the parking lot - he said it was Bumblebee from Transformers.  How fitting considering he is now a Yellow Jacket!  :)

Since Dusty and Luke arrived at the same time, we were able to catch a good picture of them together.  They don't realize right now how special this picture will be to them one day, but considering I was in the same shoes some 12 years ago, I do.  I can remember when I was a Senior in High School and Dusty was in Kindergarten.  I would take him to school with me every morning.  Those are some of my fondest memories.  I hope Luke and Dusty share that same bond 12 years from now. 

While we were taking pictures - we figured we needed one of Dusty and his BFF, Shelby Reid.  They are quite the pair.  Dusty is captain of the OFA cheerleaders and Shelby is the captain of the OFA Jackettes. We really are proud of them both.

After we finished taking a few photos, it was time to head to class.  Luke grabbed Ella's hand and lead her in the direction of the Elementary School building. 

After a short walk through the parking lot, we finally arrived at Luke's school!

We traveled down the lower elementary hall and looked for the door to Ms. Rickie's class.  Then, we found it!  And what did we find on it???  A green apple with Luke's name on it!!!! 

When we entered the room, Ms. Rickie told us that Luke needed to do everything by himself.  It is really important that he learns that he is a big boy and be independent.  She told Luke what she wanted him to do and he did a good job following instructions.  First, he needed to hang his booksack on one of the hooks at the inside of the door.  Then he would need to empty everything out and put it in its place.

Next, he needed to put his lunchbox away.  Luke tried to figure out where he should put it.  Ms. Rickie wanted him to look and see where the other kids lunch boxes were and he should put his in the same spot.  At first, Luke picked the wrong spot.  (I told Luke to look for the other lunch boxes and put his in the same spot.)

And then he found the right place.  But there was a problem.  He couldn't quite get it up that high!

But it was ok.  Luke has a really nice teacher and Ms. Rickie gave him the little push he needed.  (BTW Mommy - look at the bow in your bitty girls hair!)

Next Luke needed to put away his nap mat that Mommy made for him for school.  He knew right away where it belonged!

Then it was time to put his BEE (Bring Everything Everyday) book in its proper spot.  This is the book that Luke brings home everyday with homework, notes, artwork, etc. and then we return it the next day with everything filled out.  Luke had no problem putting this in its proper spot either.  The only question he had was which color box did his need to go in.  :)

Luke did a great job putting everything away.  We were really proud of him!

Now it was time for Luke to take his seat.  Even though a full day had passed since Luke was first told where his seat was - he knew exactly where his chair was and went straight to it.  He sat with a smile and waited for his teacher to bring his coloring book to him for coloring time.

It was time for us to go.  Luke was a big boy and as hard as it was to leave, it was time for his new adventure to go on without us.  One person in particular did not know what to think about us leaving her brother behind.  Now, she pondered, what was she to do??

Ella doesn't start her Mommy's Day Out program until Monday, so she got to go to work with Grandma at my office.  We've made her a little play area with some of her favorite toys to keep her busy when she is there.  She played with her baby but couldn't figure out why the baby wouldn't push her in the stroller....

Since Ella's babies were cooperating, she figured she would put them down for a nap.  Maybe when they woke up they would do what she wanted.  ;)

After so much work teaching and playing with her babies - Ella was exhausted.  She finally fell out and slept soundly for an hour on her nap mat her mommy made her. 

There is nothing in life sweeter than the face of a sleeping baby. 

When it was time for school to be over, Grandma and Ella left the office to go meet Ethan and Erica when they got off the bus.  It was Ethan, Erica, and Dakota's first day of school as well.

Uncle Quincy headed over to get Luke.  When Luke made it to the office, we checked his folder and found that the teacher had put a note in his BEE book stating that he had a good day and he received a green smiley face.  We were all so proud.  When we asked Luke what he had done that day, he informed us that Cowboy Luke had turned into an Indian.  When we asked him where Cowboy Luke went, he told us he had disappeared.  So apparently today he is Indian Luke.  Nice.  Luke also told us that he had a good day.  He said he played outside and learned stuff from his teacher.  He said he didn't have any friends yet because they wanted to play Power Rangers but he didn't.  When I asked him why he explained that it was too hard to fight with swords.  I told him that everything is hard until you learn how to do it and that he could do anything he set his mind out to do.  I have no doubt that he will have a few new best friends soon.  Like I told his Nanna (Ellen) today - he will easily make friends - he is Scott's son afterall!  ;)  We also got notice that his school pictures were scheduled for tomorrow.  (Don't worry Mommy and Daddy, we ordered a packet!)

When Grandma and Ella made it to Aunt Lizzie's to wait for Ethan and Erica, they took a few seconds to look at Uncle Eric's chickens.  Then, the next thing Ella knew, her cousin Ethan was there.  She was so excited to see him.

Next thing Ella knew, she turned around and her cousin Erica was there, too! 

Ella had a great time playing with Ethan and Erica while they waited for their mom, Aunt Lizzie, to get home.  They have the coolest toys!

Once Aunt Lizzie made it home, Ella and Grandma headed home, too.  The kids then got an extra special surprise - their Nanna (Ellen) called to check on them and see how Luke's first day of school went.  Luke told her all about his day and how he got a green happy face in his BEE book.  Nanna was super proud of Luke and he was pretty proud of himself as well!  We also told Nanna how Ella helps me type my blog - she wondered how I could do it since Ella is a full time job by herself.  I told Grandma to tell her that she forgets I have special powers - I am the one who can get the girl to wear a bow in her hair all day long!  :)

Tonight has been just another normal night at the house.  Luke plays with everyone (in rotation... haha) and Ella bullies me!  (Totally kidding, she is a sweetie.)  I taught her how to Eskimo kiss and after that all she wanted to do was rub noses over and over and over again.  And trust me, when I say over and over and over again, I mean over and over and over again!  It is amazing how she picks up on everything you do and mimics it immediately.  She never fails to amaze me.

When it got close to bed time, Ella, Luke, and I went and jumped in the bed and snuggled while Uncle Quincy played his football game.  Let me tell you, there was a battle in the bed.  Luke is a really cuddly, tender hearted little boy and loves to hug, kiss, and say, "I love you."  Ella is too, but only when Luke is.  Basically Luke tries to hug and Ella makes it her mission to get in between whomever Luke is loving and separate the two.  Luke and I hugged super tight so Ella couldn't get us apart.  She thought that was soooo funny!  I really love times like that and how special it makes me feel, but I would give it all up in a second for Mommy and Daddy to be the ones experiencing it first hand themselves.  I know they will soon, and until then I will continue to let the kiddos practice their hugs and kisses on me so they will be perfect when it is time for them to share them with Mommy and Daddy again. After a little playing, it was bedtime for Luke - it is a school night.  It was Uncle Quincy's turn to read a book to Luke, Luke loves having his nightly bedtime story.

Tomorrow I will be dropping Luke off in the carline for the first time and I am nervous.  I know he will be taken care of and they will make sure he makes it to his room, but I still can't seem to get the butterflies out of my stomach.  How, oh How, will I handle my BFF going to her first day of daycare next week???  I guess I'll take a lesson from the little train book I read to Luke and Ella at bedtime last night... "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..." 

Until next time, sending love and hugs from little arms and tiny fingers. 

Orientation, Sleep-Overs, and Water Fun.

As most of you know, Luke will be starting Pre-K 4 this year.  He is going to be attending Oak Forrest Academy - a local private school which is also attended by his cousin, Dusty, and was once attended by his Aunt Laura.  Luke has been really excited to start "big boy school" and we've been talking about it a lot the last few days to pump him up.  Monday was his orientation and man, was it fun (and maybe a little overwhelming for this non-mom trying to fill the big shoes Luke's Mommy wears.)

We decided to ask Dusty to come with us to Luke's orientation since it is a really big deal to Luke that he is going to be going to the same school as his cousin.  Uncle Quincy agreed to keep Ella at home with him - we really wanted to make this night all about Luke!  After picking Dusty up from his mom's house, Luke was nothing but smiles on the short drive into town.  He was so excited!

Luke's orientation started at 6 pm - so we figured we'd try to get there about 15 to 20 minutes early to get a good spot to park and find a seat.  Unfortunately, all the other families had the same idea!  We ended up having to park almost at the football stadium (ok, so its not LSUs campus or anything - but even 100 yards or so in 105 degree humid heat is horrible!).  It winded up working out pretty well though because we were able to see a little bit of the school campus - including being able to show Luke the elementary gym (which when I told him that he could play basketball in there, he quickly informed me that he wasn't good at basketball so he'd need to play something else - don't worry Mommy - I told him that he would learn and we should have us a pro baller really soon!)  On the way into the high school gym where the orientation ceremony would take place, we saw a pretty cool cheerleader sign.  Luke loved posing for a picture in front of it.

We also got a really good picture of Luke and Dusty in front of the sign as well.

After posing for a few pics, it was time to enter the gym for the Principal's speech and introduction of all the elementary school teachers.  There were soooo many people there!  Luckily we saw some familiar faces in the crowd with a few empty seats nearby - it was Daddy's Cousins Ms. Beverly, Mr. E, and Ms. Susan and Luke's little cousin Pressley.  After a few quick hellos, we took our seats.  Luke sure enjoyed listening to the speeches. 

Luke enjoyed posing for another quick picture as well.

Of course, Luke decided that he needed a picture with me too!

And of course, another with Dusty.

After Luke finished listening to the Principal, we went to his classroom to find his desk and meet his new teacher and new friends.  Luke was so excited to look through the room and find the desk with his name on it.  He was also excited that he already had a picture to color to take home.

He did such a good job coloring his bus!  Already a budding little artist! 

After listening to Luke's teacher talk about all the fun things they were going to be doing this year, Grandma went to talk to the teacher to make sure that she and Aunt NaNa (me) hadn't forgotten anything important.  Luke decided he wanted to go ahead and start making new friends. 

After Grandma got finished discussing grown-up stuff with my new teacher, Luke got a chance to hug her himself.  He really seemed to take to his new teacher, Ms. Rickie (Mullendore).

After Luke was finished meeting his new friends and teacher, it was time to head home for the evening.  On the way out, we ran into Ms. Susan and Pressley again.  Pressley agreed to show Luke the ropes and make sure he would know where to go and what to do.  What a sweetie she is!

On Tuesday, Luke and Ella went and spent the day and overnight with their Aunt Lizzie, Uncle Eric, and cousins Dusty, Dakota, Ethan, and Erica.  They rode on the 4-wheeler and played tag in the yard.  While Aunt Lizzie went to work, Uncle Eric let Luke and Ella help feed and chickens and ducks (and even chase them a little!)  Aunt Lizzie fixed their (and their Momma's) favorite food for dinner, SPAGHETTI, and it sure was yummy!  It sure was nice to have one last sleepover before summer vacation ended.

On Wednesday, Ella had a doctor's appointment with her new pediatrician in McComb.  While Erica and Grandma took Ella to this appointment, Luke stayed behind and played with all the boys (including Grandpa!)  Ella had to get 4 (yes FOUR!) shots!!!!  She cried a little, but was a really big girl at the doctor's office.  She even said "AHHHH" for the doctor to check out her throat and laid still for the doctor to hear her heartbeat! 

When Grandma, Erica, and Ella got home, the kids decided to play in the water outside.  Man did that cold water feel good!!!  Ella sure did enjoy being spoiled by all the "big kids" all day! 

But of course, there is nothing like a little girl time with her cousin Erica.

Ella seems to always find her way back to the washtub!  (Or the dogs water bowl!)

But this time Dakota decided he needed a turn in the washtub as well!!!

Luke and Ella also enjoyed riding bikes today.


After all the playing was done and the other kids had gone home - we all had a little downtime to unwind.  We enjoyed a movie and eating a little popcorn.  Ella decided to throw her bowl all over the couch - but I made her pick it up all by herself.... okay, maybe I gave in and helped a little.

After our cleanup duties were done - Ella thought she needed to give me lots of kisses.  This turned into her wanting to lick me over and over on  my face.  I really think this child finds things that gross me out and makes it her mission to do just those things to me.  When I screamed for Grandma to help me because Ella kept trying to lick me (and at times was successful) in the face - grandma just laughed and said, "that's just what little girls do."  Yuck!!

Before bath time the kids enjoyed a quick game of air hockey.  Ella is getting really good at this! 

We all got a good laugh this evening when we realized that Ella has chosen a career path.  Yes, Yes, I know she is only 1 - but the girl has dreams.  She has decided she wants to be a sumo wrestler when she grows up. 

Check out her pull-up.  She already has the costume.  (She totally did that herself!)  HaHa!!!

BTW Momma - we are doing really really well with potty training.  (Now if we could only get her to do #2 in the potty!!!!) 

Oh Yea - The kids are really really proud of you and your patch ceremony yesterday!  I showed Luke and he said he wants one.  I told him he had to be big like Mommy and Daddy and then maybe he could get one.  Of course he told me he needs one for his soldier outfit.  Maybe we can make him an OFA patch - I think that would make him  happy.  (I mean - Pre-K 4 can be considered a battle zone, right?!?)

Tomorrow is a big day - Luke's official first day of school!  I will definitely be posting lots of pics from tomorrow soon.

Until then - sending love and hugs from little arms and tiny fingers.  :)

A Weeks Worth Of Bloggin'

I've been a little under the weather this past week and unfortunately haven't had a chance to blog.  So, prepare yourself for a lengthy read.  Aunt Na Na's got a weeks worth of bloggin' to do....

Last Sunday Luke and Ella (along with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Quincy, and I) traveled to Denham Springs to Aunt Diane and Uncle Blair's house to visit with Aunt Nelly and Uncle Mel before they left to go home to California.  They both had a great time.  Ella decided while she was there that she needed to try on everyone else's clothes. 

Here she is trying on Uncle Mel's hat:

She also wanted to walk around and model my flip flops.

Luke also had a good time visiting with his family.  Aunt Diane and Uncle Blair even had special crayon popsicles at their house they shared with us.  The kids sure thought they were yummy!  Look at that smile!

On the ride home Luke entertained himself with Uncle Quincy's phone.

Ella had a better time though entertaining us!  Haha  (Warning: some of these videos are long and have to be broken into parts)

I had a small surgery scheduled for Monday - so Luke and Ella got a special treat.  They got to go spend the day with their Poppa (Terry - Scott's Dad).  Terry came and picked them up early Monday morning and they spent the entire day with him and Izzie (Liz).  They even surprised their Izzie and took her out to a fun lunch at McDonalds.  Before they left, Grandma told them that if they were good all day that she had a special surprise for them from Momma when they got home.  (We had gotten notice that Angie's box had arrived and planned to pick it up from the post office that morning so it would be here for them to open that night.)  Of course, they are always good for their Poppa but a little bribery to make sure never hurt.  :)

When they got home that afternoon, Ella came back to my room to see how I was.  She needed to make sure her BFF was feeling ok.  She climbed up in bed with me and gave me the sweetest hugs and even a sweet little kiss on the forehead.  She made me feel better than any medicine ever could!

Later that evening, we enjoyed listening to them tell us all about their day.  They sure did have a good time.  Then it was time for the surprise!  Grandma helped them open their box and they LOVED what they found inside. 

Tuesday both of the kids enjoyed a laid back day at home just being silly little things.  Luke loves taking silly silly pictures!

and even sillier pictures...

Ella did a good job checking on her BFF during the day as well.  She was so sweet giving lots of kisses.  However, when she thought it was time for me to feel better and I didn't, she decided punching me in the face would get me moving!  She is such a bully, even to her BFF!  Gotta love her!

Wednesday Grandma and Grandpa had plans to go to McComb to celebrate a family friend's birthday (Happy Birthday Katy!)  Since I still wasn't feeling well from my surgery, Uncle Quincy offered  to babysit the kids for the evening.  Grandma knew that Ella was in much need of a nap if Uncle Quincy had any chance of surviving the evening alone.  Grandma called in reinforcement!  Grandpa came prepared and in no time the Nytol Express had the girl in dream land! 

Ella sure is a cutie patootie when she naps... then again she is when she is awake too! 

When Grandma and Grandpa were getting dressed to go, Grandma caught Uncle Quincy "napping."  When she asked him if he was gonna wake up to watch the kids while they were gone, he replied, "Yea, I just needed a nap so I'd have the energy to keep up with them!"  Ha!

Thursday came and it was really special.  It was Momma's Birthday!  Ethan and Erica had come over to play for the day and spend the night, so when Momma called the kids on Skype to talk for her birthday, they all four got a chance to say hi and sing Happy Birthday to her.  It was a special treat for all! Check out Angie's blog for pics of their special time.  Later, Grandma tried to take the four of them to McDonalds to play but unfortunately it was closed for maintenance.  They settled for happy meals, apple pies, and a promise to return the next day for a fun day of playing.  Luke and Ella had a great night with their cousins playing and telling stories.  Slumber parties are soooo much fun!

When Friday came, the kids all got another surprise.  They got to talk to Momma AND Daddy on skype!  It was a short call, but the kids had definitely been missing seeing Daddy's face.  We are so glad they could finally see them both together again as well.  (Luke is very concerned that his Momma is all alone but we keep reassuring him that Daddy is with her and she doesn't have to sleep all by herself.)

Later, Grandma took the kids back to McDonalds as promised.  They played and played and played.  Plus, they all four thought they were in heaven - happy meals and apple pies two days in a row - they definitely felt special!  haha 

Aunt Lizzie came and picked up Ethan and Erica that evening when she got off work and they all made plans for Luke and Ella to spend the night with them at their house next week before school starts. 

After dinner (but before bath time), I was feeling a lot better and decided to challenge Ella to a game of air hockey.  She is one tough little competitor and made me understand that no matter what was going on or how the game ended - she was the winner!!!

Later, Luke and Ella took baths and we all watched a movie.  Grandma popped popcorn for everyone to share.  Luke wanted the blue bowl to eat his popcorn in.

Ella decided she needed the pink bowl and let me tell you, she wanted to eat all the popcorn herself!  She did (eventually) agree to let me give her brother a couple of more bowl fulls.   But that was only on the condition that he ate the popcorn out of his own bowl and not hers!  (He is such a good sport!)

Saturday was a big day for Luke.  We were going shoe shopping to buy his new shoes for school!  What an adventure that day turned out to be!  haha

That morning, I was feeling so much better and after a week in the bed, I was ready to get out of the house.  I got up early and went to a couple of yardsales with Mom and Margaret.  While I was gone, I asked Quincy to get the kids dressed and feed them lunch so they would be ready to go when I got home.  He did a good job dressing Luke.

He did dress Ella as well - however - his choice of clothing was not so cute!  Ella and I (after a quick costume change) had to explain to him that she could not wear a mostly white shirt with a white skirt!!!! Oh, and he had forgotten the bow! haha 

It was finally time to hit the road!  Ella took a nap on the way to Baton Rouge - she knew she would need her energy for all the shopping we had to do!!!

Luke, on the other hand, was ready to talk!  We talked all day long!  He came up with some of the funniest stories Quincy and I had ever heard.  Below are a few of the conversations we had that day. 

On the ride to BR, we stopped at Taco Bell for a drink and cinnamon twists.  Luke was talking and asked a question and I answered it.  He informed me that he was not talking to me, he was talking to his Uncle Quincy.  I told him that that was not very nice and that he needed to be nice to me.  He said ok.  I then asked him if he wanted some more cinnamon twists.  He replied "Yes."  We have all been working really hard with him to say yes and no Ma'am and Sir since it will be expected at school, so I replied back, "Yes what?", fully expecting a "yes ma'am response."  He stated adamantly - "Yes, I said I will be nice to you!"  Quincy and I almost peed our pants laughing!  haha

Later, while we were still on the road to BR, Luke was playing a hunting game on his iphone.  He yells - "Uncle Quincy, I just killed two squirrels!"  Quincy replies, "Wow Luke - You are a great hunter."  Luke calmly responds, "Yea, Well on the phone I am."  Once again, we almost needed another set of pants!

We finally arrived in BR and went to the first stop - Academy on Seigen.  (This location will be important later.)  It was so so so crowded!  (I guess that is what happens when you have a tax free day!)  We made our way to the aisles and looked at all the shoes.  We saw a pair of black Nikes and black New Balance that were ok - but after trying on the 11 and the 12 we figured he needed an 11.5.  Of course, they didn't have any 11.5s.  During our search, Luke saw a pair of light up spider man shoes that he LOVED!  We promised him if he was good all day long that we would get him a pair of spider man shoes for play time and free dress day.  He happily agreed. 

On our way out of the first store - the kids (Ok, Luke) pulled us into the toy gun aisle.  In that Aisle, Luke found the perfect present for Ella for her birthday or Christmas.

Ella had something else in her grips that she wanted...

For the next couple of hours we shopped and shopped and shopped for shoes in an 11.5.  We couldn't find them anywhere!  At one of our stops, I opened the door to get Luke out and he asked what we were there for.  I told him we were looking for shoes.  He asked if they sold toys at this store - and I replied No.  He collapsed in his seat and said, "I'm just gonna take a nap - I am much too tired to shop for shoes!"  Such a little character.  We repeated that same question and answer session at every stop!

Finally we found the perfect shoe in an 11.5 - and guess what!!!  It was toooooooooo small!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  He needed the 12!!!!!!  And guess what else - they didn't have a 12 at that store!!!!!!!   Poor Luke!  haha  So, the sales associate told us they had another store across town that was in the same shopping center as Chucky E. Cheese.  Perfect!  We can go over there, get the shoes, and meet Cassie, James, and the kids for a little fun.  We have a plan and are all super happy. 

On the drive to the store - Luke inquires about how many "sons" I have.  I explain to him that I don't have any children but have 6 wonderful nieces and nephews.  He then needed to know what a "nerf" was.  I did my best to explain.  He acted as though he understood and then informed Quincy and I that he and Ella were Scott and Angie's grand kids.  Ha!

After that - Luke had another fascinating story to tell.  Y'all are gonna love this one.  So, Luke tells us that Angie got pregnant one time and she thought it was a girl.  But it ended up being a boy.  So her and Scott named the baby Luke and it grew up to be him.  Then they had Ella (and this last part was said with as little enthusiasm and emphasis as possible.) 

We finally make it to the other store - and go figure - NO SHOES!!!  They don't have the same shoes as the other store.  Quincy and I decide that we are going to find every pair of size 12s we can and see if any of them would be ok.  No such luck!  We decided at this point we would suspend the shoe search until after dinner so the kids could run off some of their energy.  Worst case, we could always go to Hammond on Sunday.

We all met Cassie, James, Josh, Cam, Jayme, and Caitlyn at Chuck E. Cheese for a little fun and stress relief.  While we waited for them to arrive - we ate some pizza and just acted silly.  Ella was sure glad to get to run free for a minute.

Here is a shot of Luke and his BFF.

And me with mine.

And even after hours of shopping - she still wanted to give me lots of lovin'!

Once Cassie and Gang got there - we all enjoyed our pizza and a little visiting - then it was GAME time!  The kids had a great time - and Quincy and I did as well.  We especially loved watching them ride the race horse ride.  Luke was quite the horseman!

Ella drew a crowd when it was her turn to ride the race horse. No one could believe how little and independent she was.  That's our girl!

After lots and lots of playing - it was time to leave.  We all gave Cassie, James, and the kids lovin' and we set off on our way.  We only had a few minutes before we thought the store would close - so I asked Quincy to stop by the first store we had gone to that day so I could just run in and see what they had.  I figured I could grab a cute pair of 12s and the spider man shoes and if they didn't work, I could bring them back to the Hammond store.  When we got to the store, we saw that it was still an hour before the store closed.  Awesome.  Quincy dropped me off at the door so I could go pick out a couple of 12s for Luke to try on and he parked the car and brought in the kiddos.  I went in and immediately got the spider man pair that lit up (he had been so good, he really earned them!) and then looked for the other shoes.  Quincy and I agreed that after looking again at the ones we had looked at earlier that they just looked like old man shoes.  We figured since the store was quiet and we had some time, that we would just pull every pair of 12 kids shoes we saw and see if anything stood out.  All of a sudden, I pull a pair of 12s and open them up and the heavens shined down.  They were perfect.  Black, leather, toe guard, and best of all, the right size.  I asked Luke if he liked them and he said, "yes, yes, yes!"  (He was probably just ready to be done!)  He proudly tried on the shoes (both of them) for Quincy and I and walked around for us to check them out.  Perfection!  We purchased both pair and were on our way.

On the way home, Luke asked me if I was his friend.  I said, "of course, the very best kind."  He replied, "Yea, you and Momma are the very best kind of friends."  I agreed, and added, "And Daddy, too."  Of course, he added, "And Uncle Quincy cause he is my BFF - oh yea, and Ella."  He makes my heart smile.

Luke, on the way home, heard his favorite song and started singing again.  We were lucky enough to catch it on video this time.  (Listen closely!)

We had such a fun day.  It was long and exhausting, but I would do it all over again every day of my life!

Today was a little less exciting.  Luke got up this morning and went to Sunday School with his Aunt Lizzie and Ethan and Erica.  He was super excited to go.  Ella and grandma were going to join them later.  (I think I over did it a little yesterday and missed church.)  While we were getting Ella dressed, she decided to put on a show - I told her I was going to record her and show her Momma.  So, Momma, this brat is for you!  haha

After she was ready, she and grandma posed real quick for a picture before church.

Ella is doing really well today with her potty training.  She went potty at the store and at the house today.  She has been dry almost all day long!  We are so proud of her.  Luke was especially proud and wanted to tell everyone.  (Of course, after he told me he stated, "You should buy me and Scott a new hunting game so we can practice.)  Nice.

I hope that you have enjoyed this super long blog today.  I will attempt to do better at doing almost daily updates in the future. 

Until then - sending love and hugs from little arms and tiny fingers.