Mary Poppins

Sunday evening we took Cate to the Broadway production of "Mary Poppins." It was really incredible...from the acting, to set design and special effects. On Monday, Cate asked if we could go again. I wish we could!!

Pool Party

Cate's weekend of birthday celebrations began today with her pool party. The kids seemed to have a great time climbing all over Jacob, jumping off the diving board, diving in the diving well, playing foosball, and eating pizza and cake. The "theme" of the party was dogs since Cate loves them so much and our very talented cake making neighbor made an awesome cake for her incorporating dogs and the pool. Cate is blessed with some great friends, as we are. It was fun to celebrate with them by doing what Cate also loves...swimming!


We had a little extra time with Noah, Joshua and Jeff after the party. What crazy little monkeys we have!

Tomorrow Jacob and I will take Cate to Mary Poppins on Broadway...her gift from us. I can't wait!!

1st grade!

Cate started first grade today! Wow! Looking back on her first day last year, she seems so much older. There were no nerves today, just pure excitement to get to school, meet her teacher and make new friends. I'm thankful she loves school but we sure will miss her around here during the day. Jane Ramsey has already asked numerous times, "Where's Cate?" We look forward to celebrating her 6th birthday this weekend with a pool party with her friends.

Too bad we couldn't have had a family picture, or at least one with Jacob, Cate and me but I wasn't sure what kind of shot we'd get with Drew of JR behind the camera!

"Ice cream"

Jane Ramsey is SO cute, although fiesty, and is starting to talk more and more. She loves some ice cream and this video captures her saying what she wants!!

Tea party

Yesterday we returned from a fun few days at Gran and Daddy Mac's house. On Saturday, I was able to get away for a special girls day with dear friends. Stacy is due very soon with baby boy #3 and I hosted a tea party for her to celebrate this little one. As someone said, I hosted a "sprinkle" for her instead of a "shower!" It was a wonderful time of fellowship with a Stacy, Brock, Marilyn (dear college friends) and Stacy's sweet friends from Greensboro. Stacy and I then had a date to see "Eat, Pray, Love" and a delicious Thai dinner!

Now we are back home counting down the days until Cate starts 1st grade!!! Summer is coming to a close and I think we are all ready for some more routine around here! We are also counting down the days until her 6th birthday. She can't wait!

Cate's new room

Cate now has her own room! The downstairs playroom has been converted into her new bedroom. It technically isn't a bedroom because there is no windows or closet but it works! We discussed moving her room downstairs several times before making any decisions to paint, etc. She was very excited and eager, although she has always been a bit of afraid of being downstairs alone and of the dark. But, we went ahead with the project.

The first week was fine because Libby was here to sleep down there with her and Mary was also living downstairs. Now that both Libby and Mary are gone, Cate has slept upstairs the last 2 nights! So, we'll see if we now have another guest room or if Cate will actually sleep down there too:) It is cute, regardless!

Happy Birthday, Gmom!!!

Happy Birthday, Gmom! We hope you have a very special day and enjoy your gift! We made a big sign for you as your card and decided to post it on the blog instead of mailing it. We hope you like it and will give it to you in person when you come in a few weeks!!

We are so thankful for you. We love you!

Fun with Libby

Libby is here to spend the week with us again like she did last year. She and Cate are doing a camp together in the mornings. The cousins are enjoying being together! We went for ice cream tonight (Buzz Lightyear joined us! Drew's latest obsession...). Libby has even had the chance to get to know Mary who will sadly be leaving us on Saturday.



After watching "Wipeout" tonight as a family, the kids are finally in the bed! Not sure they are all sleeping but at least they are all in their respective rooms! We look forward to another fun 2 days with Libby.