Open House

Izabell went to Open House for Kindergarten today. She is so excited about school. She already has several friends in her class from preschool, and she loves Mrs. Canada. I did okay walking in, but almost lost it when I walked in to the room and saw her picture on the table. She is a big girl and I am an emotional wreck. Here's to a great year.

swimmin'

Thanks for the pictures, Joy. Love ya.

Mnt. Magazine

Izabell and I spent the day at Mnt. Magazine the other day. First we went to the visitor center, and on the way home we stopped to swim at Cove Lake. I was quite impressed at the amount of fun and educational things to see and do at the visitor center.

Tattoos

The girls love their Tinkerbell tattoos.

Random Photos of Summer '09

Izabell's mudbath at Half-Bushel

We love BLUE!

Icecream after Swimming! YUM!

Isaiah 6

I took these pictures last week. I have been quite obsessed lately with the beauty of God's creation- particularly in the clouds. I've always been thankful to God for the gorgeous things He has created. I thought it was just part of being a country girl who is appreciative of her upbringing.
Francis Chan spoke at our church Sunday and brought to our attention the Glory of God's Creation. He talked about Isiaih 6 when the seraphim declare "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty! The whole earth is filled with His glory!" So if they recognize the splendor of God's creation on earth, how do we so often miss it?
I thought about it all night and even talked about it some to Ben.
Then I got an e-mail today and in it was a reference to the same verse out of Isiaih 6. So maybe God's trying to tell me something?

I've been a bit behind on my blogging, but I finally got some 4th of July pics up. We went to Joy's as normal. Guest list included Julie and her girls, Suzanne, Lisa and Becca and the Murray clan. Activities included swimming, grilling, eating, smoke bombs and dancing on the deck. We got rained on most of the day, but we had fun anyway.
Then, after we put the kids to bed, Ben and I drove down the road and watched fireworks from the van. I haven't spent that much time with my husband in a while. It was nice.

cousins

Here are some of the most recent photos of Izabell and her cousins. The only one missing is Tristan.

Crocodile Dock 2

We finished VBS today. The kids had a great time. Izabell is already applying what she learned about how we don't have to be afraid because God is with us! Hopefully, I can apply it as well.

Crocodile Dock

Izabell and I have been having fun at VBS this week. We have been blessed to have some of our neighbor girls coming with us. Lauralie is also getting to come. Today I was brave enough to try a trip to Wal-Mart with all four of them. We made it, but I was thanking God that we all made it back to the car safely. No, really, it wasn't that bad. I'm just glad that on most days I only have to keep up with one.

Swim Day with Lauralie

Here are some pictures of Lauralie taken yesterday. We had so much fun. Izabell can imitate a dolphin pretty well, and Lauralie can swim just like a real mermaid. Maybe better. It was nice to spend time with Lauralie. We haven't seen her much lately. I had forgotten that she has the most beautifyl eyes.

Izabell's Dancin' with the Stars move.

Yeah, She did it. She had to pray a lot, but she finally got the courage to try going under. She had started doing it at the end of swim season last year, but didn't get to practice much before we had to take the pool down. I think she'll be swimming before too long.

Izabell and Lauralie taking a lunch break.

"Mom, will you feed me a cheese ball?"

We had a great time swimming with Nana and Lauralie yesterday. We swam for about 5 hours. The girls were definately ready for a nap when we got home. But napping came second to eating mountains of squirty cheese.

There's no such thing as too much cheese!

This was Izabell's purchase from our latest trip to Sam's Club. Can you imagine how big that looks to a five year old?

Izabell and Lauralie. We get to go swimming together for the whole day tomorrow!!!

Snaggle Tooth

She finally lost her first tooth. And she tied her own shoes tonight. My baby is growing up.

Berry Picking

Izabell picking berries.

Izabell eating berries.

Tuesday morning we went to Cox's and picked strawberries and blueberries. It was nice. We went with my friend and her kids. I enjoyed the kids more than I had expected to. They were very entertaining.
This morning my mom came over and had breakfast with us. Blueberry waffles with strawberries and whipped cream on top. YUM. Then we went for a ride in her convertable and enjoyed the gorgeous day that God made. We went to eat at the Grapevine in Paris and then hit a few consignment shops. FUN, FUN,FUN.

The End of Our School Year Together

Izabell getting ready to receive her pre-school diploma.

Izabell and her Wonderful Teacher (aka-Mommy)

My grown-up girl

Well, this year has been a challenge to say the least. But it is over. Izabell and I have both learned a few things. Some of those things I would have preferred to learn the easy way, but I guess that probably wouldn't have been as fun. Either way, we both made it through and I get to pass her off to the Kindergarten teacher next year. She'll do great.

Izabell's Apron

Grandma Great made Izabell and the other great-grandchildren aprons. She embroidered a tea pot on Izabell's because Izabell likes to have tea parties. Izabell looks adorable in her apron and it works well. She wore it when she helped with supper tonight.

Puddles

We love mud!!!!!!!!
Check out the mud gear Izabell is sporting?