Snow Day

The Christmas break has officially begun....two days early. Both girls had snow days yesterday and today. Unfortunately, that means both Christmas parties at school have been cancelled too. No sad faces here though! The kids were having so much fun in the snow that they didn't mind at all.


Ida and Campbell sledding in the snow.


Jackson and Riley are all bundled up and ready to go!


Jackson's favorite part was eating the snow! Yummy!

Hard to believe....

...my girls actually got their picture made with Santa Claus. This is the first time they have ever had anything to do with him. They have always been content with looking at him from a distance.

Nana took the girls out to breakfast at Applebee's for a school fundraiser this morning. Jackson stayed home with Brent. As part of the "breakfast" experience, all the kids were able to get their pictures made with Santa. I can't believe I actually have proof!

Maybe we can get a picture of all three of my kids next year.

Merry Christmas!

Halloween Fun!

Every year on Halloween our neighborhood has a potluck dinner before the kids go out and trick-or-treat. It's just a fun time of year where even the adults can be a kid again. Unfortunately, Jackson had an ear infection and didn't get to join us this year. Hopefully, next year I'll be able to get a picture of all three of my kids in costume.


Campbell dressed up as a cat and Riley dressed up as Tinkerbell.


Hannah and Campbell (BFF's)



Wedgwood kids.

Toothless?

• Sort of.....

• I have attached two pictures of Campbell to get a good shot of her permanent tooth coming through. Campbell was one of those rare cases (or so I thought) where her permanent tooth actually poked through first before her tooth came out. After talking to my mom yesterday, she reminded me that it apparently runs in our family. The dentist actually had to pull everyone of my baby teeth because of that same situation. The only difference was that Campbell's tooth was loose and mine were not. My nephew is also dealing with the same situation at the moment as well. Hopefully, he can avoid the dentist.

• Thanks to Grandma, we were able to avoid the dentist with Campbell. She worked it loose with pliers. In the end, Campbell pulled it out herself and she wasn't scared one bit. She just wanted it out!

• Me on the other hand, I would have been terrified if someone came at me with something metal toward my mouth. Maybe I'm just a wimp! : )

Fall Harvest Party

Here's some pictures of Riley's Fall Harvest Party at Preschool. All the kids were either encouraged to dress up as a farmer or farm animal. I wasn't able to be there, but Nana and Jackson were there in my place. I think she had a great time!


Farmer Riley....


Yummy snack food!



Mrs. Maynor is helping Riley with her craft.

Saying Good-bye

My cat, Mittens, passed away today at the age of 20 years old. She had several medical problems and we decided that it would be best to put her to sleep than to allow her to suffer any longer. That had to be the hardest phone call I have ever had to make in my entire life. The Veterinarian Hospital where I used to take her was extremely empathic and listened patiently as I was sobbing over the phone to them. I am truly grateful for all they have done for her.

Thankfully, Campbell had a football game this morning, so we were not here when Brent took Mittens to the Vet. After the game, we all ate lunch (including the grandparents) at McDonald's before heading home to break the news to the kids. The kids took it very well. We have been preparing them all week by letting them know that she wasn't feeling well and was very sick. Campbell even made the comment earlier today that she thought Mittens was dying. I agreed and told her that Daddy was taking her to the Vet to see what they could do for her. Then she asked me if they couldn't do anything for her would she die? I struggled to get the word "yes" out, but I was relieved at the same time that she understood and had already accepted it.

After we explained to the kids about Mittens death, we had a sweet Memoral Service for her to provide closer and have the chance for all of us to say good-bye one last time.

We will miss you Mittens!

Campbell's Field Trip

I went along with Campbell on her field trip to Johnson's Orchards on Wednesday. We picked apples, learned how apple butter and apple cider were made the old fashioned way. It was extremely fascinating and educational all at the same time. I absolutely love going on field trips with my kids.

We were there most of the day. Of course, I gave her the choice to ride home with me, but she opted to ride the bus instead. That's fine...I hit the gift shop before coming home and picked up a jar of the delicious apple butter. Yummy!



Campbell showing off the apple she picked off the apple tree.


Class photo with Johnny Apple Seed.


She stuffed as many apples in her bag as she possibly could.

Here's the apple pie we made from Campbell's apples. It turned out so good!

A little behind....

Here's a few things that have been going on in the past few weeks. I'm a little behind on updating the blog. It's been a busy fall so far, but never a boring moment.



Battle at Byrd. Several cheer squads including the Vinton Terrior Biddie Cheerleaders performed in the fundraiser for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. All the girls did a great job.


Campbell with her pink medal.

Riley's Preschool field trip to Layman Family farms. We are on a hayride to the pumpkin patch.

Taking a ride on the cow train.

Riley's Preschool class. So cute!!

Birthday Apron

• This is my "early" birthday apron. Can you tell what it is?

• A sailboat!

• The water is Campbell's hands, the boat is Jackson's hands and the sail is Riley's hand. This has to be the most adorable thing I have ever seen! Something that I will cherish forever.

• Friday night the kids had a sleep over with Nana (Brent's mom). This brave soul had the courage to help my kids with a painting project. All three at the same time. She did admit that it took a lot longer than she anticipated. I don't doubt it!

• This morning while we were getting ready for church, Riley was telling me something about painting with Nana. She said she couldn't tell me what it was because it's a secret. It's my birthday present.

• Little did I know that I was getting it tonight. I immediately put it on and wore it the rest of the night. I love it!

• Thank you Nana for pouring your love and time into my children.

I think she's got it.....

I just wanted to update everyone on Riley's pacifier status. She didn't cry or whine at all for her paci during her nap time or bedtime last night. WOW.....that was quick and easy!!!

Thankfully, no more paci's in the house. Considering Jackson stopped sucking his two fingers on his own about 4 or 5 months ago, we don't have to break him of that bad habit either! YEA!

Riley's 1st Day of Preschool

Riley loves her new outfit and shoes!


Riley is ready for her first day of preschool.



Riley with her teachers, Mrs. Maynor and Mrs. Keith at Bonsack Baptist Preschool.



Riley woke up at 6:00 yesterday morning and was raring to go to her first day of preschool. By 7:00 she was dressed, fed and ready to walk out the door with backpack and all. I had to quickly remind her that school didn't start until 9:00. When I dropped her off she went right into her class room with no questions asked! I knew at that moment she was going to have a wonderful day.

When I picked her up she was all smiles and couldn't wait to show me the craft she had done in her classroom. It was a self portrait made out of a small paper plate and popsicle stick. So very cute! It went perfectly along with the theme for this week, "All About Me". Their bible verse for the week is, "I am wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

She has also hit another milestone. No more pacifiers!!! We have been preparing her for months that when she started preschool she would give up her paci. She was on board until nap time yesterday. My strong willed (and loud) little girl didn't go down gracefully. Needless to say, she basically cried herself to sleep. The same for bedtime last night as well. The good news is that it will only get better from here.

I am so proud of my BIG girl!

First Day of School

Here's the new outfit!


My little first grader.



The neighborhood kids.

Getting on the school bus.

Campbell is officially a first grader! She didn't seem nervous or afraid at all. She was basically going with the flow like she has been doing this forever. Although, while I was getting her ready she did say, "Mommy, it's early."

I have to agree!

Potty Party

Table center piece with Riley's potty seat, toilet paper, potty book, construction paper, and maracas.

Cupcake cake

Big smiles!

Yummy!

We have had a tough time Potty training Riley. She has the knowledge, but not the motivation. We have done just about everything and nothing seemed to work.

Until now....a potty party!!

It took a few weeks for her to be accident free for at least 5 days, but she finally did it. And her reward (per her choice) will be Twinkle Toe Shoes. I'll be sure and post a picture of them after we purchase them tomorrow. She is so excited!!

Way to go Riley! We are so proud of you!

Pump It Up

We had so much fun at Pump It Up today. Hardly anyone there and it made Jackson's first experience an enjoyable one for sure! Thankfully, he is still young enough that I didn't have to pay for him. In all honesty, I think he played just as hard as the girls.

What fun memories!



Riley attacking the obstacle course.

The kids getting there "bounce" on!

A picture of mine and Jackson's feet before we went down the big slide. He loved it!

Look what we did.....

Jackson's first experience at Chuck E. Cheese.






The girls in a bubble.

Riley behind the wheel. Heaven help us all!!!

• We had initially planned on going swimming tonight, but the weather was a little questionable. Therefore, Nana and Papa decided to take the girls to Chuck E. Cheese instead. We actually had a really good time. We have already been twice this year and I think we have met our quota!
• Thanks Nana and Papa!
  

Tea Time

Riley's wheat free cookies. Yes, I made them myself with a Pampered Chef Cookie Press. They turned out perfect for our tea party.

The girls are enjoying their tea. What a great way to beat the heat!

• Brent is out of town for a few days on business. So, I thought I would post a few things that we have been doing this week. We miss you honey!
  
  

Swimming!

Campbell is swimming. She even went down the water slide at the pool and jumped off the diving board. I am so proud of my little fish! : )

Cheerleading Camp

Campbell is all smiles!


The instructors teaching the girls a cheer.


Campbell loved her instructors and cheerleading camp. She is looking forward to cheering in the fall.

A friend told me about a cheerleading and football camp sponsored by a local church for only $5. It was Sunday-Tuesday in the evening from 6:00-8:00. They learned two cheers each night and was able to perform the cheers for the football players after they successfully learned them. That had to be her favorite part each night. My little shy girl is starting to come out of her shell.

I am so glad that I signed Campbell up because she absolutely loved it. I hope she continues to enjoy it for a long time!

Summer Fun

• 
  I just love summer! The girls and Brent had so much fun on the slip 'n slide today. Even a couple of our neighbor's kids came out to join us. It's amazing how the simple things in life are so entertaining!

• Now it's time for a lemonade break!
  
  

Jackson's Baby Dedication and Father's Day

Is he cute or what?



Getting ready to leave for Jackson's Dedication


Granddaddy and all the grandchildren

Father's Day cookout

Campbell and cousin Josh getting ready to eat an ice cream sundae.

• Yesterday was a special day. Not only was it Jackson's dedication at church, but I was able to spend Father's Day with my dad. I was so excited to hear that my sister and her three kids were making the trip up as well.

• The dedication was so sweet and we even watched a slide show of Jackson. Once I get my hands on it, I'll post it on our blog. He did great and the crowd didn't even seem to bother him.

• I am so proud of my little boy!

• After church, we headed on over to The Salem House for lunch to celebrate Jackson's dedication. It was really good, but not as good as The Homeplace. Although, we will definitely be going back there because there isn't much of a wait.

• Later on that evening we had our first cookout on our new patio to celebrate Father's Day. We had all the dads in our family represented last night. Brent, Grandpa, Granddaddy and Papa. It was so nice to have all of them together on this special day. The weather was beautiful and everyone had a great time. What more could you ask for!

• Happy Father's Day to the best Dad's in the world!