Learning Tree Quilts

Rachel's preschool had each class put together a quilt to auction off to help raise money for their program. It was a silent auction and the quilts hung in the hall in the church for everyone to see. The quilts were just amazing! Each quilt came from one of the preschool classes and it incorporated all the kids hand (or foot) prints. There was a bee quilt, a sock monkey quilt, a turkey quilt, fireman quilt, and lots more! Rachel's class did a basic handprint quilt. They were all soooooo cute!! Look at the detail on some of these pieces!! Beautiful! You can click on each photo to see the details up close. My favorite's were the bee/sunflower quilt and the sock monkey quilt. =)

Predator's End of Season Soccer Party!

Noah had his end of season soccer party today at Gatti's Pizza. He had his last game this morning (which sadly, I missed due to being at the vet with our Phoebe-dee, so no photos). His team didn't win this morning, but the coach said it was probably one of their best games. All the kids played stronger than they ever had. The kids were all really excited to eat pizza, get awards and trophies and then eat cake. It was nice to see them all having fun together at the party. Noah has really enjoyed playing soccer this season and has improved a lot. He won two awards - Most Improved Kicker and also Player Who Gave 110% Effort. We were really proud of him this season and we're looking forward to watching him play this fall. Until then he has Soccer Camp at Maryville College in June followed by Basketball Camp the week after.

She took 11 steps this evening...

Kate has been trying hard all day to walk, walk, walk. She'll take a few steps, plop down, get back up, try again... She's a determined little thing!

First Steps -- 05/19/2010

She did it! She took three steps all by herself this morning! She was standing next to our desk, holding my finger and she let go and took three steps. Amazing. It's always amazing the first time - I don't care how many babies you have. The smile on her face was awesome! I didn't see it full on (as you can see - ha ha), but if you look closely, her cheek bones are high like she is smiling like crazy. These aren't the best shots, but there is no time when it's three little steps and she plops on her butt. =) I guess there is no slowing down from here... Way to go Kate!!!!

Noah's 1st Grade Achievement Program

Doug and I attended Noah's first grade achievement program at school today. It was so cute to watch all the kids as they recieved their 'memory' books to give their parents and hear about their achievements in math and reading. Mrs. Bryant first handed out the books to each child with their achievement certificates in the backs of the books. Noah read the second highest number of books in his class at 396 books. He also completely mastered his Math Facts (addition and subtraction problems 0-10 on timed tests). We are so proud of him! He has done well this year. After the awards were given we got to watch a slide show set to music with pictures of his class through out the year. I had tears rolling as we watched it (such a softie... I couldn't help it!). I was talking with Doug right before the program and it seems as though we were just there dropping him off for his first day of 1st grade. It sure doesn't seem as though it should be coming to a close so soon. After the slide show the kids shared an icecream party and Noah got to leave with us after that. 'School' is over for the year - He has to go back next week, but only for 'Movie' Monday (watching movies), 'Tenting' Tuesday (playing in tents and camping all day), and 'Water' Wednesday (water play). Then on Thursday we go in just to pick up his report card. It has been a wonderful year and Noah has learned so much. He has really done a lot of growing this year. We sure love that litte (okay, big) guy!

Knoxville Downtown Island Airport