Kate's 1st Birthday Party

We celebrated Kate's 1st birthday today with all of our family that could be here with us. She was happy to be the center of attention for a couple of hours. Mamaw showed up a bit early to play with her as I prepared things and got the cakes set out. After singing Happy Birthday and seeing her candle (blown out by Rachel), Kate enjoyed a tiny white bear cake of her very own, while the rest of us enjoyed a chocolate bear cake and a white #1 cake. She was very hesitant to try the cake and Doug finally cut into her little cake with a fork and gave her a big bite. Once she figured out she could actually eat the cake and that we weren't going to stand there and feed her bite after bite, she caught on that she could dig in with her little hands. Once we had all had our share of cake and ice cream we moved into the living room where Kate got to open her gifts. Rachel once again, was a big helper and helped her unwrap each package and pulled the contents of each bag out for her little sister. Kate was happy to find some pretty new outfits, a Jack-In-The-Box, Raggedy Ann, touch and feel books, a bag full of new hair bows and several toys all just for her. She was growing tired, but seemed happy to sit and play with her new toy phones and books. We are so glad she got to celebrate with everyone and thanks to all of you who helped to make her day special! We love you!

Predators First Game -- Soccer 2010

Noah played in his first soccer game of the season this morning with his team -the Predators. They played well - I was pretty impressed honestly with how good the kids did play! It seems that he has moved up a level with the ages of the kids on this team and they are all much more serious about playing now, which is good to see. Noah played well and really got in there and went after the ball. The final score was 7-4 with the other team winning, but the kids were excited anyway. It was a good game and I was glad to see Noah enjoying himself. He was super excited to see his friend Luke on the other team - Luke is his teacher's son and he couldn't wait until after the game to run over and say hello. Cute.

Cousins

No matter how long it's been or where they are, these kids always enjoy each other's company. I love watching them all play together. =)

This Weekend....

Wow... Still can't believe she's almost a year old...

Happy Birthday Emma!

Saturday the kids and I spent the afternoon helping to celebrate Emma's 6th birthday. She had a dog themed party and it was so cute to watch all the little ones run around in dog ear headbands and black noses with whiskers. Even little Kate had a black nose and ears. The kids played hard bouncing in the bounce houses, sticking balloons all over the walls, having balloon fights, blowing bubbles and running around outside. I enjoyed catching up with good friends and seeing family. The weather was amazing and who doesn't love cake and ice cream?! It was a fun afternoon. Hope you had a wonderful birthday Miss Em! ;)

Sky Lift, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Go Karts & Funnel Cake

Friday Doug and I took the kids up to Gatlinburg to do some fun stuff. We started our day dropping Miss Kate off at Mamaw's house so we could just go have some fun doing "big kid" stuff. After a quick breakfast we began the day with a ride on the Sky Lift. Doug rode with Noah while Rachel rode with me. It was funny on our way up the mountain (note that there is only a very loose bar for a restraint on the sky lift seat) - Rachel was clutching my hand in her little one. I forgot my camera at home (what?!) so when we reached the top, Doug bought us some souvenier copies that they snap while you are on your way up the mountainside. Thanks Babe! After making our way back down we wandered over to Ripley's Believe It or Not for a bit. The kids were in a bit of awe over the two headed animals. After lunch we hit the go karts and that's where the kids I think (okay, and maybe the adults also) had the most fun. We rode several tracks and I loved seeing the looks on Noah and Doug's faces as they lapped us on the track. After the driving experience we shared the inevitable, okay - traditional funnel cake and then headed back home with two worn out kids. It was a fun day for all of us. =)

Happy

Check out these girls... So happy! Love to put them in matching outfits right now. I have to get my fix of this, this season because Rachel is in 5T and after she moves out of that size I won't be able to match them up any more!

Girlfriends

Rachel and Audrey originally met in their gymnastics class. Doug works with Audrey's dad out at the tower. The girls now go to preschool together two days a week. We took a quick trip up to Pigeon Forge together to do some outlet shopping. It was cute to watch them in action together. They got matching sunglasses at the Sunglass Hut.

Firehouse!

The kids love to go to Firehouse and I love to take them on Wednesday nights. 2 Kids eat free/one adult makes for a cheap dinner. =) We like to see who will tag along with us on these nights since Doug is working Wednesday nights now. On this evening Christina and the girls went with us. Good times =)