VIP in 'da house!!

What a fun week we had!  Jackson was chosen as the class VIP for the week.  I found out later, from his teacher, that she's never done a weekly VIP, so Jackson is the first EVER (that's huge to a 6 year old!).  You're probably wondering what it means to be the class VIP.  It all started with bringing home the class "pet" last Friday. Luckily, this isn't a pet that actually breathes.  It's a stuffed dog, Andy.  Andy had to do fun things with us, and Jackson had to journal about the things Andy did with the Lee family.  Andy travelled with us last weekend to Chapel Hill for the UNC game.  Unfortunately, Andy wasn't able to go inside the stadium.  I didn't want the Lee family to misplace Andy the first weekend he went home with someone (that would just be our luck).  Saturday evening on the way home from Chapel Hill, Jackson journaled about the fun time he had with Andy on the trip to Chapel Hill.  He finished up his journaling on Sunday writing about playing Batman with Andy in his room on Sunday afternoon.

On Monday, Jackson was able to share an "all about me" page he completed for homework the first week of school.  He included a picture of....

(I have to interject: As I'm typing, Eliza is praying at her craft table for "Maggie, my friends, my ballet teacher, mommies and daddies, snack, my mommy and my daddy, and now I'm all done"  She has to be one of the funniest children.  I love listening to her pretend!  She has a crazy imagination!)

...his family and himself on the beach, his birthday, his favorite food (Fruit Loops), favorite TV show (Jake and the Neverland Pirates) and favorite movie (Toy Story 3).

Tuesday, he took a "me sack" to school.  The "me sack" contained 2 items that he liked very much and wanted to share with his class, so basically, a show and tell.  He took his pal, "Rexy" (his stuffed T-rex) and the picture album of memories Beme made after his trip at the beach with them.  I received a note from Jackson's teacher saying the kids really enjoyed looking at the picture album. 

Wednesday was a big day!  Charlie and I were able to eat lunch with Jackson at school.  I think I was more excited than Jackson.  No, no, I wasn't excited about eating the school cafeteria lunch!  I was excited to meet the children Jackson has been talking about at home.  Luckily, Jackson allowed Charlie and I to sit on either side of him even though "Owen usually sits right here mom."  Owen didn't seem to mind too much.  Jackson also ate school lunch for the first time on Wednesday.  We thought it would be a good idea, since Charlie and I would be there to go through the line with him.  I suggested he buy his lunch once a week.  I'm not sure if he's decided to do that or not. 

Thursday, Jackson was able to take one of his favorite books (age appropriate).  Jackson is a reader, and his favorite books right now are Magic Treehouse, A to Z Mysteries...chapter books.  Jackson of course wanted to take one of his A to Z Mystery books.  I emailed Jackson's teachers, and luckily, she said that would be OK.  Instead, Jackson would have to explain why he chose that book, why he liked it, his favorite character...all things I quizzed him on at dinner one night.  He had a great time sharing A to Z Mysteries: Deadly Dungeon.

Friday, Jackson shared his journal of he and Andy's weekend together.  He told his class about going to the UNC game and the fun he had watching the Tarheels play. 

Not only was Jackson able to do these special things each day, he led his class as line leader daily.  Now, all these things may not seem that important, but to Jackson, he had a great time! 

Saturday, Jackson had a football game.  Unfortunately, his team lost BUT (our family mantra, along with "if you don't want it done to you, don't do it to anyone else") he had "fun playing and that's what matters."  We also saw The Lion King in 3D with several friends that afternoon.  Eliza loved the movie too although she wouldn't wear the 3D glasses.  It was OK.  The movie looked pretty normal without glasses.  May I say here...the people at Disney are GENIOUSES (as if you didn't already know that...hel-lo, Disney World).  To re-release an old movie on the big screen for TWO WEEKS ONLY?!  Ch-ching!  And yes, we were some of the people paying for a 3D matinee...had to take out a small loan! 

On Sunday, we went to church and had a very good friend's birthday party.  This friend went to kindergarten with Jackson, and they both go to different schools now.  He's missed his friend so much, his "good ol' buddy, ol' pal." 

Time for the new week...I gotta start packing lunches and getting ready for the early Monday morning.  Have a GREAT week everyone!

PS: Sorry no pictures...I should have taken a picture of Jackson and Andy, but I didn't.  What was I thinking?!?! 

Marathon, with a capital "M"

What a week it has been!!!!  Charlie and I have kidded all week that we've run a marathon and a half this week.  Now, I must confess, I am NOT a runner, which means that I'm DEFINITELY not a marathon runner.  I wish I was a runner....  it seems like such a fun hobby, but...  it's just not for me!   For those of you that are marathon runners, you know exactly how many miles are in a marathon.  For those of you that aren't runners (ME, remember??), there are 26.21875 miles in a full marathon.  Now, I know that some of you are doing a lil' eye rolling at the .21875, but I'm telling you right now: if Lindsay Lee EVER runs a marathon, I'm going to be taking credit for EVERY milimeter I run.  Ok, Ok...I digress...back to our busy week. 

Charlie was in Haiti last week with a team of people from our church.  They were looking at specific mission opportunities in that very poor country!  He had a good trip and arrived back safe and sound Saturday night.

We had a FANTASTIC Labor Day weekend with the Kivette's.  They arrived Friday evening.  Jackson and Eliza were beside themselves until Cole Kivette arrived!  The boys always love a sleep over buddy!  Saturday morning, Jackson played his first flag football game.  He looked pretty tough with the black patches under his eyes.  His team won!!  I was quite impressed with how well the 5-7 year olds ran plays.  The coaches are really doing a GREAT job with all these boys!

Tough man!!

Getting set up

We won!

Cole is excited the Packers one! :)

Saturday afternoon, we enjoyed a nice time on the beach.  Unfortuantely, we weren't able to go into the water for very long.  The waves were very rough!  We had a fun time just playing on the beach.

Aaron helps build a sand castle

The kiddos

Looking at Pokemon cards

Our family enjoyed a day of relaxation on Monday (Labor Day).  We enjoyed breakfast out, which is one of our favorites.  That afternoon we joined some friends at the pool.  The kids had a great time swimming while adults had a little fellowship time.  In the back of our minds....back to the grind tomorrow and the official end of summer. 

Eliza will be taking gymnastics every Tuesday this year.  She had her first class this past Tuesday.  She had a BLAST!  She's in the same class as several of her friends.  We had to leave early to pick Jackson up from school, as the kids had their yearly check ups that afternoon.  Eliza was distraught.  After I explained that we weren't attending a birthday party, and we would be back at gymnastics next week, she was OK.  (This is all after she had gone potty, couldn't get her leotard back on and came running into the gym with just her undies...she's her father's child!) 

During (a nutritious McDonald's) dinner Tuesday evening, Jackson lost his 5th tooth! His two front teeth have been hanging on by a thread for quite sometime!  I thought when one tooth came out, they both would come out.  No such luck!  He lost the one tooth and the other one is still hanging on by a thread.  The other tooth is crooked because it's so loose, and he really looks like a "snaggle tooth!"  (It's too cute!!!)Unfortunately, Jackson must have swallowed the tooth because it wasn't in the chicken nugget or ranch sauce he was eating.  For those of you who don't know, the tooth fairy DOES visit when there isn't proof.  Jackson wrote the tooth fairy a note (complete with punctuation... a "?"...which he's learning about in school), and the tooth fairy delivered--2 dollar bills and a "special" coin. 

"Snaggle tooth"

"Yesss!  The Tooth Fairy DID leave me 2 dollars and a 'special coin!'"

Wednesday was Eliza's first day of school.  She started the 5 mornings a week 3 year old class.  She was VERY excited!!  She hadn't quite gotten why Jackson has been going to school, but she has not.  It was also her first dance class with Ms Gretchen.  Our preschool provides an optional dance class through preschool.  It is so nice because the class is incorporated in her day, rather than us having to take her elsewhere.  I'm VERY grateful!

She can "write" her name!  Genius!

Eating a yummy breakfast before school.

BIG girl!

Walking down the hall to Eliza's classroom

Wonder if she'll "write" her name with the etch-a-sketch?? 

I'm happy to report Jackson has NO cavaties.  He had a dentist visit Thursday.  Eliza came too, and she was in awe watching big brother have his teeth checked and cleaned.  It's her turn to go soon, and I'll know she'll do a GREAT job after watching Jackson.  (Plus, you get a new toothbrush AND go to the treasure box...who wouldn't??)

Friday evening, Charlie and I had the opportunity to go on a date! (WHAT?!)  We met up with great friends for dinner and a little game playing.  We had such a good time!  Can't wait until next time.

Saturday, the kids attended their first Carolina football game, and boy, did we have fun!  I must say, I try not to wish my children's lives away, however it's so nice that we can do day football game trips now that Eliza is 3, without problems.  We got to Chapel Hill a little early, jumped around Tarheel town, heard the band, got tattoos at the Bell Tower and got to our seats in time for kick-off.  We did a lot of walking, and both kids were troopers.  They enjoyed seeing the game, and Charlie enjoyed explaining the game to Jackson.  We left at the start of the 4th quarter because we were tired!  Needless to say, we all slept well last night!  I was asleep by 9:30 and that's unheard of!

Sliding in Tar Heel town

NO fear!  She flew down the slide.

Tar Heel tattoos

Check out that hair!!!

Sweet boy!

<3

Love this pic!

We HAD to have pom poms (and a couple of other things...)

Fun times!

And now, it's Sunday.  Charlie had an excellent sermon today!  I (as many others) have been reminiscing about this day 10 years ago.  I am EXTREMELY grateful for this time we have with our children and families.  Your life can change in a matter of seconds!

...and now, let the marathon start all over again....  Have a GREAT week everyone!

(BTW...the posting date of Thursday is when I started this blog entry.  I completed it on Sunday.)

First Day, First Grade

Well...  the day is finally here.  Jackson started first grade today.  The day started by us having to wake Jackson up.  Let me tell you, we NEVER have to wake Jackson up.  He's up before anyone else in this house.  Luckily, WE got up in time to get Jackson up.  I probably should tell you that despite the fact that Jackson is an early riser, his parents are NOT, and we had a hard time making it to preschool (which starts at 9am).  So this "at 7:50, you're tardy" business, is quite a cramp in our (once, laying in the bed until the last possible momemnt) lifestyle!!

After a nutritious breakfast, we all loaded up in my car and headed to the first day of school with my camera in hand.  Now, I don't know if there are professional parents out there who are used to dropping their children off on their first day of school OR maybe parents that do not want to capture their child's EVERY memorable moment on camera, but I only saw one other parent (yes, a mom) with a camera in hand.  THIS mom was snapping pictures as Jackson walked into school, walked down the hall, getting to his classroom....  Yes, it was like TMZ showed up at Jackson's elementary school today.  Where were all the other cameras?  I decided today, on the first day of first grade, that I will (mostly likely) take a picture of my children every year on the first day of school.  Yep, I'll be THAT mom walking my junior into high school snapping pictures along the way.  Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of embarrassing my child by holding their hand as a junior! 

Night before school: The Mario back pack is packed up and ready to go.

First grader breakfast: banana, french toast, boiled egg and milk.

First grader and little sis

First grader fighting bad breath and plague

First grader made bed

First grader stylin' in the school uniform

First grader "Cheesin'"

First grader and little sis who wants to know "why am I not going to school today?"

First grader walking on shark's teeth to get into school.

First grader walking down the hall to his class.

First grader in class and Eliza enjoys looking at the fish tank.

As Charlie, Eliza and I were leaving Jackson's new school, Eliza said she wanted to have a "girly day with no boys."  Charlie wasn't offended because he had to go to work anyway.   Eliza really wanted to go to the "smelly store" (Sweet and Sassy) to get "my hair cut."  (Where did that come from?)  I explained that we'll have to do that another time because you need an appointment for a hair cut.  So, Eliza and I came home and did "girly things" without the boys.

We painted nails...each nail a different color...3 fingers donned with butterflies and flower nail art.

We made a butterfly necklace that I am wearing as I type.

We used "special" markers to color in the Tinker Bell coloring book.

We watched "Tangley" (the movie, Tangled).
Played with the Little People grocery store.
Read library books.
Ate lunch.
Had a rest time (that's really more for me than Eliza!!)
Then it was time to get Jackson from school.

After sitting in carpool for what seemed like FOREVER (I couldn't wait to see Jackson), he finally got into the car.  He had a GREAT first day in first grade.  He told us they talked a lot about the impending Hurricane Irene, closing school early Friday to open up for those living at the beach  that will need to leave their homes for safety, chocolate milk at lunch (he wants to buy chocolate milk sometimes), the playground was fun, and the great game they played to get to know other class mates.
All in all, I think he had a fabulous first day and boy, Charlie and I are thrilled!! 

Fireworks, Vacations, Camps, Friends, Grandparents, Friends, Butterflies....

What do all these words have in common?  Our summer in words.  Since I haven't blogged in almost 2 months, I guess this entry will be a summer blog.  I can't believe how quickly this summer has gone.  It's amazing to me how fast time is flying.  Grab a snack and drink because this one's going to be long....

July started off with a BANG! 

In 4th of July garb

"Thanks, Ms. Kelly!!"

Charlie bought some fireworks locally for a show in our backyard.  The kids didn't like the smoke or the loud noises, so they watched from inside the house.  I wonder what the neighbors were thinking as they saw this grown man, outside alone, enjoying fire works? 

Watching fireworks from inside! :)

July 4th evening our family enjoyed downtown Wilmington's fireworks show.  We had a "penthouse" view from the 10th floor at New Hanover Hospital.  Don't ask me how that was arranged, let's just say that I have connections... 

High rise seating waiting for the fireworks to start.

The week after July 4th, Charlie went to Charlotte for the middle school mission trip.  Jackson had basketball camp with Halo Hoops.  It was difficult for me to drop him off the very first day.  Usually, we sign up for camps with friends.  We didn't have any friends sign up for this particular week of basketball camp, but Jackson wanted to participate.  Although I know it's good for Jackson to be in these situations, I could barely make myself leave once he was in the gym shooting hoops.  I did fine.  And more importantly, he did fine and had a great week!!! 

Beme and Pappy came to stay that week too.  Boy, were they a huge help!  The kids were busy each day, from making arts & crafts, to going to the "fancy McDonalds" and to the Fuzzy Peach.  The kids (and grandparents) were exhausted each night. 

At McDonalds with Beme and Pappy

Good to the last drop!!

It's all gone!

Eliza's beautiful flower bouquet

I came home to a lion in the house....

....and an elephant!  Oh my!

Charlie returned home on Saturday at 1:30, and we were out the door by 3pm on the way to the beach for Lee family beach week.  We had a BLAST!!  This is the first year we didn't have a child napping.  It was SO nice, liberating.  We came in from the beach at lunch daily with a rest time after lunch while it was so hot outside in the afternoon.  Then, we'd head to the pool for a relaxing afternoon.

We had a great time with our niece, Tatum.  Eliza loved holding Tatum's hand leading her around like 3 year old girls do with each other.  I would've called it "dragging" her around, but Tatum didn't seem to mind a bit.  I think Tatum liked playing with Jackson and Eliza too. 

Holding hands with Tatum

BIG boy!!

Crazy kids!

Lovin' on Tatum.  I wish Tatum could tell us what she's thinking.....

Jackson reading to Tatum and Eliza

Bro and Sis

Our family

Party of 27 eating seafood... 
Jackson going where the crab leg "extras" go...  ICK!

The pool was quite refreshing after a morning at the beach.

  "Scoot back Bailey."  NO fear!!

WILD woman killing the strawberry bikini!

Silly faces!  For every serious picture, we have 2 or 3 silly pictures.

Jackson leading Tatum to the water.

One of the funniest memories of the entire trip was when Jackson, Tatum and Eliza were pressing their faces against the sliding glass door.  It was precious!  I was inside seeing the action from behind.  The people outside watching had a better show, I'm sure.  Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of all three of the kids with their faces pressed against the glass, but as you can see, it was a hysterical moment!

THE funniest moment at the beach!

I asked what Jackson what his favorite thing about being at the beach was...he said, "Spending time with my family." Sweet boy!
We had a such a fun time at the beach with the Lee family.  I wish I could post more pictures.  I only have 500 pictures for the month of July!!  I'm serious....FIVE HUNDRED for 31 days!   I'll add some of the good ones to facebook, so check there for more beach fun!

After such fun at the Lee family beach week, we came home to a camp week for Jackson and Eliza.  Jackson attended aquarium camp at the Fort Fisher Aquarium.  He loved it.  Several of his friends attended with him.  It was quite a rude awakening Monday morning after vacation.  We had to leave our house by 7:40 to get to aquarium camp on time.  Talk about back in the swing of things....

The campers performed a skit during the parent's show.

Eliza getting eaten by a shark while we waited for the parent's show to begin.

Eliza attended Fairy Princess Camp at a local ballet school.  She also loved it VERY much.  The girls practiced ballet, dressed up, had arts & crafts time, ate lunch and headed home.  She  was happy to see some of her friends at Fairy Princess Camp. 

All dressed and ready to go!

Killing the leotard!

Madame Butterfly

Performing at Fairy Princess Camp

Friends: Carrington, Eliza, Analise and Isabella

After a week at camp, we headed back for ANOTHER  week at the beach with our friends, the Kivette's.  We loved the additional week of relaxation...who wouldn't??? 

We spent nearly every morning at the beach and every afternoon swimming at the pool.  Mixed in with the beach and pool time was time at the arcade, Wonder Works, video gaming and a family photo shoot (courtesy of Kelly Kivette). 

What is it with the glass door?? 
This will be used for black mail in the future...just FYI!

"I'm ready to boogy board."

Riding the lawn mower because who doesn't do that at the beach?!?

Putt putt

Arcade games....

Tired, tired princess....

Eliza is brave enough to swim under water. 

Hand in hand

Secrets, secrets....

Our "E" girl

The fam (again)

The beginning of August brought in the ending of any toddlers at our house.  Eliza turned 3 on August 6th.  It's so hard to believe that she's 3?!?!!? 

I have to share a couple of pictures of Eliza in the early days....

What will it be... a boy or girl?
We didn't find out until the birth.

It's a GIRL!

Love this pic!!

Jackson meets his sister for the first time!
He's 3 years old in this picture.

The evening before her birthday, we took Eliza to see her first movie in a theater, Winnie the Pooh, and she LOVED it!!!  After the movie, she chose Red Robin for her birthday dinner. 

There was more whipped cream than ice cream in the bowl. 
Eliza LOVED it!!!

Because Jackson became a big brother the day Eliza was born!

After attending a party at a local gymnastics facility, Eliza decided she wanted to have her party at the same place.  The ironic thing is Jackson had his 3 year old party at the SAME place!!  We had a blast!  Several of her friends were able to attend.   Eliza is such a blessing in our lives!! 

"Eliza, how old are you today??"

One picture before we cut the cake.

Of course Eliza had a birthday shirt! 

Jumping in the foam pit

Jackson swings from the rope...

...and lands in the foam pit!

Cole having fun!

Eliza and Carrington getting ready to jump from "a high place."

Somersault

Making a wish and blowing out the candles.

LOVED parachute time!

Free play

Papa trying to catch the birthday girl

With school on the brink of starting, Jackson and Eliza wanted to spend some time with their grandparents.  Jackson stayed at the beach with Beme and Pappy from Saturday to Wednesday.  They played arcade games, shopped for books, went to an upside-down house (Wonder Works Museum), and played video games.  While Jackson was away with Beme and Pappy, Eliza stayed a couple of nights with Nana and Papa (so, Charlie and I had two nights "kidless").  Eliza had fun feeding the birds, going to the library, eating at McDonalds, playing the rice and bean box and "sleeping in the 'bacation' bed with princess sheets." 

Jackson was home for less than 24 hours and went with Nana and Papa to their house...he ate at McDonalds (for dinner and breakfast...what is it about McDonalds and grandparents???), went to the nature center (twice, his choice!), went to the library and watched TV.  Jackson had a GREAT time with both sets of grandparents for the week.  He came home exhausted, and I know his grandparents were exhausted too! :)

I know the summer isn't quite over, BUT....it seemed very close today as we attended Jackson's school oreintation.  He's starting 1st grade in a new school on Thursday.  Today, he was able to tour his new school (Charlie and I toured in the spring), and we met his teachers.  He's very excited about starting a new school, and I think he really likes the fish tank in the entry way.  Eliza was able to go with us "to see Jackson's new school."  She was sorely disappointed when we didn't stay long enough to have a real day of school. 

So....  I know this was a very long blog.  Thank you for sticking with it!  Since we're getting back to "normal" (whatever THAT is....), I'll try to blog more often.

Had to include this one...  She has fun dressing up in my shoes!