Dollie and Me

Juel has this cute little outfit that has a matching baby doll dress. And of course we had to put it on our most treasured Dollar General baby doll!! She kept singing "we match, we match!"

Be still my heart...

My precious Juel went to her first ever dance class! "Miss" Inga called to say that she was having a preschool summer class and wanted Juel to come. We went by the studio to get some tap shoes that were checked by "Miss Debbie". I enjoyed spending time with her while Juel played with Keegan and Cullen. After running errands and taking a nap we were ready to head back to the studio for class. Juel was brave and walked into class holding Keegan's hand. There were only 4 girls in the class, including Livy, "Miss" Judy's grandaughter,  so it was a great way to warm up to dance. I confess that I was peeking from the back room. They did 3 tap songs, had a parade, did a ballet song, made a "circle" and skipped around it...just like when I was a little girl.  At the end of class she curtsied (more like hugging Inga) to get her first forehead star! It was a precious "full circle" moment that I have always dreamed of sharing with a little girl of my own.

 Tap shoes first!

 Then ballet time!

 Coming out of class looking for mommy!

A little unsure about the lobby full of dancers and mommies. Keegan was a great helper!

Checking out the older girls class...this is one of mommy's best dancing friend's little girl!

Thank you Miss Inga...it was so fun! Juel kept her star on until bedtime and woke up asking to go back to "dancing class"!

Staycation with BFFs

Morgan, Cedric, Gabriel, and Elizabeth spent a long weekend here with us. It felt like a vacation because all we did was have fun! We stayed up late, watched movies, and ate lots of food. Uncle Mike was home too, adding to the fun. Bizzy is in love with him and he always provides extra entertainment. He built a HUGE fort that covered nearly the entire bonus room---except for the corner where Mom and Morgan spent most of the weekend sewing. Morgan has become a pro! They made 3 dresses and a skirt for the girls. I even got in on the action filling bobbins and stitching a little. Travis and Cedric hung out on the porch listening to music until who knows what hour. And the children played non-stop. We visited Miss Kim's pool and had a great time swimming with her and Shannon. We grilled out, took naps, and rode the golf cart. Gabriel had a blast riding Tyson's 4-wheeler!! He was so good at it...I have a feeling he may ask Santa for one of his own. Mom, Morgan, and I even snuck away to do a little shopping---which turned into some Christmas shopping! We looked at our Disney photo albums and shared favorite stories. Morgan bought the kids something Gabriel had seen on an infomercial that turns water into slime (Squishy Baff).  It was a huge hit. Then they played in the sprinkler until it was almost dark outside. We were having so much fun, they decided to stay an extra night. The boys took a ride on Uncle Mike's boat while the girls rested. We went over to my Aunt Pat's pool for a potluck. Everyone had a great time. We were sad to see them leave and can't wait until we are together again!

 

 

I am so happy that these 4 are growing up together! I love them all so very much!!

"The babies"

Amber and her children came down for some fun in the sun. Since they were born I have always called Jackson and Carlie "the babies" when I ask Amber about them. ("How are the babies?") The term is not so appropriate anymore! They are all growing up so fast!

Fun Surprise

Near the end of our week at Disney Jeff called to say he had a meeting in Orlando. He asked if we could join him at the resort and he was bringing his family. We were thrilled to get to see him. The hotel was amazing with a HUGE pool with a long lazy river and lots of waterfalls. The children loved playing with their cousins and we a nice time catching up with Jeff and Jennifer. It was a perfect way to relax after an exhausting week.

Farewell to the Most Magical Place on Earth

Day 7: July 5, 2013
Final Day at Magic Kingdom

On our last day we had to visit Magic Kingdom one more time. We had reservations with Chef Mickey, but had to cancel due to exhaustion! Instead we headed over to the kingdom. Our first stop was a big one...Space Mountain! Tyson loved it and rode it twice! He was so proud of himself. While we waited for the fast pass we went to Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, which was super cute. Next we watched the parade again. Then we headed toward Fantasyland to see our favorites one more time. We rode the Magic Carpets, Carousel, and wanted to see Its A Small World (but it was out of service). Our last stop was Mickey's Philharmagic to sum it all up! We walked through the castle one last time, stopped in the Emporium, and headed to the monorail to bid farewell to Disney!

This shirt was perfect for the crowded day and heat

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 It was a trip of a lifetime and will always be a treasured memory.