Summer has officially ended

And with that, kindergarten is about to begin! This is miss Brooke. She has been our babysitter extraordinaire when the grandparents have had enough of the boys and needed a break. She was so good with the boys taking them to the pool, playground, playdates with the neighbors, making cookies and brownies and just keeping the boys at bay while we were working. Thank you Miss Brooke for all of your hard work this summer!! We hope you'll come back to see us soon :0)

'All I ever needed to know...

I learned in kindergarten.' That statement couldn't ring more true as I was signing the boys into their classes this morning and thinking back on what little, yet effective, i remember about this time in my life. We met new teachers, figured out the bus schedule, got their codes of conduct (uh-oh, Reed!), and explored their new classrooms. They were both very excited and anxious at the same time, as was I. We did, however, see many a familiar face in the crowd which set their minds at ease. Even a face or two we wish could have attended another school! Oops, did I type that out loud?!? Ha! Here's the end of their baby/toddlerhood and cheers to the big boys they are about to become. KINDERGARTEN!!! Goooo Arnold Mill Mustangs!

Lake Livin'

If you ever needed to know a statistic, 4 hours is not nearly enough time to spend on a lake with good friends. Today, we rented a 'party barge' with the Tuttles on Allatoona Lake from 9-1pm but we wanted to stay much longer! We had so much fun swimming and jumping off the boat. Reed and Nolan even had their first driving experience on our floating party ship and they both did a great job! Three cheers for Boat day!!!

More safari pics

There was also a 'walk-about' part that you could see (all in cages) baboons, tigers, bears, alpaca, snakes, leopards, lynx, and LIGERS! It was all so sad because their enclosures were small and it was really hot. They all look well fed, but with no where for these animals to roam, they looked bored and anxious. I swear the bears were begging for the mercy of being let out!

Animal slobber-fari

Yesterday wast last Friday with the boys before they go to school next week (yikes!). So, I wanted to do something fun with them that we haven't ever done before. The Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mtn, Ga was the choice we made and having never been there, we weren't sure what to expect. Well, it was amazing and so much fun! We rented a 'safari car' that basically is an old beat up van where nothing but the drive shaft and steering wheel work. They punched out all the windows in the vehicle and added bars so the animals couldn't get their heads in the car too far...thank goodness for that! Lorin, Kiera, and Ryan joined us on our adventure. We'll definitely return so Todd can come and get slobbered on as well!

Ah, lake life!

Yesterday, the McIntyre's graciously asked us to come on their boat and cruise the lake in party boat style. With only a few days of summer vacation left, the boys and I jumped at the chance! Gotta love lake livin'!

Awesome-land

Jammy and Grammy Ann picked up the boys this morning and swept them away to LegoLand. The boys couldn't wait! Todd said when they pulled into the driveway, the boys grabbed their suitcases, ran out the door, jumped in the backseat and buckled up for an adventure! Needless to say, Jammy and Grammy Ann had just driven from Athens, so they needed to get out, stretch their legs, and use the facilities. The boys had to be unbuckled and brought back inside for a few minutes, against their will! Anyhoo, here's a few snaps that Jammy took while they were playing to their hearts content at what can best be described as awesome-land!

Wii dance

This was so funny to watch Reed and Nolan shaking their booties to 'who let the dogs out!'. Ha! Now you know you have that song in your head, don't you?!? Sorry!

So much a day can bring

This morning, Todd took the boys to breakfast at McDonalds. As the nice lady at the register was putting someone else's tray on the counter, the coffee that was on the tray began to teeter and and started its decent to the ground. Well, it would have hit the floor and made a huge mess, not to mention burn any toes that were exposed. That is, unless Reed hadn't been there! Super-Reed to the rescue! He stepped in, grabbed the hot beverage, and carefully placed it back on the tray! The lady that ordered the coffee was so impressed that she gave him a dollar. He was so excited to tell his story later. Good job, Reed!

Later, my tennis team won our first round of playoffs and we're headed to the second round tomorrow. Goooo woodlands!

Finally, Burke came over to help install an overdue ceiling fan in the den. It's kinda funny to see Todd and Burke working side by side, or step ladder by ground! Thanks for the help, Burke!

Awww!

Reed: Nolan, you know we're best friends, right?
Nolan: yea, I know!

Need I say more?

Houseguest of the week goes to...

Rusty! While the Tuttle's are away in Jellystone national park viewing the likes of bears, buffalo, and meth labs, we've had the pleasure of watching their sweet pooch, Russel J Simmons.
He's such a sweet, quiet, cute...cat. Seriously, sometimes I think he's hanging around his roommates too much (2 felines) because if he had the chance, he'd probably use a litter box! Polly will not leave him alone, either. She thinks he's here to play with her and she goes after him, playfully, every chance she gets. She's also super protective of her family and if sweet Russ tries to steal a pat on the head, there's Polly, pouncing at him as to say 'hey! That's my head rub you're swiping!' Too funny!

Team breakfast

While Todd and I were away galavanting in the mountains with 3 other couples for the weekend, the boys got to have 2 sleepovers at the Goodloe's. Dawn assured me she was feeding them sugary fruity pebbles mixed in their pancake batter topped with pixie sticks! Mmmm, nice and healthy! Here they are taking part of their breakfast of champions...
Thanks, sis. :0)

Who ever said we 'need' rain...

Needs to come to my house! Tonight the rain was fierce. I was coming out of Wal-mart (I know, it's not my usual fav place to spend my hard earned dough) but the 'greeter' ever so slowly and with enough southern drawl to pull an ox, said 'looks...like...it's...bout...to...rain in ya'. I politely said thank you and then made a mad dash to my car, all the while getting completely drenched. This is what the rainy evening has brought out in the twins...in their bathing suits playing the wii! They might hope we float away!!

All banged up

Last night, the boys got to go to Camp Nanapop for the evening and play for the day today. Thanks to my parents they had a great time and have all the bumps and scrapes to prove it! What would a summer be without a few bruises, I ask!?!?

Two little fishy's

The other day, Todd took the boys to his gym to go swimming. At his big pool, the kids can't go down the big slide until they've swam the length of the pool without stopping or any help from anyone. The boys have been trying to do it for a month or so and finally, last Thursday, they did it! Way to go boys!!!

Happy bday, America

Last night, Muma and Jidoo (lindara's parents) graciously hosted a 4th of July bash at their house in the Polo Fields. We had tons of fun yard games to play, great food, and lots of entertaining company. Let the fireworks begin!

Always expect the unexpected

After the boys spent the day at work with me, we stopped for a kiddy frosty at Wendy's. Now, does this look like the face of someone who just said "I just tooted...3 times!". I can say, it made me giggle a bit.

My little lunch dates

With me out of work today and the boys not having grandparent day, camp, school or babysitters, we've been traipsing around town running errands. First a visit for me at the dentist, then to the PGA superstore to hit some clubs and tennis balls, now at lunch. With still more stops to go, these two had time to stop for a minute and pose for the camera!