Lucky number 7

OHappy birthday to the sweetest, spunkiest, most loving, caring, and rambunctious set of twins we could have asked for. We are so proud of the little men they have become and can't wait to see what the next 7 years bring. When I asked Reed if he liked be 6 or 7 better, he said 7. Then I asked what he liked best about being 6. He said "being able to steal the soccer ball from other kids!"  Nolan said he already likes being 7 better and his favorite part of being 6 was spending time with his grandparents over the summer. Awe, such a sweet heart! We had a great relaxing day yesterday and had dinner at 'big fire', their favorite. Today is their bday party at the outdoor Y. We are ready for a World Cup match up between USA and Brazil! 

Last days of summer

Friday afternoon we went to the neighborhood pool for what was supposed to be a few hours. It turned out that there were some friends of the boys down there and we ended up staying until dark. We're sad to see the summer coming to an end but the fun times these boys are having are priceless. 

I've lost control

So...this is their picture day! You can't say we didn't let them be themselves!! Reed just about cried when I told him his outfit didn't match, well, he did cry.  Then, I got a little 'tough coach' on him and asked if he liked his outfit. He said 'yes' so I told him to OWN it!! And own it he did. 

Nolan, at first, said he wanted his hair just to lie flat. After a few minutes of thinking about it, he said 'nah, Mohawk!'

Homework hilarities

Sometimes you wonder what's going on in your child's head. Other times, you can read it. Last night I was going over the boys homework after dinner and I came across this gem. If this is just 2nd grade, I can't wait to see what high school has in store! 

All you need is love

And a chocolate donut! I was feeling a little way of some sort last night when I stopped at the store and those darn Entemenn's donuts were on the table at the checkout!! Publix really knows how to get to me. The boys were stoked that they got a chocolate donut for breakfast, but not before they had fruit and turkey sausage! They kept making faces of enjoyment and saying that I was the best! Ha! I can read the headlines now " 'best mom' gives kids donuts...and diabetes!" LoL. Just kidding. Once in a blue moon is ok!

Ice the G'parents

Nana and Poppa 'happily' accepted Reed and Nolan's nominations for the ice bucket challenge for ALS. Their video is posted to Facebook and they took it like a couple of champs! Way to go nana and poppa!! Next time, though, we can do without the cussing...maybe?!? 

Ice Bucket Challenge

The boys good buddy, Grant, nominated them to do the ice bucket challenge to bring awareness to ALS. They did it today and nominated both sets of grandparents and their girl cousins, Linde, Leah, and Keely. They have 24 hours to complete the challenge or they have to donate $100 to ALS. Get ready, get set, ice bucket water drop!

Come sail away

Saturday looked to be dreary, wet, stormy, and overall a day for indoor activities. But, with a little hope and faith in the weather gods, it can turn out to be a pleasant, sunny, and perfect boat day! The boys and I went out with the Tuttle's on Lake Lanier on their awesome jet boat. They kept yelling at Ryan to go 'faster' so they could bounce over the wake. Ryan didn't mind! From what was a 5 on the WIZometer on the weather channel in the AM, turned out to be a 10 in real life. Just goes to show you can't hold the weather reporters responsible because they have a job where they are consistently wrong...and still get paid! (Why didn't I think of going into that career?!?)

Time to earn their keep

Yesterday, after the boys helped me out away dishes following dinner, I started to sweep the floor. Mainly because they were trying to help so much that they broke a dishwasher packet and it was all over the floor. I asked them to get the dust pan and help me collect the mess. What happened next pleasantly surprised me. 

Nolan kept sweeping the floor and telling me to look at his pile. He said, "I want to help you get the house clean!"  Stop my beating heart!! Then, 2 minutes later Reed asked him what he was doing and he quietly said "I want to earn some money!!"  Yep, I knew he had ulterior motives...but I'll take it!! Good job, boys. 

Do NOT adjust your screen

This is actually just how bright Reed was for his 2nd day of school yesterday. He was so proud of his bright/loudness and I'm sure his teacher knew where he was for the majority of the day...no hiding here!!

Success!

Day 1 of grade 2 earned 3 out of 4 stars for the boys. I think they were pretty happy to see all of their friends and get back on a schedule, but bummed about starting back to work. Although, we did have a fun time cutting out pictures from magazines that represented each of them to decorate their composition notebooks with as a home work assignment. I will post pics of that later this week but most of them have to do with sports, injuries, and food...don't ask! And just before bed, Todd treated them to knee-horsey rides  a la Cliff Huxtable (Cosby show). They were laughing so hard, you would have thought they were being tickle tortured. Only 179 days to go until summer!!

This 'all about me' came from Reed today. It's too funny that even he forgets he doesn't have long hair anymore. Both of the drawings of himself are depicted with longer than Nolan's hair. Makes me wish he didn't cut it! (And apparently, my head is bigger than Todd's and my hair is down to my ankles...all 3 strands of it!) I love kids' drawings!!

Movin' on up

To second grade! 1st day of school pics are always the best. Here are a few from the past...

Kindergarten :

1st grade:

Annnnnnnd 2nd grade:

Oh my! They are getting bigger, teeth are growing in, choosing their own clothes/backpacks, etc....life just needs to slooooow down!!! Hope they have a great day and can't wait to hear all about it. 

Happy --th bday, Nana!!

We wish you a happy bday, we wish you a happy bday, we wish you a happy bday and another happy year! That's how the birthday song goes, right? Happy birthday to the best Nana the Halloran/Goodloe/McLure clan could have ever wished for. We love you and cheer to another....blankety-blank years!

Get ready, cuz here they come!

2nd grade...really? This was the most fun grade (in my eyes). I had the best 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Futch, who shaped me into the astounding person I am today...ok, she probably won't want to take 'credit' for that! I met Ashley Owen in 2nd grade who has been such an awesome friend to spend the past 29 years with and this is the year I have the youngest, fondest memories of my childhood. 

This is the year the boys will really shape some solid friendships, start learning some real stuff in school (I may need help with their homework this year), and start becoming little men. Sloooooooooooow down, life...please?!? Can't stop these two now! They went to their meet and greet last week and are ready to take on the world, or, Arnold Mill for starters. Go mustangs!!