So Proud of Allie!

Progress Reports recently came out and I am so proud of Allie's grades. She loves everything about 3rd grade and has been working very hard this year...she takes after me in that department...lol! Her teacher doesn't give number grades for Reading...yet. In fact, she is now reading on a 5.6 grade level, too! Keep up the good work, Allie!

No More Pink!

All summer long, we worked on redecorating Allie's bedroom. We repainted the walls a pale, lime green color and got rid of practically everything pink...so sad...LOL! It's such a "pre-teen" room now. The bedroom furniture was mine when I was her age and it's really fun to be able to hand it down to her. She really loves it. I am thrilled with the way it turned out! We are currently working on a reading nook for her...will post about that later.

1st Day of 3rd Grade!!!

I can't believe that Allie is in 3rd grade! How is that possible? She is so excited about today and completely ready. She picked out her first day outfit from Limited Too (of course), packed her snack, and got her backpack ready all by herself. We are really looking forward to a great year!She even set her alarm for 6:00 and got up on her own. We'll see how long that lasts...Just as the bus arrived, Emma started to cry when she realized that she didn't get to get on the bus with Allie. She was really devastated. As I'm typing this right now, she's telling me "I want to go"...so sad! I know Allie is going to have a great first day!

Third Grade, Here We Come!

I can't believe Allie will be in 3rd Grade this year!!! Today, we went to "Meet and Greet" and met her teacher and picked out her desk. She is so thrilled that she got the teacher she really wanted...me too! It's going to be a great year! She is so lucky to go to such an awesome school filled with outstanding teachers! By the way, her teacher's father was my high school advisor...all four years! He's still there and is now the head baseball coach.

Every year, at this time, I really miss teaching!!! My heart will always be in the classroom, even though I absolutely love staying home, too! I signed up to be co-room mom with 2 other friends. I'm looking forward to that.Allie picked out her desk...right in front of the board. Two of her closest friends are sitting next to her. I'm sure they will be rearranged after the first day! LOL!Standing outside the room and looking forward to the first day!

2 Fun 2 Sleep!

Allie's birthday celebration week has finally come to an end. The slumber party went off without a hitch and I'm ready for another vacation! Eight little 8 year olds spent the night and had a fun evening filled with crafts, two games, popcorn and m&m's, and two movies! All the girls went to sleep around midnight...not too bad!This is the party invitation that was sent out. I love it! In case you don't know, I have a true obsession for cute stationery.Here's the cake...Allie picked it out herself! Emma begged for one of those cupcakes the entire evening! Check out the cake server...it looks like a shoe!Allie was so proud of this party with all of her close friends. This is her first "big" sleepover at our house and it will probably be the last...just kidding. Actually, it wasn't bad. I got to bring out the "teacher voice" and that seemed to help keep them under control!We love parties around here...planning them is half the fun!

8 Years!!!

Happy 8th Birthday, Allie! It doesn't seem possible that you're that old! I love you very much!

We're headed to the Aquarium today to celebrate!

End of Season Party

Well, the swim season is officially over and we are undefeated! The team party was last night and the kids were able to just swim and have fun. We had a potluck dinner and trophy ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments. Each age group came up together to get a photo with their coaches...A rainbow even appeared during the ceremony!

2008 Swim Team Season Ends

This is Allie's 2008 swim team. She is on the very front row...fourth from the right. Tonight is the last swim meet of the season! The team is undefeated, too! I can't believe it's already over! This is her second year on the team and I have seen tremendous growth from her as a swimmer. I am so proud of her and all her ribbons. She is swimming in five events tonight...it's going to be a late one!

Allie's Dancing Era

For the past 5 years, Allie has always been involved in some sort of dance class: ballet, tap, jazz, tumbling, and gymnastics. Now that she's almost 8 years old, she's decided she has had enough of all of that and wants to take a break. It makes me a little sad, I have to admit! I really enjoy all of the costumes, recitals and parent watch days. Today is registration for the upcoming year and I asked her yesterday if she wanted to take any classes and she replied "I'm thinking about it..." but never mentioned another word. If you know Allie, you know that she doesn't forget about anything and will talk about whatever it is until it happens! So, I guess we are done. She's old enough to choose her activities now! Just think...one more year and then Emma will be dancing!3 year old Pre-Ballet classFirst Recital CostumeHanging out with one of her best friends from preschoolThis was taken after her last recital.

2nd Swim Meet...With Pictures This Time!

We had our second meet of the season tonight...at home! As usual, it was a lot of fun! GrandBob, my dad, came to cheer Allie on. That made the evening even more special! Since I forgot my camera and didn't take any pictures of the first meet, I thought I'd make up for it by taking a zillion of this one! Enjoy!Cheering the Dolphins on!Emma was very content hanging out in her Dora chair.The girls were so happy that GrandBob came!Cute moment together...They spotted two little girls walking their way.Always having fun!Staying entertained with GrandBobGetting ready to dive in...1st event!And she's off...freestyle!1st place!!!!!!!Definitely GrandBob's girl!Getting ready for Allie's last event of the evening...backstroke.

Slumber Party Fun

Summer has arrived and the slumber parties have begun! Allie invited her best friend from school over to spend the night. Whenever one of her friends comes over, Emma thinks they're there to play with her. She doesn't even want Allie around! She has to be right in the middle of the action! They all had fun watching the movie, "Enchanted" together.These girls have been in the same class since kindergarten!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Allie went to the Rome Braves game last night with Mark and his dad and step-mom. They had great seats and were able to see John Smoltz pitch. When it comes to baseball games, Allie never misses a chance to go. She's all about the food and souvenirs!Hanging out with Grandpa Joe. Where's the cotton candy?This is a great place to catch a ball game!