Tellus Science Museum

DJ and I took Grace to her first science museum over Labor Day weekend. She LOVED it! We visited the Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville and enjoyed everything from dinosaurs to planets to archaeology. Grace loved the hands on science experiments in the "Big Back Yard" section of the museum and digging up the dino bones. There were just so many things to do and see, as soon as we left, Grace was begging to go back! Apparently we have a little scientist on our hands!

Krazy for Kindergarten!

Gracie girl started Kindergarten this year. KINDERGARTEN! I still can't believe it. In my eyes, she will always be my tiny little girl. It seems like only yesterday, she looked like this:

And now, the morning of her very first day of Kindergarten, THIS is what she looks like.

Grace is one of the best things to ever happen to me. She makes me exceedingly proud everyday. She is now 5 years old and LOVES to be the center of attention. She is a jokester and a giggler, delighting in any type of silly dance or crazy face. She wears a size 12 shoe, always wants me to braid her hair, loves to dress up in princess dresses and sings all the time. She reads constantly, swims like a fish, is a Papaw's girl, and can say some of the sweetest prayers you ever heard. She likes to be called Boo Bear or Zena, instead of Grace. But no matter what her name is or what grade she is in, she will always be my sweet, baby girl.

Here's hoping your Kindergarten year is as special as you are, Grace!

Summer Fun

The last few weeks of summer were chock full of friends and fun. Grace and I knew we would soon be back in school and the fun would end, so we tried to see everyone! We celebrated Abigail's birthday with a beach/luau party that all the kids loved.

A few days later we had some stormy weather. When it lightened up, Grace had fun strolling through the mud puddles in her rain boots. She insisted on taking her umbrella in case it started raining again!

Some afternoons were lazy. Grace enjoyed her train sets this summer, as well as painting at her art easel. Her creativity is really starting to come through, and I love hearing her ideas.

The last week of summer break, we went to Six Flags with our good friends, the Slatton's. We went last year, so this is looking like the start of a tradition with out families, which is great because we all have so much fun! The girls rode some roller coasters this year, and loved all the "kiddie" rides.

Goodbye, summer! It was great!

Texas Bound

We spent a week in Texas with DJ's side of the family in July. We enjoyed relaxing and hanging out, sharing meals with family and friends and then a visit to Darrell's lake house. While there, we rode on the boat, water skied, swam in the lake, and celebrated Grandmother's birthday. We also snuck in a short visit to downtown San Antonio to see the Alamo and the River Walk. It was a whirlwind, but a fun trip!

Stacey (DJ's mom), Grace and DJ

Grace with her aunts and uncles

Us with Kevin and Emily. Deej and Kevin have been best friends for years, so we always try to see them when we're in town.

Grace and her cousin, Ellie

Cooper, Grace and Ellie on the boat heading to dinner one night

Our water baby water skiing for the first time

She loved it!

Slip N Slide with Daddy

Being silly, what they do best

Grace and Ellie swimming in the river

Tubing with Aunt Whitney and cousin Locklin

All tuckered out

She loved the boat...would have ridden all day!

The great grandkids with Grandmother

The Donaldson side of the family

Hanging out with Mom

The Alamo...it was mine and Grace's first time seeing it

Checking out the business of an old cannon

Our family

Grace at the river walk

Fourth of July Fun

This July 4th we had a barbecue with our dear friends, the Morse's, which is our annual tradition. The girls, Grace and Abby, looked sweet in their patriotic dresses. We enjoyed a yummy meal and good company, and then headed home for an afternoon nap.

That evening, Grace and I visited my parents for a while to give DJ some quiet time to study for his final (which was the very next day!) Grace enjoyed playing with some sparklers and pop-its, especially when my Dad would play with her. All in all, it was a relaxing and enjoyable holiday! Happy birthday, America!