Thomas the Train

A (Hot) Day Out With Thomas

Amy scored us some free tickets to Thomas the Train, so we took the opportunity and went on Saturday; thanks, Amy. Like last year, it was so hot, and we even went at
9:30 am, so I really thought we would beat the heat. Our day started with tattoos, and then we went to play with the train tables. It is funny how much Landon was entertained with the train tables; we have one that he rarely plays with. We then boarded Thomas. Landon had a lot of fun, while, Ella, and Lofton just wanted the train to go faster. But, the fun ended when we waited in line about 25 minutes to have our pictures made with Thomas, but Thomas pulled away from the station before we could. I think I was more upset than Lofton; not so much because we did not get our picture made with Thomas, but because we had waited for nothing. After that, we had all had enough and decided it was time to leave. So, we turned in our stamped map that was given to us on our way in, and we received our "prize"- a picture frame, which Lofton looked at and said, "Where's my prize?" We headed to McConnell's for lunch, and I think they had as much fun playing in the refrigerator, freezer, and water cooler!

Happy Birthday, Jack!

Friday night, we went to Opry Mills to celebrate our friend, Jack Gillette's birthday. Jack and Connie moved to Knoxville five or so years ago, and we really miss them. Jack officiated our wedding. Their home was my home away from home while I was at Lipscomb. So, needless to say, it was great to see them. We had a great time. Connie, of course, brought the boys a little gift- it seems like kids always get gifts on others' birthdays! All in all, it was a great time, and we have really got to plan to see them more often.

Lofton's Masterpiece

When I was in college, I babysat for a family in Bellvue who framed and displayed their children's artwork throughout their house. And since then, I have thought that someday I would do the same thing. I actually gave my parents a framed picture that both boys fingerpainted, but I still hadn't framed anything for myself. Well, yesterday while I was putting Landon down for a nap, I gave Lofton some paper and crayons and told him to draw me a picture of our family. He came up with this beautiful picture that I have now framed in my entrance way. (My mat is too small for his pic, but this will do for now.) He is so proud of himself, and I am, too. He even worked on the details- Landon is shorter than everyone else and bald; Lofton gave himself yellow hair, and he even included Hermie, our hermit crab! I can't wait to display many more masterpieces!

Wii've Been Busy!

Striking a tree pose!

Brotherly Love!

Eating dinner with the Griffins

Landon enjoying an eclair!

Well, school has started, so my life has become even busier. As if being a wife and mom doesn't keep me busy enough, now I am constantly working on lesson plans etc... in my free time. So, needless to say, I haven't been keeping up with my blog like I would like to. To keep my students and their parents more informed, I have started a school blog, so now I am trying to juggle two, and I promise I am not going to let this one go to the wayside especially since I am gonna take Joni's advice and make a book. No more scrapbooking for me; one thing to check off my list.

So, we have been busy, and the boys (Lofton and Phillip) have been keeping themselves busy with our new Wii. They play it every chance they get. Today was really the first day I've done it much, and I must say, I do love the Wii fit. Is it really wasting time playing video games if you are burning calories? Lofton loves the Wii; he is pretty good at most of it, and he even likes the yoga. Landon even likes to grab a remote and punch at the screen when Lofton is playing boxing. So, needless to say, we've all been playing the Wii when I should have been keeping up with this.

Not much else is going on. Landon is growing like a weed, and he is talking more and more. He has learned the dreaded word "NO", and it is so funny to watch him shake is head no at just about everything you ask him. Well, Landon is up from his nap, so my time is up!

Safety First

Last night we decided to go for a bike ride, so Lofton started to put on his bike helmet. Of course, Landon wanted a helmet, too. So, since Lofton decided he'd rather ride his small bike to keep himself from having to wear a helmet, he gave Landon his helmet to wear. Then, Lofton tried on Phillip's, but he wasn't a fan of that one either. So, for Lofton I think it isn't safety first; he'd rather just not ride his bike! Actually, Lofton reminds me of myself except for when it comes to hose/tights/slips; I'd just rather wear pants! ha ha

Bowling 101

Breaking from bowling for a game of air hockey


High five, Landon

Lofton having a ball (or being the ball)


Well, school has started, and our middle and high school students went bowling on Tuesday. So, I took Lofton and Landon to join the fun. Of course, Lofton thought he was one of the big kids (as he calls them), and he joined right in with their teams. He did well; he scored a high of 70! He and Landon both enjoy all of the attention that they get from all of my students. It was a great night.

As for school starting, I am happy to say that things are great. My classes are going well, and the boys are happy in theirs. I am also happy to say that Landon hasn't cried one time when I've dropped him off, which is such a relief. They love their school, and when I pick them up, they don't want to leave, but this is due to the fact that it is usually outdoor play, and they both love the playground, their friends, and their teachers. One of Landon's teachers says that Landon does enjoy it a little more when I am around, which makes me feel good since he doesn't cry when I drop him off! Of course, I am thrilled that he doesn't cry and that he is enjoying school! So, so far so good. We'll keep you posted.

Buddies

20Years From Now

This morning while I was getting the boys out of the car at church, JoLynn Barns walked past me and said, "That was me twenty years ago!" She has college age boys now; in fact, I taught her younger son Jeremy when he was in fourth grade, and when I thought of this I really realized how quickly time does go. I know I need to cherish every single moment with them because I don't want to miss a thing cause I know that I am gonna miss this!

Back Where I Come From

Back Where I Come From

The boys and I spent the past week in my hometown of Proctorville, Ohio. It was so nice to go home and spend time with family and friends whom I rarely see. We spent our first full day with my mom, granny, Aunt Kady, Uncle Tommy, Cousin Tiffany, and two of her kids Eli and Micah. Lofton so enjoyed playing with Eli and Micah, but I think the best part of this day was when Lofton organized group games for everyone and to his surprise everyone joined in the fun. He even distributed trophies to the winners of his games- him and Eli. On Sunday we enjoyed a delicious dinner that granny made, and this brought back memories because I have enjoyed many a Sunday dinner at her house. The boys had fun playing with my mom and dad, too. On Monday, I took the boys to my friend Jennifer's house so the boys could play with her girls Libby and Lainey. The boys enjoyed fishing in her pond as well as a boat ride. Monday afternoon Dustin showed up with his dog, and Landon thought he had hit the jackpot because he loves dogs so much. Tuesday, I took Lofton to Camden Park. He and I wore ourselves out. He rode every ride in the park minus three or four that he wasn't allowed to ride; of course, I had to ride with him due to the height requirement. I enjoyed myself as much as he did, but I did get a little sick to my stomach on the Tilt a Whirl. Tuesday evening, I got a little break when I joined Jana for dinner; it was really good to see her; by the way, she is about to have the baby any day now. Wednesday was our last day, and we spent the morning with my mamaw, and we spent the rest of the day with my Cousin Chad and his wife Jennifer and their kids Hannah, Alex, and Benjamin- Abbey was with a friend, so we did not get to see her much. It was a great week, and I even brought a little bit of home back with me- some Jim's Spaghetti and my granny's blackberry pie.