Spring Break=Melting Snow!!!

We traveled to Crested Butte, Colorado for the second year in a row. This time was extra special since we took my parents, David and Sue Cain, with us. It was so much fun to travel the airports and mountainsides with them. We loved having them with us--we finally got some "quality time" with them. We hogged them every moment they would let us!

Somehow...we ended up on a CRAZY snowmobile "adventure." I had NO IDEA that it was going to put our lives at risk! But, by the grace of God, we all survived!!

(BTW, on our way up to Mount Crested Butte, we crossed a cattle drive. The ranchers were moving their herd down south for the calves to be born. I've included a picture.)

Nala--A Family's Best Friend!

We have adopted a new member of our family. She is nine years old. Her mother was Lab and Husky, while her father was German Shepherd and Chow. We LOVE her.

She is fabulous with the kids and cats. She loves to walk in the park with Lucy, her maltese friend. Her favorite toy is anything that squeaks.

Right now, she's visiting family in Texas...but we can't wait for Nala's return. Here are some pictures of our new love!

Basketball Season

William decided to play basketball again this season. This kid LOVES basketball! We had games every weekend--and, of course, March Madness. The games passed quickly for me. I have to admit that I LOVED watching them all play. It was a hoot! Those boys were impressive, funny and entertaining. I can't wait until next season!

My Baby is Nine Years Old!!

I can't believe that my baby, Anna, turned nine on February 25th! She is growing up so fast! She used to turn cartwheels in my stomach, but these days...she's turning cartwheels in her gymnastics class. She becoming an accomplished gymnasts. She's been moving up through the ranks quickly (I would like her to move a little more slowly--watching her flip and turn scares the yonkers out of me!). She has taken to it like a fish to water. And, so far...we've only had to have one X-ray!

Readers are Leaders

I agreed to chair a committee back in October 2008 for an event at the school called "Readers are Leaders." Its aim is to invite leaders from the community--who view reading as an instrumental part of a great education--to visit the school and share a story with the children. Each class gets their own reader, so we had to find twenty leaders--relating to each classroom's curriculum--that could all show up on January 27th.

I loved matching the teacher's request with the appropriate leader in the community. Too fun!! I was happily surprised with people's willingness to donate their time and effort to this project. Mayor Karl Dean (a GREAT man) was the first person to sign-on. It wasn't hard to get others to join him. Some who agreed to come were regulars, while others were first-timers. But, ALL OF THEM were excellent!


Here are some photos from the day:

Group Photo

Mayor Karl Dean

Our Astronaut

Our Traveler's Rest Curator

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director

The K-9 Unit

The Nashville SWAT Team

Nashville Fire Captain

Miss Maggie

I love spending time with my goddaughter, Maggie! My very dear friend, Misty, has been a great sport about letting me be a third-wheel...I like to go everywhere with them: music class, her gym class, shopping, etc.! On January 21st, Maggie turned one! I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. I look forward to years and years of more fun with them!

MUSIC CLASS

BIRTHDAY PARTY

Brownies Tour TPAC

I took my Brownie Troop to tour the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in early January. The girls got to see all the theaters, go backstage and learn about sets--design--ropes--lighting and different stage positions, go to the actor's dressing rooms, see the rehearsal hall, and ask LOTS of questions! Then, later in the month, the girls and I went to see THE WIZARD OF OZ! We even got to stay after the performance and visit with the cast. Too fun!!

Catching Up...

Okay...I just need to post a ton of pictures and try to get back on track with this blog! Losing the wire to download pictures from my camera to my computer really set me back. Get ready for a quick look back at the last three months!

Angela's Birthday

One of my closest friends celebrates her birthday on January 2nd. This year, Anna and I decided to surprise her with a day of "girl-time." We showed up at her house, threw on some good tunes, waited for her to get ready and headed out on a day of adventure! One of our stops included the Starbucks at Green Hills Mall. I caught a picture of Anna sharing the "ear-piercing story" with Angela while I was waiting in line.

Happy New Year!!

Part of our New Year celebration included going to the salon with my niece, Kelsey. Her hair was down to her waist and she was wanting a "new look." While we were there, Anna decided she wanted to pierce her ears. So, WHY NOT?!? She handled herself bravely...I can't say the same thing for William and me.

It's Been a Long Time...

Wow! Time has flown by...Christmas, ringing in 2009, birthdays, attending "The Wizard of Oz," school functions, class parties, and the list goes on!

Obviously, you haven't heard about any of it here BECAUSE...I lost my camera cord. Since I couldn't upload any of my photographs to my computer, I didn't post anything. Well, good news! My husband, Bill, found my missing cord--we're back up and posting should continue until further notice. Here's a little to bring you up-to-speed:


CHRISTMAS 2008





Bridget & Keith passed through Nashville on their way to Atlanta. They brought along their foreign exchange student, Stephen, from China. Stephen and the kids had fun playing Dance, Dance Revolution...although William ended up with a black eye by the time of their departure!

We got together with the Hardin Family to celebrate Christmas a couple days before. It was a relaxing and enjoyable time. And, of course, if Misty and I are involved...so is Starbucks!

Little Maggie navigated the house quite efficiently by crawling--it won't be long before this little one is walking everywhere! Anna & William loved having Maggie and Lucy in the house--too bad we can't adopt them permanently!





Stacey & Lucas came over one afternoon for a little celebration too. The boys totally bonded over the cars & trucks, while Stacey and Anna totally bonded over the fashion!