The Zoo

The week before A-Day we debated and debated on whether or not to go to A-Day.  We wondered if the girls would enjoy it because we weren't sure that the band and cheerleaders would be there.  Even on Friday night we called my sister to see if she wanted to go down with us and watch the game and then also watch softball.  She was busy and we just decided to do something that we knew the girls would enjoy.

For Christmas, my parents gave us year passes to the Birmingham Zoo.  Because of the cold weather, we hadn't used them yet, so we decided to go and do that for the day.  I didn't know what to expect at the zoo because the Chattanooga Zoo isn't that great, but it is a great zoo.  There were lots of animals and some shows and the girls loved the train ride.  We also look forward to playing in the fountains in the children's area this summer. 

Life Connection Group

One of the things that drew us to the church we joined in Birmingham was our Life Connection Group (also known as a Sunday School class).  A couple invited us to the class the very first Sunday we visited the church, and we felt so welcome.  All the couples in the class have children about the same age and we enjoy having fellowships with our class.

Last week our class had a family cook-out and Easter Egg Hunt.  I think there were 22 kids there and the Easter Egg hunt was crazy with so many kids, but there were plenty of eggs to go around.  The girls loved hunting the eggs.  I wish I could have gotten a picture of all the kids together, but as soon as the kids found all the eggs, they were all worried about eating the candy.

Play Date

Our neighbors have a new baby at their house, so last week we invited their older daughter, who is Bailey's age, to spend the morning playing with us.  Emma Catherine loves crafts and has been begging to do a craft lately so I pulled out our craft box, and came up with a craft that would be easy.  I cut out egg shapes out of construction paper and let them decorate the eggs with glitter paint pins, dot paints, sequins, etc.  Then we glued a basket and the eggs on a piece of paper.  

Spring Break pt. 2

We spent the girls' spring break in Florida.  As always, it was a fun time that included the girls getting to decorate cupcakes with their Noni, celebrating Papa's birthday, going to the beach, and just getting to be with family.

Spring Break pt1

This year my parents' spring break fell the week before ours, so they came up here to visit.  Unfortunately I didn't take many pictures of them (I hate that).  We did have a good time though, with a small road trip, a huge craft show, and some sewing projects.

At the craft show the highlight for the girls were the people making balloon animals, or well, just about anything you could imagine.  The girls choose Sleeping Beauty and Ariel.  Anybody surprised?

Midway through their visit, we took a little road trip to Nashville to visit my sister, Lauren.  We got to help her cook for her Monday night dinner crew, and meet the sweet little girls that she nannies. 
When Carly came over to my sister's house, she brought the girls flower girl baskets and petals to practice being flower girls with, and practice they did.  There were constantly petals everywhere.

No visit would be complete without sisters' pictures.

The second day of our trip, we went with Lauren to story time at the Nashville Library.  We wondered if the girls Lauren nannies and my girls would be jealous of each other, but they weren't at all.  The were instantly friends and there were no problems sharing Lauren.

It was a quick trip to Nashville but after debating weather or not to go with my parents, I am glad that we did.  After the week with my parents, the girls and I headed back to Florida with them for the week...stay tuned.

Vote for my Friends

Remember my friends, Carly and Kurt, from my last post?

They are getting married on October 1st and I am so excited for them.  They have entered the Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest, and I'm not sure how many people actually read my blog, but if you do, will you please take the time to vote for them?  They were actually leading the contest at one point, but have now fallen back a little bit, so they need your vote.  You can only vote once per email address, so vote with each email you have.  Also, make sure to watch the video Kurt made of their proposal (on their profile).  Here's the link:
http://www.ultimateweddingcontest.com/entry/97580

Now vote, vote, vote!

Nashville comes to Birmingham

A few weeks ago, some very good friends (including my sister) from Nashville came to visit us in Birmingham.  It was a fun weekend.  Saturday was Carly's birthday and we got to celebrate with her.  The morning started with a birthday muffin for Carly.

Then a little dress up.

A birthday lunch at Flip Burger.

We asked a man to take the above picture and when we went into the restaurant we realized the girls were missing in the picture. (see their bows)  After lunch we asked someone to try again.

We then headed to the park since the weather was so beautiful.

Kurt and I had the same plan for Carly's birthday.  We both got her a cake.  I got her a princess ice cream cake and he got her the caramel cake she loves.

Then the big surprise for the girls:  Carly and Kurt asked them to be flower girls in their wedding.  They were so excited.

Dinner at a local Italian place ended the night.

The weekend wouldn't be complete without sisters' pictures for 2011.