Treehouse

We were determined to get M&M's treehouse built for their birthday party.  Papa (Andrew's Daddy) and Daddy (Andrew) spent many days planning out how they would go about it.  Andrew took off a few days from work and put the large posts in the ground and in concrete before Papa arrived to help with the build.  They spent all day Friday building for the Saturday party.

They were a well oiled machine getting it all done.  I'm afraid Andrew was a bit of a slave-driver with his Daddy.  But he really wanted it to be mostly up for the party.  He's such a hard-worker!

When Aunt Amy and Uncle Jamie arrived Friday night, it was all hands on deck to get it finished.  Even Ryals and Pryce were helping.  But it looked great for the party and even though the swings weren't in yet, that space made the perfect spot to hang the Pinata.  The kids loved it!

After the party on Saturday Andrew finished the swings and now it is the most favorite of their birthday surprises.  Thanks Daddy and Papa for our AWESOME treehouse!

The Last of Summer Fun

Summer was coming to an end and we took one last trip to Palmetto Falls Water Park at Fort Jackson.  They have such a perfect place for toddlers to play.  Michael and Mary Ellen can do all the activities independently and the toddler area is fenced off from the rest of the water park...perfect.  We went with some friends and just had a ball!  The best part is the kids were exhausted and slept like babies that night.  We will definitely spend more time next year there!

MOPS Kick-Off Party

The new year for "Mothers Of PreSchoolers" (MOPS) has begun!  We had a big kick-off and registration party to start the year.  This day is always so much fun for the kids.  They loved the Bounce House, which was the perfect size for M&M.  It was a super hot day but lots of fun was had by DOZENS of toddlers!

Mary Ellen loved the sidewalk chalk and bubbles.  Michael could have stayed in the Bounce Houses all day.  Ms. Sue did face painting and M&M both chose a ladybug.

The most amazing thing was this dragonfly that loved to sit on the kids fingers.  Mary Ellen was absolutely enthralled!  It stayed by us for at least 30 minutes sitting on the finger of any toddler that was around.  What a great start to a fun MOPS year!

My Pretty Little Dancer

I think I was more excited than Mary Ellen to have her start dance.  I loved it so much when I was younger and am hoping she does too.  She is taking a combo ballet and tap class at Miss Libby's.  She really seems to love it.  It's also interesting to see her do something without Michael.  I have been blown over at how well she's done.  And I love that she can have something that's just for her.  Being twins they have done everything together up to this point.  They even talk in "we" instead of "me".  I was concerned that Mary Ellen, being more bashful was relying on Michael too much socially.  I have been so impressed how she has taken on each new challenge this year with such confidence.  So proud of her!

My Picasso

My, oh my how my Mary Ellen loves to color.  She will literally spend hours coloring if I let her.  Those that know her, know how meticulous she is...wonder where she gets it from, hmmmm?!  I just love to watch her and she loves to show off her skills and hear me say "Beautiful" or "Great job".  She loves to draw too by the way, not just color in coloring books.  She loves to paint and really do any kind of craft.  I guess I have a little Picasso on my hands!