Crafty Little Girl...

The other day we were doing some shopping at the "teacher store" {as Elle calls it} to get materials for my classroom. This store has an awesome selection of educational toys and Elyse was immediately attracted to the Arts and Crafts section.

Being the girly girl that she is, she chose a vanity that she could decorate herself. It came with the vanity, 2 combs, puff paint, stickers, and jewels. She was so engrossed in decorating it and was a little bit {ok, a lot bit} of a perfectionist. She spent several minutes planning it out and then went to town. I have to admit, I was pretty impressed with her work. She definitely didn't get her craftiness from her mama!

The end product is absolutely adorable... {and so is she}!!

Only Brush the Teeth You Want to Keep...

Elle went to the dentist this week and did sooooo good! She was so still and followed the wonderful Miss Shannon's directions so well.

Smiling for the camera, but keeping an eye on Miss Shannon...

Not another picture Mom...

Open wide...

She had a perfect report. Her teeth were sparkling clean with no cavities. She even got to choose 2 treats from the treasure box because of her good behavior. Although, she is eager to lose her first tooth so that the tooth fairy can pay her a visit, she'll keep brushing ALL her teeth.

What We're Lovin' Now...

Here's a sneak peek of what's cool in our house right now...

Ryan just got a new Subaru Forester and is enjoying how much less it takes to fill it up. And how much higher his gas mileage is. I'm enjoying that it's not bright yellow. :)

Payton spends a large part of the day wearing his strengh shoes. At this rate, the boy will be able to jump to the moon by the time he's 14.


Elle and I are into this show. Love watching these amazing performers! Elyse only likes to watch when they're dancing like ballerinas.

Mmmmmm... need I say anything? If you haven't tried these yet, grab a bag asap.

They are the bomb!

Dancing Queen...

Our little ballerina had her last dance class of the summer last night. She's had so much fun over the past few months learning ballet and tap.

Getting ready to perform for her audience...

So graceful...

Look at that focus...



Checking to make sure Mommy and Daddy are watching her...

Here are some videos of her cool moves!

Elle really enjoyed her class with sweet, sweet Ms. Julie.

She's looking forward to starting again in the fall!

Trip to the Aquarium...

Yesterday we went to the Oklahoma Aquarium for the day. It was Elyse's first time to go and she had a blast. Payton was excited to see the sharks again and show his little Sis all the crazy creatures.

Hanging out in the shark tank...


Bubbie explaining something to Sis...

In the shark tunnel...
{Elyse was afraid one of the sharks would bite her head off,
so she was covering herself}



Elle's favorite...

Checking out the shrimp...

Amazed by the GIANT eel...

Exploring the tide pool with Daddy...

Feeding the turtles...

Ahhh! Watch out for the gator!

It was fun to see Elyse so excited and amazed by all the fish. She learned a lot from her super smart brother and daddy. She is now an ocean expert!

Going Paddling...

This weekend Ryan's Canoe Club had a roll session at one of our local parks. Since it was so close, Elyse and I went as well so she could swim. She had a blast playing in the kiddie pools and then decided she was ready to go for a ride in Daddy's boat too...

Going for a relaxing ride with Daddy...

Sweet girl...

Kayaking on her own...

Elyse's Dance Class...

Elyse started taking a ballet/tap combo class a few weeks ago. The girls are sooo incredibly cute to watch! Half the time they are too busy staring at themselves in the mirror or twirling around to pay attention to what they are supposed to be doing. I have to brag that Elle is one of the best at listening to her teacher and paying attention. Here are some videos of the routines they are working on. {Elyse is in the hot pink.}

Under the Sea ...

Demonstrating for the Class...

The view from the parent's waiting room is not very good, so I did the best I could, but I promise to get better videos at her first recital. :)

Dancing...

Dancing is something I've always wished that I was good at.

Really good at.

I'm constantly amazed at the dancers and choreographers on So You Think You Can Dance.

They are absolutely amazing!

Elyse is a big dancer. She's always leaping, gliding, shaking, and tapping around the house.

Her very favorite song is "Single Ladies" by Beyonce.

As soon as she hears the beat, her little arms and legs start moving.

So cute!

Maybe someday my little dancer...

Will be able to dance like this...

While I've Been Gone...

Hello, hello!

A lot has been going on in the past few months.

So much in fact, that I have seriously neglected this little blog.

So sorry to the three of you who read this. :)

I took my National Boards exams at the end of May, and feel ok about how things went.

Now I just have the looooooong wait until November when I find out if I passed or not.

Please say a little prayer (or a million) or keep your fingers crossed for me.

Or something.

Any token of good luck will be appreciated.

More big school news.... I'm LOOPING with my kiddos!!!

This means that I'm moving up to 3rd grade with them and get to keep all 25 of my sweet babies for another year.

Woohooo!!!!

I am more excited about this than I can even explain.

I've just been jumping up and down a lot to show my excitement.

And screaming.

People are beginning to think I'm a little strange.

{Luckily, Jenn understands how I feel...}

Now on to the good stuff... the pictures.

So sorry you had to see this awful picture, but I just had to show this since Ryan just did not believe that I actually held a snake.

My. biggest. fear.

I look awful because 1)it was pouring down rain 2)I was trying not to scream and frighten all the children 3)I was trying not to scream and scare the boa constrictor that easily could have choked me to death.

Shudder.

Our littlest angel, Elyse, turned 4 and celebrated with her besties at a spa party where they were all treated to manicures and pedicures.

These kids are living the life!

Payton made the team again at his junior high. Go Payton!

He also joined an elite AAU team out of Little Rock, The Wings.

This group is much more competitive and has players from across the state and even from Tennessee and Louisiana.

They are awesome!

Unfortunately, a week after joining this team he broke his big toe at practice and is now out for 4-6 weeks.

He's hoping it heals in time for Nationals at the end of the month.

Elyse started her dance classes.

She's had a great time learning ballet, tap, and tumbling.

Cutie Patootie!!!