Go Dawgs!

"Who's that coming down the track? All decked out in red and black... ain't nothin' finer in the land... something, something, something... Go Dawgs! Sic 'em... Woof! Woof! Woof!" Joey and I had a blast yesterday.

Gymnastics

Hailey did an awesome job in gymnastics today. Her teacher let her demonstrate for her classmates. She did a cartwheel, and she was really great on the bars. Now, we're just hanging out at the house watching The Little Mermaid, taking silly pictures, and coloring. Sometimes I miss being four.

Summer's Over...BOO!

I have had an amazing summer! It was really hard going back to work today. Don't get me wrong; I love my job, but didn't school just let out? Well, I definitely couldn't have ended this summer any better. I spent an entire week at Surfside Beach with Staci and Lee Ann spoiling myself rotten! We had a great time, and I gained two more sisters. I love you ladies!

Fourth of July Celebration

We celebrated the 4th this year by visiting our family at Lake Hartwell. Uncle Randy took us out for a boat ride so we all could ski. Megan and Matthew did very well with Uncle Joey as their coach. I think they'll both show us all how it's done the next time we go out. Joey was nervous about getting back on the skis because he hasn't skied in years. He got out of the water on his first attempt! Later, Joey also gave me a lesson on skiing. It was my first time. I never did quite figure it out. I hope I get a chance to try again soon!

After thoroughly wearing ourselves out on the water, we all were looking forward to lunch (rather, a grand feast, as if Grandma would have it any other way). The hotdogs and hamburgers were awesome, but Joey and I can't stop talking about Grandma's homemade peach icecream. YUM! Melanie made a delicious cinnamon cake too (I'm enjoying it with my morning coffee right now).

Feeling very much like stuffed pigs, we waddled our way back down to the lake where we enjoyed watching fireworks. Randy and Buddy put on a private show for us, but there were fireworks all around. Georgie even got to enjoy the show; he had a comfy seat in Tammy's lap.

Vacation

We had a fantastic, long-overdue vacation! Aunt Mary and Uncle Titus were so kind to allow us to stay with them in St. Cloud, Florida. Hailey came along and experienced Disney World and the beach (Tybee Island) for the first time!

Happy Birthday, Alaina!

We had a great time at Alaina's second birthday party. Joey's mom made homemade chocolate and vanilla ice cream. The kids finally got a chance to "slip and slide" now that the water ban is over!



Hailey and Matthew are quite a pair sometimes. After Alaina finished opening her presents, I realized the two rascals were nowhere in sight. I spotted them both playing quietly on the front porch...odd... and when I opened the door, I found them like this: with both hands up as if they were so innocent. Upon further inspection, I noticed that Matthew had a green nose. Hmmm... apparently Hailey dared him to lick the chalk. Gross!

Snow Day!

What a snow day means to me... aahhh, what a great time to catch up on my reading. Nope, I never set foot in it! I'm patiently waiting for spring to arrive.

Bring on the cherry blossoms!

Hailey had a great time, especially laughing at the boys!

Great shot, Billy!

Dracula

Joey took me to see "Dracula," a performance by the Atlanta Ballet for Valentine's Day.

It was a great excuse to get dressed up and spend time together. Plus, our night on the town proved to be wonderfully romantic.

We began the evening by having dinner with Alan and Teri. We love spending time with them. It was really cool celebrating the day with a couple that has witnessed our relationship grow since the time we were teens. They stood beside us as we said our vows, and we have always admired their unconditional love for one another.

When we arrived at the Cobb Energy Center, where the actual performance took place, I felt like a princess (and a bit relieved that I was not over-dressed). That building is beautifully designed. I loved the crystal/ribbon entwined chandeliers and the deep red and purple hues that engulfed the stage and balconies. Joey and I got to sit on the Mezzanine level at center stage. Our view was incredible.

As I waited for the show to begin, I had a great time watching the people all around us. I've always been a bit nosey, a lot like that kid at the restaurant slouched over the back of your seat, watching you intensely, from the booth behind you. By simply staring at the floor and approaching footsteps, I was reminded of just how much wealth is in our big city. I also came to realize, unfortunately, by looking at the abundance of twisted faces, how true that old saying is about money not buying one's happiness.

So, I'm proud to say that I was the wealthiest woman at that ballet. All those diamonds combined couldn't buy what Joey and I have.

Mimi

Joey and I had an exciting weekend taking care of Alaina and Hailey. I wish I had taken pictures of them dressed up for church. They were so cute!

Alaina's vocabulary is exploding, but I must admit that she's been able to say my favorite word for a long time, "Mimi." I earned this special name about eight years ago when Megan began talking. I realize my neices and nephew may someday outgrow calling me by my special name, but deep-down, I hope they don't!