Happy Birthday to Aunt Holly

So, my brother-in-law, Matthew, is a computer genius. He and Holly (fiancee) have a wedding blog that they just started. Kamdyn called to sing Happy Birthday to Aunt Holly yesterday. Aunt Holly didn't answer so Kamdyn sang Happy Birthday on her voicemail instead. Matthew somehow saved the voicemail on the computer and now has it on his blog! Maybe he'll teach me some of these cool tricks someday. (Hint! Hint!) Enjoy listening to my sweet baby girl as she tells me "I don't need you!"

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Moving On!

IT'S OFFICIAL! I am changing schools next year! While I have loved my current job/school dearly for the past 8 years, I was presented with an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up. Earlier in the school year, Jacob's Mom (Jacob is the little boy who stays with Kamdyn at Georgia's) was hired to be the new principal at a wonderful school in our county, Lake Forest Hills Elementary. We were so happy for her!

Little did we know that a few short months later she would learn that one of her Pre-K teachers was relocating. She asked me if I would want to come to her school to teach Pre-K. I jumped for joy because this school is wonderful and is such a change from my current school! We couldn't get too excited just yet because, as with everything else, there is always a paper trail and official "stuff" that had to occur first! After "interviewing," looking at my new room-to-be, meeting the other Pre-K teacher and the wonderful staff at her school, I knew I would be devastated if something happened. I signed all of my papers and received confirmation today from her and from the board! WOO HOO!

While I will miss my friends and my wonderful teaching assistant at my old school, I am ready for a change. The best part of it all is that Kamdyn will be able to start Kindergarten at my new school! This will be such a relief for us! We won't have to worry who will pick her up when school gets out everyday!

I have to say that I have truly been blessed. God continues to open doors for me/us here in North Augusta/Augusta. We have met some wonderful people down here that I couldn't live without. These people have made being away from our families a lot less difficult. God is good!

Karaoke Anyone?

Kamdyn got a Karaoke machine for her birthday from Nanny. She just became interested in it on Sunday, so we finally got it out of the box. She and I have had such a good time acting crazy with the microphone. (Daddy has even joined in a time or two!) One issue is that we only have one microphone. Since we both LOVE to sing, neither of us wants to share the mic! The other problem is that we only have children's songs to sing. Don't get me wrong, I love children's music, but I sing these songs ALL day at work. I sing them EVERY second that we are in the car. Now, I get to Karaoke to them ALL night at home. Kamdyn has quite a memory and knows most of these children's songs. It also helps that she LOVES to sing and perform. Check her out!



She looks so serious about this!


Do you think she can read these words yet? She certainly thinks that she can!


I guess she got tired of standing up!

Gone Fishin'

Kamdyn and Richard enjoyed a morning of fishing after church on Sunday. Kamdyn was finally able to use her Barbie fishing rod that "Uncle" Potter bought for her before she was born. Here are the photos from my vantage point on our deck. Life doesn't get any sweeter than this........



Kamdyn practiced reeling with an orange plastic fish that came with her fishing rod "stuff." She was content with that! We need mucho practice with learning to cast! :)





She was concentrating so hard while she was reeling in her "fish."


Richard actually caught 3 fish off of the dock (2 crappies and 1 bass). Kamdyn didn't think too much of those fish when she actually saw them! Unfortunately, being afraid of fish isn't really an option around here! :(

Dinner and Egg Hunt at Georgia's

Georgia graciously invited us to have Easter Dinner at her house with her entire family. We had such a good time and the food was delicious! Kamdyn said the blessing for ALL of them. In fact, she teared up after one of Georgia's brothers said the blessing first because she wanted to say it. So, what did we do??? We had the blessing again so she could say it!! After dinner, Kamdyn enjoyed hunting eggs! Thanks, Georgia, for inviting us! We love you!!

Kamdyn pointing to eggs!





Georgia had to hold Kamdyn's basket for
her because it was getting too heavy!! =)

Happy Easter!!

Kamdyn did so well sitting through the entire Easter service in the "big" sanctuary. Usually we go to the contemporary service, but she proved today that she can handle the traditional service, too. As soon as we walked in the door we saw Miss Mallory. She told Kamdyn how pretty she looked. To that, Kamdyn replied, "Thank you! Look, I've got on high heels!" Mallory looked at her "heels" and then Kamdyn yelled out, "And, Daddy's got on high heels, too!" Of course everyone in ear shot heard her because she's not the quietest child in the world (not even close!) and they all chuckled! She never sees Daddy in his "dressy" shoes and apparently they looked like heels to her!! Too funny! Good thing Daddy doesn't embarrass easily!!

Then, we sat down behind Miss Mallory's Mom, Ms. Suzanne. They were asking Kamdyn what she got from the Easter Bunny. She tells them most everything and then says, "and, I got some of those fuzzy things that you eat!" It took me a minute to figure out what in the world she was talking about. Then, it dawned on me - PEEPS!! This has had me laughing ALL day! I guess that's a good way to describe them if you don't know their real name!

Our Easter was wonderful and the true meaning was not forgotten! HE is risen! Thank you, God!


We got a few family pics after church! It's hard to take family pics without another person. We had to use the steps for taking our family picture!





Love this picture of Kamdyn and Richard!





Kamdyn insisted on playing on her playset in her Easter dress against my wishes!


Our sweetie!


She's growing up!!

Easter Bunny

Kamdyn was a little teary eyed as I put her to bed the night that the Easter Bunny was making his big debut. She said, "But Mom, I'm afraid of the Easter Bunny," as tears welled up in her eyes. I convinced her that the Easter Bunny WOULD NOT come in her room and that she wouldn't even know that he was in our house. Thankfully, she accepted my explanation went off to dreamy land rather quickly. We actually had to wake her up this morning, which is par for the course. When we have to get up early, she sleeps late. When, we don't have to get up, she's up with the sun! Needless to say she enjoyed searching the house for her basket and was elated to find a basket filled with summer goodies and, most importantly, CANDY!! Our junk food junkie wanted candy for breakfast. I had to bargain with her to get her to eat her cereal!

We left 4 carrots for the Easter Bunny!
I'm sure he gets hungry during all of his stops!


The completed basket filled with Summer Surprises!


Kamdyn looking under the guest bedroom bed for her basket.


She finally found it in her playroom.
Looks like the Easter Bunny had himself a tea party!


Pointing to all of her "stuff." (Octopus sprinkler, Princess pail and shovel, Dora swimmies, beach ball, sidewalk chalk, bunny, Peeps, candy, etc.)


I guess the Easter Bunny wasn't as hungry as we thought!

Coloring Easter Eggs

Dropping the tablets into the water!


Checking everything out!


Cheesin' for the camera!


Yep, look at that pose!


Me and my sweet baby girl!


Counting all of her Easter Eggs!

Easter Egg Hunt

CHEESE!!!


Waiting for them to say, "GO!!!" There were lots of 3, 4, and 5 year olds running after eggs!

Kamdyn found 10 Eggs!


Blowing Bubbles


Walking with Mommy


Being brave and getting her picture taken with the Easter Bunny!


As brave as she was, she was quick to get up!

First Boat Ride of Spring

Kamdyn insisted on driving the boat which, surprisingly, Richard allowed her to do on her own. Our ride turned into quite a jagged zig-zag path, but she actually did pretty well!

No boat ride on the River would be complete without a stop at the park! It was really amazing to watch Kamdyn play at the park this year as compared to last year. She is completely independent now and can go up and down the stairs without any help or holding on. She can also get down from the tall slides after she slides down! Mommy and Daddy enjoyed watching her play from a far instead of having to stand right beside her!! :)

Captain Kamdyn


Supervised by Daddy


Our tall baby doesn't have a hard time getting down anymore!


She wouldn't even attempt these "BIG" slides last year!

A Party Fit for a Princess!

Saturday was the Grand Finale to Kamdyn's birthday week! To say that Kamdyn had a blast would be a complete understatement. She jumped in the princess jumping castle from the time it was delivered at 12:00 until around 5:30. She survived the day without a nap and was actually quite pleasant the entire day. Here are some highlights from the party! Well, maybe not highlights. It's more of a play-by-play! I am so horrible at choosing pictures to post, but I did leave a lot of them out.....believe it or not! 40 out of 115 pictures, that's not too bad! =)

She chose a princess theme this year....

She even picked out her invitation. It's hard to see it because I scanned it.





Nanny and Kamdyn prior to the arrival of the kids. Kamdyn was having a hard time being patient! Nanny was trying to keep her occupied.


Mama Lucy and Kamdyn. I LOVE this picture!!


Uncle Matthew's turn to occupy her!


You see that she did NOT want to have her picture taken with me. She put her fingers in her ears to show that she wasn't listening to me!!


A view before everyone arrived! We had to shift some things around once the sun started moving.


The Arts and Crafts table with Princess Mirrors and Treasure Boxes.


Princess Mirrors for the girls to decorate.


Treasure boxes for the boys to decorate. (Sorry it's sideways!)


Kamdyn closing her eyes waiting on her BIG surprise from Richard and me. We decided to give her the gift from us prior to the party starting.


Does she look happy or what? We figured we would start her out small on the motorized cars so she could get the hang of it!!


Daddy putting Kamdyn's shoes on so she could ride her new motorized car from Mommy and Daddy!


Kamdyn's Prince arrived and was WAY too cute!! We love Jacob!


Kamdyn decorating her princess mirror while Georgia and Mama Lucy watched!


Maddie, Kamdyn, and Jacob jumping.


Catherine and Kamdyn blowing bubbles.


All of the older children were such a big help with the little ones! I was so glad that they were there!!


Catherine decorating her princess mirror.


Paden decorating her princess mirror.


Kristin (Georgia's daugther), Sonya (Jacob's Mom), and Georgia


Kamdyn was obsessed with decorating her princess mirror. Two of her favorite people were watching her! She LOVES anything related to arts and crafts: painting, drawing, coloring, etc.


Jacob riding the Dora hotwheels.


A view of the Princess jumping castle and the peeps!


Paden riding on the tricycle.


The fabulous cake made by Georgia! Yes, made by Georgia!! There's nothing that she can't do. She is awesome and we are so lucky to have her in our lives!!


Jacob resting and enjoying some snacks. Isn't he adorable??


The table prior to kids, cake, and ice cream


The children enjoying the beautiful day on the playset.


Mommy couldn't get the candles lit. I had to call Daddy for some HELP!!


Waiting on Daddy to light the candles.


Everyone waiting for Kamdyn to blow the candles out! The wind wasn't cooperating with the flames on the candles!!


After blowing out the candles on her personal cake.


Blowing the candles out on her BIG cake!


The "Royal" Table completely set with juice boxes, paper plates, and paper napkins!! Ha! Ha!


The Princess enjoying some cake and ice cream.


Me trying to help Kamdyn understand that she must first open the cards to see who gave her the gifts. Not such an easy concept for her to understand!


The crowd watching Kamdyn open her mound of gifts. She is so blessed to have so many who love her!


Ruthie relaxing in the castle while Kamdyn was opening presents.


Kamdyn was so funny when she opened clothes. I guess she is finally to the age where getting clothes doesn't really constitute a present. She would quickly shove the clothes to the side and look for another gift to open. She did get some adorable clothes for Spring and Summer!


Mama Lucy and Uncle Matthew enjoying the festivities and Kamdyn opening her presents.


Doesn't Ana Blake looked thrilled? She was such a big help to me the entire party. She and her friend, Chloe (Jo Jo from Seussical), kept the children entertained.


Kamdyn and I were taking a break watching everyone else try to break their necks!


Kamdyn and I jumping away!


Kamdyn loved having both of us in "her" castle! We were trying to figure out all day how we were going to break the news to her that it wasn't technically "hers!"


Ana Blake was showing Richard how to cut a flip and trying to convince him to do it, too! The youngins couldn't understand why we didn't want to attempt these daring tricks. If they only knew how it feels to get "old!" We wouldn't walk for a few days after trying such a stunt!


Richard jumping "high!" This was about as wild as he got!