Birthday Parties aren't just for Kids

Before hurricane Irene came through our area we headed out as a family to Adventure Park USA to celebrate our friend Dalton's 5th birthday. The kids had a blast on the carousel, the tea cups, and the helicopters outside and then we moved inside to enjoy the moonbounce and the many arcade games.

And here's why my post is titled as it is....none of our kids were tall enough for the roller coaster so the adults took our turn on it....first the ladies (sorry no pictures or videos), then the men. They were all excited, can you tell?

Here's a great shot of all the kids enjoying the teacups....I think Carson spun everyone in his cup to death before the ride even started. I'm just glad noone threw up...we had just eaten pizza and birthday cake!

And one quick video of the men enjoying the roller coaster.

First Day of Kindergarten!

Today was a milestone event for Madison...her first day of kindergarten! She didn't seem nervous at all but woke up excited for her first day. Even though she'll take the bus to and from school every day I decided to drop her off today....I needed to do that more for me than for her!
A quick picture on the front step.
Once inside the school I snapped another picture! Still all smiles!

Once she got in her line I snapped one more...still smiling. The boys and I gave her all big hugs and kisses and out the door we went. As I looked back she was still smiling and waving. I can't wait to see her this afternoon and hear all about her day!

Stray Dog...

This morning a dog appeared in our yard as we were sitting on the front porch enjoying our coffee. At first he was skiddish and I wasn't totally comfortable with the kids approaching him but he quickly warmed up to the bunch, especially Madison. She wasn't there when he initially appeared and he wandered off while we were having breakfast but then he made his way back to our house. Madison loves animals and this dog can tell. He immediately was following her wherever she went. She said that since he didn't have a collar, we could keep him! She's even begun thinking of names for him. Carson said that Target is getting old and is going to die and that this dog is not getting old but getting new! We cracked up at his logic and vocabulary!
He has now attached himself to our porch. I gave him some water but we are refusing to feed him! He is definitely too big for our house and we don't want another pet! He is very sweet....so if anyone is looking for a dog....

Jackson....7 1/2 months

I don't think Jackson could be an easier baby. He is very happy and content almost always. He is on a nice schedule but does great when we have to be out and about when his naps occur in his carseat or stroller. He laughs and smiles all the time and loves to watch the big kids. They entertain him very well and he finds anything they do laughable....even the inappropriate stuff like opening their mouth when it's full of food! He is such a delight to our family and we can't imagine life without him!
He's really found the fun in his jumper. I wonder how many calories he burns in this thing...