Thank you!

We received a package from Trixie yesterday. The girls received these cute pillowcase dresses and some books. The boys received books and I also received books.

The funny thing about the dresses: Since they are pillowcase dresses, the girls insisted that they sleep in them. I tried to explain that they were to be worn during waking hours. At 10:00 pm last night, when they were still wearing them I gave up and let them wear the dresses to bed.

Maybe it's because they are so darn cute.

Or is just because they came from Trixie?

Fashion show

My mom said, "You only start kindergarten once, lets take (Rosie) shopping." These are the things she decided she had to have.
She's trying to decided what to wear on the first day - if you have an opinion, let me know and I'll pass it on to her. Of course I'll post pictures of the first day so you can see the results!


This is high on her list of favorites and possible first day outfits. She has a really cute pair of shoes that match the dress.



What's up with the poses? I haven't a clue. She started this a few weeks ago and now I can't get a picture without it.

Five

Rosie turned five yesterday. She chose to celebrate at the park by the river.



There was a total of 22 children at the party - some are missing from the photo because we took this at the end of the party and a few had already left.

Considering the rain we had yesterday morning (our road flooded within a few minutes) I was pleased with the beautiful sunset we enjoyed at Rosie's party.

Birthday wish list

Rosie's birthday is on Tuesday. Upon my request, she has been thinking of what she would really like to have for her birthday. So far her list includes a matching backpack and lunch box for school, art supplies, a baby doll, and some clothes as well as shoes. These are very legitimate items for a five year old. Also on her list is make-up. When I quizzed her on this to clarify exactly what kind of make-up she wanted, she said she would like to have some lip gloss and powder.

Earlier today Daisy told me that she wanted a baby for her birthday (in November). I thought, "No problem - she loves to play with dolls." I made the mistake of taking a swig of Diet Mountain Dew as she was saying, "No, Mommy. I want a real baby."

Diet Mountain Dew burns when you snort it out your nose.

Doctor and Dentist

We visited both today.

Lake and Daisy had dental appointments.

Lake had an excellent visit.

Daisy had an excellent visit.

Yes, yes, you read that correctly! Daisy had an excellent visit today. Her sealants were checked and a thick fluoride treatment was applied. She goes back in three months and if she has a good visit in October, she will start having regular check ups every six months.

After lunch, we all took Rosie to the doctor. She has been fighting a summer cold for too long. I absolutely love our pediatrician. He came into the room and involved all of the children while he checked on Rosie. They all got to decide which ear he should look at first and also got to tell him where he should listen to her breathing. She has double ear infections. Hopefully this will clear up with the antibiotics.

John Henry is supposed to be back home early tonight - we will all be glad to see him!

Pigs at the beach

Several weeks before we went to the beach, I asked Daisy what she thought she would see at the beach. She thought for a few minutes and then said she thought she would see pigs at the beach. I started showing her pictures of the ocean and we talked about things that live near and in the ocean in preparation for our trip. Well, it got to be a family joke... the whole thing about seeing pigs at the beach.

So, were we surprised when we saw three wild pigs along the side of the road as we traveled back to our lodging? Ummm, not really.

Did we have to get a picture of Daisy sitting on this pig at the amusement park near the beach?



Of course.

Joy

OK - I know I took too many pictures while we were at the beach and I'm probably posting more than you would like to see. However, T-Bird (I love you!) I promised you pictures so....


Daisy found joy in even the broken shells!

This was the picture I was trying to get...

but she kept trying to get closer to me by crab-walking

so, I was able to get this picture, too!

Brothers and sisters

We took some family pictures at the beach but I actually like these better. Everyone was more relaxed and happy.

The boys

The boys loved the water until they were stung by jellyfish. After that, they were happy to dig!

The girls

Daisy was in awe of the ocean. She was completely content with the water and the sand until our last day when she was stung by a jellyfish.

The beach house

We debated on getting a hotel, a condo or a house in Gulf Shores. We finally decided on a house and absolutely loved it!


The house.

The living area - no, the golf clubs didn't come with the house....

The girls' room.

The master bedroom.

The boys' room - also known as the hangout!

Love at first sight

This was the first time that Rosie and Daisy have seen the beach. My one wish was that they would fall in love with it. I love the sound of the ocean, the feel of the sand and the smell that is only found at the beach.

It was getting dark when we arrived but I still had to get the 'first impression' photos!

I'll go ahead and get this picture out of the way for you. You know I'm going to get a picture from the back, so here it is!

Is there anything sweeter than little feet in the sand?

Rosie loved it!

Daisy loved it!

We're back...

We made it back home on Friday night. We had a really great week together. We spent the first night in Birmingham.

The girls slept together very well. The boys did OK but were glad to get back to their own beds!

On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday John Henry had business to attend to in Point Clear, Alabama. We spent Sunday and Monday at the pool. The kids loved it. The pool area was beautiful but the landscaping made it hard for me to see everyone at the same time.



Daisy especially loved the pool!