Reagan's trip to Top Sail, NC

I forgot to post the pictures of Reagan's trip to the beach with her friend this summer. She was asked by our minister and his wife and daughter to go on vacation with them to Top Sail, North Carolina. I was a little hesitant, but let her go on this adventure. She spent most of the time at the beach, but she also went to the turtle hospital and while walking on the beach actually got to witness turtles hatching and helped them out to the waves by scooting them along and guiding them in the right directions. They were getting confused by the porch lights while trying to find the reflection of the moon in the water to guide them. That was a once in a lifetime opportunity!! But, I am not sure who was more homesick, Reagan or me. I missed her soooo much and we were happy to have her back home. She had a blast though and was grateful that she was invited.

The girls picked up some friendship bracelets to signify their bond.

This was the beach house that they stayed in.
Getting some surfin time in!
They had to work on their tans also!
At night, they worked on some crafts.
They even included Reagan in their family pictures! They were wonderful to her.

Back to School!

Well, it is that time of year again...back to school. I can't believe that I have a fifth grader, third grader, and now a kindergartener!! Jackson was very excited about starting kindergarten. He was happy to see some of his friends in his class.

Getting ready to start the first day of school!
On the way to school the first day
Reagan and Grayson started school a week before Jackson. They both love their new teachers.
Grayson, my big third grade boy! Grayson was happy to go to school. He is excited about third grade and all the friends that are in his class. His class has a reward system with play money and he gets the choice of prize for his earned bucks. This is very exciting for him and a great incentive for good work. He is starting soccer soon and is also in cub scouts this year. He will also be singing in the church children's choir. Reagan is starting out with a tough teacher, but she is up for the challenge. She is going to busy this year with a new gifted and talented pull out program called H.O.T.S (higher order thinking skills) where every Tuesday she goes to another school. She is also taking piano lessons, playing volleyball, joined two choirs, and student counsel. She decided not to be in girl scouts this year.
Jackson, my baby, is going to do great in kindergarten. He is so happy to be going to school like a big kid. He recently learned how to ride his bike without training wheels and is learning to tie his shoes. He is already an avid reader, but the social experience of kindergarten will be good.

Now with all the kids in school, I will be working. I have recently changed companies and now work for a company that only works for VA hospitals which makes my work that much more familiar and rewarding. I love it. I decided to only work part time so I can volunteer more at school and to keep my house running smoothly. So far, it has worked out great!

Reagan's New Haircut

Reagan decided to start the new school year off with a fresh new look. We both love her haircut. Everyone compliments her all the time. It was a great idea!

Can you tell how happy she is with it.

Summertime

We had a very busy summer this year and it went by too quick. Here are a few pictures that captured the fun.

One of the things we did this summer was attend the fourth and fifth grade lock-in at church. Reagan had a blast and stayed up until 4 am.

There were 16 kids and they had alot of fun.
We also went camping over labor day weekend at a christian family camp and got to see "One Time Blind" and they were really awesome. This is an overview picture of one part of the campers. There were basketball tournaments, volleyball, carpet ball, and swimming and boating. We all had a fun time.
We had the privelage of being invited with a friend and they had about 30 family members there and they welcomed us as part of their family and were really great. We shared food, campfire stories, and the kids met some new friends.

The girls also did face painting.

Here is a picture of some kids playing carpet ball. It is a fun game where you roll billiard balls down the board to knock your opponents into the trench.

Daisy had fun with the kids through the summer.
Jackson -5 years
Reagan-10 years old
Reagan and Daisy

This is the group shot of church camp for the kids. Reagan is straight up from the S in Christian in the grey sweatshirt. Grayson is the top right boy sitting next to the girl standing on the end in the pink. You can barely see his head.

The group of girls at the beginning of church camp that Reagan, her friend, and Grayson went to. It was at the same place the family camp was held. To see some pictures go to
Jenna and Reagan on their way to church camp
We also babysat the class turtle over the summer. His name was scrambles and we actually liked having a turtle as a pet. It was fun to feed him worms.

We also did alot of swimming. Here is a picture of Jackson with his friend at the pool.

The kids sang with the church choir for Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society.

I would have had more pictures, but we were too busy having fun!!