It's been awhile

and we have new members in our family.

Meet Oscar.



and Elmo!




and here is how McKaleb is handling his first pet. Both kids were anxious to get on the slide with the boys.

Who’s the leader of the club……

That’s made for you and me?  M-I-C, K-E-Y, M-O-U-S-E!!!!!!!

That’s right we went to Disney in November and I can’t wait to go back.  I’m trying to figure out how to get in another Disney vacation as soon as possible.  Here are a few photos of our trip.  You may have seen some on my FB page, but if you aren’t immediate family these are probably new to you!!!

 

 

Seeing this castle just makes me happy. 

First Monorail ride

The Christmas Castle

 

 

The friendliest princess at Akershus

Everyone loves this old bear

A relaxing ride from Morocco to America

Uh oh, Pirates!!!

Those little guys had to have a leader.

The man in charge

I think the Mouse is cool!

Epcot is beautiful at night

Christmas decorations and shorts….weird, but so much fun!

Things in common

The kids and I are going to have something in common very soon.  We are getting step-parents. 

My dad finally got married to Darlene.  They have been dating for almost 7 years.  Kenzie got to the point where every time she saw them she was asking Darlene when they were getting married and if she could be the flower girl.  They decided they did want to get married and had a wedding here just to accommodate the princess.

The Mister and Missus

 

The lovely flower girl

 

The man who stole the show

 

 

The transition will be easier for me since Darlene has been a part of our lives for so many years.

The kids may have a harder time with the transition when their dad gets married in November.  They are going to have to adjust to step-siblings, step-parent, daddy’s new relationship and how they fit into the picture.  A daunting task for an adult, let alone little kids.

I’m praying that the step-mom will be a good one and treat my kids the way she would want a step-parent to treat her kids.  Remember my Kenz has a sensitive heart.  She’s outnumbered with all the boys. 

I’m hoping that their dad will remember that he needs to spend alone time with his kids.  They don’t get to see him all the time and they need to get to know him without competing for his attention from step-mom and step-siblings. 

Remember that I am their momma and if you hurt my child, I will be mad.  And I am not nice when I am mad. 

Remember to take lots of photos as they will only be little for awhile. 

Make your new home one where the kids feel welcome to talk to you about anything.  May the step-mom be as good to them as my first and my newest have been to me.  Be an advocate for my kids with their dad.  Be their friend.  They don’t need another mom.  I’m not the bestest mom in the world (who is?), but I’m the one they have. 

Work with me to make their lives great!  Their smiles and the rewards down the line will be worth it.

Thank you in advance for working with me and their dad to raise awesome kids!!

Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony

On May 23, 2010, the Smoky Shadows Service Unit and the First United Methodist Church hosted the Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony.

McKenzie bridged from a Daisy to a Brownie!

Swim Lessons 3 and 4

The next couple of days went a little better.  Kaleb had a little trouble adjusting the third day, but by the fourth day h e acted like an old pro in the pool.  Below are some pics of the fun. 

Or not so fun.  He’s not sure that he wants to be here.

At least a couple of us are happy.

Miss Megan helping him to practice his Superman arms.

I’m not sure about this, but I remember that I liked the kick board yesterday.

I do like it!!!

Check out my web slinging….

Swimming with the noodle.

Day 4 – waiting for lessons to start

Showing my strength.

A splash fight with Miss Ashley!!

Just floating!!  Look at those sweet little feet!!

Checking out the ceiling!  Kaleb could only hope to have hair as good as his teacher on day 4.  Perfect hair after swimming and letting it air dry.  Amazing!!!

Now I’m having fun!!  Slinging my web!!!

The Reading Festival

On May 22, we went to World’s Fair Park to the Knox County Public Library’s reading Festival. The park was covered in tents with activities for the kids to do to encourage reading. The kids were able to sign up for the summer reading program that day and get started so they could earn their prizes.

Super Why!!!

The Princess

While we were at the park, we took the opportunity to play on the splash pad with our friends.

That water is cold.

Getting a stream or water to go up her back.

Watch me kick the water Kenzie!

I’m chilly.

That was fun!!!

After we finished at the Splash Pad, we went to Rita’s Italian Ice for a summer treat!

Kenzie enjoyed wearing her treat!

Kaleb had to wear his to show Kenz he could do it.