A Special Day to Remember...

Last weekend Miss Grace and her BFF Elizabeth had a very fun time at an long awaited event that has been on their calendars for some time.

I have said it before that last year in Pre-K their teacher stole their hearts. And it is totally safe to say that she held them in a special place in her heart as well. So special in fact that she asked them to be in her wedding. This momentous day finally arrived on August 4th and oh the joy!

They started the day at the hair salon. Miss Gigi made them feel like movie stars. Then they went out for lunch. Chinese food of course. And just when they couldn't stand it anymore... it was time!!!!

We drove to the beautiful old church with much anticipation. Upon arrival we met the brides Mom and she looked absolutely beautiful, just like her daughter. Now the excitement really began to build! What a hit they made in their dresses (lovingly made by Cousin Darlene and yours truly).

The special part of the wedding that the bride chose for them was to deliver the gifts to the alter.They totally took this job seriously, but naturally added their unique charm...

Regretfully my photos of the bride and groom did not come out clearly due to my inexperience with the camera when no flash is permitted. I did salvage one of the bride and the girls, thank God! The handsome groom is shown in the background. What joy!

Such a wonderful couple. So much lies ahead for them. Oh what a blessing to witness such goodness!

This is truly a day that our little ones will remember, forever. If only you could have seen their faces when Miss Beth appeared looking absolutely stunning and every bit a "Princess for a Day". Then again, you should have seen the look on the Grooms face, LOL!

Lingering in the Fond Memories,

~Kate-Lyn~

Navy Lacrosse - Annapolis, MD

This Spring Ross had a difficult decision to make - play lacrosse or travel. After much personal debate he chose to take the summer off and travel. He also got a part-time job for the first time. As much as this concerned me I decided to stay out of his decision. He worked and trained very hard during the season which was a tough one, I'm not gonna sugar-coat it. I think he really needed a mental break as well. To keep in practice though he enrolled in the Navy Lacrosse Positional Training Camp. Initially I thought, well another lacrosse vacation. We'll make the best of it as always. Then I began to look into the area and began to get excited. Not just for him to receive such excellent training but for us as well to visit such a beautiful area. But more on that in another post.

The highlights are captured here:

Signing In, Getting Their Gear

Ready to Go

Here They Come

Drills

What a view, I'd have a hard time focusing!

 On the drive home we got all the details on the boys week and I'd say it was a success. Each learned a lot about the Navy, leadership, teamwork, character, integrity and of course lacrosse. Our Ross even got two "looks" by area colleges and they have contacted us already. I guess this is when it begins.

He is so ready, I am so not!

Proudly born in the USA,

~Kate-Lyn~

Fourth of July 2012

With the Fourth of July this year being on a Wednesday it sure wasn't the same. Many of those who would normally join us could not be there. But...we made the best of it nonetheless. Oh, and I must add that we celebrated with some new folks from down home that came up north. It was like having our neighborhood pick itself up and move 86 miles north. That was fun!

All in all, it's pretty hard to have a bad time on the Fourth in our beautiful little village. Even if I did have to work the next day, I had some might nice memories to take with me.

Relishing the Moment,

~Kate-Lyn~

A Belated Happy Birthday

Our little boy Baxter turned the big ONE on June 4th. The day did not go by without celebration but I did let it go by without posting a photo. So, better late than never.

My Littlest Big Guy

He got a special dinner, a new chew toy and lots of treats, that were hand-selected by Miss Grace, for his big day. He also got lots of love and special attention. Not sure he knew what it was really all about but it sure is fun to spoil him.

Happy Birthday big guy. I pray we have many more together.

Love and Hugs ~Mommy~

Just a neat little dity to share...

Click below to check it out...

Ju-lie and Gracie!

Still smilin',
~Kate-Lyn~

Summer Stuff...

Oh the simple joys of a summer day. Things like...

Finding cool rocks by the water

Watching eagles glide on the wind

Witnessing childhood memories in the making

The smile of a child

Just being yourself with those you love

Coming upon a tea party in the park

The beauty of a bride and her happy groom

A happy lab, tired from playing "Fetch"

Trying to catch that perfect light

Or the perfect angle

It's the simple things that make summer so spectacular. Hope this one goes by slowly...


Praise you Lord for these summer days,

~Kate-Lyn~

The Class of 2012, Kindergarten that is...

What an exciting day, whew!!! And what a HOT day, 98 degrees!

She got up at 6:00 a.m.; could hardly eat from excitement and nerves. So I sent her off to school with 1/2 of a 1/2 bagel and a few strawberries in her tummy. Once at school from 8-10 a.m. they were in "class". Hmmm, not sure what they did, poor teachers. Anyway at 10:00 a.m. a special brunch was held in their honor. From the quantity of food those little ones consumed I'm guessing they all ate like birds at home. Sheesh!  No sooner than they finished brunch did the Ding-A-Ling Man (ice cream truck) show up. Again, they ate like farmers! Next we had to whisk them away to head home and get into their fancy caps and gowns. And wash their sticky, sweaty little bodies. Next, you guessed it--photo time! Our Grace is not real keen on her photo being taken but we managed; in the sweltering heat. Then it was back to school to wait for the "cool ride" to the graduation ceremony. Once at church there was a special surprise awaiting us all. The Magnet Man was there!! So all the families had a keepsake photo magnet made to remember this special day. Thank you MTA, you're the best!!

The graduation was wonderful. Air conditioning, ahhhh! Oh, I meant it went wonderfully. They sang the cutest song.  When graduation was done we said our sad good-byes and went out to eat and her favorite Chinese restaurant. And guess what?! She was STILL hungry! Graduating sure works up an appetite in kids I guess!

Then it was home to r-e-l-a-x. Deep breath....

I suppose it'd be no surprise to say that Miss Grace was fast sleep by 7:30, with happy thoughts of this wonderful day drifting in and out of her dreams. Congratulations little one, we are SO proud of you and all you've accomplished and worked SO hard for this year. Look out First Grade here she comes!!!

Ready to go!

Proud Mom and Dad

Yes, they had a limo drive them to the graduation. Thank you Mrs. Edwards!!

Feeling like movie stars

Lovely Mrs. Edwards. Oh HOW she is going to miss you! Can you come with us to First Grade?

The Processional, so serious...

Class Introductions

Receiving her award, "Most Caring"

Getting her diploma from Mrs. Maddalone