First Day of Preschool!

Brody's first day of preschool was this Tuesday. He was excited, enjoyed packing his lunch and backpack. But, as soon as we got there, the tears started! He did not want me to leave. He did this same thing last year when he went to 3-year old preschool. So, I knew I just needed to give him one last hug and leave. It was hard on me, let me tell you!

So, that was Tuesday. Every day since, he has walked right in and has been an angel! He was just testing me, obviously! I understand, a new school, new kids, new teachers. It's hard on little ones. But, he's adjusted perfectly. He is really enjoying his time at school. He goes every day from 8-11:30! Raegan gets time with Mommy by herself, and takes a nap, while I get stuff done. It's a nice change. This week, I'm going to start going to the Y after I drop Brody off to exercise. I'm going to try to start running, we'll see how that goes! I hope I have the strength to leave little Raegan in the child watch area. I'm so horrible at leaving my kids when they're little. But, really....it's only for 45 minutes or so! I can do it!!

I did get a picture of Brody on his first day before the crying started. My little boy is growing up....so happy and so sad at the same time!

Brody is 4!!

Brody turned 4 years old Sunday, August 15. We went to Great Wolf Lodge on Saturday. Brody and his cousin Aerial had a great time. Ryan and I did as well! It's a really nice place to take kids. There are big waterslides that kids can ride on tubes with a parent, as well as kid-sized waterslides they can do on their own. We enjoyed all of them, as well as the wave pool, lazy river, and tons of other fun water fountains.

We went out to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory! Yum! We told the waiter it was Brody's birthday and they brought him an ice cream sundae with a candle and sang Happy Birthday. He thought it was pretty neat and wondered how they knew it was his birthday?!?! Here are some pictures from Brody's 4th Birthday weekend!

End of Summer

We are on our last week of summer before Brody starts preschool! I'm trying to make it packed with fun activities for him. He's really looking forward to school starting. He will go every day from 8-11:30. We'll see how he does with that daily schedule. It seems like a lot to me, but he's got to get used to it. Kindergarten next year! *sniff*sniff**

Update:

Brody has started swimming lessons here in Paris at the YMCA. He's doing great, loves it!

We went putt-putt golfing this weekend. Brody loved it! Raegan enjoyed watching from her stroller. I have a feeling another trip is in our near future, since he has not stopped talking about it!

We also made a trip to Chuck E Cheese on Sunday. Both kids really enjoyed it. There are lots of little rides for kids Raegan's age, so she had a great time. Brody really enjoyed the Mario driving game, of course.

We have officially said goodbye to Brody's daytime nap. I am soo very lucky to have had him nap for this long, I know. It's going to be rough, I REALLY like my alone time. But, we'll see how he does with rest time in his room. I'm guessing it's not going to last either. Early bedtime is the only plus!!

Brody turns 4 this Sunday!! We are celebrating on Friday with cake and ice cream, and then going to Great Wolf Lodge Saturday. We are taking Aerial, Brody's cousin, with us. Should be lots of fun! Grandma and Pappy will be watching Raegan one night while we are gone.

Home Movies

Raegan is walking! She is a little wobbly, and still prefers to crawl, but she's now officially a walker! Look out world, here she comes!

(Sorry for the video in her diaper. It was post-lunch and she was very messy from eating carrots!)

Here is a video of Brody "dancing."

Raegan is 1!

Raegan had her 1-year old dr. appt. today. She did very well overall! Poor thing, she had to get 3 different shots and a finger prick. Brody was very concerned for her and held her hand as the nurse gave her the shots. Little does he know, his 4-year old appt. is in a couple of weeks! I don't know how we'll hold him down for his shots!

Anyways, she is growing like a weed. Raegan's a very healthy little girl! Here are her stats:

22.5 pounds 65th percentile

30.5 inches 85th percentile

Beach Vacation!

We just got back from our vacation last night. We spent a week at a house on Sandbridge Beach, VA. Sandbridge Beach is about 10 miles south of Virginia Beach, very close to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It was so nice! We had a really good time. This was Brody and Raegan's first time at the ocean. It was so neat to watch them experience the beach for the first time.

Brody was not a huge fan of the water. He said it was "spicy." He obviously meant it was salty! I had to laugh when he said that. I don't blame him. I'm not a big ocean swimmer either. I'm happy to be at the ocean, see it, smell it. But swim in it....no thanks! He was happy to play in the sand and stand in the water up to his shins. He enjoyed running in and out with the tide. Raegan enjoyed crawling around and digging in the sand. We had to keep a close eye on her, as she tended to eat the sand! Yuck! Needless to say, our shower was full of sand every time we came in from the beach.

Ryan's brother and his family were there as well. They all went to Busch Gardens and Water Country in Williamsburg, VA. The day they went to Busch Gardens, it was 98 degrees outside. So, I wasn't too surprised when I got a call at 2pm from Ryan asking if I would come pick up Brody. It was just too hot for him to enjoy it. Ryan had to carry Brody on his shoulders for a good part of the day, and if you know Brody, he's not exactly a feather! But, they loved the water park! Both days, Raegan and I stayed at the beach house and enjoyed the peace and quiet. It was nice to spend time with her alone.

The long drive back was not fun, but I didn't expect it to be. 12 hours in a van with a 4 year old and a 1 year old is almost like torture! But, we made it back safe and sound. Both kids were very glad to be home. We had a great summer vacation!

Here are some pictures from our trip!

Raegan's 1st Birthday Party!

We had Raegan's 1st Birthday Party yesterday. I can't believe my sweet little girl is 1 already! She actually turns 1 tomorrow, but we had her party on Sunday so everyone could attend. (Yes, it did bother me that we were celebrating before her actual birthday, my OCD kicking in). We had family and friends over, and it turned out to be a success.

Happy Birthday Raegan Lee. We love you so much. You bring so much joy to our lives, each and every day. I can't wait to see the little girl you will become. You are so beautiful, and we feel blessed and honored to have you in our family!