First Day of School 2016-17

Monday was the first day of school!  Kate is now in the First Grade at Roberts and Mason is in the 4 year old class at Good Samaritan!

Granddaddy took Mason to school as usual and I drove Kate to Roberts.  She asked me to walk her in  this year (a surprise to me - in Kindergarten she insisted on being dropped off)!  

 Look who we ran into - Sterling! 

 We also stopped by Aunt Katie's class to wish her good luck.

Happy First Day of School!

Broadway Musical Camp 2016

For the first two weeks of August, Kate attended Broadway camp at Good Samaritan Academy.  She had so much fun but I had to convince her she would want to participate in the musical at the end of the two weeks (silly girl).  The kids practiced each day and then on the last day of camp, they performed the musical for the parents.  It was a great show and Kate worked so hard!

 So proud of her!

Great show, Kate!

First Grade Orientation

Today we went to Orientation at Roberts.  Kate is so much more outgoing than she was this time last year.  She is so much more comfortable getting around the school and knows someone everywhere she goes.  I was very proud of how she spoke to kids and adults that we passed.  She was excited to see all her friends from her Kindergarten class and is looking forward to meeting new friends in First Grade.  We made sure to pop in and say hi to Mrs. Pettway, Aunt Katie and Aunt Mailin while we were there too.

We found out that Kate is in Mrs. Burnette's class this year.  Everyone has wonderful things to say about her so we are excited about this school year.  

Kate and Mrs. Burnette 

Ready for First Grade!

Granddaddy's Birthday!

On Sunday we celebrated Granddaddy's birthday! 

The kids made the sweetest cards to give him - I was especially proud of Mason's card.  This was the first time I have seen him draw people. 

 Katie-boo always does a great job drawing birthday cards.

 Helping Granddaddy blow out his candles:

 Special thanks for my photographer, Gigi.

Happy Birthday Granddaddy!  

We love you so much and are thankful we were able to help you celebrate.  

Hope you had a wonderful day!

Aunt Mollie's Service in Naples

The last weekend in July, we drove down to Naples to attend Aunt Mollie's memorial service and visit with the family.  We left Thursday night after work and arrived in Naples around midnight.  On Friday, we spent most of the day with Gaga, which included playing Bingo!  Justin and Gaga both won several games but this was the first time neither Kate nor I won.  Oh well...next time we will!

 Playing Bingo.

After the Bingo game, Mason was playing with the quarters that were won and asked me if the face on the quarter was Jesus or George.  Haha. Later that evening, the entire family ate dinner at Kelly's Fish House, a local seafood restaurant that will be torn down soon to develop condos. 

 It is one of Gaga's favorite places to eat so it was nice we were all able to get together one last time there.  I have never been a big fan so when we left, Justin told me it was the last time I ever had to eat there.  Good point.

 Mason and Uncle Evan hanging out near the dock after dinner.

 We had to take a picture of all the girls wearing coral!  We didn't plan it but we all the same idea.

And one of the Evers men before we left.

Since this trip was unexpected but costly, we tried to save money by staying at a cheaper hotel this time.  That Friday night while Justin was at the movie, I hung out in the hotel bathroom reading and waited on the kids to fall asleep.  That was one moment I wish we hadn't saved money and stayed at our normal hotel with the two room suites. 

Saturday morning was Aunt Mollie's service at the Naples Church of Christ.  Papa coordinated the service, Uncle Evan did the singing and Justin had one of the prayers.  The kids were very well behaved (hallelujah) and I decided at the last minute to speak when Papa asked anyone who wanted to come up and speak to do so.  I wish I had planned it ahead of time so my thoughts weren't so jumbled, but I did it and I think Aunt Mollie would have been proud.   

 Kate and Mason enjoyed spending time with cousin Zach at the service. It's been a while since they have seen him.

While the circumstances were not the best, it was nice to be able to spend extra time with Erin and Ryan too!  It was an unexpected trip but it's always nice to spend extra time with family. We love you and miss you Aunt Mollie!

A Quick Visit with the Mundies!

One Sunday afternoon in July, we took off after morning church services and headed to Panama City Beach to see the Mundies.  They were staying at the beach for the week but since we were going to be in Naples the following weekend, our only opportunity to visit was that Sunday afternoon.

We squeezed in the pool, the beach and a BBQ dinner together before we headed back to Tallahassee around 8:30 that night. It was a busy afternoon and late evening but worth every minute.

 These two are the cutest! 

 Always good to spend time with Katie!

Ahhhh...wish we were staying there all week too!

Love them!  Thanks for inviting us over to play!

Killearn Camp Music Night

Kate attended summer camp at Killearn United Methodist Church for the first time.  Since she attended after school there, she already knew most of the counselors and campers so it was an easy transition for her.  At the end of July, KUMC hosted a music night for the parents.  I wasn't sure what to expect but I loved it!  Each grade level performed a song and then the entire camp did a couple songs together. 

Before the performance started, they had pictures from the summer up on the big screens.  Here were the two of Kate's First Grade group and with some friends at the park.  

 The Program for the Musical:

 So passionate.

 My favorite picture from the performance:

 This girl belongs on stage.

 After the performance, everyone was invited into the multipurpose room for cookies and lemonade. 

Kate and her friend, Emily

Our little camper:

You did a great job, Kate!