Cook-Out @ The Allen's

Today we went over to Billy and Marilyn Allen's for their Annual Labor Day Cook-out. Mike grew up with their son Mike since their father's were Best Friends all of their young lives. Mike also has a beautiful daughter (Madison) who is only a little over a year older than Emily. They play really well together and most definitely were the center of attention today being the only kids.

The food was great and we really enjoyed visiting. We don't always get to make this event since Mike and Matthew are usually at the Drags at IRP...but they went yesterday so we could be here today. It is always nice being around Billy because he is soooo much a connection to some fond memories of Mike's Dad Louis who is still missed every day.............Thanks for having us...We love you guys!!!

Shopping @ Hamilton Town Center

Today...Emily woke up feeling much better. Her fever has been gone for more than 24 hours and she seemed back to her old self with the exception of the congestion and now a cough from the drainage. Mamaw Fleta invited us out for lunch and some shopping at the fairly new Hamilton Town Center.

We had a nice time shopping especially in my favorite Gymboree and Cold Creek store. Mamaw also hit the Chico's and I couldn't resist seeing what Old Navy had out for Fall. Mamaw bought a few new things for her fall wardrobe, I picked up a nice jacket and pair of earrings, but Emily made out the best at Gymboree. She really needed a few things for the start of Fall and with MDO starting I figured we better get prepared.

We had a nice lunch at Houlihans and then walked over to let Emily play at the small play area. Afterwards.....we headed back to Mamaw's to visit with Papaw Jeff before heading home for Emily to take a late nap (4:00). Wow, what a nice afternoon! Thanks Mamaw!!!

Emily is ready for "Kool"

Emily says she is ready for "kool" AKA- school. She is modeling her new backpack and lunch tote for me that we picked up at the Disney store on sale. I think they are too cute and she actually has 2 purple Minnie Mouse sippy cups that she can take that matches her stuff perfectly.

It didn't last long . Even though she was excited about her new things...she has come down with a cold yesterday and is starting to run a fever every 8-10 hours. Poor baby...she tries to play and then it hits her that she doesn't feel well!

Emily's Meet the Teacher Day /Orientation @ MDO

Well its that time again.......Mom's Day Out is offically starting up next week. We went to school yesterday to meet Emily's teachers for the year and had a 30 minute orientation today. Emily will be going to Orchard Park this year. This is the school that I am planning for her to attend preschool in the next two years.

Even though its a different church than she attented last year...she has her best bud Bella in her class. I think that will help break the ice for both girls to be together. Bella is pretty used to the church because her family belongs there anyway but I am glad they can be together no matter what.

We also found out that Emily's previous teacher from Church at The Crossing is now teaching at Orchard Park in the 3 year olds class. Its great to know that Emily can still see Miss LouAnn this year and be in her class again someday! Here is a pic of Emily heading to school, a few taken in the classroom, and I even got a pic of Bella with her Mommy Allison.

Lunch with Bella

Wednesday after we took the girls to meet their teachers and see the classroom they would be in, we took them for a quick lunch and play at Chick -Fil- A.

Allison was actually going to take me and Emily to Bub's Cafe for the first time but we decided to make lunch a little quicker and closer to home because Bella had not been feeling well. She was able to get her into the doctor before she went to work and its a good thing it worked out for them because her babygirl did develop an ear infection during her cold. Bella is a trooper though....she still played and had a good time today at lunch and at our house after her Mommy went to work. We hope you feel better soon!

Finally....Margaritas!

Yes, it seemed liked lots of conversation was held around the vitamix blender. I think .......maybe they were waiting for another batch? I was accused of maybe looking to be having too much fun of my own. What can I say..it might not have been my Birthday, but I had lots of my own friends and family around....not to mention all of Emily's Grandparents were here babysitting! She occasionally let me sneak in on their time and get hugs and kisses......

Thanks alot everyone for coming over and celebrating with us!! Special Thanks to the Grandparents for all you always do to help me out at all of our gatherings!!!

Time For Cake

Well when it came time for cake..we noticed that our daughter was still on a wagon ride with her Papaw Jeff. Upon her arrival....we started the festivities! After all.....we couldn't leave her out of her favorite part of any Birthday. She has been talking about Daddy's cake all week since we took him out to dinner. She also enjoyed help0ing him blow out his candles.

The Kids Having Fun @ the Party!!

I tried to capture several of the kids playing today. It was a little hard to be the hostess and the photographer. LOL

I did catch the teenagers doing nothing inside...Go Figure!!

Lots of Good Company

Amazingly...almost everyone that was invited was able to make it to the party! It seemed like everyone had a nice time visiting and of course tasting Mike's margaritas. The kids enjoyed playing darts in the garage, cornhole in the driveway, and the rest of the older ones rode bikes and skateboarded over to the park across the street at the school.

Ready for Mike's Parrot Party!!

Well the big party day is here......I tried to stick to a margaritaville "Parrot Party" theme. We had shrimp, yummy fruit bowls, banana rum cheeseballs, mango & peach salsa with chips, tropical trail mix, etc. I ordered the lovely half sheet cake at Sam's Club for the bargain of $15.97. No its not a Classic Cake...but hey I had to cut a corner somewhere. It was pretty good anyway (chocolate with bavarian cream center). Mom and I cut up 24 oranges, lemon, and limes the night before, so it would be pretty easy for Mike to make his fresh fruit margaritas! When my Dad arrived, he had 5 Jimmy Buffet cds that we played thru the party.....