HAIRCUT!

YEAH!!! I finally took the time for me and got a haircut! I love it... it is so much lighter and takes little time to straighten. I hope to keep it up instead of just letting grow b/c that is easy. I should have made another appt. for six weeks before I left!

Here are the girls and some of their buddies at the preschool open house last night! We looked like a bunch of rugrats, but HEY... THEY ARE STILL CUTE! The three on the right will be going to the preschool. Watch out Miss Lisa...I also had some pics from this mornings Pep Rally, but blogger was causing probs and I did have the patience to download anymore.

Love you all. Have a great Labor Day Weekend! Also, please pray for our church as we are going through some transitions. Many are hurting, but growing closer to our Lord and Savior at the same time! Prayer is powerful...

FORGOT...

I forgot to tell you the only thing that Lainey told me about the first day of Kindergarten... She said, "Mommy, you would be so proud. I didnt have to tee-tee one time at school in that nasty bathroom!"

How's it going?...

Well, I've gotten lots of emails and phone calls and everyone is wondering, "How's it going?" Well, things are going pretty good. Emiley does not start preschool until after Labor Day, so I havent had "a morning all alone" yet, but it is coming. Abbey and Lainey are really enjoying school so far... they havent had homework yet which has been great for me, but they are asking when they are going to "get going" and start having the hard work.

Abbey's class is GREAT! She loves it. They are studying a frog unit and MANY, MANY kids come into the school each morning with a frog for the classroom. Abbey and Lauren caught one the other night while swimming to share with the class. Of course, their frog got out and somehow got under the wall! Mrs. Poe has had lots of excitement already this year. Abbey is blessed with two great teachers this year and a room full of "good kids." It is going to be fun to watch them grow and learn this year while also having lots of fun. The only thing Abbey is really upset about is that the library is not open yet, so she hasnt gotten a book yet. I told her to be patient.......

Lainey has done great, too, but she is really tired when she gets home. She said she loves centers, drawing, and singing all the songs. She does not like PE or reccess because she says it is too hot. Lainey said she and her buddy Abby just sit under the tree whenever they get the chance outside.... to keep cool! Lainey had a wonderful first day, but come home with a "sore throat" and wasnt sure she could go back. She did go back, but on day two, her clothes were hurting her so bad she was sweating, itching, and just knew she now had hives. Day three she changed clothes three times before we finally got to school because she knew the same thing would happen as the day before and she said she could not handle it! Today was great. Lainey woke up with me at six o'clock, shared a bath with me, got dressed, help me pack her lunch, and headed to class on her own. She didnt want me to walk her in! She has a special little girl in her class who is blind. Lainey sees it as her mission to take care of this little girl. I think it will be a good experience for her.

Emiley and I have been enjoying our week together. We are playing "restaurant" as we speak. We have played Candy Land a million times, Memory, and Junior Scrabble. She is lots of fun and talks ALL DAY LONG. On Tuesday, Emiley spent some time with Grammy while I went and volunteered at the school. I also got to have lunch with two of my girlfriends with no kids. This has not happened in years. We had a great time! Emiley had fun too with Grammy at the cow sale and learning to play chess. Yesterday we made a trip to "the city" to buy groceries! We are all stocked up and ready to go.

Tonight is Emiley's open house at the preschool. It feels weird to not be involved with the preschool at all this year, but there has been no stress for me! I am really looking forward to some time for "ME". It hasnt happened in eight years....... I plan on running again and doing lots of projects around the house.

Have a safe, holiday weekend. The girls will perform their Disney musical numbers again this weekend, so it will be a busy one..... along with the Dove Festival Run, parade, craft booths, etc...
and thats "How it's been going!"....

OK... Just one last sad poem about the first day of school that my cousin shared with me. I know there are so many of my "blogger" friends who experienced "sending one out the door" this morning. Love you all! Lets keep our kids in our prayers as they slip out our backyard!

I Trust You'll Treat Her Well
Author:Victor Buono

Dear World: I bequeath to you today one little girl...in a crispy dress...with two brown eyes...and a happy laugh that ripples all day long.. and a flash of light brown hair that bounces in the sun when she runs.

I trust you'll treat her well. She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning...and skipping off down the street to her first day of school. And never again will she be completely mine. Prim and proud she'll wave her young and independent hand this morning and say "Goodbye" and walk with little lady steps to the schoolhouse.

Now she'll learn to stand in lines...and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called. She'll learn to tune her ears for the sounds of school-bells...and deadlines...and she'll learn to giggle...and gossip...and look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy 'cross the aisle sticks out his tongue at her.

And now she'll learn to be jealous. And now she'll learn how it is to feel hurt inside. And now she'll learn how not to cry.

No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch on a summer day and watch an ant scurry across the crack in the sidewalk. Nor will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn and kiss lilac blooms in the morning dew. No, now she'll worry about those important things...like grades and which dress to wear and whose best friends is whose. And the magic of books and learning will replace the magic of her blocks and dolls.

And now she'll find new heroes. For five full years now I've been her sage and Santa Claus and pal and playmate and mother and friend. Now she'll learn to share her worship with her teachers ...which is only right. But no longer will I be the smartest woman in the whole world.

Today when that school bell rings for the first time...she'll learn what it means to be a member of the group...with all its privileges and its disadvantages too. She'll learn in time that proper young ladies do not laugh out loud...or kiss dogs...or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms...or even watch ants scurry across cracks in sidewalks in the summer.

Today she'll learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends. And I'll stand on the front porch and watch her start out on the long, lonely journey to becoming a woman.

So, world, I bequeath to you today one little girl...in a crispy dress...with two brown eyes...and a flash of light brown hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs.I trust you'll treat her well.

1st Day of School Snapshots...

Everyone woke up ready to go this morning! Here are a few snapshots to show you how we looked on the first day of school. Emiley's preschool does not start until next week after Labor Day, but she got up and got dressed just the same! I only shed a few tears as I sent the off!

Abbey in her Tinker Bell outfit of course. She was Tinker Bell head to toe!

Lainey looked adorable and had to borrow a necklace to finish off the outfit. I cant wait to hear what she has to say when she gets home!

Ms. Em posing for the camera. She also added a bracelet and necklace to her outfit!

Lainey getting cozy at her table.

Not sure why this is blurry. Could be b/c I was a bit emotional about leaving Lainey down the hall. Abbey said she would be sure and say Hi to her at lunch!

TOO Cute...

TOO cute... I have two things to share that are really sweet! First are some snapshots of Abbey and Brody's birthday party last Thursday and the other is a poem, "borrowed" from a good friends blog!

We took Abbey, Brody, their siblings, and four friends over to Lampasas to a spring fed swimming hole. The water was gorgeous and clear, but COLD and very smelly. They have sulpher in the water so it smelt a bit of rotten eggs. We had a great picnic, cake, gifts, and loads of fun and laughs. Its hard to believe my baby girl is 8. We spent the day celebrating and then rushed home for OPEN HOUSE and football scrimmage and hamburger supper. (Forgot my camera on the last part of the day, so sorry no pics to share!)

Lainey and Brody's big sis, Harley... jumping into the extremely cold pool.

Brody and Abbey having a little snack during the break at the pool.

Here is the cake. I brought the candles, but forgot a lighter so we just sang to them and let them imagine they were blowing out candles.

Now for the poem... get your tissue ready. I have already cried! Please pray for my girls and for all the other children who are starting school. I feel like I have been praying all day. I put up a big front about how excited I am to finally only have Emiley at home, but inside I feel myself falling apart. My babies are growing... way to quickly. Pray for Abbey to stay strong and be a leader this year... for her to continue to do well in school and make wise decisions. Pray for Lainey to grow and learn and to follow directions... I worry so much about her... she is a different child who needs love and special attention. Pray especially for their teachers Ms. Golson and Mrs. Poe. They are both amazing women and I feel blessed to have them care for my children all day. OK... now to the poem...

'Twas the night before kindergarten, and as they prepared,kids were excited and a little bit scared.They tossed and they turned about in their beds,while visions of school supplies danced in their heads.Erasers and crayons and pencils galorewere stuffed in their backpacks and set by the door.Outfits were hung in the closets with care,knowing that kindergarten soon would be there.In the morning it came--school starts today!Would the teacher be nice? Would they still get to play?Faces were washed, and teeth were brushed white;kids posed for pictures with eyes sparkling bright.Parents packed snacks, and kids hopped in carsas if they were boarding a spaceship to Mars.Some kids brought blankets or their favorite stuffed bear,in hopes they could nap like they did last year.
Their parents exclaimed, "You're big kids--wow!Let us hold your bears and blankies for now."The parents were worried their children would cryif they left them at school with just a good-bye.So they told their darlings, "If you want, we can stayand make sure that everythingwill be A-okay."The teacher then greeted each one with a smile,and invited the students to stay for a while.The room was all filled with toys, books, and maps,but where are the beds for midmorning naps?They colored and painted and played Simon Says,then tumbled and skipped and stood on their heads.They sang silly songs from beginning to end.Within just a minute, each kid had a friend.The children were happy. They loved Miss Sunrise!It was she who was in for a giant surprise.When what to her wondering eyes should appearbut sad moms and dad who were holding back tears!Their noses--so sniffly! Their eyes--red and wet!This was the saddest good-bye Miss Sunrise had seen yet!She gathered the grown-ups on the magical rug,then sent them away after one final hug.The children all waved from the door of the school,"Don't cry, Mom and Dad; kindergarten is cool!"-- by Natasha Wing

Happy Birthday Abbey Grace...

Eight years ago today, we were blessed with our first born, Abbey Grace. At this time eight years ago, I was still laboring trying to get her here. I was induced at 6:00 on Sunday evening, two weeks over due, and labored FOREVER it seemed. Abbey's heart rate began dropping and she became in distress around 3:30 the following Monday afternoon. She was taken by emergency C-section and arrived at 3:40, August 23rd, 1999. We didnt find out if Abbey was a boy or a girl. Will had the whole town of Abilene and all our family convienced that she was a boy and her name was Will Garrett. There were lots of people at the hospital waiting for her arrival and SHOCKED to hear that she was a beautiful little girl. Because of the emergency C-Section and being knocked out afterwards, I dont even remember being told she was a girl until much later that evening in the recovery room. We agreed Abbey Grace was her name and it couldnt fit her better! She is the love and joy of my life. She has been there with Will and I through graduate school, the birth of two other little sisters shortly after, and numerous moves to get where we are now. She is a real trooper and an amazing blessing to our lives.

In honor of her eight years... I would like to share with you eight special things about Abbey Grace Hale!

1. She is definately an individual. She knows what she wants and what she likes and she in not afraind to go after it. She doesnt care if it is the "norm" or if she is the only one, she sticks to her guns and expresses herself no matter what. She loves Tinker Bell and cowgirls and horses all at the same time. She is not afraid to be who she is... I hope she cares this trait throughout her life. Not following the crowds, but sticking to herself and having that strong, individual personality.

2. Abbey loves her mommy, daddy, and her sisters. Yes, she can sometimes be a little sticker, but most of the time she is as asking how she can help out around the house and leading her sisters as a good example as how to behave in all situations. She always tells me she loves at night and first thing in the mornings. She is so geniune with her loves. She is not afraid to express her love and affection to someone she truly cares about.

3. She is so beautiful. Her blond hair, dark eyes, and tan skin will make you melt. She is so cute, but doesnt like to be called "cute." People are always telling Will to keep his shot gun close by because she is a "DOLL!" I think part of her beauty is that she does not see herself as a beautiful little girl, just as a regular 'ole Texas girl. I think she is adorable!

4. Abbey is very smart and is a very hard worker. She does her best at school and achieves great grades. She is a hard worker at home helping me around the house whenever I need help. Her favorite thing to do is clean the mirrors and glass for me. Abbey is a go getter! She will give it her all. She is so smart and does great in school. I hope she always keeps this mind set in school!

5. Abbey is our little cuddler. You can still find her sneaking into our bed sometimes at night just to be between Mommy and Daddy. When she was little, she use to play with your ear if she was cuddling with you. She will still do it today if she is really tired. I just love it when she cuddles up next to me in bed and let me love on her like she was a baby again.

6. Abbey is a best buddy to everyone. She does not have just one friend, she has many many friends. She doesnt care what people look like, what they wear, or who they are... she is their buddy. One that comes to mind is a friend she met in Kindergarten. Abbey has loved this little girls since she met her. She wants to help her in school, buy her new clothes, and bring her to our home because she sees she is less forturnate. Abbey has an amazing heart and love for people.

7. Abbey loves the Lord. She says such sweet prayers every day. She always tells God Thank you for saving us, for being our strength, our comfort, and our love. She is so sweet and speaks from the heart. I love to hear her honesty and openness with the Lord.

8. Abbey is a leader. She is open. She is honest. She is faithful. She is caring. She is an amazing eight year old little girls. I could go on and on! I love you ABBEY GRACE.
Abbey and Brody have been planning to have their birthdays together since they founds out they are only six days apart. So, today we are taking them along with their siblings and four friends to a spring fed watering hole to swim. It should be lots of fun.

May all your wishes come true! Love you pretty girl!

I could have added what an amazing athlete she is to the list... first in all her races, great soccer player, cheerleader, basketball player....

We love you Abbey and cant wait to see what you become! You are truly a blessing in our lives.

Pink Clouds, Back doors, and ELVIS...

I feel like I have only been "recapping" our busy summer and have not taken the time to share with you some of the funny thoughts and sayings that the girls say throughout the days. There are always so many funny things that happen around here that I could share many stories each day. Today has just been a day at home! We are really enjoying just "being" before we have to begin going and going and getting a routine again with school. This morning as I was trying to take a bath in the peace and quiet, I was greeted by Emiley and Abbey. They brought their little stools into the bathroom to watch me take a bath and to just talk this morning. It wasnt long until Lainey had joined them and as most of my baths end up, I had three sets of eyes watching me and three little mouths all talking at the same time. We began talking about school starting on Monday and how I would miss Abbey and Lainey while they were at school, but the days would go by fast and I would be there to pick them up every day. Lainey says, "Mommy, will you come get me when the clouds turn pink?" I was a bit confused, but I said yes I will be there around 2:45 ready to give you a BIG hug. I love her imagination and her way of thinking. She does not see ANYTHING in a normal way. It is all in a dream world and in a free spirit manner that makes her so special. I will be there to get her when the clouds are pink if thats when she thinks I need to get her! We then started talking about birthdays, since Abbey's big day is tomorrow, Emiley's is in about three weeks, and Lainey's was last month. Emiley asked when she was born and I told her Sept. 18, 2002. Lainey asked what year she was born and I told her 2001. Abbey chimes in, "I was born a LONG time ago in 1999." Emiley says, "Is that when Elvis was alive?" Emiley and Lainey are obsessed with Elvis right now. They get me to sing some of his songs, we listen to his songs on satellite radio, and have watched Graceland on the Today show recently. Anyway, I tell her no, Elvis was long before 1999... and that he died right after I was born in 1975. She said, "Well, I knew it was 19 something." Later in the morning, I banned the girls to the outside, much like Summer Best, because they were having a little spat. Lainey went out quickly and Emiley was taking her time. So, Lainey yells in the house, "Tell Emiley to get her back door out the door!" I asked what she meant, what is her back door. Lainey said, "You know, her bad word, B-U-T-T!" Somewhere along the way she has learned to spell that bad word. I think that came from
Abbey and something she learned at school! I am sure Lainey will learn a lot more things this year in Kindergarten!

More Pics...

There are more pictures of the girls from this weekend's Disney Musical. Just go to www.anglin.com and check them out! They are super cute... You will have to scroll through the first few pages to get to some of them, but they are there and worth checking out!...
Eight years ago today I was being induced with Ms. Abbey Grace. Check in tomorrow to celebrate her awesome eight years of life. August "tinty-tird" as she use to say is her "Special Day!"

Amazing Weekend!...

We had another amazing weekend and we were able to just stay in Hamilton this weekend! It all began Saturday morning when Abbey attended a soccer clinic for the beginning of soccer season. Abbey loves soccer and looks forward to this time of year! There were three young men you play on a competitive club team that helped them with some skills and rules lessons. Abbey did a great job and is so excited for the season to begin. Then we spent the afternoon getting ready for Sunday. We had casseroles and desserts to make for the luncheon at church, a house to clean for our guests, ACAPPELLA, and hair and costumes to get ready for the Disney musical Saturday night.

The Disney Musical was a Gala to benefit the Hamilton Civic Theatre. There was a cast of over thirty children and adults from Hamilton who performed songs from various Disney movies. Abbey and her buddies were the puppets from Pinocchio and they sang, "Got No Strings." They were SUPER cute! They did a song and dance number in the show during the first act.

Abbey spent the day in foam rollers to get her pigtails this curly! I was glad they stayed until her performance.

Lainey and Emiley were sparrows again. They were "extras" in many of the songs such as "Bear Neccessities" and "Just Around the River Bend." They also had a "free style" dance they did in another song that they had never even practiced. Of course Lainey had practice such a dance every day in our living room. It was so cute to see her "free spirit" whirl and twirl around the stage withough a care in the world. She is definately a performer. This act was right before intermission. During the intermission, everyone was saying what a great job our little sparrows did! They stole the show!!!

Here are the Pinocchio girls in action. Their act was great and they had only been practicing for about two weeks.

During intermission, Abbey had a quick change into a mouse. She was an extra in the Aristocats song as part of the animal band.

Here is a shot of the sparrows in action in one of their songs. They had so much fun just being themselves!

Here are all the animal extras listening to Pocahontas sing. This was really a great show! They are thinking of having it again over the Labor Day weekend.

The play ended close to ten o'clock and we were ready for bed. We thought we were going to house an Acappella singer Saturday and Sunday nights, but our singer did not arrive in town until Sunday... which was a good thing since it was so late after the play and the girls were exhausted! Sunday began with a BANG! We had church at our normal time and we were blessed to have the Acappella guys in our Bible class and in our church service Sunday morning. The singing was AWESOME! We all left services uplifted, thankful, and ready to praise GOD all day. We had a potluck lunch and then it was off to the races! The girls and I ran home to change while Will went up to the school to help set up for the concert. Then it was back to the church to cut tomatoes, lettuce, onions, cook patties and get ready for 350 teens to arrive at our church for the youth rally and concert.

Prayers were answered and the auditorium of our church was at maximum capacity! We even had to add two rows of chairs in the back. The singing was outstanding! It brought tears to my eyes as we sang my favorite song... "Love One Another" from I John 4. The title of the youth rally was RESCUED and how we are rescued because of God's grace and love for us. This was such a positive experience for my girls to see this many young people worshiping God! I was so renewed!!!
During the middle of the rally I had to head off to the school to "learn" how to sell CD's from the Acappella guys. We got our lesson and then the troops arrived!!! We sold lots of CDs and t-shirts and enjoyed an amazing concert. I again got tears in my eyes as I watched Abbey, Lainey, and Emiley sing their hearts out to songs we listen to in the car all the time. They sang their favorite song "Bossom of Abraham" and they were dancing in the aisles. It was a great day! I am so thankful to give my children fun, positive, Christian days like today. The concert was a success and the girls all got autographed pictures of the singers.

This is a horrible picture, but is the only one I got before my battery died! I was so upset that I couldnt a picture of the girls with the singers, but where do you buy batteries in Hamilton at 10 at night. We got the trailer loaded and had a great dinner and visit with the Acappella group at the Horne's house. After Lainey fell asleep (close to midnight) it was time to head home with Zach... When we got in the suburban, of course, Acappella was playing and it just happened to be one of the songs that Zach sings lead on. He gave the girls their own little concert in the car! We had an amazing day!!! The girls were exhausted and slept until 10 this morning. They were very upset when they realized Zach was already gone... they had to head out at 7 this morning.

"Thank you Lord for such an amazing weekend. Thank you for renewing my spirit with the blessing of other Christians coming to worship with us this weekend. Thank you for my precious babies who love you, too! May we live a life worthy of your praises..."

Where has the week gone?...

Well, it is already Friday and I can easily say, "I dont know where the week has gone!!!" I will try to lay it out for you... as I try to recap the last five days that flew by in a FLASH!
Monday...We sort of took the first day of the week to recover from vacation. I got the house cleaned, unpacked from vacation, and did load after load of laundry. I dont think I got out of my P.J's all day. I also woke up not feeling so great. The beginnings of a sinus infection which always leads to a migraine!
Tuesday...This was a great day. We spent the morning doing our usual morning stuff... making beds, more laundry, breakfast dishes, baths, getting dressed, etc. Then the girls had play practice at 2 for the Disney musical that is this weekend. They are doing such a great job. Abbey's act is SOOOOO cute. I cant wait to post pictures after Saturday. She is in the Pinochio act with three other little girls and they are adorable! Anyway, Tuesday evening we took the girls to Grammy's and headed to Waco with about 12 friends on an RV for Bridgette's birthday. It was LOTS of fun. The RV was turquoise on the outside and pink leather on the inside. B's father-in-law had bought it on ebay so they could head to Disney World this weekend. There were some young girls at George's were we ate that asked us if we were famous of something. We all laughed and said we were here for B's birthday. They said "Oh, is she 21?" We said no that she was 32 and had three children! They couldnt believe it. We also tried to tell this young girls that the hubbies that had joined us were the agents, SINCE WE WERE FAMOUS and all! It was lots of fun... I am so thankful for great friends...And a got an antiboitic for my sinus issues...
Wednesday... I really wanted to sleep in since we did not get home until late Tuesday night, but my early bird kiddos do not allow that. I thought we would just have another relaxing day at home (sort of like Monday) but our good friends Lee Ann and her daughter Lauren called and invited us to swim. So we got dressed and spent most of the day swimming and playing with them. I was once again blessed for good friends for me and my girls. The day was cooler than it had been and a good day to just sit by the pool and visit!
Thurday... OH MY! Betsy and I decided we would take all SIX girls to Waco to do some last minute school shopping and buy school supplies. We both had lists a mile long. We had a little girl at almost every age... Katie, 8; Abbey H., 7; Lainey, 6; Abby K., 5; Emiley, 4; and Gracie, at 2.5 years! It was busy and my suburban was loaded down. We made stops at all the shops for school clothes, bought a few needed pairs of jeans, headed for lunch at Chick-fil-a and then braved WalMart. Once we got to WM we were already so tired, we just decided to get the school supplies and head home. We had to be home by six anyway, because the girls had dress rehearsal at 630. We got home just in time to head to practice. Practice then lasted until 10 and needless to say... my early birds slept a bit later this morning.
Friday... I was so happy this morning when the girls did not wake up at 645... but we were all pulled out of bed when the ORKIN man arrived at 730 to spray! YUCK... so we got up and have gotten busy so far today. We have lots of errands planned for today, along with some HEAVY DUTY cleaning. We also get to find out who the girls teachers are today... it is suppose to be posted at the school this afternoon. Our church is hosting a youth rally and Acapella concert this weekend. We are fortunate enough to get to house one of the singers this weekend, but my house is in deep need of deep cleaning. So off to clean today before Abbey's soccer clinic, the play, church, youth rally and concert this weekend! I will have lots to update you with!!!

Schlitterbahn = Summer Fun...

This past Thursday and Friday we took a little mini-vacation with the Horton family. We went to Schlitterbahn, like we do every year, but this year was extra special to have Jason, Amy, Kate, Kooper, Case and Kenna with us. The Hales and Hortons had not been to Schlitterbahn together since Kooper and Abbey were babies. We had so much fun!! This is the first time that we OPENED Schlitterbahn up and SHUT IT DOWN. We got to New Braunfels just in time to eat Chick-Fil-A breakfast, Will's favorite and head to the park just a little past ten. We joked that we had it made this year. We have figured that you must take lots of water, snacks, sandwiches, and a ROLLING COOLER! We easily pulled our cooler in the park and got our "usual" spot. The kids were pretty brave and tried a lot of the rides. The family blaster was their favorite!!! Kate, Kooper, Lainey, and Abbey thought they were so big because they got to go down, the four of them all alone, in a tube together.

Kate and Abbey posing for the camera. They have grown so much!

Kooper and Case giving me a smile!

Since we closed down the park, we did not get checked into our hotel until after 8:30 and did not head to dinner until 9:15 after we took quick showers. We went for some Italian food and had a wonderful visit over some great food. Jason said he would pay any child $5 if they could stay awake through supper. Case did not make it!

Abbey and Kooper held tight. They played tic tac toe to make it through dinner!

Kenna did not make it!

And Lainey and Emiley did not make it! This picture is of Lainey and Emiley in the car after we had carried them from the restaurant asleep. We slept late Friday morning, let the kids swim after breakfast, and made our noon checkout... Then headed straight to San Marcus to the outlet malls. We walked, sweated, shopped, and ate. It was lots of fun and we all found some great bargains, even WILL! We grabbed a frosty from Wendy's around five and headed to Austin to show Amy the IKEA. We had been looking forward to dropping the kids in the day care there and then shopping in silence, but of course it was closed due to them cleaning the area. Oh well, we made it through and found some gadgets for our homes. We HAD to stop by the pet shop to get Lainey's gold fish that she had been wanted for weeks. We closed the pet shop down and headed for dinner before heading to Hamilton. We got to town around midnight and CRASHED! We slept late once again... then the Hortons headed home and we headed to Brady for Whitney and Garrett's birthdays.

The girls had a fun Saturday at their cousin's birthdays eating cake, Vi's homemade ice cream, hot dogs, and swimming. It was good to see Poppy, Dee, EE, Uncle Gary, Aunt Vi, Mi-ma, Uncle Chad, Aunt Gina and of course the birthday kids Whitney and Garrett.

There were tons of kids in the pool playing the day away!

Lainey swam for a short time and then had a second and third helping of Aunt Vi's homemade ice cream. It has become a tradition at the kids summer parties!

Since we were not going to see Poppy, Dee, Mi-ma or Gary and Vi on Abbey's birthday, just 11 days away, she also got to open a few gifts. And guess what she got?? Everything TINKERBELL. Abbey is now set for school with a Tink book bag, thermos, lunch box, folders, pencils, and cap! She was, and still is SO excited. Needless to say, the girls slept all the way home from Brady and did not have trouble going to be early Saturday night. We were all completely worn out. It was a great FINALE to a very busy summer. This week we are looking forward to another performace in the Disney musical, an ACAPELLA concert and youth rally this weekend, buying school supplies, and a birthday party for Abbey with her best bud Brody, since their birthdays are only six days about! School will start soon and I can easily say we are ready to slow down and get back on schedule!