Upward

Rachel went to her first cheerleading practice on Saturday. Our church has a christian values based basketball/cheerleading program, called Upward. She was so excited about being a cheerleader, wearing a uniform and cheering for her "boy"friends while they play basketball. They had their first practice where they learned some very basic cheerleading motions, learned a VERY basic cheer, had a devotional and played lots of games. (Their cheer was: Go Blue! Go Orange! Go Upward!) Rachel loved every minute of it! Their games officially start in January, so we'll be at the church every Saturday for a couple of months, and we're really looking forward to it!!

Learning Grove Christmas Party

Excited about being there!!

pre-singing, she was all smiles!

pouting Rachel

Tristan, Ella and Drew were singing...but not Bennett or Rach



Rachel's homeschool co-op, Learning Grove, had a Christmas party. The kindergarten class was supposed to sing a few songs that they had practiced and then they would do crafts, snack and hygiene bags for the homeless shelter. The whole program was really cute and the boys and I stayed to watch/participate. Rachel loved it all except for singing with her friends. She refused to sing and just stood there with a pouty expression. Nick and I were a little disappointed and alot surprised. Even though we think she has an outgoing, lively personality, I guess we have to remember that she's 5 and she's still insecure about some things and/or just wants to behave immaturely. We love her so much including all her precious traits and quirks. We had a great time at her Christmas party and were proud to watch her, even if she just stood there.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!

Thanksgiving was great this year...30 people, 9 kids under 5, tons of delicious food all at the Milligan's! We had a blast and all the kids got along very well!

Athens Botanical Gardens

Bradley was watching a helicopter fly over us.

(turns out some guy had murdered his girlfriend and was on the run...

they thought he might be on a golf course up the road from the gardens.

He was actually in Oglethorpe county committing suicide.) We didn't know this while

we were at the gardens...I probably would have left!

I recently took the kids to the Botanical Gardens...just to get out of the house...and it's free! We ended up having a great time. Sometimes it just doesn't take much to entertain us. The kids loved the many gardens of flowers, trees and plants, and "mazes" that ran through them. There were tons of walking and hiking trails along with little streams and even a huge stone world replica that moved over water. We definitely want to take daddy back to do even more exploring. I tried to get a few good pictures while I was there, but it seems like someone's always looking in a different direction. It was a fun afternoon!

Bostwick Days 2009

We recently participated in the Bostwick Days Parade and had a great time even though it was just us. We were missing the Dukes, Carters and Mazzawis. Trent took his first wagon ride, and like everything else, took it in stride. Rach and Brad were so excited about riding in the wagon with papa. Rachel couldn't take her eyes off the teenage girls riding horses behind us. She wants to take horseback riding lessons very badly! Anyway, the weather was nice and we had fun although we left after the parade.

Scary Teeth!

Do you think it's time we took the kids to the dentist????

I like big butts and I cannot lie...

...but only when they belong to my precious baby boy!

(Please don't be offended, I'm snagging lyrics from Sir Mixalot.)