Bailey and I went to the zoo today. We normally try to get there at least once a week, but haven't made it since school started. We took along her best buddy, "Baby" Chloe (they were born a day apart)and her mom Andrea. It was a very fun time! I haven't been to the zoo with just one child in a very long time.....it was a good chance to reconnect with Bailey.......she is also very independent and likes to do things on her own. I think she enjoyed the day too......she had a great conversation with a gorilla and kept trying to kiss him.....I finally convinced her to blow him kisses.....it was adorable!

Bittersweet

I pulled up to school today as Ethan said, "Mom, I think I want to walk in by myself today." WHAT?!? I couldn't believe it.....Mr. Independent. So, I walked Chloe to her locker and Ethan went down the long Kindergarten hall all by himself....after I dropped Chloe off I did go sneak to his room to peek in the window and make sure he made it and there he was sitting there like a big boy.......so sweet. They grow up too fast!

Catch Up

Ok, so I can't even hardly remember how the first day of school went......it's been so long! The last day of summer was a great day! Grandma Mary came up with a cake she made for the first day of school. We took her to a spray park to enjoy their last day. We had a lot of fun......all I could think about was much my children were growing and how much I didn't want them to leave me. But the day did arrive.....Chloe and Ethan got up pretty quickly and already knew what they were wearing.....the morning went very smoothly even with adding a few chores to the morning routine. Nick stayed home from work so he could be with us to take the kids to school......which was very sweet! We took Ethan first, he walked right in and found his name on his desk....he sat right down and pretty much looked at us like, "when are you leaving?" So, we said our goodbyes and I slowly made my way down the hall without crying, I may add.....next, to the 2nd grade room. Chloe looked so much older than I like, but I guess she really can't help it. We walked into her room and she found her desk, saw some familiar faces and gave us the same look that Ethan did.....I'm so glad our children are so secure, unlike me who was quickly falling apart.......I made it to the van and started to cry, just a little bit, not like Chloe's first day of Kindergarten.....it sure makes it easier when your kids want to go.......what will I do when Bailey's gone? I can't even think about that right now! So, Nick took off to work and Bailey and I headed off to her very first movie, Space Chimps.....it was cute and she did really well sitting there with her boyfriend, Hudson and best bud "Baby" Chloe.....it was adorable.....When I picked the kids up, Ethan was grinning from ear to ear and Chloe wasn't smiling......Ethan had the best day ever and Chloe didn't like her teacher....."she yelled all day long"~well, it has gotten better for Chloe, I think the first day was just a little hectic for her teacher......

Better Late Then Never!

Ok, Here is a little update on the Shepherd's spectacular and amazing lives.....................I know you can hardly stand the anticipation........

Thursday, Aunt Barb was watching the kids, she called to tell me Bailey had a temperature of 103 degrees......whoa! I rushed to her rescue and took her home......poor baby, she was really sick for 2 whole days.......neither of us got any sleep. She would wake up every hour on the hour and yell for me (I was on the other couch) she would say, "mommy, I need you, come put your head on my pillow." It was heartbreaking........Finally at 4:30am Saturday morning, she busted open our bedroom door and yelled "I not sick anymore!" It was so cute, she was very happy to be healthy again......so hopefully, this family is past that......NO MORE SICKNESS!

This weekend was too HOT to do anything! We tried to stay in doors as much as possible. Mom and dad came up for a visit Saturday. Dad didn't stay long because he could barely keep his eyes open (he worked all night) He drove his truck home. He'd let us borrow it to haul away tree limbs and get sand for our patio.......at first I was a little intimidated to drive that sucker.....it had been a long time since I'd driven a stick shift, but it didn't take me long to get back into the swing of things! I loved it......it felt like home.......

Uncle Bill called to let us know he and Aunt Holly were in town.....not for good reason, Uncle Bill's sister had a heart attack and they were in town visiting her.....mom and I got to visit with them for a little bit which was nice......we met them at NFM for drinks at Burger King......they thought that was funny......

Sunday, we took the kids to play putt putt golf......Bailey was so cute, she would just pick up her ball and go drop it in the hole.....Chloe, of course was very competitive and Ethan was just wondering if playing putt putt would build up his muscles.....(he wants to be a superhero when he grows up) It was nice family time for us......although, we went to Family Fun Center, we had a free coupon that the kids got for reading so many books in the summer reading program, anyway......I felt like we all needed tetnus shots after leaving that place.....it was pretty grimey.....our feet pretty much stuck to the floor with each step.....a little updating may be called for at that place.....oh well, it was free....can't complain too much....

The kids and I are trying to fit in as much as possible (fun-wise) before school starts! Chloe wants to go bowling, Ethan wants to do a craft (he loves to make superheroes out of toilet paper rolls). Chloe, her BFF, Blythe and I did catch a movie today.....American Girl, it was very cute.....that was on our summer to do list......just one more week and then they are off! I can't believe it!

I also had bible study Monday night......which is always a much needed time for me.....I love hanging out with my friends and discussing our relationships with Christ. We are doing a book, well, workbook, called Spiritual Intimacy.....it's written by some Women of Faith Woman.....it's going very well.......My great friend, Andrea has also joined Kim, Juli and I......I'm looking forward to diving in deeper and getting some spiritual intimacy with the One and Only!

Also, Soon To Be Aunt Sara brought Ethan a little surprise the other day........HIS TUXEDO for the wedding......I should make you all wait to see him in it on the big day, but I can't wait! He looks absolutely handsome........to die for..........He has just under a year until the big day, so I hope he doesn't have a growth spurt........