Forrest Spence 5K

We traveled to Memphis this weekend to take part in the 3rd annual Forrest Spence 5K. I ran the 5k and we ran the "one mile fun run" as a family. The children had a great time at all of the kids' stations. I couldn't be more proud of my friend Brittany and all that she has poured into this meaningful cause. David and Brittany's faith and courage are truly an inspiration! Here is a link to learn more about the Forrest Spence Fund http://www.forrestspencefund.com/about/

Memphis Redbirds

There's not much for a 3 year old and 5 year old to do on Beale St. Luckily the Redbirds had games this past weekend. They have a fairly new ball park and it's so nice. It was perfect weather for baseball and the kids (and dad and mom) loved it! After Friday's game there were fireworks. We left early enough to get everybody ready for bed but still watch the fireworks from our hotel!

Rendezvous

A highlight of our trip was a visit to Rendezvous! Oh how I LOVE that BBQ!! Blake is hooked now too!

Memphis Zoo

We had a wonderful visit to the Memphis Zoo. It is so nice and they have so many animals. It also seemed that we were a lot closer to the animals than other zoos we've visited. Blake and Blair had a great time!

Okay, so I think the best thing we saw at the zoo had to be the Polar Bear. He was just pacing back and forth for a while but then decided he needed to cool off with a swim. He was HUGE! Check out Blake's head in comparison. I was amazed!

Part of an exhibit called Teton Trek were two Grizzly bears. They decided to go for a swim in their pool, toss around a log and swat at each other a little bit. Very neat!

It was really neat to see the Panda's. Wish they hadn't been asleep but it was still neat to see them. The facility the zoo has for them is very elaborate.

I got a great picture of the baby monkey. It was really interesting to watch his mother and the members of the troop. One would grab the baby away from the mother and then she would have to go after it and then she would run/swing with it somewhere else.

These two lions were playing when we showed up. Then I think they must have decided to do what most good zoo animals do when they have visitors--sleep. The female casually walked over and got herself a spot by the window. She looked so peaceful Scott said it sort-of made you want to scratch her ears, but not really!!

First Day of Kindergarten

Today was the first half day of school. Kindergarteners just went with their parents for about an hour to meet their teacher and see their classroom. Blake has been consistently saying for three months that he isn't going to Kindergarten and as you can see from the picture in the classroom he wasn't overjoyed about being there. Scott took the morning off and we made a big deal about it. He will go back one day next week and one day the following week for screening in small groups with his teacher before returning full time on the 23rd. His teacher is Ms. Binkley. She has lots of experience and a wonderful classroom. I know he'll adjust fine.

The new backpack.

Blake's classroom. Can you tell how "thrilled" he is about being there?

Cousinpalooza 2010

We had a wonderful family reunion in east Tennessee this week of Scott's family. We got together on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and did lots of great eating (Texas brisket, Carnegie Deli pastrami, homegrown tomatoes, green beans, and more!) We visited and watched old movies and did a lot of catching up. It was really wonderful to see everyone and hope it's sooner rather than later when we get together again. Blair is sitting with her sweet Aunt Mary Ellen showing her all that is in her purse.

Tire swinin'

Aunt Becky had a gorgeous new fire pit built for our get together. We put it to good use on Saturday evening and made smores. You can tell that Blair enjoyed hers.

Doing some Tractor Ridin'

The Many Faces of Blair

The children and I traveled on to east Tennessee after our visit to Chattanooga. We spent the week at mamaw and papaw's. Blair is ready to go with papaw on a walk in the woods in one picture and pretty as a princess n the other. Unfortunately, Blake came down with a little virus so he spent most of his time on Mamaw's lap or on the couch.

Tennessee Aquarium

Uncle David and Aunt Harumi took us to the aquarium in Chattanooga for Blake and Blair's birthday. We had a lot of fun! Thanks Uncle David and Aunt Harumi!

They had a beautiful butterfly garden at the aquarium. Both of the children got to hold a friendly little Monarch. They thought that was particularly neat.