Ice Cream - A Full Outfit

Good thing Christopher gave him a bath before he had his dessert - chocolate ice cream with a brownie. Xander loves dessert. He loves them so much he wears them.....

My First Accident (Aug 10, 2023)

It was bound to happen sometime. I'm 42 and have never been in a car accident. Which also means I had no idea what to do when I was hit from behind leaving the high school parking lot. Do I call the police? Do I take pictures of their information? Do I call my insurance? I had no idea! Thankfully the school cop was nearby and the passengers of the other car ran and got him for us.

Quick story, I was leaving the parking lot, stopped at the stop sign to make sure it was clear to make a right turn, got hit from behind by a senior and her 4 friends. The cosmetic damage is minimal, but now my back up sensors don't work. 

Her mom wants to try to fix things without insurance. We've had two quotes so far. Still waiting on one, but the first one was 2066.??. Maybe we will have to include insurance! The poor girl though - first week of school, first car, first accident. It was a rough day for them - and all they wanted to do was just get some chick-fil-a after school! But on the brighter side, the cop didn't give her a ticket like he should have. He told her she was following too closely...but would let her off with a warning. Nice cop!

 

Alyssa and Matthew Archibald

We attended Christopher's cousins' child wedding this weekend and I want to save all the pictures for future open houses! Annette is a ninja at making all these delicious cakes and decorating the church. They also had a homemade salsa and chip bar, Italian ice drink station (Nick's favorite) and fresh fruit. As you walked in they had this cute sign and a bubble machine. To welcome the guests they had Alyssa's brother Westin there to take a polaroid of your family for you to use to sign their guest book. It was amazing!

 

Andrew Starts Marching Band (July 25, 2023)

Poor Andrew had and insane summer. After spending most of his summer in Utah, then helping his grandparents pack up their house to sell it (in Las Vegas with 110-115 degrees heat!) he jumped on a red eye and headed back to VA to start marching band. He was seriously dragging and I'd find him sound asleep in random places at home. 

I think he thought marching band was going to be a cake walk - but quickly found out they mean business! 8am-4pm 5 days a week in the heat, outside, carrying his massive sousaphone. He would come home every day starving, tired, and sore. 

"Mom, I'm not tired, I'm just going to veg for a bit....."

5 minutes later.....

Doesn't he look so handsome in his uniform?! They had pictures done the first week of school. His hair is getting crazy long!  And he learned "whites" (the clothes they wear under their uniform since they all get dressed in the band room) are very important to remember....

Nick Rides a Bike! (Aug 12, 2023)

We have another bike rider! Nick is four years old and has been riding his balance bike since he was 2. When he got this bike he just jumped right on, needed a little help getting rolling - then took off! He went up and down the driveway, even turned! Braking is still a little iffy, but give him another day or two and he will be a pro! And yes, he has a helmet and he wears it.

Kallie's First Quilt (Aug 1, 2023)

 One big item on Kallie's before college bucket list was to make a quilt. I love making quilts, but haven't in a few years because of moving, babies, life, etc. I was just happy I could remember how to set it up and found all the parts! We had purchased all the supplies months ago, and it has just been hanging out in the basement. One day we got energy and decided today was the day!

Kal's a natural. Once we got the quilt on the frames and pinned down, I showed Kal how to tie one or two and she was on a roll! Kal brought down her laptop, turned on Bones, and was off to the races! We got the whole quilt tied in a day and a half (this one is a king size). Nick really wanted to help, but was just a little too short, but Zack joined in with us!

Someone was so excited to cuddle up in her new blanket she couldn't wait till it was all tied and quilted. Finally, we did the last stitch! She (and her back) were thrilled!

We got the sides trimmed and pinned and then she was off to sew it. She was so excited to cuddle up with her blanket and read a book....unfortunately Zack beat her to it....

Don't feel too bad for her though - between getting her wisdom teeth out, having to sleep on the couch, late night movies, and Sunday naps - she's had her fair share of blanket time...