Steph's Bachelorette Party

I had taken on the task of planning Steph's Bachelorette Party, and I must admit this was a very intimidating task for me! I have never been a partier and Steph, back in the day, was a party girl. I wasn't very sure my ability to plan a party that everyone would think was fun and entertaining, not to mention in a town that I don't live in so I had no idea where to start. Luckily, the other girls were helpful and no one was too high maintenance when it came to the plans. I rented 2 rooms at the Magnolia hotel (a favorite of Steph's) and we had dinner plans at a Mexican restaurant. We had a couple bars that we knew we wanted to hit up so off we went. Crazy that single Steph is going to be a thing of the past!

This is the cutest picture! I think the guy at the bar was wondering what the heck we were doing, oh well. 

Snacks at this super cute little bar! Steph is a die hard murderino and this bar is owned by a fellow murderino so that is why we went. It didn't disappoint. Yummy snacks and drinks in a fun atmosphere.

These were the before pictures. Everyone had a good time. Everyone made it home safe and we were just a little "tired" the next morning for Steph's dress fitting. 

After 5 bars, lots of walking and lots of laughs!

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JoJo Siwa Concert

In January, I saw that JoJo Siwa was coming to Pinnacle Bank Arena for a concert. JoJo is an over the top pop singer (not a good singer) and actor that appeals to the young girls. Her signature is her crazy huge bows that she wears. They have become quite the fashion statement for all a lot of little girls! I knew that Emmy would love to go to this concert. It took some convincing but I got Robb to give the green light to me buying her a ticket. After I took Abby to her first concert Robb wanted to take Emmy to her first concert. So Robb being the awesome Dad he is took Emmy to the JoJo concert. He said that Emmy had a blast and loved it but over all it was a terrible concert. 

We had to get her a blingy jacket to wear and of course a JoJo bow.

Emmy couldn't have been happier! She loved every minute of it.

Sneak Peak at the Dress

Steph asked me to go with her to her dress fitting. I was super excited about it! I got a sneak peak into the custom dress that no one had seen yet. It was stunning and it fit perfect. Very few things needed to be done to make it perfect. We had such a fun night! We did the dress fitting and then ate at a pub close by. Steph and I can always find things to chat about. I know we fought as kids but I am so thankful that I have sister in my life! We are all looking forward to Steph and Lester's Wedding Day!

First Day of School

It's hard to believe that another year or school is starting! It is always hard to get back into the swing of school and give up our summer schedule. This year we had to get Emmy ready for school. We started to go to bed earlier and practice getting up and getting ready on time. I still think it is going to be a challenge but ready or not the time has come. Welcome to the world of school Emmy!

Our last baby to go to school. She was nervous but also excited! She looked adorable!

Abby is going into 5th grade at Norris Intermediate School.

Bryce will be a 7th grader at Norris Middle School.

Caleb will be a 7th grader at Norris Middle School.

Happy First Day of School Kiddos!

Emmy looked so little getting on the bus! I told her I would meet her at the school to make sure she got to the right class. She turned around at the last minute and looked like she was about to cry but Abby was helping her.

I booked it to the school and made it there just in time to see her getting off the bus. She looked tiny and super scared. I was glad that I was there to walk her in. Once she saw me she smiled and we walked into class together. 

Kindergarten

I will admit that it makes me tear up a little to type that our last kiddo is going to Kindergarten. That seems so crazy! She is more than ready but when did she get so old! Emerson has always acted older than she is so I have no doubt that she will do great in school but it is going to be so weird to not have her to hang out with on my days off!

She picked her unicorn backpack and had it all packed with her school supplies. She was excited but nervous!

She found her desk and her locker and we unpacked her supplies. We found where her room was from the bus doors and we found the bathrooms. All the important things.

Her teacher Mrs. Emeigh was super sweet. I think she will be a good fit for Emmy. I hope she has a great year!

Our last Kindergarten child.

Orientation Night

Abby will be a 5th grader in the Intermediate School this year. It will be her last year in this building. Hard to believe next year is middle school!

Mrs. Reiger is Abby's teacher this year. The boys warned Abby that she was crabby but that was not our experience at all. I think quiet, nice, well mannered Abby may have been an easier student to have than 2 rowdy boys.

Abby and Emmy had helped pick out all their school supplies. They had then organized all of them and carefully packed them in their bags. As we drove to orientation I chucked all the boys school supplies in the back seat to them as they frantically shoved everything in their bags. I guess this is the difference between boys and girls or between 5th grade and 7th. Who knows. Don't the boys look thrilled. We also had to threaten them that they must walk around and find all their classes and introduce themselves to their teachers. We were the worst parents they thought.

Saying Goodbye to Andrea

Emmy has been going to Andrea for daycare since she was 4 months old. I remember being so worried that we made the right decision for daycare. I was terrified to leave her the first time. We knew Andrea was a good choice, you just always worry about your kids. Luckily, we made a great decision and Emmy grew up going to Andrea's house 3-4 times a week. Andrea had a pretty rigid schedule and Emmy thrived in that environment. Emmy became one of the favorites because she does have such a BIG personality. When we had the discussion last year about doing preschool vs Andreas house she stepped up and took on teaching preschool. Emmy loves her and her 3 dogs. It will be very hard not to see Andrea every week. I am just grateful to have found someone that loved Emmy like we do!

Emmy and Beau are a week apart and have grown up in daycare together. They fought like they were brother and sister.

Andrea gave Emmy a couple picture frames with pictures of them together. Emmy was heart broken! She cried and looked at her pictures all the way home. We will stay in touch! Emmy will miss her too much not too!

Fishing

 We are trying to soak up every last bit of summer! No one is ready for summer to end and school to start. We spent an afternoon fishing at the pond by Campbells Nursery. There aren't any big fish in here but if you want to catch a bunch of small fish this is perfect.

Pawnee Plunge

Every year we try to fit a trip in to The Pawnee Plunge Water Park in Columbus. We cut it pretty close this year. We went on the last week that it was open. Everyone always has a good time here.

Robb and the boys like to do the surfing pool.

Bryce rode it like he was boogie boarding.

Caleb saw the opportunity for some fishing about half way through and went to fish in the pond at the park. This kid is fishing obsessed!

This year Emmy was almost big enough to do the rope ladder by herself. This has been her favorite part since she was tiny.