Addie's New Bed...

So Addie may hold the Guinness World Record for the longest use of a baby bed. This sweet child of mine has a sentimental side like no other.  She has slept in the bed since she was 2 months old.  When she was 2 1/2 years old I remember converting it into the toddler bed and then sitting on the floor crying (I was 6 months preggos and a little hormonal) thinking she was soooo big and almost ready to leave for college.   

This is the day I was crying... in the floor... taking a picture:)  

Well since she is 3 pounds away from the weight limit of the crib mattress and springs, we decided it was time... but with sweet Addie Reese we had to have a plan of action.  So we thought, who could we give the crib to that Addie just loves and adores????  Who other than Mrs. Janessa... our much loved kindergarten teacher and friend... who is expecting a sweet little girl any day.  Addie loved the idea so we went with it.  Most people have to give away pacis... we have to give away beds. Although she was a little sad about her bed leaving she is now snug as a bug in her new BIG GIRL bed.  Now we are waiting for a Friday night free for a sleepover with her BFF Aubree.

Poppa and Daddy were the working team getting the bed set up and ready for the princess.

Last night in her crib/toddler bed... 6 1/2 years old... and proud of it.

First night in new bed...

I think it is a keeper!

The Zoo Crew....

We celebrated Poppy's birthday with a lot of wild animals... and I am not talking about the children... just look at the picture below.  It was a very strange Memphis day with low humidity and a high in the low 80s.  Addie and Drew loved getting to share time with Ninnie and Poppy at the zoo... which is one of their favorite places.  We had two special experinces that day!  We had the chance to feed the giraffes.  Addie was a little timid and Drew really did not want a part in the experience.  Kyle let one eat the lettuce leaf from his mouth (which Addie's reply to that was "you are not getting a kiss from me until you brush your teeth")  and I was just amazed at how long their tongues were.  

Addie and Poppy also rode a camel.  Addie is not ready to trade in her car seat for a camel and gave it a big thumbs down in comfort.   What a great day full of family and fun!

Tripp loving the zoo!!!

Kristen, Addie, and me feeding the birds...

Checking out the zebras...

Kyle being the cool dad:)

1st days of school...

I have a special place in my heart for the 1st day of school.  The new supplies... the fresh, nice looking clothes... new haircuts... new shoes... squeaky clean classrooms... I really just love the start of a school year.  It is full of possibilities.   
Addie has been excited about starting 1st grade since the last day of kindergarten.  I have a feeling this little girl of mine might just have my love for school.  When she walked in the door of our lovely school for Open House she said, "Wow... I love that school smell!  I sure have missed this place!"  Well with that being said here is a look at Miss Addie's 1st days of school....

Addie's 2 year old Mother's Day Out @ Walnut Street

3 Year Old Preschool @ FUMC

4 Year Old Preschool @ FUMC

Kindergarten

1st Grade

She is ready to roll...

Addie's wonderful teacher Mrs. Annette

 

Drew will begin his journey this year.  He started Preschool @ First Baptist this morning.  Daddy took him and made my heart happy by lugging the "good camera" to take pics for me.  I am impressed with my fellas because they did a great job.  Drew walked in with zero tears and had a great day with new teachers and friends.   I am very blessed that Drew is spending the day with two friends that are going to be his teachers.  They have done an amazing job creating a brand new preschool program at our church. 

I don't know about this...

I think he is going to like it!

 

Happy School Year to everyone!!!! 

 Hug a teacher for me... we need it sometimes:)

Summertime...

I once read on another blog about a mom who counted her children's summers down.  Sounds a little depressing but also puts things in perspective.  Addie has 12 more summers at home before she leaves our home and Drew has 15 more summers.  So what do I wish to do with those summers??  Soak up all of the goodness that makes for long days but short summers with my favorite people.  Now that we are in the school years... dance... soccer... gymnastics... and the other million things we do as a family, summertime is even more special to me. I love the no schedule, pool going, playground finding, daddy stopping by for lunch, summer night walks to get flowers, cartoon watching, cuddles on the sofa reading books, and much much more.  I hope Addie and Drew have enjoyed their summer because I know I have enjoyed mine. 

Happy Birthday America!!!!

The Sanders' celebrated the 4th out west... that is West Tennessee with the rest of the Sanders!  This July has been a little strange in the weather department.  For our country's birthday the high was in the low 70s and very.very.rainy... but that did not stop us from having fun in the water, riding 4-wheelers and golf carts, and eating a lot of great food.  This day was made even greater because we got to bring our dear friends Dave and Renee with us for the fun. 

These girls were real troopers when they fell off unexpectedly.  Aly was awesome staying really close to Addie while Kyle jumped in to help.  Them telling the story was really fun.

Addie is ready to celebrate!

Hayden taking in the river.

Kyle relaxing on the tube... Poppy was being really careful aka too slow for Kyle.

Captain Poppy and Drew.

My Crazy Photo Bomber Brother In Law

Kyle made a blackberry pie with the fruits from Ninnie and Poppy's berry picking walk.

It was really good considering Kyle could not look at a recipe because we do not get Internet at the river... something he forgot about the day before when he was looking up pies.  He has a great memory.

Our Independence Day continued to the lake on Friday.  Clint and Kristen's awesome friends were nice enough to let us tag along... minus kids~ thank you Ninnie and Poppy for having an awesome camper.  We were able to soak in some sun before the bottom fell out of the sky and see some fantastic wake boarding.  

Kristen's brother Aaron showing his skills on the water.

Kyle watching and taking all the advice before his turn.

I was not brave enough to strap on a board so

 I just took the role of photographer... are you surprised??

Tripp loving the boat... this was taken when the boat was docked... he had a life jacket.

Clint jumping some wakes.  Funny thing about this boy... he can do this on the water but almost broke his ankle walking down some steps... oh that Clint.

Kyle giving it a whirl...

He still needs a little more time.

Our great host Corey.

Look at Kristen Go!!!

I think she was a little surprised.

 After fun times at the lake, we returned to the river for more tubing and fireworks.

Happy Birthday USA!!!!