Monarch Season

Eya and Poppy came for a visit and their most exciting "present" was a container with 6 Monarch Butterfly cocoons. The first two hatched shortly after they left but we are still waiting on the others. Alyssa can throw a good tantrum, like only 4 year olds can do, but when she walks you through the life cycle of a butterfly, I am amazed at how much she knows and has learned from her Eya - the Queen of Butterflies.

Eya and Alyssa checking out the cacoons. We spell cacoon with a "ca" because that's how Alyssa says it, and it's so cute. You know, caterpillar, cacoon, etc.

Wow - two butterflies! The small light green ovals are the other "cacoons" that will hatch soon.

To touch a butterfly - so very cool!

So pretty and so delicate!

Bye, bye butterfly - or maybe that's Adios!

Sometimes Alyssa DOES wear clothes, here she is in full entomologist gear, ready for bug hunting!

Just 'cause I thought it was a neat shot - two Assassin bugs mating (of course, identified by Eya)

Alyssa says, "That's just plain buggy to her!"

Jake's Birthday Party

Jake's Birthday Party was also a blast - Alyssa going down the Slip n' Slide.

Alyssa and Jake at the bottom of the slide.

Drew having some fun - Argh!

First Mate Alyssa

Alyssa and her buddy Austin doing laps on the trampoline.

Tired pirates taking a break

The sinking ship birthday cake

Making a treasure chest. An awesome party for a really great friend we hope to see you again soon Jakey!

Georgia's Birthday Party

Georgia had a pool, pony and pixie party that was a real blast! Here are some photos:

Alyssa, Piper, Jake and Georgia swimming with Sam, Georgia's Dad.

Alyssa's first pony ride - Georgia feeding him carrots.

Oops another "P" - Pinata

The anticipation of goodies . . .

SUCCESS!

Momma's New Job

Well, you know the saying, "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" I guess we now have a new one around here: "If Momma's working, ain't nobody blogging!" After my sabbatical, I decided to make a major career change from Medical Center Compliance Manager to Pre-school Teacher. It has been difficult to get a good nap much less blog :) I am really glad to be back in the working world again, I have a super boss and a true family of co-workers. And our mission - smiling faces and creating a safe, loving environment for young minds to learn, hard to beat! So I will try to do better blogging - thank goodness for backdating! Here are a few photos from my new job:

Mrs. Kim's Class - My First Classroom

The best husband I ever had (and then some) putting child proof locks on my shiny new cabinets and counter top.

Pre-school Philosophy and why I feel this is the place to be!

Another Busy Weekend

We had another busy weekend, in fact we took an extra day to squeeze in even more activities! On Friday we headed to the Lake Murray Lake House to spend some quality time with Nana and Vuvva. The weather was pretty nasty but Alyssa's twin cousins, Emily and Erica, came over to make it a night of FUN! Saturday the weather was great and the ZIP LINE was working so Alyssa played hard! We all went for a boat ride and then got cleaned up for a party for Nancy and Jeffrey who are getting married in October. Alyssa and the twins had a babysitter and tons more fun! We enjoyed some fine Saluda hospitality, awesome food and storytelling by quite a character! Even with a late night we were up early for Church to see Miller get baptized. He was so great for his baptism but the ceremony wore him out. The adults and older children really enjoyed the luncheon at his home while he was napping!

First road Trip in the Camry and in Alyssa's new "Boost"

Emily and Erica helping Vuvva with the Zip Line

Hot dogs for Hungry Girls.

Time for a Boat Ride with Captain Vuvva


The Zip Line in Action!

Party for Jeffrey and Nancy

Miller - all decked out in white!

Aunt Lisa and Nana

Granny and Uncle Clay

Just a Swingin'

Team Toyota

I thought about titling this post "Out with the Old, In with the New" but in this household we're big on the TEAM concept. So we bought a new car - yay! A 2009 champagne Toyota Camry. It was really hard to let my 1996 Dark Green Honda Accord go, but it was time. As well as being a super cool car (especially in 1996) it was part of the "magic" that Drew and I first shared when we met. He had the same car! Only his was the 1995 version but same color, and everything else just alike. Back then we called ourselves "Team Honda." So now we're back as Team Toyota with 2 gold colored cars - Hannah Highlander and I think were going with Champ, short for champagne! So here's a few photos:

End of Summer Party

Alyssa's school had an End of Summer Party - we had planned to make it an Alyssa and Momma day but someone had 3 cotton candys along with other "Fair Food" and her tummyache made her not want to do anything but lay on the couch and watch videos! Well, that worked for Momma - ha! Here are some photos from the day:

Alyssa's Class - sitting still - Let the FUN begin!

Alyssa and Hali slurping down a snocone!

Face Painting by Ms. Jackie and Ms. Melissa

Alyssa's 1st Cotton Candy of the day - can you believe that smile?!?