Father's Day 2014

Father's Day this year was a lot like Mother's Day. We celebrated separately with our Dads and got to spend special one on one time with each one of them. Walter was supposed to travel the night of Father's Day so he and the kids spent the weekend before Father's Day in Atlanta with Papa doing lots of playing and shopping (that of which I am sure Papa was thrilled about). The kids loved being in Atlanta and being around Papa celebrating him.

Walter's plans ended up changing so he was able to be with us all day on Father's Day. The weekend was great. We went to the pool on Saturday and then lunch on Sunday with my Dad and then we all went to the lake.

Ann Elizabeth made a Hummingbird Cake from scratch for Walter, Boppy and Uncle Jon. It was delicious. We took it to the lake with us and enjoyed it on the boat.

I loved being able to celebrate my Dad and my hubby. Both are the most important men in my life and I love them to death.
I am so thankful for a great role model such as my dad and a wonderful role model for my kids...Walter.

Summer Day 1

Summer is here. We are so ready for a break and rest/sleep.

Walter spent the day at the White Water Center with his friend Jude for his birthday. They went rafting, rock climbing, kayaking and zip lining. He had a great time.

Ann Elizabeth has her friend Anna Kate over and they played Ameeican Girl dolls and swam at the pool. 

Both kids has a great first day of summer! 

4th grade and 2nd grade awards

Wells Fargo Golf Tournament

Walter was able to get tickets for us to go  Sunday to the last day of the golf tournament this past weekend. The kids always love to go and walk a few holes and then they are done. This year we had an extra ticket so Ann Elizabeth was able to bring her friend Anna Kate with her. They has fun and were able to see their favorite golfer "lefty" and then they were ready to go.

Done and playing in the dirt. 

Mothers Day 2014

This year for Mother's Day we were able to spend time with both of our moms separate. It was great to have both of them to our self.

We got together with my Mom..GiGi, before Mothers Day and cooked out at our house. Everyone attended and it was great for Mom to have everyone together. 

Walter's Mom came into town later that week and we celebrated with she and Papa. We went to Longview for lunch and then enjoyed the afternoon at home. 

I loved being with my babies and celebrating with the Moms. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family and I am so thankful for my sweet children that call me Mom. It is truly the best gift ever.

Yes I Can basketball

Ann Elizabeth played in a girls basketball league this spring and she loved it! Her PE coach, Marlene Jeter-former UT basketball star, put the spark in AE to continue on in her sport that she loves. She played with a few other girls from school on her team. The first half of the practice was for instruction and the 2nd half they played a game. 

Ann Elizabeth did so good and learned so much more about the fundamentals of basketball. 

She was picked for the All-star team by her team mates and her team won. 

AE had a chance to shoot a free-throw in the game because she was fouled and she made the shot! We were so excited for her and she was super pumped! 

All-Star team picture! 

Ann Elizabeth piano recital 2014

Sunday was Ann Elizabeth's annual piano recital. She has done great this year and worked really hard to memorize her pieces. She received a superior in the hymn festival she played in and was recognized for that.

She is so talented and she loves her teacher Mrs. Hughes who we are so thankful for . 

Easter 2014

This year went spent Easter as out little family of 4. We has just returned from spring break and had to head back to school on Monday. Our Sunday was a great time of worship at church and then a wonderful lunch at Longview. We missed Easter egg hunting in Saturday at the club so we did our own hunt once we got home from lunch. 

Bridge Run Weekend

This weekend was Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston. Walter and I have been going since we moved back to Charlotte but this was the first year that we trained and were planning to run together. 

Friday night we ate dinner at Halls Chophouse on King and it was amazing. The food was delicious and the service far exceeded our expectations. 

Saturday morning was the run and we got up super early. No shuttle from the hotel so we had a car pick us up and drive us to the Mt.P side. It was a beautiful 68 degrees and once the sun came up it was a gorgeous Charleston day. 

We finished in under an hour which was our goal time. Walter did fantastic and finished in 55:14 and I finished in 58:02. He smoked me. I looked up at the start line from starting my watch and he was gone. He took off running. I am so proud of him for holding his pace. He is a machine. 

After the race we headed to roof top bar at Market Pavillion to hang out with our friends. It was so nice and sunny and the views were great. 

We bailed after an afternoon of shopping and fun and had dinner in our own at Hanks Seafood...one of our favorites. It was great to be back in Charleston and visit our favorite places and a great weekend for us to reconnect! 

2nd grade Manners Luncheon

Today was the manners luncheon for 2nd grade. Boys and girls were to dress in their Sunday best and they were served spaghetti to eat. During the lunch they had a teacher walk then through how to eat correctly and what utensil to use. All the students looked so great and Walter was even eating a salad. It will be interesting to see what he says about it today after school. 

Reunited with Holly and Liz

After a day of traveling we all finally are together. The 3 of us haven't been together since 2003. We have 3 days full of fun planned! Holly lives on Travis AFB and her view of Sacremento and Napa is beautiful. Her home is beautiful as well and she makes it so inviting! 

Boosterathon Fun Run

The past week at school has been our annual boosterathon fundraiser. As much as I dislike this, this kids love it!

They raise money by pledges and have to run a fun run at the end. This year both kids did fantastic on raising money...thank you Daddy and on running. Ann Elizabeth ran 51 laps and Walter ran 41. They had a blast. I am so thankful that Walter was able to be there since I couldn't be. And a special treat...Boppy and GiGi where there too! 

Randomness of the last 2 weeks

The last 2 weeks have been really crazy! After Walter's birthday I got sick with the stomach bug and was out of work for 2 days. It was misery! Ann Elizabeth then followed me and missed school for a few days as well. 

Thankfully the boys missed it!

Our school once again participated in Stop Hunger Now and the students filled up bags of food to be shipped to those in need. They all had to wear hair nets..and Walter thought it was super cool!

The weekends around here have been fantastic. In the high 70's and sun shinning. We have needed it! The kids used this opportunity to get the water balloons out and play. 

Daddy...what can we say about him. Always working, even when driving a car. We love that man! And what the kids don't know...this may be our new jeep! YIPPIE!

Walter's sweet teacher sent me this picture the other day! Walter has started a trend in the classroom with the reading timers. This is the only way he can make sure he doesn't go over his 30 min of reading a day! Obsessed with time!

This past week has also been very bitter sweet. My Aunt Becky passed away after a long battle with cancer. She was the only living sibling left of Dads. They did a service for her in Rocky Mount, NC where she lived but then came to Rock Hill to bury here with her parents and other siblings. This is a picture of all the cousins. It was great to see them all again...just sad the reason we were all together. 

And this weekend, Ann Elizabeth started in her Yes I Can basketball league. She is super pumped up about it. She has had much encouragement from her PE teacher at school Marlene Jeter and is really motivated. She is even on the Tennessee Vols Team...same one Coach Jeter played on in college. She is pumped!