1st Day of School....

Well, for Ann Elizabeth at least-more on that later. We still treated today like a special day for Walter too. At the request of the children, Mommy made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast since it was a special day! They each ate on their " You are special today" plates and acted super silly at breakfast. Ann Elizabeth was super excited to get back to school. She really missed all of her friends over the summer and her teacher last year, Ms. Tuttle (she was a little upset that Ms. Tuttle wasn't going to be her teacher this year.) So, after posing for pictures off we went- I even let her pick out her own clothes, aren't you impressed. She basically ran in the door to school with excitement, and had a minor melt down when I picked her up at the end of the day. Oh to be almost 5 again and LOVE school.

Walter wasn't able to start school because they had a water line break at his school last week. Soooo another 2-3 weeks home with Mommy-that should be fun! He wasn't as dissapointed that he didn't go today like I thought he would be. We went to the YMCA and then to the park so he could be occupied as much as possible. We sure will be glad when the 2-3 weeks are up!!!! But, here is a picture of him in front of his classroom when we went to meet his teacher.

Are you kidding me?

These are too funny not to share. We had dinner the other night with our friends Rachel and Darren. The girls, Mc & Ann Elizabeth, sat at the table "texting" each other with there Daddy's Blackberry. How funny is this? I agree with Rachel that we as parents are too into our electronics for our 2 & 4 yr old!

Only a week left of Summer!

So we only have one more week of summer left. We have had lots of fun over the summer. The children have been to camps, made new friends and played lots at the pool and outside, and of course at the lake.

I really love summer with the kids, but man, are we ALL ready for school to start. Little Walter is so excited to be starting "Big Boy School", that he has worn his book bag around the house for the last couple of weeks. Of course with the at and guns too!

We do have to keep reminding Ann Elizabeth that she has one more year before Kindergarten. She is very anxious too to go to "real school".

So, this week, we will be doing all the last minute things for school. New shoes, meeting teachers, buying school supplies, piecing together clothes, etc. We have a busy week, but we are having fun together and spending lots of time together before we get "back to the grind".

Fun with Family & Friends!

So August has been really busy so far. In the past 3 weeks, we have traveled home to see my parents and had our friends travel here from Charleston to see us. We have had so much fun.

While at home we celebrated my Mom's 60th birthday. We had a party for her, which she knew about. My children were able to see there cousins again and run around GiGi & Boppy's house like a herd of cattle. Mom really enjoyed seeing all of her friends and having us back home. She tried to act like the children were a little much for her, but we all know, that she would have it no other way than to have her 4 grandchildren and 1 nephew running around her house.

(1st pic-GiGi & the 4 grandchildren. 2nd pic- 2 grandboys and 1 great nephew)

Once we got back from Rock Hill, my dear girlfriend Melody and her family came up to visit us from Charleston. I will agree with her on her post when she says, "There are just so few people in your life where it so effortless to be their friend. No matter what happens you just pick right up where you left off. I am so thankful to have such a friend in Melody."

(Walker and Nichols kids roasting marshmellows.....and a true picture of how the house was)

We made smores Nashville style on the chimnea, went to the Zoo and to the Adventure Science Center. We mostly hung out at the house and let the kids play and just talked. Walter and I really value the Walker family. They have been there for us through more than they can ever imagine! Thank you Lord for bringing Melody into my life. I just wish that you all had a "Melody" in your life!

The Walkers left on Thursday and we left on Friday for the lake. What a weekend it was. We had a great time. The children just love the boat.

And yes Gram, this is a picture of Molly sleeping with the children. Everytime we pulled her down, she got right back up on the bed, so we just left her.

Big Walter bought a towable float for the children and after making a few adjustments to the boat, we were set. Jeff, Heather and Addy Grace met up with us on Sat & Sunday and we took the towable for a spin. Ann Elizabeth loved it. She is so fearless that it amazes me.

Everyone was having a great time until.......the rope got run over by the jet ski and the jet ski stopped working. Oh, but that is nothing. We towed Jeff and the jet ski back to their marina, where Walter ran in to the dock. He hit it so hard that a lady came running out of her house boat to see what had happened. But wait, it gets better. I decided that I wanted to learn to drive the boat. I did great until we reached out marina, where I proceeded to hit our dock (no damage was done on either inccident-Thank Goodness). So, you would think that that was enough excitement for our weeked, not The Nichols. While Ann Elizabeth and I were looking for a cart to take our stuff out to the car, Walter was "watching" little Walter. 20 minutes later Ann Elizabeth and I return back to the boat and I go start loading our stuff. Down in the cabin I go where I find little Walter painting himself, and the bench seat with black/blue fingernail polish. Could it get any better? Oh well, what do you do? 2 people new to boating and 2 children (1 that is a boy under 3), I am sure we will have more stories to tell before it is over!

Sorry it has been so long. I hope everyone is doing well. We would love to hear from you!

Until next time...........

Weekend of Fun!

I am little behind, and Barbara reminded me that I haven't posted in a while, so here is some catch up!

Last weekend we spent out first weekend on the boat. It was an experience. Walter & I, 2 kids and the dog. It actually went better than expected.

We got a late start on Friday b/c Ann Elizabeth finished up soccer camp at the YMCA. Being that it was dark when we got to the lake and Walter was doing everything on the boat for the first time, he did a fabulous job! The children were super excited and didn't go to sleep until 10:30, and of course were up at 5:30. Oh the joys of a boat!

They both really enjoyed the water on Saturday. Ann Elizabeth is fearless and jumped right in off the back of the boat. She swam around like a little fish. Walter eventually got in the water and enjoyed it too. Hopefully he will get use to it and enjoy it as much as big sister.

Molly actually did better than I thought she would. She was probably the least amount of trouble. She slept right in the floor at our feet and was so calm the whole time that we were on the water. She didn't get in, but I think that she enjoyed the ride too!

On Sunday, our small group at church had a family get together. We met at The Welbys house for lots of outdoor fun. The kids were able to jump in the bounce houses, slide down the water slides and swim in the pool. The adults tried to come up with a name for our group that the church would approve of. Well here are some suggestions from the men of the group:

"Cheaper to Keep her", "Why God Why?", and "It's a Group Thing". Seriously, are you kidding me. Needless to say, Walter, Darren and Chad thought that those names were very appropriate.

Here are the 2 that made it to voting: "Marriage for Life" & "Growing God's Marriage".

We really enjoy our group and all the humor that goes along with. Walter and I fit right in and the children get along with everyone! Thank you Lord for placing us in this group!!

We are headed back to the lake this weekend-pending that Mommy feels better, so I am sure that I will have more stories next week!

Where does she get these things from??

Ann Elizabeth cracks me up. I am not sure where she gets the things that she says. But this is the funniest thing that I have ever heard her say.

She thinks that her Daddy is Mr. Fix It. Any time something breaks, she will just say, "wait until Daddy comes home, he will fix it. He can fix anything."

So the other day one of her toys broke and when he came home he said that he would fix it. Her normal response would have been, "thank you Daddy I love you." This day her response was,

"Do your best old man!"

I thought that I would die! It was the funniest thing ever!! What are the teenage yrs going to be like????

Hugg your Babies!

I am sitting here watching the new show Hopkins on ABC (yes I have to get my fix). As I am watching this little boy Peyton desperately struggle while waiting for a new heart, my heart breaks. It makes me realize, once again, how blessed I am to have my sweet children. Even though they are upstairs sick themselves, our fevers and pink eye is nothing compared to waiting for a new heart for your child.

Thank you Lord for all of our healthy children that you have given us. Be with the ones that aren't as fortunate as we. Let them rely on you to make it through the difficult times that they may face.

Hug your babies friends!! It makes me want to go and pick mine up out of the bed and love on them.

Sorry for the random post, but my heart is heavy! You know how I get addicted to these shows. They now get to me more than they use to! Maybe b/c I am a Mom now and love and feel the love like I never have before!!

Love to you all!

P.S. Peyton got his heart! (on Hopkins) Thank you Lord!!

We have been bittin by the bug!

Our family has been bitten by the boating bug. We love going out on the lake here. It is so relaxing and it feels like we are really "getting away". It is so nice to go up for the weekend and realx and swim when we want to, sleep when we want to, no chores, no phones (well sort of). It has become one of our favorite things to do. So...........Walter decided we needed a boat. YEA! Here is the new addition to our family.

We are struggling to come up with a name that will fit our family. Something funny of course. Ann Elizabeth's suggestion was, Th Cruise Ship of Ann Elizabeth. WHAT??? Where does she even come up with something like that. She cracks me up! If you have a suggestion for a name, I would love to hear it!

We are going to Alabama this weekend to clean our boat and prepare it to be delivered to Nashville on Monday! We can't wait to get it here and share it with all of our friends.

I hope you are all having a GREAT summer, and get ready to go boating with us!!!!

What a week at VBS!

Our island adventure is finally over, not that we didn't enjoy it, but we are wipped out! We have a great time! The Lord really revealed his face to me and to the children. Not to mention the other 1400+ children that attended.

The last night the children all did a program for the parents. It was so wonderful and rewarding to see "my kids" (my class), and Ann Elizabeth, up singing and doing the movements to all the songs. They were really rejoicing The Lord. 4 children were baptized and 40 accepted Christ this week. WOW! Isn't that amazing!!!

Walter is singing Jesus Loves Me everyday, and Ann Elizabeth can't stop dancing around singing her songs. I do really feel that The Lord is working in her heart and little Walter's. Again, our church is such a blessing. We can't wait until next year!

Here are a few pics. One of course of my children and then one of our friend McHaney. I helped her Mom with the class so we went and celebrate a great week Friday night with our families!

Ready for the Island!

Outrigger Island that is!!! VBS is this week at Brentwood Baptist, and the children and I are excited to get going on our island adventure! Walter is loving his class. When you ask him what he learned today he will say "Jesus loves me." I think he is finally listening and something is starting to sink in! Ann Elizabeth is coming home every day singing a new song about Jesus, and dance moves to go with it. Thank the Lord for a great church and for the comfort that our children feel when we are there!

Pray that the Lord will speak through us girls leading a great group of rising 1st graders. They are so serious and this is such a crucial time in their lives that we want to be sure we say the right thing.

I am sure that I will have more pics when our adventure ends on Friday night!

Our Fab 4th!!

I am sure that most of you cooked out with friends and family and then watched some fireworks. Not The Nichols!!

True to form , we decided to have our own 4th celebration. Walter decided that we were going to camp out for the 4th, make smores and shoot fireworks from our deck...the deck that is wooden!

My first reaction was, where is my blow up mattress, and what if it rains on us? He laughed at me of course and then after seeing that it was supposed to rain overnight, decided that we should camp inside. The children were thrilled!We first started by making smores, on our outdoor chimnea of course. Then Walter pulled out the stack of fireworks that he had bought. Ann Elizabeth has seen fireworks before, but this was little Walter's first real experience with them. Our fireworks were low key so he thought that they were really neat. He and Ann Elizabeth did some sparklers, and other than trying to convience them NOT to run around with them, they did a great job.

After our grand finale that fell off of the deck (don't worry, no damage, but we all got a good laugh at Walter), it was time to move inside for our big camp out. I thought for sure that we wouldn't make it through the night with all of un in the tent. To my surprise, everyone fell asleep. Even little Walter. The children slept great. Walter and I, not so much. It was fun, but I very nicely reminded Walter this morning, that I would need an air mattress next time.

Happy 4th of July!!!

The Nichols Family wishes everyone has a safe and happy 4th! Enjoy!!!!

Back to Center Hill!

Thanks to our fabulous friends. Jeff & Heather (and Addy Grace), we were able to spend last weekend with them, aboard their houseboat. Walter and I and the children always have so much fun. The children get to sleep "downstairs", swim, drive the ski boat, and slide off the slide on the back of the boat (well, maybe just the adults do). The children don't really remember Charleston, so the lake is a little piece of water heaven for them.

Ann Elizabeth has become such a fish. She loves getting in the lake and playing around with Daddy, and jumping off the back of the boat! Walter....not so much. He would rather sit in the boat and eat snacks. I am not even sure that he got into the water this weekend.

THANK YOU HEATHER AND JEFF!!!! We love you guys! Thank you for being such wonderful friends and welcoming up into your boating world!!!

I am finally legal in the state of TN!!

Today was a great day. I received my nurses license for the state of TN in the mail. I think that I was just as excited today as I was the 1st time I received my NC state licence in the mail. YEA!! TN is beginning to feel like home!!

Just in case you are wondering...we have finally seen someone famous!

Since we moved to Nashville a year ago, everyone keeps asking us "Who have you seen famous?" Our answers always continue to be the same...."No one". Until this past weekend!!

Walter and I both have now seen famous people!

We spent the weekend at the lake with friends, and what do you know,we ran into 2 famous people. Walter saw Al Gore on the dock going over to a 50th b-

day party. And, the next day we were having dinner at the marina, and who do you know, Alan Jackson and his family came up in a boat.

Yes, I am star struck!

It was really neat to finally see someone famous. Of course, if our friends hadn't pointed Alan Jackson out, then I never would have noticed him. I wonder how many other famous people I have been around that I didn't notice?????

Once again we have seen God's work!

I wasn't going to post this but.........last night one of our friends from our SS class at church was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Chad and Jennifer were on the way to "date night", when Chad began to experience the symptoms of a stroke. Jennifer pulled into a fire station here in Brentwood and they immediately took him to the hospital. We were all on our knees praying for Chad immediately-35yr old male, completely healthy. After 24hrs in the hospital and a battery of test, he is home this evening with no effects from the stroke. PRAISE THE LORD!!

True to being a southern girl, once the phone call was received that they were in route, calls were made to the other girls in our group, we jumped in the car, picked up Heather and her husband (the ER Doctor) and off we went, followed by 3 more friends from church (who dumped there children off on there husbands too-thank you guys!) More details are involved but it became very evident that the Lord was in control way before the night began . Everyone was in the place that they needed to be...in-laws, friends, Dr's, pastors, husbands (Walter) that kept 3 children until 9:00pm. It was awesome to go back this morning and think about it all. He is so in control. It is so awesome to see his hands in work. We are so grateful to have our SS class, and for me, this has brought us all a a little bit closer.

Please continue to pray for Chad and Jennifer. Pray for patience for them and the children! Strength for Jennifer with everything involved in being a Mom, building a house and taking care of her husband!!! And of course for Chad's health!
We have seen his work today and what an encouragement it was!! Thank you Lord for answered prayers!

The Ballerina and her debut at TPAC!

Our Ballerina Princess had her debut last night at TPAC . (Tenneessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville). She was even able to dance on the same stage that The Nutcracker (Nashville Ballet) dances on. It was a very special evening for her, especially when we reminded her about the stage "Wow Mom, that is awsome."

She of course was beautiful and danced her heart out. She was very confident of herself and was even whispering to the girls beside her to remind them of what to do. It was great! What a night to remember!

Walter wanted to be ballerina too. He has wanted to do everything that she does lately, it is super cute!

Unfortunately today, our super star ballerina has been in bed all day with a 102.5 fever. I guess that is want happens when you are exhausted from all the demands in the life of being a Princess!

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Father's Day to my Dad! He is a wonderful man who has always been there for me when ever I needed him. He was always at every basketball game, concert, church activity and anything else that was important to me. He would stay up with me in the middle of the night when I was having leg cramps (growing pains), and he was the first one that I called when I found out we were moving...both times! I hope that you all are as blessed to have a fabulous Dad like I do.

He is wonderful wth the grandchildren and besides the good Lord, and my mother, his grandchildren and children are the most important thing in his life. WE LOVE YOU BOPPY!!!!

Here is to your fast driving spirit and your soft, warm heart!

My babies are growing up!

The children started "camp" this week on Tues & Thurs from 9am-2pm at our church. It is more like bible school for 6 weeks. Ann Elizabeth loves it and of course it fast to make friends. She is so outgoing and friendly and really doesn't take no for an answer when she ask someone to play with her. It is really neat to watch her mature into such a little girl. She is so grown up already noticing the differences in people and children her age. Like.....the first day of camp we had a "disagreement". She now wants to wear her hair in a ponytail. Fine, I just think that she should still wear a bow with it. She thinks not! After running to her Daddy and telling him how terrible it was that I was making her wear a bow (don't we little girls always run to our daddy's), we compromised. We decided that she would wear the bow until we got to camp and if she was the only little girl with a bow in her hair, then we would take it out. Who at 4 understands that and agrees with it?? Well, needless to say, she was NOT the only one with a bow!

In talking about running to our father's, I am going to pause there. As I am typing this, I was reminded that we not only need to remember to run not only to our earthly fathers, but out heavenly father as well. It has been very evident to me lately that we can not do it ourselves, nor should we try. I have been reminded on quite a few occasions in the last week or so that I need to go to HIS feet, and to turn everything over to him. He is awsome and is our most important father (don't worry when I say this, my Dad knows what I mean and that I love him dearly). I say this because HE does set us free...on his terms, but he does "rain mercy" down on us. He loves us and coming up on Father's Day, we should not only remember our earthly fathers but our heavenly one as well.

Camp & Walter! What a change it has made in him the last few days. The little ones are supposed to bring a favorite stuffed animal and blanket, or whatever they sleep with for "rest" time at camp. Well, you all know my son and are probably thinking the same thing I was-Good luck getting him to lay down on a mat. HA! Well, to my surprise, when I went to get him on Tuesday, he was still sleeping. And here is the best part....without his binkies! I know-shock! He is my baby so I have been prolonging taking them away (he does only have them in his bed). But, for some reason I forgot to put it in his camp bag. He had his blue bear and blanket, but no binkie! His teacher said that once she covered him up he went right to sleep and didn't even ask for them. So, when I picked him up he was so excited that he had taken a nap at camp and he even told me that he didn't have a binkie. What an exciting day. So, big Walter and I fed into his excitment, bought him a Spider Man toothbrush (as a treat for no binkies) and we said "Bye Bye binkies" at bedtime. He did great! We were so proud when he woke up the next morning. How grown up. My baby is not a baby anymore. It saddens me, but also fills my heart with joy to see him having so much fun at camp and getting so excited in telling me about it when I get him.

He and Ann Elizabeth are becoming fast friends. They want to go everywhere together! She had a playdate last week and he stood at the door screaming for her as she left. Very sweet I think. they have a great bond and love eachother so much!! The Lord has truly blessed us with 2 wonderful children, that aren't babies anymore!

Our FAB trip to the Lowcountry!

We just returned home from a 2 week stay in the wonderful lowcountry, where for 2 weeks we bounced between the wonderful beach and the fabulous Dunes West pool. The children had a blast and were exhausted when we returned home!

I don't even know where to begin on telling you everything that we did. We were able to reconnect with most of our friends and their children, enjoy our favorite hangout on Shem Creek-REDS, eat at great resturants, and (me) have a fun and much needed Girls Night Out with all my girls. We even were able to celebrate my Dad's birthday while on the IOP and have cake from the famous Amy Hogg...and yummy it was! (She also made one for our GNO so I was able to enjoy her cakes twice-yea for me!) One night we cooked out (or shall I say Guy cooked for us...as ususal) at Kevin & Shawn's house, where the children were able to enjoy one more trip to the pool. The children also got a visit from our old babysitter Ashley. She stayed with them one night at the hotel so that that Walter and I could meet some friends out. When we got home, everyone was fast asleep, but only by about an hour.....and it was 11:00. The children love her and she let them do whatever they wanted. We had some great family time with the children as well. Neither one remebered much about Charleston so it was fun to revisit our old house and places that they (or just AE) had once loved. Her memory quickly returned when we took them to Blackeard's Cove for some fun one afternoon.

Walter and I are so very greatful for everyone that changed plans around to see us and meet us out. Everyone knows that Walter waits until the last minute to make plans, and we really appreciate all our friends joining us on such short notice! It was great to relive the "Charleston days", but even better to get back home to Nashville! Thanks for reliving all the old memories guys and girls and for making many new ones this past couple of weeks! God has truly blessed us with some true friends in Charleston and we hope to never loose track of you!

Much love to you all!!!