Teddy Bear Tea Party

Ava and Kate before the party.  

Just like good girlfriends do, Katelyn loaned Ava some 

sparkly, silver shoes for the big event.  : )

Several weeks ago Ava's preschool class had a teddy bear tea party.  It was complete with fine clothing, "tea", cupcakes, muffins, and all the fixings you might expect.  Julianna came to Ava the night before the party and said, "Ava, I know this is a big day for you tomorrow.  Would you like to borrow my pink sparkly dress you love so much?  It is what I wore when I went my teddy bear tea party in preschool."  Melt my heart please!  Of course, Ava eagerly agreed.  As for the fluffy white coat?  I know, you could never believe I would have purchased it, right?  Well, I surprised the girls with them to wear with their Christmas dresses.  The fact Ava got to wear them early was a bonus!  She was so sweet as she humbly admired her outfit and grinned from ear to ear.  : )

Big Moves in Illinois

Before I go on and on about what a great trip to Illinois I had and how proud of my dad I am...let me just stop and tell you this is my brother.  And, this is what he wore when he picked Jackie and I up at the airport.  And, let me just tell you I almost self-induced an asthma attack laughing hysterically at his little getty-up.  I mean, for real.  He is wearing a silk bomber jacket from the 1996 Summer Olympics.  I wish you could have seen him work it. Work it, I say.  I saw him from 250 yards away sashaying up to the terminal.  I think it was the light catching on the strands of brightly colored billowing silk worn by a 6 foot 4 inch man which first caught my eye.     

Okay, on to the ceremony.  This is my dad's brother John and my aunt Barrie.  Aren't they just the cutest couple?

Mike changed and was looking quite nice here with Jackie in blue.

Mom and Dicky looking happy.

Dad getting official and being inaugurated as Millikin's 14th president.  : )

That's dad's hat.

Me and my dad.

Life was never boring with Mike as a brother.

If you can't beat 'em...

My lovely momma.

And one last shot of John, Barrie & I.  

Kudos to Chad for holding down the fort while I traveled two weekends in a row!  Thanks babe!  

She's Getting Married!

I have two first cousins in the world.  Kirsten and Kari.  They are wonderful people to have as family.  We have so many terrific memories together from all the years passed.  Jackie and I were so happy we could get down to Tampa for Kirsten's bachelorette party!  Let the count-down to wedding begin!

My little sis and Kari. 

(Please note that everything Jackie is wearing is mine.  Thank you.)

Oh the stories I could tell.  ; ) 

Ready for dinner and some dancing!

My aunt Vale, Kirsten, and Kari.  Look how they didn't even plan this! ( I was just a day early for this color matching thing!)

Love you Kirsten!

Blue

It was "blue day" at pre-school.  : )

Postcards from Missouri

Julianna reading to pass the time on the airplane ride.

The girls were so excited to see the playhouse Grandpa and Uncle Seth built!

Amazing, isn't it!

You will notice a water-theme.  It was hot ya'll.

Sprinklers are soooooo fun when dad comes in!

My favorite photo!

Oh wait.  No, no.  It's this one.  : )

Don't wake a sleeping tiger.

Coloring cookbooks with Great Grandma.  

Never done it?  It's amazingly relaxing.  I'm being serious.

Proud Uncle Chad cuddles itty-bitty Malloree.

Adorable little mango with Aunt Nikki and Great Grandma.

Grandpa and Cooper.

Future Geologist

Playing cards with Grandma in the playroom.

Here is Isaiah speeding down the slippin slide!  Cousin Lane was there too.  I just couldn't get a photo of him because they were all so blurry.  I nicknamed him "bullet train."  He seemed to like it and it sure fit.  : )

Maddie and Lainey!

Ava and Isaiah!

Maddie and Julsie!

Horray for pool, popsicles, and Grandma and Grandpa's house!

Happy to be together!

Home grown.  100% pure beef.  

"Now that's great America."  

(That's a reference to American Idol, just in case you missed that season)

Get some Uncle Seth.