Bacotween...

While Anna Lauren was at cheer, Cooper and I enjoyed "Bacotween" at Millsaps.  Bacotween is trick or treating through Bacot, which is a freshmen dorm on campus.  They decorate the halls and pass out candy to all the kids of faculty and staff.  We try to go every year because it is such a fun night for the kids...

This little army guy was so excited when I picked him up from school and was ready to trick or treat...

Although my job has been somewhat challenging the last year, I wouldn't trade it for any other job.  Love, love, love being a part of the Millsaps community and my children getting to grow up in the "community"...

These students could be doing a million other things, but they are taking time to hand out candy to our kids!  Just makes me smile...

Queen of Hearts...Hadley, Evie...Hollie Grace, and Army Guy...Cooper who got hot and had to take off his jacket.  The dorm was REALLY hot!

I hate Anna Lauren had to miss out on the fun, but Cooper was sweet and shared his candy with her.  She understands that she made a commitment and cheer comes first...therefore, she really never complains when she has to miss out on something fun.

Happy Birthday Nanna...

I totally failed taking pictures, but we celebrated Nanna's birthday Sunday.  She turned 67 today (Tuesday, October 27th).  I cooked lunch (with a little help from mom) for all of us to enjoy after church on Sunday.  For the first time, we were all together in mom's new house celebrating something fun rather than "working" on the house...she is finally settled and has a great little house for all of us to enjoy with her!

The kids do their own thing until it is time to sing, blow out candles, and eat cake...then they are right in the middle of the party!

Like I said, I totally failed at taking pictures...

But...we were all together, we celebrated with Nanna, and we are so thankful she is our mom and Nanna!  Wishing her many more birthdays and fun memories with all of us!

NWR Cheer Clinic...

This past Saturday Anna Lauren went to a cheer clinic that the NWR high school cheerleaders hosted.  She was a little sad her favorite cheerleader and babysitter, Kat, wasn't there because she had to take the ACT, but she said she still had a fun time.  She spent all summer at practice with these cheerleaders so she knows and likes them all.

After practicing all morning, they did a little parent preview to show us the cheers/dance they had learned.

This little guy...always such a good sport about watching Anna Lauren even if it does require a police uniform.

But when you are this cute you can wear whatever you want...

Friday night they get to cheer on the sideline with the cheerleaders during the first quarter of the football game...she is looking forward to that because she knows Kat will be there!

Star Student...

Last week was a super fun week for our little man...it was his turn to be "star student" of his class.  He anxiously awaited his turn and was so excited that it was finally time for him to be the "star"!

On Monday, he had to take a poster to share with his friends and to hang outside his classroom all week.  

He said, "Mom, do I have to help you make my poster?  Because...I had rather you just do it for me."  I am quickly learning the difference between boy and girl.

He was SO proud of his poster and loved sharing it with his buddy, KJ.

KJ was so interested in his poster, and he and Cooper discussed every single picture.

Tuesday he got to take his favorite book to be read to his class...

Wednesday he got to take his favorite music cd so they could listen to it throughout the day...

Thursday he got to share his favorite snack with his friends...so...we stopped by the donut shop on the way to school.

So happy he got to bring donuts to school...

And Friday was a big day...Daddy and Mommy got to eat lunch with him at school.

When I asked him his favorite part of the week, he said EVERYTHING.  I must admit...it was a pretty fun week for me too...I loved watching his excitement every day! 

3rd Grade Brown Breakfast...

This past Friday, 3rd grade had their annual music program and brown bag breakfast.  Anna Lauren got picked to have a speaking part so we worked all week to perfect her "sentence", and she did great!  

Anna Lauren and her buddy, Luke, on the left.  They became friends in kindergarten, and I think he is the kid who will just always be her "buddy" throughout school.  Or...so I hope...he is such a sweet kid and has the sweetest parents.

Luke's mom is a music teacher, and she was like, oh my gosh...they actually sound like a choir.  They really did so good!

This little guy was super excited to not be at school and be at sister's program...

Getting ready to say her part...

I was begging them to smile, and they were refusing...

Anna Lauren couldn't keep that straight face long...

Mr. Boyd photo bombing their picture.  He is the BEST music teacher and they all love him!

Anna Lauren called and invited Nanna to come...umm...pretty sure she doesn't say no to grandchildren!  

Super fun morning to have a 3rd grader, and a simple reminder we are a part of a great school that Anna Lauren loves!

All As...

Some how...some way...this little girl pulled off all As the first nine weeks.  By the skin of her teeth...BUT...she did it!  And let me just say, she was super excited because she thinks she can now go to the all "A" party...that was her only concern...a party!

This is her first year to have letter grades, and we are still adjusting and trying to figure it all out.  I am having a hard time because I cannot understand why you would not want to make to make all As...to make As/Bs was just never my thought process.  Her grades are all over the board so we are trying to figure out what she is capable of, when she just doesn't care, when she cares, etc.  Not sure I have figured out when she cares, but I am trying to be patient and work with her to be the best she can be!

And when it is all said and done in her little world, an A is an A...she is right, and we are so proud she pulled it off this time!

Sam's Visit...

Before Sam leaves, I always make her give me the pictures off her phone.  I love seeing her visit through "her" eyes...so...here are a few of the favorites from her most recent visit.