Miss America Sneak Peak...

This afternoon was just one of those fun "girl" afternoons...Christy and I took the girls to see a sneak peak of what Chelsea, Miss Mississippi, would be wearing at the Miss America pageant.  

As I've said before, Chelsea is just one of those "special" girls and goes above and beyond to give Anna Lauren attention so it was so much fun being a part of this special event today!

All smiles as she anxiously awaited to see Chelsea...

Anna Lauren, Emily (co-worker's daughter), Emmy, and Rileigh...

Hands down...the little girls picked this dress as their favorite.  We were not surprised...it was very sparkly and eye catching to the "little" eye...

Chelsea's "good luck" dress, which is headed to Miss America with her...she was crowned Miss Mississippi in this dress...

They were first in line and she couldn't get to the autograph table quick enough...

FINALLY...she has made her way to the autograph table and was so sweet to take a few minutes to talk just to Anna Lauren.  Of course Anna Lauren acted a little shy, but she was loving every minute of the attention.  She actually told Anna Lauren she sent a picture of the two of them to Miss America...she said she had to send five pictures and Miss America picks three.  Not sure what these pictures are for, but I was excited to hear Anna Lauren's picture was sent and could possibly be chosen.

And now Chelsea sleeps on the wall right beside Anna Lauren's pillow...sweet memories!

Saturday Night Fun...

We had a little "Saturday night fun" tonight...we went and got Anna Lauren's sweet friend Ava and then had dinner at Broadstreet, played at the park, and ended the night at the Dollar Tree because the girls had some money burning a hole in their wallets. 

The kids were on their best behavior and the weather was so nice so it was a perfect night to be out and about.  We all had a super fun time!

And yes, the girls spent most the night upside down...they LOVE this "bar" at the park!

Back to School...

I took a vacation day this past Wednesday so we could enjoy one last "hurrah" before Anna Lauren went back to school on Thursday.  Sadly, I got sick Tuesday night with I'm assuming a little virus so Wednesday was not as exciting as I had planned...but...we still managed to have a "little" fun.

I was still sick Wednesday morning so Matt ended up taking the day off work too.  Anna Lauren's day started at the dentist...all four cavities are now filled...yay!  So glad that is done!

Mid-morning I was able to get out of bed and do a few things I had planned to do with Anna Lauren...we started with "back to school" manicure and pedicure followed by lunch of her choice, Izzo's.

Showing off her color choices...pink with glitter top coat for her fingers and orange with glitter top coat for her toes...

And her favorite part...the design...she picked flowers...

Bop's gift certificates for our new teachers...

Open House on Wednesday night...Anna Lauren and Ms. Currie.  Can we say we are THRILLED Ms. Currie moved from kindergarten to first grade, and she is Anna Lauren's assistant again!  So, so excited!

Anna Lauren and her first grade teacher, Ms. Burkhalter...

And of course we had to go see our favorite kindergarten teacher, Ms. Wells...

All smiles on the first day of 1st grade!

Jasmyne, our neighbor, headed to 8th grade and Anna Lauren to 1st grade...

Anna Lauren and Ms. Powell, speech teacher.  They already have their first practice word...Burkhalter.  Anna Lauren cannot say "r" and her teachers name has two of them. 

All smiles in her chair ready to start the day...

Anna Lauren and Ms. Currie...

Anna Lauren and Ms. Burkhalter...

She does not have any of her "girl" friends in her room, but she doesn't seem bothered.  However, she was excited to see McCarley in the hall Thursday morning...

She had a GREAT first day of school and was all smiles as she headed out Friday morning for her second day of 1st grade.

And where is Cooper in the midst of this "back to school" craziness?  He's at Nanna's house having the best time doing anything he wants to do! Glad he is getting to spend some time with Nanna and have so much fun, but I'm looking forward to picking him up tomorrow.  Monday will the the "real" deal...routine here we come!

Twin Day...

Oops...almost forgot to post this picture...glad I remembered because it's too cute!  Last week they had "twin day" at Ridgecrest Weekday.  Think it will come as no surprise that Anna Lauren and Holli Grace were twins...complete with  their "best friends" necklace.  

Anna Lauren had a great summer at Ridgecrest and looks forward to going back next summer!  Although she is ready to go back to school, she did enjoy playing with all her "old" friends that she doesn't get to see during the school year.  

Matt and I could not have been more pleased with Ridgecrest...don't think we have one complaint...such an organized and all around good program!

Getting Ready...

For everyone that knows me, it doesn't come as a surprise that I am ready for school to start back because with school comes a little more routine and structure, which I crave.  But before I start that new routine and structure, I like some time to get everything in order and organized.  And that is just what I have done this weekend...

Anna Lauren went to Nanna's on Saturday for a few days so I've had some time to stay at home (Cooper very content at home) and finish the summer project list, get everything washed, the bills paid, the calendar organized, the pictures blogged, etc.  And of course, a nap or two because I was exhausted.

I'm feeling organized and refreshed and ready to see what this school year has to bring!

Cavities...

Tuesday morning we headed back to the dentist for round two of cavity filling.  When Anna Lauren went to the dentist the first of July, they found I thought three but come to find out, four cavities. Two weeks ago she got her first one filled, last week she got two more filled, and this week we get the last one filled.

She has done AWESOME! The dentist prescribed some Demerol for her to take just to "calm" her nerves...well, she has thrown it up both times so we are going this week without the Demerol.  I really think she will be fine because she has done so, so good and been so, so big.  So proud of her because I was prepared for this to be a BAD experience.  Think she may just be growing up a little bit!

Now...I will say the first visit she got 2 rolls of duct tape, second visit she got a new cheer bow, and we haven't discussed the last visit, but I'm sure it will come with something for being so big and brave!

All smiles as we head in to get two more cavities filled...

Got gas and numbing gel...all is good!

Other than a crooked smile due to a numb mouth, she is all good and headed to daycare as a "bow head" for crazy hair day!

And speaking of teeth...she lost another tooth this week...another one on the bottom. Picked her up from daycare Tuesday with a loose tooth and of course, Coach Alyce pulled it as soon as we got to the gym.  Tooth fairy came and she is $2 richer!