October (Well, Some of October)

One long post of pictures to cover some of October...
Peyton had a project in TREC and i thought she did a great job (minus a few finger burns from the hot glue gun):
Mackenzie after "School Colors" themed cotillion (in her natural habitat, but not really - she actually doesn't like to talk on the phone and doesn't text 'too' much):

From our day at Devil's Den, this makes me laugh - they are booking it up those rocks because there is a snake at the bottom.

I got to go to the Pumpkin Patch with my niece, Lexa, and her class. She was searching and searching for the perfect pumpkin. You know the one...the pumpkin with her name on it!

Peyton took a turn working at the school store. Jason got to help. I wanted to come home and find some things to sell at the Gator Mart, I'm pretty sure I could make some money!

BIG day for my baby...she hit double digits - She had a great 10th birthday!

Halloween 2010 - Mackenzie's collar makes me laugh every time "If I am out, I am lost".

Mackenzie, Bella & Peyton:

Mackenzie and Peyton:

Kendall & Peyton:

So sad, this was my first year to not take Mackenzie Trick-or-Treating. For some reason she thought it would be a lot more fun to go with some of her friends. But I still had my girl, Peyton. We went up and down Central, which I think is the BEST street to spend Halloween night. It was right out of a book, exactly how I always picture Trick-or-Treating.

October also brought the end of Peyton's Fall Soccer season, Mackenzie's best Cross Country race times, my 33rd birthday - on 10/10/10 (a wonderful lazy day spent with family after a great evening spent with family and friends), and much, much more!

Peyton: Field Trip & Tail Gator

Peyton had a fun Friday! She and her fellow 4th graders spent the day at the Peel Mansion where they learned about "Life as a Pioneer". I wasn't able to go, thank you Angela for getting these great photos!
Friday evening we went to the Tail Gator (school fundraiser). I think her favorite part was the Trampoline:

And, being with her friends:

Cotillion Kick-Off 2010

Tonight was the first night of Cotillion for 2010. Mackenzie and friends started the night at Shogun for dinner. They were great, we even got a compliment on their good behavior from someone at the neighboring grill.

Who doesn't love a good volcano?
Kendra drove the girls and I drove the boys from Shogun to Cotillion (very different for this Mom of girls!). I was under strict instructions to not speak, she was afraid I might say something to embarrass her.

I think it's crazy how grown up they looked compared to when they started in 2008/6th grade.

Lots and Lots of Great Strides

Our Great Strides to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was held on Saturday, August 28th. The event raised $80,000+ (goal was $75k). Woo hoo! Just when I think our friends can't possibly be even more amazing - they are! Thanks to all for your donations, support and time! Thank you for loving my girl!

Traci, Trish, Me, Laine & Jennifer

Above - Elise, Mackenzie, Ashley, Care Bear, Allison, & Emily

The Walkin' Wildcats (from Mackenzie's Junior High. Walking in her honor and in memory of Kendra.

Dani & Riley

Above - Logan & Lexa

Above - Ashley & The Care Bear

Allison, Sydney, Molly, Ashley, Care BEar, Emily, Mason, Elise

Below, Dancing provided by BEST. DJ. EVER - Trent!

Above - KDA Girls!

Above - Elise, Mackenzie, Emily Morgan, Mason, Madison & Jessie

Below - SOME of TEAM MACKENZIE! I get a little teary-eyed every time I look at this one!

Below - WJHS students!

Above - My girls! I could not love them more.

Day One, 2010-2011

Obligatory first day of school pictures:


Peyton with Mrs. White.


Mackenzie before we left home, and on the way.


It's going to take a few mornings to get used to Peyton's 7:30 start time, and Mackenzie starting an hour and five minutes after that. The morning tornado is spread out over a greater amount of time, does more damage. Mostly concentrated in the kitchen.

Back To School

Where did the summer go? I can't even look back on the blog to find out considering I posted a whopping 6 times. Yesterday we went to Peyton's Open House and met her teachers. She'll be changing classes for the first time and has three teachers.


We got this fun tag to hang on our visor:


It's going to come in handy during dismissal when all 900 students are released at the same time!

Now, off to enjoy our last day of summer vacation and an early bedtime for Peyton's 7:30 (!) start time.

Flash Me Friday - Artwork

My favorite artwork? Anything my girls create! They are getting older and unfortunately they don't bring home nearly the amount they did when they were little (especially Mackenzie being in Junior High) but I still love everything they do!

We don't have much hanging on the walls since we moved in the house (over a year ago, partly because we need to buy some things to hang and partly because Jason does not like to hang things!), but this bulletin board is something I definitely wanted since we went with the stainless refrigerator that I can't cover in rotating artwork (and reminders) anymore.

More Flash Me Friday - Artwork!