Waiting on football.

Y'all, I didn't think it was ever going to be football season again!  We've only been counting down all summer long.  Thankfully, we have found a few fun things to do to occupy our time until the big day.  I'm even more thankful that the wait is almost over!  

This past weekend, as I tweeted, we ventured into unchartered waters and took our crew to the movies for the first time.  The big three have been to the movies before, but Story has never gone, and we have certainly never attempted to take the group.  It was time, y'all.  

We took them to see Planes.  I definitely did my homework and read the reviews beforehand, totally confirming what we discovered on my personality profile at church this past week.  I'm a C on the DISC, also known as a beaver.  I digress.  The reviews were not kind.  I'm not sure what all the fuss was about.  The movie was super cute and definitely kid friendly.  I knew our boy would love it.  He loves all things that fly.  I loved watching his sweet little face light up with awe.  Summer and Tilly loved it, too.  Story was more interested in eating popcorn and playing with the lights on the stairs, ha!  Unless Dora or Sofia comes out with a movie any time soon, it will be a while before we take her back! 

Saturday night as we were checking on the littles, we found Carter and Summer cuddled and snoozing on Summer's bottom bunk under their "tent." Too sweet, these two.  

And Sunday was college day, or wear your red and black day as we like to call it, at our church.  Thanks to T we have plenty of red and black to go around at our house.  

I love them up!

One with Mommy.  

And with Daddy.  I love how those sweet girls are all cuddled and posing so sweetly.  I mean, does it get any cuter?  I think not!

My love.  Please do not confuse his colors for that other school in Georgia, which shall not be named.  He is wearing black and gold in honor of the USM Golden Eagles.  And I have no idea why my hand is on my hip.  I told myself I would not become one of those, but apparently, I have, ha! 

We had some very special guests at church with us today, the President of USM, Dr. Bennett, who happened to come from THE University of Georgia, where he served for the last 12 years.  And Seymour!  So cool, well Carter and Summer thought so.  You can imagine Story's reaction.  Let's just say my arm is still numb from toting her all over the church after she spotted him.  Sadly, we have not made any improvement in this category since Disney.  

Carter and River with Seymour.  

After an amazing time of worship, we had lunch with some of the greatest college students in all the land from USM and William Carey.  We are praying that they have a wonderful year as they embark on this new journey! I know my four years at UGA were amazing and all kind of awesome!  And y'all, only five more days til we can call the dawgs!  

Momma, I am not ready for preschool.

Monday was Story's first day of preschool.  She is attending school MWF from 8:45-11:45.  All summer long, we have been talking about and preparing for this moment.  We have talked about how she would go to the school where Tilly and Summer went.  We have talked about how lovey would have to stay in the car while she was at school, gasp.  We have talked about how she would be in Miss Audie's class and meet new friends.  We have talked about how she will learn and sing and play.  We have talked about how Mommy will drop her off each day and pick her up when she is done.  For some life events, you just cannot prepare enough.  Sometimes, we don't feel ready until we just do it.  

This may be one of my most favorite pictures I have ever taken.  It tells so much of how our morning went.  She kept telling me all morning that she wasn't ready.  I wasn't so sure that I was ready either.  She has been my little buddy all day every day for the last two years.  Every so often she would ask me if it was time to leave yet.  I could tell she was so nervous.  It was a tricky dance of trying to reassure her, but not baby her.  

I did manage to get her to look at me and stand beside her pretty chalkboard sign.  But she would not hold the sign.  And she would not smile.  And she would not even say iiiice cream, which always makes her smile.  I knew it ws going to be a rough exchange once we got to school.  

I wish I knew what she was thinking here in this moment.  So, we drove to school.  I prayed aloud for her, and the whole time she kept saying no.  Over and over and over.  I prayed anyway.  We got to the school, and she would not walk, so I held her.  Tight.  She would not take a picture by the pretty PCS sign like all of the other boys and girls.  She would not take a picture in front of her classroom door, nor would she take a picture with her teacher.  But, she would hold on tight to me as I walked her inside, the whole time whispering to her that she was going to have a great day and that she was (we were) going to be just fine.  Even if we weren't ready.  Truth of the matter is, I wasn't ready.  I thought I was.  I have done this before, lots of times before with three other children.  But she is the baby, and I was not prepared for the wave of emotion that would overtake me once Miss Audie peeled her from my arms.  I barely made it down the hall before the tears starting falling.  

I picked her up at 11:30 on the dot, as early as allowed.  She squealed my name and ran to my arms!  And then she got down, got her bookbag, and walked out of the school like she owned it.  Whew.  I think we are going to be just fine.  Miss Audie told me that she had a great day and that was a very sweet friend to her classmates because she pushed all of them in the swings on the playground.  Her brother and sisters have trained her well, ha!  After I picked her up, we ran a few errands and headed home for naps before it was time to get the big three plus Ella.  

A few minutes into nap time, I went to check on her, and this is how I found her, worn out from her first day of school.  Two plus hours later when David came home, he walked in the room and found her in the same position.  Happy first day of school, sweet Story.  I think we are going to be just fine.  And Wednesday, when we do this all over again, I think we will both be ready for it.  

Celebrating Tilly!

Yesterday, we celebrated Tilly all. day. long. and it was the most fun!

She was so excited about her special day that she and Story were up almost before the sun, yikes!  Tilly has never celebrated her birthday at school before, so we wanted to make sure today was extra special.  After dropping off Story for her first day (another post), I headed to Tilly's school with 2 dozen hot glazed KK doughnuts in hand.  

Her teacher, Mrs. Malone, has this special birthday crown that she allows her students to wear on their special day.  It would not even stay on Tilly's little head, ha! 

The birthday and I grabbed a quick selfie while the other boys and girls were eating their doughnuts.  

Tilly with one of her sweet friends and classmates.  

This morning before school, we allowed Tilly to open one present from my mom.  Let it be noted that my mom sent a box with all of Tilly's birthday presents, and none of them were wrapped.  No big deal, except I caught Tilly and Story playing in the box on Sunday afternoon.  So, she knew what all of her presents from T were going to be, including this pretty Ariel costume.  While we were in Athens this summer, Tilly gave my mom a list of things she would like for her birthday.  Shame!  Thankfully, my mom and David's parents know better than to be totally compliant to all of the little ones' whims.  

This summer, we had a big birthday party for all of the children, so we technically have already celebrated.  However, none of Tilly's classmates were able to make it to the party, mostly my fault because there was a problem with getting out the invitations.  So. . . we invited her friend Ella to come home with her for the day.  The girls had so much fun.  They played dress up and had the best time together.  

How cute are they!

One of our birthday traditions is to let the children pick the restaurant they would like to eat at for supper.  Tilly chose "Old McDonald's!" The children had fun eating their happy meals and playing on the playground.  After supper we took Ella home.  Then, we headed to our house for the rest of the presents and cake.  

We put Papa and Gigi on FaceTime, so that they could help us sing to the birthday girl.  That was so special!  Happy birthday, Tilly!  I hope you had such a fun and special day!  We love you!

Tilly is FIVE!

Happy 5th birthday, sweet Tilly!  We have had so much fun celebrating you today, so much fun it's worth another post!  I do want to share your answers to your yearly birthday questionnaire along with some of my favorite Tilly pictures over the past year.  

1. What is your favorite color?  PINK! 

2. What is your favorite toy?  Cafe, who is really the Disney Princess Mulan, but you call her Cafe, as in Cafe du Monde!  I love it!

3. What is your favorite fruit?  Grapes. 

You're such a little model already!  

With Daddy at the real Cafe du Monde.  

With your BFF, Ella.  The two of you have the sweetest friendship to be so little.  You just love each other so much.  I love that you've already found such a special friend.  Many people spend their whole lives looking for a precious friend.  

4. What is your favorite tv show?  Doc McStuffins.  

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Lunchables.   

6. What is your favorite outfit? Dresses.  

7. What is your favorite game?  Temple Run 2 and Candyland.  

8. What is your favorite snack?  Princess Gummi Worms, who knew?  We've never had them at home!

9. What is your favorite animal? Mink.  What she means is Prairie Dog.  They have them at our zoo, and she has the stuffed animal version, which she has called a mink since day 1! 

Doesn't everyone wear their rain boots to the splash pad?  

10. What is your favorite song?  Mommy, I have a lot!  Tilly, pick one.  Shake it for me girl!

11. What is your favorite book?  Cars.  (Not sure about that one!)

12. Who is your best friend? Ella!

13. What is your favorite cereal?  Fruit Loops. 

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Jump on the trampoline!  Still?!?!

You have the sweetest relationship with both of your sisters, and you pair off with each of them at different times.  I love how sweet y'all are together!

15. What is your favorite drink?  Sweet tea.  

16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas.  

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  Mink.  

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Doughnuts.  

You and Summer got to go to cheerleading camp at our school this past summer, and y'all had the.  best.  time.  So cute!

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?  Newks.  (We ate their last night before I interviewed her, so I'm thinking that's why she chose it.  When asked before, she has said Taco Bell and McDonald's, so who knows where we will end up, ha!)

20. What do you want to be when you grow up?  A princess!  (You already are, baby girl!)

Happy birthday, Tilly!  We hope that today you have felt loved and cherished, as you are!  

Happy birthday, Tilly!

Happy 5th birthday, Tilly!  

You were born 5 years ago on this day at 4:48 PM at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, GA.  Christine, our midwife, delivered you just like she did your big brother and sister.  

As I was writing this blog, I was reading your birth story and reminded of what a super fast labor we had with you.  We checked into Northside at 11AM and filled out paperwork.  At 1:00, I received the epidural, and by 4:45 it was time to push!  You arrived 3 minutes later, wow!  

You weighed 8 pounds even, 20 1/2 inches, and practically perfect in every way!  This picture was taken the day we took you home from the hospital.  Your Mama bought this precious going home outfit for you, so it's extra special!

This picture is so special because it was the very first time you smiled for me as I took a picture.  It was also the day of your surgery at age 3 months.  

Tilly, the last five years have gone by so so fast.  You have been through so much in your short little life, constantly living up to your "strong in battle" name.  We are thankful for your life, your energy, your smile, your wit, your spunk, your sweet heart, your love for others, your love for learning, your good health, your pretty and healthy brown eyes, your sweet hugs, your curiosity, your sneakiness, your ability to quickly say you're sorry, and your zeal for life.  Tilly, our family is complete because you are in it.  We love you to the moon and back a whole bunch of times!

Week 1 in the books.

Well, our party of six survived the first week of school.  That's definitely worth documenting!  It was a bit of a crazy week, too.  However, there was lots of fun sprinkled in as well.  

On Monday after school, Tilly got her new cast, as you already know!  I'm so glad her sweet friend, E, got to go with us.  What a treat!

Tuesday, Story and I got to spend the morning with these pretty sisters, and it was such a treat for me to get to spend time with my friend! The rest of the week was a little crazy, ha!  Tuesday, the school called to ask if I could come up to help out with the first week crazies.  I was happy to, and it was so much fun to see Carter, Summer, and Tilly in their routine throughout the day.  On the first two days, Story got to go with me, and she thought she was TOO big, ha!  Part of my "job" was observing during recess time.  Story did not even hesitate to run out and get in the middle of all the boys and girls.  It was so cute!  Carter, Summer, and Tilly loved showing off their baby sister to their friends and teachers, too.    Friday morning, David and I took Story to her school to meet her teacher.  For the last two school years, Story has ridden with me every day to drop off her sisters at this sweet place, and it's so hard for me to believe that the time has come for her to attend.  The time has really flown by.  

We were thrilled to find out earlier in the week that Story would have Miss Audie, Tilly's three year old teacher.  She is so precious, and I am confident that (once we get through Monday) that Story will have a great year in Miss Audie's class.  

Story keeps telling us that she is not ready for preschool.  I'm not sure this momma is ready either.  This will be the first time there isn't a little one at home, and Story has been my little sidekick for the last two years, going everywhere with me.  

We celebrated meeting her teacher with a blue coconut slush from Sonic.  Those are her favorites!

These cuties asked me to take their picture as we were leaving school on Friday! 

Monday is a BIG day!  Tilly turns 5, and little Story starts preschool!