Grins, Giggles & Chaos!

                      Wishing y'all a very Merry Christmas! 

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?  I know exactly where I was. Like so many of you,  I woke up to the first breaking news report, and watched with the rest of the world as the second plane hit the WTC. I can't believe it's been 13 years. Seems like yesterday. In June, I had a chance to visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. It brought back all the memories, and tears of that fateful day.  My 9 year old was with me, and having to explain to her {without too much detail} what happened. . . . . was painful. Here is a photo I took of the new Freedom Tower.  Never Forget. 

Hey y'all! Its that time of year. Time for a new planner! :) I love, love, love my Erin Condren planner.  I know some of you are thinking......"She still uses a paper planner? It's 2014." I know, I know. With iPhones and iPads, who needs a paper planner, right?  THIS girl does! Erin Condren planners are by far the best I have come across. So many design choices, you can't go wrong. It totally keeps my busy family organized. They are kind of pricey, but so worth it. This will be my 3rd year to order, and don't plan on stopping any time soon. You should check them out.   You won't be sorry.  Erin Condren Here is mine from last year. 

Today was a BIG day. It was the first day of school. Not only was it the first day of school, but it was Landry's first day of kindergarten! She woke up super excited, and from the car ride home, I'd say she had a fantastic day. Rylee started 4th grade. EEEEEK! My first baby is in 4th grade. My how time flies.  They both had a great day, and are ready to for tomorrow.  It's going to be a great school year.  Here are a few photos I snapped this morning. Of course, there are more of Landry because being in 4th grade makes you too cool for your mom to follow you around on the first day, taking pictures. ha! P.S. This momma did good this morning. Not a tear shed as she left her baby in her kindergarten class. 

Tonight was meet the teacher night! I am so happy with the teachers my girls got this year. They seem super sweet. I can't believe come Monday, I will have a 4th grader, and a Kindergartner. Looking forward to a wonderful school year.  Landry was really excited to meet her teacher, and to see her classroom.  I hope Monday goes well. Can't believe my baby is going to kindergarten.  This will be Rylee's last year of elementary school. The district we're in has 5th & 6th grade combined in a different school. Not sure I am ready for all that. ;) She was excited to meet her new teacher as well.  Looking forward to the 2014-2015 school year!

Hey mommas! A few weeks ago, I came across a kids boutique on twitter called, Maddie K's Boutique . They are a new little boutique, and hey have the cutest smocked dresses for reasonable prices. Y'all know how much I love smocked dresses. ;) Not only do they have cute girl stuff, but they sell boy  clothing as well. I can't wait to order.  Check them out.  https://twitter.com/MaddieKsStore https://www.facebook.com/maddieksboutique http://www.maddieks.com

a few weekends ago, the girls and I took a little road trip to visit our friends in NWA. They were super excited. Sophie {Ry's BFF} had no idea we were coming, so it was so fun to surprise her. We really enjoyed the weekend with the Burtis family. 

Both girls tried out for company this year, and BOTH made it. I now have two dances who will compete this year. This is Landry's first time on company, and she is so excited. :) I am super proud of the both of them. Way to go girls! 

Rylee & I had a blast in NYC! She is already planning our next trip.  We went to the 9/11 Museam & Memorial the first day. It was so emotional. Of course, when 9/11 happened, Rylee wasn't born yet. She has heard about 9/11, and to see her reaction was super emotional for this momma. She had lots of questions, and I tried to answer them the best I knew how. She's only 9, so I knew I had to be careful with how I answered some. They did a nice job on the memorial, but I will have to admit. At times, I felt cold chills. Here we were walking on a huge gravesite.  Here are a few photos I snapped. I felt weird taking photos, but I wanted a few to document Ry's trip.  After the 9/11 museum & memorial, we just did the typical NYC stuff.  She had so much fun, and I was glad I got to take a trip with just her and I.  Not a bad way to spend your 9th b...

A few post back, I blogged about surprising miss priss with a birthday trip to NYC. If you missed it, you can read about it  here.  We left Thursday, the 5th, and got home on the 9th. We had the best time. Here is a little video of her finding out about her surprise. {on the way to the airport}  She was totally surprised!  I will post more about our trip tomorrow! 

Today was B day! BRACES DAY! 

For the longest time, Rylee would always say...."Mom, when my hair gets long enough, I am donating it to kids with no hair."  Well, yesterday was that day. She did it, and I am SUPER proud of her. I've always kept her hair cut into a cute bob, for the last year and a half, she's been growing it out, and loving it long. {me, not so much because I am the one who has to take care of it. ha!} So, I am really surprised she cut it off. I secretly love it better in a bob, but who am I? ;)  Here is the before and after.  I am so, so PROUD of this girl!