I have a backpack like my brothers!

Lacie has a new backpack instead of a diaper bag. Our pottery barn outlet was closing so I was able to get it for a great deal. Lacie decided that she needed to try it on just like her big brothers.

Lacie has a lot of spirit and keeps us busy. She loves to climb chairs, barstools, dressers, and anything dangerous pretty much. I love Lacie Loo but she is busy just trying to keep us. She talks up a storm but is a happy kid. She wakes up and goes to sleep happy. Who could ask for me!

Happy 6th Birthday Blake

Blake turned 6 this year! He finally got the party at Pump it Up and it worked out great. They make the party very easy on the parents and I was able to just enjoy the time with the kids. We had about 20 kids show up which was a great number. Blake has very sweet friends from school, neighborhood, cousins, etc. Lacie loved her first experience at Pump It Up. She is a dare-devil just like her parents.

Blake then went to his favorite restaurant on his actual birthday. Blake loves going to Japanese restaurants (aka - Volcano Place) and he eats a ton. Billy and I took Blake and enjoyed having special time with just him. My parents kept Grayson and Lacie for dinner that night. I would have loved if everyone could have gone but Grayson is scared to death of the fire and just doesn't enjoy the experience at all. So since Grayon refuses to go then it was just easier on everyone if they had dinner with my parents. Very thankful that they are so close to help us out on these type of occasions. It is so easy to take a 6 yr old out to dinner vs having to wrangle busy ladybug and G who screams at the fire.

Happy Birthday Blake! You are a bright shiny star who makes us proud each day. We are so impressed with how much you have matured over the last six months. Grayson and Lacie have the best big brother ever. You are patient, kind, funny, sweet, and loving no matter what.

Love you,

Mom & Dad

Cousins came for a visit

We had a great weekend because Billy's cousin Angie and her daughter (Blair) came for a visit. This is the first time that they have come to VA to see where we live and we had a blast. Of course, Aunt Margaret came with them and she is always a blast.

Everyone came in town for Blake's 6th birthday and we had a house full of fun. The kids had a blast having their cousin Blair at their house. Next time, Braxton and Bailey will need to take the ride with them and come up to visit. We have such great families and everyone loves the kids dearly. I have lots of extra help and I can never thank them enough.

Dianne and Mary are always helping me with meals, laundry, sewing things that I could never do when they are in town. I used to feel bad about them helping me out so much but now I just appreciate it and always say Thank you. Life is busy with 3 little ones so there is no reason to say no. As long as they don't mind folding our underwear then I guess I don't mind the extra help.

Jan 2012

Well it has almost been a year since my last blog entry. I have become a slacker when it comes to blogging but I think I have managed to make more time as we start off 2012. Here are the some of the big things that happened in 2011....

Blake started Kindergarten and is absolutely loving it. He has a fantastic teacher and I get the pleasure of helping with his class every Monday. We have had a great experience at our school and really love all the teachers. Blake is doing well and has matured a lot.

Grayson started preschool at Douglass CC and he is doing fantastic as well. He is the sweetest kid at school and when he is by himself. But watch out - because he has another side which isn't all that pleasant at times. But no matter what - we love you G.

Lacie turned 1 and became a busy little bee. She crawled, walked, climbed, and talked earlier than we ever expected. Sadly I feel like I didn't have a baby for long. Lacie holds her own when it comes to the boys (or at least Grayson). She is funny and will give all of a run for our money.

Billy and I made a tough decision to sell the business. It was a bitter sweet decision to sell our successful franchise of Kids Closet Connection but it was for the best. With working full time and have 3 small children - I was personally tapped out and this was something that had to go. We found a great family that was willing to take the business on and we wish them the best of luck.

There were many great things that happened in 2011 and I will try my best to reflect as I blog in 2012.