Six

Saturday we went to visit my sister. All of us went to the pool and spent a fun filled 2 hours before we had to make a special trip to the ER with our little Jessica. We were all out of the water with towels on getting ready to leave when I noticed Jessica wandering around by the other side of the pool. I called to have her come back. She followed instructions the first time(yeah!), however she decided to go up the stairs and over a bridge to get to us. On her way back down the metal stairs she fell. I personally didn't witness the fall, but apparently it was somewhere between 7 and 10 steps up and she rolled feet over head and back around to land head first on several steps before the pavement broke her fall. Being quite clumsy myself and a bit out of balance at the moment, Jason put David down and ran after her. My sister, the nurse, looked at it and knew instantly that she would need stitches. She made a few calls and found out which of the 2 hospitals in town was least busy and (after signing some paperwork at the pool) Jason, Lynnae, Jessica and I headed off to the ER. Dad, Cory and Andrea took charge of the other children. Thank you so much for your help!!!

We made sure that she didn't go to sleep on the way. She was a champ. We were given a bag of ice at the pool and when Jason put it on her brow he asked her if it was cold. She said, "yes, really cold. Cold as Ice." That got us all laughing. She is too cute.

Here is the cut before she was stitched up.

Just after the doctor finished putting in 6 stitches. The numbing process was the hardest. I thought I could be strong, however, when Jessica starting crying/whimpering I lost it. I made sure I was standing somewhere that she couldn't see me(because I was afraid I might cry), so once again Daddy had to be the hero. Thanks for always being strong for our kids, babe. As soon as that was over, she was great. No crying, just a few tense moments. We had people comment that they were impressed they could not hear her even in the next room.

Strong, brave 4-year-old.

Jessica is always good for a smile. 'Almost' under any circumstances.

Jessica thanking the Dr. for the good sewing work. He was really nice. He has 2 small children and has done MANY stitch jobs(including both of his children). His wife is pregnant with twins right now, he was very personable and made the ER trip as pleasant as could be. Thank you!

side note: I do think it will be interesting hearing people's reaction when we tell them that our 4-year-old is all bruised up because she "fell down the stairs". I surely hope that we don't get any CPS calls on us.

First day of school

I can't believe I have 2 kids in school. The first day was exciting, to say the least.

Here are our little cuties just before we got in the car. Jason was able to go in late that day so we could all go. As you can probably tell by the look on Cailyn's face, she was a bit nervous. She was trying to fake a smile and that was the best she could do. By the time we got to school she was in full tears. Poor thing, she was so nervous. We stopped to talk to the principal on the way in. She was great. She gave Cailyn a hug and even came to her class later to check on her. Have I mentioned that I REALLY like this principal?

Cailyn is such a good student. She is always loved by her teachers and we are excited to see the progress she makes this year in the first grade.

Jessica was the first to be ready for school. She was bouncing around all morning anxiously awaiting the time to leave. Too cute. Had NO fear going into class and Mommy and Daddy leaving her there.

David and I pick Jess up around 11:00. She was frantically looking for Mommy. It didn't take long to locate us.

Then. . .BIG dimply smile! (this happens EVERY day, I absolutely love it)

We go back a little after 3:00 to get Cailyn. She had calmed down enough to have a good first day. She was happy to find out that her best friend from last year is in her class again this year. I think that helped too.

They had a Pirate first day. With treasure hunts and everything. Her smile is genuine this time. I love you, Cailyn!

We are still getting used to the schedule, but will settle in shortly I am sure. David and I are having a good time together. The first day however, about 10 minutes after we got home he asked,"where are my sisters?" I told him they were in school. To that he replied, "Let's go get them." It was too cute.

He is busy working on learning his shapes, colors, and potty training. He has done really well with all 3 things thus far(the third thing being the most frustrating of course). Soon we are going to add his ABCs and recognizing his numbers. He already counts really well, so we will just go from there.

In between his "school" and potty breaks we are using swords to kill dragons and bad guys. David of course always gets them. He is such a little Hero! We are becoming best buds. That is until baby Cora gets here. Then we will have to adjust some more. I am not sure he will want THAT sister around. We'll see.

Anniversary & singing debut

On August 8th Jason and I celebrated out 9th anniversary. It is hard to believe that it has been 9 years. I am eternally blessed to have him. I never knew how amazing love can be, but it truly is. We work so well together, mostly he just puts up with me enough to make me unbelievably happy. I hope that I do the same for him. We have had 9 incredible years and are excited for many many more. I love you Jason!

Jason had a couple days off that week so we decided to go to Sea World. It was REALLY HOT, but so much FUN!

They have some really big Spray parks for the kids. We spent a lot of time there.

The kids never tired of the water.

In case you can't tell, that is our sweet Jessica being doused by that water.

There was about 2 inches of water sitting there and Jess loved to just lay down in it. It was funny to watch other kids stop and look to make sure she was alright.

David was apparently thirsty too.

He was also very attached to me and Jason. He didn't spend as much time in the water as the girls. By the end of the second day, he had warmed up to it. Of course it was just before we left. There were some kiddie carnival rides also and he LOVED to ride the carousel over and over and over again. So, Jason and I took turns taking him over there.

We also really enjoyed watching the shows. Our favorite is definitely the Azul show. It had the animals doing lots of tricks, but it also has synchronized swimmers, divers, and even some exotic birds.

And the trainers get to swim with the animals.

Cailyn's favorite part is the bird lady. She was amazing. She would wrap herself up in those red cloths, drop, climb back up and do it another way. It was incredible to watch.

Overall, it was a great way to celebrate our Anniversary. Kids and all. Very layed back and fun. Happy Anniversary, Jason.

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Since I am the Choir Director for our Branch I was able to put together a song featuring my little beauties. The girls sang the opening section of "Where Love Is" and the choir sang the rest. It was so precious. Jason had a deal going that they would get $10 if they made me cry. Amazingly enough, I didn't this time.

They had just gotten their hair cut and also some matching dresses for the occasion. Everyone loved it, including the girls. Jessica is fearless in front of a crowd which really helped Cailyn to muscle through her fright. They were perfect. I sure do love these girls, how could you not?