Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

Mother turned 89 on September 14 and we all celebrated together for her birthday this year. Only Keith could not come but he had to work so we excused him, however, this is his notice that we expect him to make it next year for her 90th!!!!! Lynda and Wayne brought Mom to Wynne since I had to drive up from New Orleans for the party. I appreciate them so much for doing that – thanks again Lynda and Wayne! Mike cooked her favorite (Boston Butt), Erin made potato salad, and Wayne made baked beans. Ashley made her a beautiful birthday cake (Red Velvet)! It was all delicious!!! She got lots of nice presents and Luke and Rylee helped her blow out her candles (a few times since the candles were the relighting ones – ha!). The weather was beautiful so we hung out on the deck and watched Luke and Rylee swim. Thankfully Mike had heated the pool since it was only in the 70’s that day! Luke brought his dirt bike and had lots of room to ride after he was through swimming. All in all it was a very nice day and I think Mom was worn out by the time she got back home that night. We now look forward to celebrating her 90th next year………..

First Day of School - Aug 2007

Luke and Rylee started school this week with Luke in the 2nd grade and Rylee starting Wee School at church. Luke’s first day was Tuesday and when everyone was ready to leave Ashley noticed that Rylee had her backpack on and was ready to go. She was so disappointed since her first day was not until Thursday. So, on Thursday she got ready again and had a great first day. The Wee School program is wonderful and they teach them so many things. Of course, with her being so smart (especially according to Grammy), she will do great. She has known her ABC’s for some time now and can count with the best of us so we will look forward to her coming home with new songs to sing and papers to show off. Luke still likes and excels in his classroom. He has decided not to play soccer this year and has narrowed his sports to basketball and baseball so far. Next year he will be able to play football. I hope they both have a great year…..

Audubon Aquarium 8/4/07

What a great weekend! Ashley, Pete, Luke, and Rylee came to New Orleans for the weekend for the sole purpose of going to the Audubon Aquarium. We had promised Luke for a year that we would go and it was so worth it. Luke touched a Stingray and also got to “pet” a shark. Afterwards we walked around Jackson Square and shopped a little while after eating lunch at Bubba Gumps Seafood Restaurant. I asked Luke last night what he thought was the best thing in the aquarium and naturally he said the sharks. Then I asked Rylee the same thing and she said “MY SHOES.” What a girly girl – thinking only about her new shoes!!!!!! I guess the sharks just didn’t compare with the same feeling as getting a new pair of shoes……

Luke & Rylee's Birthday Party 7/28/07

Luke and Rylee had a GREAT birthday (or should I say birthdays). They celebrated together with a swimming party at Pa’s house with lots of their friends and family. The kids all loved the pool and the big water slide. Afterwards, they both said they had a wonderful time and so much fun. They never did quite get the “blowing the candles out” thing figured out since they were sharing a cake and had to blow at the same time. Their blue underwater cake was made by none other than their beautiful Mom, Ashley.

Speaking of Ashley, she went for her 2nd ultrasound this past Friday. The ultrasound tech told them the baby was showing out by waving, and putting it’s foot in it’s mouth. Everything looked good and she and Pete didn’t get weak about their decision to not find out whether it is a girl or a boy. We will all have a big surprise this December and can’t wait! Luke got to see the ultrasound and was really impressed. He asked lots of questions and was excited to be involved. He wants to be in the room when the baby is born. We’ll see how that goes. Rylee won’t even talk about a new baby in the house.

Russ started his job at the prison on July 23 and was glad to finally get started. He will be going to Georgia sometime soon for three weeks of training. Everything has fallen into place for him since he came back from Iraq in April and then home for good in May. We are so happy to have him home!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Erin will start her last year of nursing school next month – YEA!!!

As for me, I have been in New Orleans for 11 months now and plan on being home no later than the end of October. This has been a long hard year for me and I will be so glad to get home to my family. It has never gotten any easier to be away from home……..

More Beach Pics 2007