Full Weekend

My mom, Kai, Dalton, Aunt Cindy, Uncle Buzzy, Josh, Laura, Joshua and Eli came from Memphis to visit us on their fall break. We had a full weekend planned with lots of fun activities. We hope they come back to visit soon!

First on the agenda was the fair.

Everybody (including the adults) had a great time riding all the rides and eating our way through.

Second on the agenda was the Children's Museum. Olivia and Ford didn't mind showing them around seeing that this is their favorite place to go.

And last on the agenda was camping at Jellystone park. We visited with Yogi, took a hayride with BooBoo, roasted marshmallows for s'mores, ate a yummy breakfast with Yogi and even went swimming in October!

Uncle Haysie gave in and told some ghost stories to the little campers.

We can't wait for our next adventure!

Well, It's been a while...

It has been quite some time since I sat down and updated the ol' blog. Bare with me as this will be a long one...

Our crazy haired, naked shopper...which is now a part of our nightly routine.

This girl...there are no words. She brightens our everyday.

These two together...there are no words.

Since I blogged last, we transformed our dining room into a playroom. Toys under our chandelier makes more sense than a table to seat six for now. This is only a season and a decade from now I will be wishing I had all these toys under my chandelier. 

Ford has FINALLY gotten rid of all bottles so this is included in our nightly routine.

We had a fun play date with Olivia's BFF, Wil. We went to get ice cream, picked out a book at the book store, had supper and went to see Planes. Everybody (including me) slept well that night.

I can't help but post cuteness.

We have enjoyed our last days of Summer (or really the first days of the HOT Fall) with the water hose.

I ran my first half marathon since having two babies with a time of 1:55. It was hot and I'm glad it's over but I think I got the fever back. Looking forward to my next one.

Annndddd....football has started. Ford is saying "touchdown" while cheering on those undefeated Saints!

I got away for a night with my besties. We stayed at the Alluvian and visited the spa, had a nice kid free dinner with big glasses of wine, slept in and went to a cooking class the next morning. It was such a refreshing weekend with these two. Looking forward to our next getaway. 

Then we had a kids free night in New Orleans. Ahhhhh....talk about needing a night to ourselves. We went to dinner and then went to the Saints game. A big thanks to Gigi and Papa for keeping the two little rug rats.

Ford practicing his Superman pose. I think he's got it.

Berenstain Bears, always apart of the nightly routine.

We also went to Pig Pickin' in Cleveland. It was a great day to be a Statesman and we had fun visiting the campus and seeing everyone.

This was my sleep partner while we there. Other than the kicking and hogging of the whole bed she's a pretty good one.

Daddy took off work Friday after a rough week and we visited the Children's Museum. Pretty sure it's everyone's new favorite spot.

This little guy has had a rough time lately. He is going to speech, physical and occupational therapy. We are hoping he is just around the corner from walking so we'll see. It sure does tucker him out though. Our prayers are that he makes tons of lead way in the next few weeks.

He is also getting tubes this week. Hoping that will solve some of his problems. 

If you can't tell, he has no problems with the sleeping.

While Ford goes to therapy, Olivia stays at school for lunch bunch. This is what she has requested in her lunch box each day. We have a long, long 15 years ahead. Anything for my girl.

Our household has been hit with the stomach bug the last 2 days. Ford was number 3 to get it. Hoping number 4 doesn't get it. I think he appreciated all the special attention.

We have had a long week dealing with an incident that happened with Hays' work. As I drove home on one of those days I saw a double rainbow. The Lord is always reminding me of His simple promises to take care of us, provide for us and to never leave or forsake us. What a mighty God we serve. Makes my heart ache for those that don't know that kind of love.

Until next time...hoping it won't be as long.

What's Been Happenin' at the Collins House

We've celebrated another treat day at our house. We are still fighting the ongoing poopie in the potty fight. This girl went 5 whole days without an accident so she got a treat of her choice. A BIG Mike balloon was her utmost desire so that's what she got. Hopefully, we'll be seeing the light at the end of this  tunnel in the near future. Until then, we are not above bribing (or positive reinforcement).

Little brother got to participate in the treat day as well. We figured if he could talk to us he would opt for the Cars balloon so that's what he got.

We have been doing lots of brushing teeth (sort of, anyway) to prepare for this big guy's first dentist visit in a few weeks. That day should be very interesting to say the least.

We also have a new member of the family join us for dinner every night. Yep, he's delighted in the new upgrade and so are we.

First Day for the Brother Bear

Ford is going to Mother's Morning Out at the same school Olivia is doing preschool. It's nice to have a small window of time to run errands without having to load everybody in the car seats. It's just me time, something I haven't had in over 18 months and let me tell you, it is nice!

He wasn't too fond of the first day pictures...

...a group shot eased the pain a bit for him.

I pray they both have great years with their new teachers and new friends. 

Treat Day

Yes, I know. We probably have too many of these but life is short so why not enjoy it. 

Plus, I don't think they really enjoy them at all....(insert sarcasm).

When it comes to sugar, the manners go out the window.

Can we say, Cookie Monster?

Oh my...I would have to say the bottom left picture is one of my all time favorites. He's licking that chocolate goodness off his chops....he must get that from his daddy...

A Little Piece of Glory

Olivia, Ford and I caught a little glimpse of glory last night on the way home from church. I could tell it was going to be a beautiful sunset so we took a little scenic route on the way home. 

We have had a rough couple of days and this sunset gave me such peace. God cares about us so much that He made beautiful things like this sunset for us to enjoy. What a simple reminder that HE is all knowing, in control and loves ME more than my little brain could ever imagine. What a Glorious and Mighty God we serve.

New Beginnings

Olivia's first day of 3-K was today. I seriously don't know where time has gone. Next thing I know we'll be packing her up for college. It just goes by way too fast. 

Our BIG girl (notice the lunch box :).

She also had her first dance lesson of the year this week. 

I would say it went well other than the fact that when I got there to pick her up she no longer had a leotard on. You just never know what to expect with this girl. She keeps us on our toes.