Friday, January 4, 2013
Backtracking
Wow! It's 2013! I can hardly believe I started this blog six years ago. I don't post as frequently as I did in the beginning, or visit other blogs as often as I used to, but I am thankful to have my little space in blogland!
I had little time to blog during the second half of December, so I am hitting the rewind button to document some of our experiences. In mid-December, we had several theatrical outings. Both kids and I visited the Nashville Children's Theatre to see a performance of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. The show was excellent, and we had a great time. The theatre has added some concessions in the lobby, and the kids see that as being as important as the show.
I had little time to blog during the second half of December, so I am hitting the rewind button to document some of our experiences. In mid-December, we had several theatrical outings. Both kids and I visited the Nashville Children's Theatre to see a performance of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. The show was excellent, and we had a great time. The theatre has added some concessions in the lobby, and the kids see that as being as important as the show.
On December 16th, Emily and I attended the Nutcracker at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center with her Brownie troop. Before the show, we stopped at a downtown cupcake establishment called The Cupcake Collection. I had heard that they have the best cupcakes in the Nashville area, but Emily was not impressed. She's a Gigi's fan!
We parked at the capitol building and walked over to TPAC. On the way, we spotted the Tennessee Christmas Tree.
The Nashville Ballet did an amazing job with the scenery and special effects. It was a beautiful show, and the girls really enjoyed it!
Coming soon...our trip to Disney World and our cruise on the Disney Dream!
Labels: Family and Friends, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy
Monday, November 12, 2012
Field Trip
On November 2, I joined Andrew's fifth grade class for a field trip to the Carnton Plantation and the Carter House, both famous Civil War sites in our area. The Carnton Plantation was used as a military hospital and was the subject of a popular novel called The Widow of the South. The Carter House was used as the federal headquarters during the Battle of Franklin (while the family hid from the flying bullets in the basement). It was a very interesting day!
We started the morning at the Carnton Plantation. Our nice guide welcomed us at the front door. Too bad she also didn't mention that no photographs were allowed in the home because I was reprimanded quite loudly by an employee before taking a picture. There's nothing a fifth grade boy likes better than for his mom to get in trouble on the field trip! :)
After seeing the home, we toured the grounds. Because they are having special events in November to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Franklin, they had actors and storytellers helping the students better understand the time period. One notable presentation was done by Mr. Lincoln himself. He recited the Gettysburg address for us and discussed how much he hated the war. Very well done.
We enjoyed an early lunch on the grounds of Carnton. For fifth grade boys, lunch is one of the best parts of the day!
Before heading to the Carter House, Andrew and I stopped for a picture. This is his last elementary field trip, so I was feeling a bit nostalgic!
We headed to the Carter House after lunch. When we were at Carnton, one of the kids' favorite aspects of the tour was the fact that there are blood stains on the floor from the wounded soldiers. Not to be outdone, the Carter House boasts actual bullet holes from the Battle of Franklin. This picture shows one of the outbuildings, but there are holes in the brick house as well.
Todd Carter grew up in the Carter House. He fought for the South for several years before being mortally wounded in the Battle of Franklin. His family heard that he was near their home (practically in the backyard), and they went out and found him among all the wounded and dead. He died in his own home surrounded by family several days later. The kids were mesmerized as "Todd" told his story.
It was a great day! We all learned a lot and enjoyed seeing and hearing the history that surrounds us every day!
We started the morning at the Carnton Plantation. Our nice guide welcomed us at the front door. Too bad she also didn't mention that no photographs were allowed in the home because I was reprimanded quite loudly by an employee before taking a picture. There's nothing a fifth grade boy likes better than for his mom to get in trouble on the field trip! :)
After seeing the home, we toured the grounds. Because they are having special events in November to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Franklin, they had actors and storytellers helping the students better understand the time period. One notable presentation was done by Mr. Lincoln himself. He recited the Gettysburg address for us and discussed how much he hated the war. Very well done.
Before heading to the Carter House, Andrew and I stopped for a picture. This is his last elementary field trip, so I was feeling a bit nostalgic!
Todd Carter grew up in the Carter House. He fought for the South for several years before being mortally wounded in the Battle of Franklin. His family heard that he was near their home (practically in the backyard), and they went out and found him among all the wounded and dead. He died in his own home surrounded by family several days later. The kids were mesmerized as "Todd" told his story.
It was a great day! We all learned a lot and enjoyed seeing and hearing the history that surrounds us every day!
Labels: Fun, My Favorite Boy
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Trick-or-Treat!
Halloween has come and gone, but since I am always a wee bit behind on this blog, I will take the time to recap.
With Halloween being on a Wednesday (church night), we had to budget our time wisely. We decided to trick-or-treat with some of our church friends from 6:00-6:30 before heading to Bible class. The houses in our friends' neighborhood are close together, so the kids were able to cover a good bit of ground in a short time.
Before leaving home, we snapped some pictures. Oreo loves to trick-or-treat (in other words, she loves to walk around the neighborhood and interact with all the people), but since we were not coming back home, she had to stay behind. That didn't stop us from dressing her up for photos! Last year she and Emily were both cowgirls, so we coordinated her outfit with Andrew this year. How cute is this rufferee?
Emily was Cleopatra. She loved this costume!
We took a group photo before the trick-or-treating began. Our friends were Jordyn Wieber and a Cardinals player that I can't remember, but who obviously has a very thick beard. :)
After church, we donned costumes once again and gathered the kids in the parking lot for an unofficial trunk-or-treat (those of us with kids just got together and gave out candy). I loved seeing the little babies with the puffy, cute costumes. I don't miss having a baby, but they sure are adorable on these special occasions!
Despite the fact that the kids didn't have as much time to enjoy the usual Halloween festivities, it was a wonderful evening. I always enjoy being with members of my Christian family, and this added to the fun for all of us!
Before leaving home, we snapped some pictures. Oreo loves to trick-or-treat (in other words, she loves to walk around the neighborhood and interact with all the people), but since we were not coming back home, she had to stay behind. That didn't stop us from dressing her up for photos! Last year she and Emily were both cowgirls, so we coordinated her outfit with Andrew this year. How cute is this rufferee?
Andrew was LeBron James for the second year in a row. He had another basketball jersey to wear, but his glasses and sweat bands coordinated so much better with his Heat jersey that he decided to do a repeat.
I think he has an unfair advantage with the rufferee.
Emily was Cleopatra. She loved this costume!
We took a group photo before the trick-or-treating began. Our friends were Jordyn Wieber and a Cardinals player that I can't remember, but who obviously has a very thick beard. :)
After church, we donned costumes once again and gathered the kids in the parking lot for an unofficial trunk-or-treat (those of us with kids just got together and gave out candy). I loved seeing the little babies with the puffy, cute costumes. I don't miss having a baby, but they sure are adorable on these special occasions!
Despite the fact that the kids didn't have as much time to enjoy the usual Halloween festivities, it was a wonderful evening. I always enjoy being with members of my Christian family, and this added to the fun for all of us!
Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Spirit Week
Once again, I have neglected my blogging! Facebook is so much easier, but because I tend to record more details here, I don't want to lose touch with blogging completely. Also, I know some of you aren't on Facebook (Rachel!), so I'm trying to keep everyone happy. :)
During the first week of October, the kids' school had spirit week. This week leads up to our big fundraising carnival, and it is always fun. This is Andrew's last spirit week in elementary school, so I was more diligent about taking daily photos this year. Here they are in all their glory!
Considering my straight-laced son didn't even want to participate his kindergarten year, I'd say he's definitely loosened up and gotten more spirited! Coming Next...The Hoot, Scoot & Boogie Carnival!
During the first week of October, the kids' school had spirit week. This week leads up to our big fundraising carnival, and it is always fun. This is Andrew's last spirit week in elementary school, so I was more diligent about taking daily photos this year. Here they are in all their glory!
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| Hat Day |
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| Pajama Day |
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| Crazy Hair and Clothes Day |
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| Sports Day |
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| Hoot Scoot T-Shirt Day |
Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Atlanta, Part Two
After we celebrated my niece's birthday, Adam, Andrew, Papa Don and I headed to the Braves' game. Although the Braves lost, we had a great time.
One of the best parts of the game was seeing Chipper Jones play. This is his final season, and he has been such an important part of the Braves' team for the last 20 years (I only had my phone, so I couldn't zoom in for a good shot).
Andrew and I had lots of fun doing the Tomahawk Chop and participating in all the stadium fun. We were definitely the more energetic and lively half of our group. :)
After the game, we strolled through the memorial park. Andrew enjoyed posing with lots of the statues and monuments.
On Sunday, we enjoyed a day of worship and family time. I was able to get pictures of the kids and their grandparents.
I also got a mom/son combo.
After dinner at Jason's Deli, the kids went upstairs and went a little crazy with their music. They had such a good time together, and we could clearly hear their lyrics all the way down stairs.
Before we headed home on Monday, I took Emily and her doll Sarah to the American Girl store. Sarah got her hair done and her ears pierced, and Emily and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the bistro. It was a very fun mommy/daughter outing.
After lunch, we loaded up the van and headed back to Tennessee. On the way home, Emily started feeling sick, and she ended up missing school Tuesday-Thursday. We were glad to fit in all the fun before she started feeling badly! Emily also ended the week with some excitement. More to come on that in the next post!
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| Three Generations of Sullivans |
One of the best parts of the game was seeing Chipper Jones play. This is his final season, and he has been such an important part of the Braves' team for the last 20 years (I only had my phone, so I couldn't zoom in for a good shot).
Andrew and I had lots of fun doing the Tomahawk Chop and participating in all the stadium fun. We were definitely the more energetic and lively half of our group. :)
After the game, we strolled through the memorial park. Andrew enjoyed posing with lots of the statues and monuments.
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| Andrew and Hank |
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| Can You Name That Player? |
On Sunday, we enjoyed a day of worship and family time. I was able to get pictures of the kids and their grandparents.
I also got a mom/son combo.
After dinner at Jason's Deli, the kids went upstairs and went a little crazy with their music. They had such a good time together, and we could clearly hear their lyrics all the way down stairs.
Before we headed home on Monday, I took Emily and her doll Sarah to the American Girl store. Sarah got her hair done and her ears pierced, and Emily and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the bistro. It was a very fun mommy/daughter outing.
After lunch, we loaded up the van and headed back to Tennessee. On the way home, Emily started feeling sick, and she ended up missing school Tuesday-Thursday. We were glad to fit in all the fun before she started feeling badly! Emily also ended the week with some excitement. More to come on that in the next post!
Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Atlanta, Part One
We took at trip to Atlanta over Labor Day weekend to visit Adam's sister and her family. We pulled the kids out of school early, Grandma and Papa Don came to our house, and then we loaded up the van and all headed south.
We arrived in Atlanta around 7:30 Eastern time, and Aunt Adrienne had dinner ready for us. All the cousins were happy to see each other and equally happy to dig into dinner.
On Saturday morning, we celebrated Katie's birthday. Katie loves everything about older people (she even has her own cane), so she decided to have an "Old Lady" birthday party. The first activity of the party was lunch: grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, beans, etc... I don't think that was "Old Lady" specific, but it was good!
Katie asked everyone to dress up for a fashion show, and she served as the judge. Her negligent Aunt Lauren completely forgot about this request until the last minute, so I only had time to throw something together for Emily.
Grandma went all out. She didn't place in the judging, but I think she was robbed.
The winner of the competition was Uncle David. This is a future glimpse of Uncle David and Aunt Adrienne in 40 years. :)
The first half of our weekend was filled with fun and laughter! Stay tuned for more Atlanta activities!
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| Emily and Her Cousin Anna |
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| The Cousin Crew |
On Saturday morning, we celebrated Katie's birthday. Katie loves everything about older people (she even has her own cane), so she decided to have an "Old Lady" birthday party. The first activity of the party was lunch: grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, beans, etc... I don't think that was "Old Lady" specific, but it was good!
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| The Birthday Girl with Gray Hair |
Katie asked everyone to dress up for a fashion show, and she served as the judge. Her negligent Aunt Lauren completely forgot about this request until the last minute, so I only had time to throw something together for Emily.
Grandma went all out. She didn't place in the judging, but I think she was robbed.
The winner of the competition was Uncle David. This is a future glimpse of Uncle David and Aunt Adrienne in 40 years. :)
After the fashion show, the kids enjoyed wheelchair races. Uncle David found a wheelchair at Goodwill for Katie's birthday present, and she was thrilled. He marked off a course, and the kids formed teams. This was fun for all!
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| Andrew was ready to race. |
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| The Winning Team |
The first half of our weekend was filled with fun and laughter! Stay tuned for more Atlanta activities!
Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Family Hike
On Saturday, August 11th, the day after school started, we had beautiful weather. The temperatures were in the low 80's, and it was wonderfully sunny. I decided it would be fun to take a family hike. Despite the fact that I was probably the only person who really wanted to go (which was a fact that would be pointed out later in the day), we headed to Edwin Warner Park in Nashville for some outdoor fun.
We decided on a 2 1/2 mile loop that went up some hills in the woods, and we started out with all smiles.
It wasn't long until we found some interactive nature. This frog didn't seem to like the interaction, but Emily sure did!
A little over half way into the hike, we reached a very steep portion of trail. Emily was not a fan of this. Despite the fact that she had recently hiked the Grand Canyon, it was a slow and torturous climb. At some point, she may have even said something like "Why did we come on this hike? You were the only one who wanted to come!" When she reached the summit, however, her attitude changed quickly, and she apologized and conceded that the family time was fun, and she enjoyed the time talking with me on the way down the hill (always more fun going down than up, right?).
We took along another little hiker who had no trouble at all with the hills. Her energy seemed boundless...
But on the way home, the effects of the hike were obvious.
We had a wonderful Saturday, and it was a great way to fit in one more fun event before the busyness of the school year kicked in for good!
We decided on a 2 1/2 mile loop that went up some hills in the woods, and we started out with all smiles.
It wasn't long until we found some interactive nature. This frog didn't seem to like the interaction, but Emily sure did!
A little over half way into the hike, we reached a very steep portion of trail. Emily was not a fan of this. Despite the fact that she had recently hiked the Grand Canyon, it was a slow and torturous climb. At some point, she may have even said something like "Why did we come on this hike? You were the only one who wanted to come!" When she reached the summit, however, her attitude changed quickly, and she apologized and conceded that the family time was fun, and she enjoyed the time talking with me on the way down the hill (always more fun going down than up, right?).
We took along another little hiker who had no trouble at all with the hills. Her energy seemed boundless...
But on the way home, the effects of the hike were obvious.
We had a wonderful Saturday, and it was a great way to fit in one more fun event before the busyness of the school year kicked in for good!
Labels: Family and Friends, Fun, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy
Monday, August 27, 2012
First Day of School
After we returned home from vacation, we had less than two weeks until the start of school. We crammed in a few more trips to the pool, playdates with friends, and a movie in that small amount of time, and Andrew and Emily got to visit Fall Creek Falls State Park with Grammy and Papa as well (I wish I could have gone with them, but I was working our school's supply sale).
Too quickly, the first day arrived. Before heading to school, we stopped for the annual photo with our beloved neighbors. Unfortunately, the kids keep growing, and we've lost two girls to middle school. They left for school an hour earlier, so they weren't around for our photo.
To give you a comparison, this is the first shot taken four years ago!
Emily is very excited about her second grade teacher. Mrs. R was Andrew's teacher three years ago, so we already know how wonderful she is.
Andrew is now at top of the elementary school food chain. He has a very sweet fifth grade teacher, and I think his final year will be a great one. This will be my last year taking his picture with his teacher on the first day. I promised him I won't walk into middle school with him. :)
The first day of school was a half-day, so we spent the afternoon at Nashville Shores (a water park) pretending it was still summer. It was fun for all!
Several weeks later, we are fully into the swing of things at school. It is still hot outside, but summer break is a distant memory!
Too quickly, the first day arrived. Before heading to school, we stopped for the annual photo with our beloved neighbors. Unfortunately, the kids keep growing, and we've lost two girls to middle school. They left for school an hour earlier, so they weren't around for our photo.
To give you a comparison, this is the first shot taken four years ago!
Emily is very excited about her second grade teacher. Mrs. R was Andrew's teacher three years ago, so we already know how wonderful she is.
Andrew is now at top of the elementary school food chain. He has a very sweet fifth grade teacher, and I think his final year will be a great one. This will be my last year taking his picture with his teacher on the first day. I promised him I won't walk into middle school with him. :)
The first day of school was a half-day, so we spent the afternoon at Nashville Shores (a water park) pretending it was still summer. It was fun for all!
Several weeks later, we are fully into the swing of things at school. It is still hot outside, but summer break is a distant memory!
Labels: Family and Friends, My Best Girl, My Favorite Boy
