We recently attended Daryl's cousin's wedding. I was one I actually did not have to videotape. Of course we all dressed up and Olivia wanted to look her best. She wore the same dress to the last wedding on Daryl's side of the family a couple of years ago who was actually the sister of this bride...keeping up? Anyway, she had to have the twirly dress (as you can see), the hat, the purse, and she is even wearing the bracelet that Aunt Deb sent to her in the mail for her first day of school. Aunt Deb made it for her from a kit and mailed it to Olivia. She was so excited to get something in the mail just for her with a present in it to boot. I'll enclose another picture so you can see the bracelet....there, now it's the top picture, and the braclet is the one on the left, multi-colored.

A Prayer for Grandma

Wednesday, Sept. 12 Grandma had knee surgery. Mom went with her and stayed until this past Sunday. She did really well. All of our prayers were answered. Actually, she even did so well with a recent physical that the doctors told her she could live another 20 years. Grandma just had her 80th birthday this year. I told her she is the rock of this entire family and we need her for as long as god will let us have her. If only she would start scolding Daisy (her cat) when she jumps on the KITCHEN counters. Grams a softy. We love you gram!

Wednesday, September 5th was Olivia's first day of school. She goes to the school Jenna went to when she was in preschool, so the teachers already know Olivia. This was the first morning that both sisters got ready for school together. Jenna gave her little sister a good luck hug before we got ready to leave. Olivia's first day couldn't have been better. We arrived early and had to sit outside the classroom door until it was time to go in. Other children in Olivia's class also arrived early, and Olivia walked around and talked with them introducing herself. She was very confident. We went in and Olivia asked if I was staying. I told her I was not, but would be outside waiting for her as soon as class was over. I had already prepared her for all the fun she was going to have way before school even started. She said Ok and kissed me goodbye. The only thing she wasn't happy with was that her backpack had to stay on her special hook in the hallway outside the classroom. She was afraid someone would take it. I explained to her that it had her name on it and it was on a hook that was only hers. It made her feel better.

Jenna's first day of school was Tuesday, Sept. 4. She now goes to the same school as her brother Gavin. Jenna really likes her new teacher and is very excited about school. She loves to sing, which she does often at home, and color.

Meet Fred

Yes, Fred is a Pheasant. Apparently we share the same address and he seems to think he should be allowed to come into the house as well. Fred has, on more then one occasion, perched at our door and pecked at it making me think someone is at the door. I have ruled out rabies because it has been about 3 months now and Fred appears out of nowhere and squacks in the early morning or perches at our door in the early evening about once a week. I'll be sitting in the kitchen and there is Fred, walking casually in front of the kitchen window headed for the door. Of course if I move he runs. He is getting braver though. Someone suggested that he sees himself through our glass door and either wants to mate, or fight with the image. I'm guessing mate since he lays by the door. Sunny (our golden lab) did get her chance to chase Fred once. I yelled at her and Fred of course got away. I'm sure we will be seeing more of Fred in the near future.