Back to School Party!!

We celebrated going back to school today at our neighbors, The Longees. Emma, Mya, Connon, Will and Hayes had a great time playing together. This is Emma dressed up in one of Mya's princess costumes.

This is the Ladd Landing group :-)

We celebrated with cupcakes. This is the group patiently waiting on us to light the candles. We moms sang "Welcome back to school" to the tune of "Happy Birthday"

Finally, they got to blow out the candles and dig in to the yummy cupcakes!

Connon was the last one to finish up his 2nd cupcake. Think he enjoyed it?? :-)

Connon's First Day of Preschool

Emma isn't the only one who has recently gone back to school. Connon started today. He has moved up to the 3 year old class. His teachers are Mrs. Deepa and Mrs. Elaine. When I picked him up from school, he was using scissors. Now, that is a BIG DEAL for him to be able to do that. He was so very proud of himself. He really enjoys school as well :-)

Sunday Boat Ride on Watts Bar Lake

This is Ralph Deaderick. He is Charles'(Boppa)neighbor. He has been so kind as to take us out on his boat several times. We all went out for a ride on Sunday. The weather was wonderful. We had a great time swimming in the lake. Just so you know, Ralph is 93 years young!!

This is Dad and Ralph.

As you can see from the picture, Emma and Connon had a great time riding in the boat.


This is a shot of Whitestone Bed and Breakfast in Roane Co. It is a beautiful and very peaceful place to visit. I would highly recommend trying it out :-)

All Partied Out :-)

The Haneys celebrated Tom's birthday with us. As you can see from this picture, Hayes was a sleepy little boy. He fell right to sleep on his daddy's lap. I thought this was a sweet picture.

Happy Birthday Tom!!!

We had a birthday party for Tom. Mom and Dad came to celebrate with us. Emma and mom made him an orange "Go Vols" cake.

Gran and Pop with Emma and Connon. Emma said she was too sleepy to look at the camera. When we told her to go on to bed, she suddenly perked up!!

The "Go Vols" cake.

Emma's 1st "phase-in" day of Kindergarten

We arrived at Kingston Elementary about 30 minutes early. Tom wanted to be able to be a part of her first day. We sat in the parking lot together and observed the traffic flow. It was fun :-). Connon, as you can see was being a silly little boy!!

Look at the big girl. She was so excited to be walking into the school with her daddy and brother.

Emma and her teacher, Mrs. Williams. Emma has already learned to raise her hand if she has anything to say. I will often hear her asking Connon to raise his hand before speaking. As you MIGHT imagine, that usually goes over like a bucket of rocks!! Emma did enjoy her first day. She did great and even remembered her 4-digit code she ahs to type in after going through the lunch line. We are so very proud of her!

Afternoon Sonic Snack..Yummy!

Guess who is enjoying his snack??

Emma and Connon patiently waiting on their food.

Emma's favorite...Reese Cup Blast.

Kindergarten Orientation!!

I snapped this shot of Emma. As you can see from her expression, she is not sure if she wants to do this whole "kindergarten thing". She was a bit apprehensive!

This picture and the one after it may be a bit blurry. This, of course, is the family. We were all up together getting ready for the big day. Emma met her teacher, Mrs. Williams. She also got to see her classroom, the cafeteria and gym at Kingston Elementary School.

this is Connon and Will's younger brother, Hayes. They watched as we backed out of the garage. They REALLY wanted to go with us. They start preschool on Monday :-).

Watts Bar Belle

Connon and Hayes hanging out together.

Emma and Connon :-)

Emma and Will. Those two LOVE being together!!

This picture and the one following are examples of what I love about East TN. These two fields and barns are across the river from one another....picturesque!

Paddle Boat Ride on the Watts Bar Belle

We took a sight seeing tour of Watts Barr Lake today. We went with our friends/neighbors, the Haneys. This is Jack and Michelle :-)

Tom and Me

Emma, Connon, Will and Hayes had more fun eating popcorn and drinking sprite. we think, than seeing all the sights...who would've thought it????

Connon "hanging out"

This is Emma and her friend Emma :-) They were known at school as Emma L. and Emma H.

Friday Family Day!

Emma starts kindergarten on Monday, so Tom took off today and Monday. Emma and Tom spent a fun morning together. They went to see the movie Wall-E and then had lunch together. Emma was "floating" this morning as she was getting ready for her "date". It was so so sweet to see her with her dad!! They had a great time together. Connon and I went to Walmart to buy "big boy underwear". We hope he is potty trained!!!!! YEAH :-)

After the movie, we all went to the park. Emma and Connon enjoyed swinging. The weather was "perfect".

We also hit tennis balls. I won't go so far as to say that we "played" tennis. Connon really did not want to share his racket with Tom and me.


Emma has enjoyed playing on these bars since she was a little little girl. She is so proud of herself in this picture.

A Family Day On The Lake

Emma started out on the jet ski first with Kari. Connon was not a happy little camper. As you can see, he was looking at them. He was telling them he wanted to be on there with them.

Connon, Emma and Kari on the jet ski giving the "thumbs up" sign. Connon did get to sit on it before Emma and Kari took it out.

CHEESE!!!!

I gave Connon and ride. He loved it!! He steered it for a bit too :-)

I gave Emma a ride as well. We had fun riding together. She REALLY enjoys the jet ski!! :-)