Getting Ready for Halloween!

We had a little test run today with our Halloween costumes. After school, there was a Halloween Party the boys were invited to. Branson is SpiderMan, Holden is a Policeman, and their friend Darby is a cute little Pooch! How adorable do these 3 pals look?!! They enjoyed dressing up. Happy Halloween!

We will miss our little Gracie Girl

Yesterday was a tough day (today might even be tougher?)... Gracie passed away peacefully in her favorite bed with her favorite Clemson blanket. She was a happy dog up until the end (14+ years old!) and oh so sweet. We will miss her terribly; she was a member of our family and it will be hard for us all. We loved that little dog very much. The boys understand her passing a little, I tried to explain to them that she was really old and is in Heaven now. We buried her on my dad and stepmother's farm which was a fun place for her back in the day... barking at cows, chasing tennis balls, digging for big rocks, etc. The boys got to oversee her funeral yesterday evening and hopefully it helped give them a better idea that she is gone and will be chasing tennis balls up in Heaven.

Gracie you had so much personality for such a little package. You were sweet and watchful over your boys. They loved you and you loved them. Thank you for some really great (and funny) memories. You will be dearly missed. We love you!

Bring On The Rain

Holden and the big inside-out umbrella! Branson of course had to 'borrow' it from him and check it out.

Branson's umbrella is BIGGER than he is!

Last week it rained a little bit (finally!) which was a good thing. We needed some! Branson and Holden had fun getting into their rain gear and finding the biggest umbrellas possible to play with.

Ready for preschool again!

Last year's preschool photo and the two new ones from Wednesday - their first day in the 3s class. I think they look taller! They love love love their new teacher, Mrs. Laura and have really had fun this week starting back to school. About half the class are children from their class last year, so it was great for them seeing familiar faces. No tears or whining at all the first day... they were Ready!

Computer Zapped by Lightening 2x!!

I have some cute pictures to share... But computer problems at the moment; sorry for delay!!

Branson & Holden are talking so much more and clearer too. Their new thing lately is
to point out the No Smoking sign to us when we go to a store or
restaurant. They especially like pointing out and telling on anyone who may be smoking.
LOUDLY saying "Look!! He's got a stinky stick Mommy!!" Very funny but very embarassing too.

Preschool starts next Wednesday! They keep asking me when they will get to go, so I think they
are ready. I know I am.

Chain Gang

My plan is working.... today the car, tomorrow who knows what. Ahhh, free labor - so nice!

Mom, Mom?

Thought the boys looked pretty neat with their faces painted! We went to a birthday party today and there was magic, cake & icecream and Face Painting! How cool! They had the best time, and a bonus - got to see a lot of their little classmates from school they have not seen in a while.

I know it has been a while since my last report.... so sorry. We had a really fun time over July 4th in Myrtle Beach with the 'Cone' side of the family. It was really nice getting out of town for a change and especially nice to visit with and play with all our relatives. Branson and Holden had a great time.

Last week they went to gymnastics camp for a couple hours each morning. Thumbs up on that - they love going to and doing gymnastics!

Lately, Branson has been calling me "Mom" - it caught me a little off guard; I thought that was what kids started calling you when they got to be teenagers!?! Now Holden has picked it up too! aaack!! It sounds really cute but also makes them sound so old! I'm torn, I like it and I don't like it. I think I should be "Mommy" just a little while longer.