Labor Day Weekend and McClain Plays T-ball

For Labor Day weekend (and football season kickoff!) we packed up and headed to the beach.  Gang's all here. 

This second year into homeschooling I orchestrated our school calendar so that we basically school year round.  We started in July because it's so darn hot to do anything and we enjoy some long weekends throughout the year, a month long break in December, a few weeks off here and there, and we finish up typically the last week of April.  We do love our beach getaways.  These babies were ready to cheer on the Gamecocks for the Thursday night season opener!

 All three of my beach babies.

Ready to hang ten.

Very thankful for this crew of mine.

This fall was McClain's first season playing t-ball.  Several of his buddies were playing on the team and he decided we was ready to give it a try.  Melt my heart you cutie pie!

First day of practice he woke up early to try out his new gear.  Too bad he had to wait a good 12 hours until practice time.  

How I found him sleeping the night before.  Just a little excited I think.

Love our l'il slugger.

Th snacks and Gatorade after the games might have been McClain's favorite part.  #truth

McClain and Bryce - buddies since two year old preschool.  Bryce's dad Coach Trey did an awesome job leading the Dashers - these boy's first t-ball team.

I'd be remissed if I left out the t-ball sisters.  Lucy Mills had a ball cheering on the boys and playing with the ball field friends.

Lucy Mills, Mary Wallace, Callie, Sarah Loiuse.

 Can't wait until next season! 

Our Princess Turns 6

Somehow I blinked and this baby turned six years old! 

On a hot August night, the eve of this little one's birthday, we were coming in the house from playing outside.  The sun was starting to go down and I looked up and saw the most beautiful pink, orange and purple sky.  I told Lucy Mills to look up and when she did she said "wow, that is the most beautiful sky! Mama, do you think God painted that for me because He knows my birthday is tomorrow?" Why yes darling girl, that it exactly the reason.  

The children are old enough to know now that birthday mornings are a special deal around our house.  They wake up to a decorated breakfast table, balloons, the red You are Special Today plate that my mom once used for us, and presents.  Because I found a good deal the kitchen was decorated with six or seven princess dresses.  Lucy Mills was ready to par-tay! 

Her birthday fell on a Thursday this year so she was able to celebrate with her friends at CC. Mrs. Mary Catherine even got her a birthday balloon. 

Our children generally get to choose if they want a birthday party or a memory getaway.  In years past we've done The American Girl Store and The Great Wolf Lodge.  Well Lucy Mills knew for her sixth birthday she wanted a princess party with the REAL Sleeping Beauty.  I'm so thankful that she is still into the princess and girly things at this age.  So party planned, we did...

Lucy Mills and Suggie.  She is so blessed and had all of her grandparents and her Aunt Tutu come to her party this year.  

Once all of the little princesses arrived, the honored guests sent me a text that she was walking up to the house.  Out the door my kiddos flew to greet her!

The real Sleeping Beauty. 

Reading the royal proclamation that it was her birthday. 

And getting a treasured necklace that she said she would never take off. 

Magical. 

Practicing how princesses sleep. 

Reading princess stories. 

Singing to the birthday girl. 

Pop Pop with his littlest princess. 

It was a magical birthday.
Lucy Mills, we love you to the moon and back! Happy 6th birthday sweet girl.