HollyBrooke

The girl's most favorite vacation!

2010-08-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

We went to Nebraska for 9 days this summer and the girls had an absolute blast! They got to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Brue all by themselves for four days (thank you thank you!) and didn't miss me one bit. They rode horses, jumped on the trampoline, rode the 4 wheeler, drove a tractor, went to the children's museum, fed deer/elk/ducks/goats and just roamed on the range....I seriously don't think they have ever had that much fun in their lives! :) These pics are kinda out of order....

The adored Buddy and playing in the "crik"

Riding the 4 wheeler with Grandpa and Brody

Holly absolutely adored the horses and knew all of their names after the first day.

Bop was a lil tired after the first full day!

Tom met me for a quick milkshake on my drive back from Denver.

Going out to help Grandpa

We went swimming in the Platte river

Playing in the creek with Buddy...they loved sloshing thru the mud!

Getting ready to go riding.

3 amigos

Pointing at the poop!

Slip-n-sliding with Uncle Tom

I love this picture! Brooke and Uncle Tom's dog, Dodge

Sammy

2010-08-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Sammy the cat got pretty "old looking" the last few months. We got back from vacation and had to put him to sleep. It was very hard. He was a cool cat and put up with years of torture from this little quirt. I can't believe I'm saying this...but I miss his noisy self!!

Holly's last day of 1st grade

2010-06-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

Friday was Holly's last day of school. I wish she could have her 1st grade teacher forever! (Yes I cried) She was excited to have no more school for awhile. I'm excited to not have to set an alarm clock for awhile!

Holly and Brooke before school

Cleaning out their desks

The butterfly cocoon they have been watching conveniently opened up on the last day of school. They were all excited to see the butterfly flying around in their garden.

Brooke's 5th Birthday!

2010-06-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Brooke had a busy busy birthday! She started out the day with Sports Camp and ended it with a party at Pump It Up with 18 of her favorite peeps. To say she was wiped out is putting it mildly!!! Happy 5th Birthday Bop!!!

Waking up and checking out the lootBefore leaving to camp
After camp, getting ready to leave for her party

Me and my girls

Daddy and his little girl who acts just like him! (haha!)

Mommy and the birthday girl

Ready to go jump their heineys off!

Bouncing around

Holly and Allison

Bop and Haley

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Dancing around

Group shot

Brooke on her throne in the party room

Laney and Brooke

Mom must have been really hungry when she ordered this cake. It was a tad bit too big!
Bop and Papa

Laney, Brooke and Hannah Elizabeth

Holly's end of the year party

2010-06-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

The whole first grade went to Jack Russel Park for an end-of-the-year party. They played in the 90+ degree heat all day long and had a blast! Holly and her two fave girls from her class...twins Natalie and Avery
Lily, Olivia and Holly

After-race party

2010-06-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

After the "Never Quit" race....they had a party and The Mosquitos played. The girls had a blast dancing to the live music and it was hotter than you-know-what that night! Both were dead tired by 10 pm that night!

Troy and his girls (and their friends from softball)
Bop and HannahElizabeth danced all night

Boogy-ing

Holly smacking the beach ball around

They took Bop on stage and had the crowd sing Happy Birthday to her....she thought she was HOT stuff!!!

Diva

All the girls

Never Quit Fun Run

2010-06-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

Dan, Holly and Brooke ran in the Never Quit 1 mile fun run on Saturday. Holly did really good this time. Brooke did good too except for stopping to pick up seashells a couple of times in the middle of the race. It was extremely hot that morning and they were both ready to hit the ocean afterwards!

Waiting for the race to start
and they are off....

Here comes Holly!!

and Daddy and Brooke right behind her

I asked them if they had fun...both said "Yes!" then I asked if they wanted to do it again...both said "No!"

Time to swim

Poetry Day

2010-06-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

Holly's class is learning about poetry so they each wrote a poem and got to read it outloud to their parents and classmates. She did a great job!

Holly and her teacher Mrs. Hullender....we LOVE her!!

Chelsea's Graduation

2010-06-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

I went up to Atlanta to see my friend Kim's daughter Chelsea graduate from High School. It was a great weekend and Chelsea looked beautiful as ever. She has grown up into such a great girl!

That's our girl...waving for the cameras!! (We trained her young!)

Us three at her party the next day

(These are out of order) These are from before the ceremony

Chelsea and her two cool Aunts!

Chelsea and her Mom

Randy, Kim, Chelsea, Jennifer and Rance

The badmitton champs!!

Brooke's Fieldtrip to the beach

2010-06-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

Brooke had an end-of-the-year field trip to the beach and they had a ball! The weather was perfect and it helps when your school is only two blocks from the ocean!

Brooke and Haley ready to go
She had the best little group of girls in her class this year! Girl power!

Brooke and Haley

Group shot

Getting our swim on! :)

2010-06-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

Brooke can be a real pain the backside when it comes to picture taking!
The kids from da hood

Holly's soccer party

2010-06-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

Soccer is all done! Holly really enjoyed playing soccer! I hope she keeps it up!

Brooke's last game

2010-05-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

Brooke's last game was tonight. She absolutely loved her coach (well not enough to score any goals for him) and loved all the girls on her team. We went to Chick-fil-a for a little after party.

Already taking a break and the game hasn't even started.

Go Rockets!

Girl Power!

Getting her trophy

Group shot

Farmer Bop

2010-05-20T18:27:00.001-07:00

Brooke had a birthday party at a horse farm last weekend and had a blast. It was hotter than you-know-what but that didn't stop her from riding the horse several times and chasing down poor little rabbits and ducks!

Bop, HannahElizabeth and Annalise

Brooke and HannahElizabeth

Poor lil bunny!

Holly's Art fair

2010-05-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Holly had an art fundraiser at school and they put on a cute little program before it started. We were way in the back so my pictures are kinda crappy.

Uncle Dave up the tree

2010-05-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Dave cut down one of our neighbor's trees a few weeks ago...the girls thought it was pretty cool he was up so high!

Soccer has come to an end!

2010-05-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Holly played her last soccer game on Tuesday night. She really loved playing soccer this year....hopefully she'll want to keep it up!

My pretty girls...

2010-05-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

Holly's science project

2010-05-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Holly had to do a science project last week...which really means MOMMY had to do a science project. She was home sick two days so we made use of the time without Brooke being into everything and got it all done. Science is soooo not Mommy's "thang" :)

Holly at school at the science fair

St. Paul's carnival

2010-05-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Off to the land of funnel cakes and rides that are ran by lovely individuals with very poor hygiene! The girls had a blast at the carnival this year but they are both pretty chicken when it comes to riding "scary" rides. Brooke and Laney

Holly jumping on the bungee thingy

Holly, Ava and Bop

Holly's soccer

2010-04-27T18:17:00.003-07:00

Holly is still diggin soccer, which is great...puts her to sleep REALLY easy at night! :)

Grandma's 26th birthday :)

2010-04-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

We went over to Grandma's house to help her celebrate her birthday. Ben and Judy House came and everyone had fun.

Holly chilling out... Dad and Joan have been waiting for these blue bird eggs to hatch for weeks and figured out that something was wrong. Dan decided to look into the bird house and found a new tenant that needed to be evicted.

Dan and Dave
Uninvited guest

Yeah- keep that thing over there!

Bop isn't scared of much...

Opening presents with Grandma

Holly reading Grandma all her birthday cards

Dad, Judy, Joan and Ben

Blowing out those 26 candles

Grandma and her girls

Dave, Joan and I

Opening of the Beaches Parade 2010

2010-04-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

So much for opening of the beaches...it rained and rained but finally cleared up right as the parade was starting.

Brooke the fashionista!

Holly getting some candy from a pirate

School Party

2010-04-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

Holly's class had a going-away party for their assistant teacher, Ms. Osbrach.

Holly and Ms. Osbrach

The whole group

Then that night was "Atlantic Beach Elementary Night" at McDonalds

Goofing off before school....

2010-04-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

Lost tooth number 2!

2010-04-27T12:16:00.000-07:00

Holly lost her 2nd tooth and her darling sister proceeded to drop in down the drain in the bathroom.

The Dolphin Dash

2010-04-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

Holly ran the Dolphin Dash at school last Friday with her Dad. (I asked her if I could run with her and she said "No, you just take pictures!" sheesh) She was really excited and did a great job!

Holding the sign Bop and I made for her!Dancing on the sidelines watching the other classes run
Holly's cheerleader

Stretching out before the big race

At the starting line....

and they are off!

Go Holly Go!

Crossing the finish line

Bop and her soccer

2010-04-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Brooke has been doing good at soccer....if I can get her to stop talking and playing with her friends and FOCUS! (I know I know...just like her Mom)We always have to stop in the middle of the game to hug friends on the other team! :) At least She didn't have to have her coach in her individual picture this year!

Group shot

Girls rule

Visit to Grandma's

2010-04-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

We went out Sunday to visit my Aunt that is in town. The girls are always up for a trip to Grandma's house...especially when there are four ladies that are willing to pay them lots of attention! :)Brooke and Holly's new fan club.... (Sister Therese, Bev, Liz and Maureen) Dave...like Father, like son...

Elizabeth, Holly, Maureen, Dave and Bop

Nutty Bop

Dave, me, Holly, Sister Therese, Elizabeth, Dad, Maureen and Joan

Dave and I

The Lofton girls

Disney on Ice

2010-04-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

I took the girls to see Disney on Ice last week and they loved it.

All the Princes and Princesses skating

Brooke boogy-ing

One pooped little girl

Brooke and her lil creatures

2010-04-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

Playing with a little turtle our neighbor found... Brooke found this toad swimming in the pool so she had to "rescue" him...

Now the toad is thinking "put me back in the pool away from this little kid!"

My friend Shannon

2010-04-12T13:29:00.001-07:00

My friend Shannon, who I went to school with in Italy, came to visit for a night at the end of March. The girls were all about her son Charlie. They probably drove him crazy!! We went out to eat and down to the beach. The kiddos all got soaked in the freezing ocean. We had a great time with them!

Easter Sunday

2010-04-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

The girls had a fun and busy Easter Sunday. First the Easter Bunny brought them baskets filled with toys (he should certainly know by now that they don't need anymore toys...)

Then out to the yard to find the hidden eggs....READY SET GO!!!!

Gotta stop mid-hunt and pull our underwear out of our heiny!!

Counting the loot

Then out to Grandma's house for another egg hunt...

Pretty lil girls in Grandma's garden...

Then a little fishing in the pond with Daddy.

and a little bowling.....Mommy kicked everyone's butts! :)

Grandma and Grandpa and Holly

Dad and Dave

Decorating Easter Eggs

2010-04-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

All this anticipation to decorate Easter Eggs and the whole process lasted about 10 minutes. :)

Brooke's 1st soccer game of the year

2010-03-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

Don't let these pictures fool you....Lil Mia Hamm was not out on the field to play soccer tonight. Although she did much better than her first soccer game last year (where she boo-hoo'd on the sideline the whole time), she is pretty much out there to be the social butterfly, dance in the grass, play in the dirt, find out who is bringing the snack, and tell the coach she's ready for a "break". Free kid!! Anyone? Anyone??

Go Bop Go!

She looks kinda bad-ass in this picture... :)

Her and her buddy Hannah Elizabeth

Holly cheering her on

Holly's field trip to the zoo

2010-03-24T13:00:00.000-07:00

Holly had a field trip Monday to the zoo. The weather was cold but they had a blast!

Holly and Avery petting the stinky goats

Holly's 1st soccer game

2010-03-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Holly had her first soccer game Tuesday night. She was so excited. She ran around like a nut. She apparently doesnt like to kick the ball too much. She also cheered for the other team when they would score :)

Like her sister, she likes to dance on the field in the middle of the game!

Soccer has begun...

2010-03-15T17:26:00.001-07:00

We had our first soccer practice tonite and both girls did really good. Brooke was excited because her lil buddy from school is on her team this season.

Let's hope this year Brooke won't be so clingy to Coach Jeremy!

Brooke is saying "Stop taking my picture!!!!" - Get over it kid...not gonna happen!

The Gate River Run

2010-03-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

We ran the Junior River run on Saturday. I ran a whole mile! The girls were very excited to do their first race. They told me they didn't want to run with me because "Daddy runs better..." (he ran the 15K) so of course I had to prove a point! :) Did I mention I ran a whole mile??? Holly took off super fast like the Police were chasing her and ended up getting a side ache 1/2 way thru so I practically dragged her. She ended up getting excited with all the people clapping at the finish and started running again. Brooke on the other hand ran it in 12 minutes, stopping occasionally to skip or hop up and down on the curb. They were very proud when they got their medals! Monkeys getting some bananas before the race

Waiting for the cannon to go off and start the race

Me dragging Holly

Brooke hopping up and down the curbs

Brooke and Daddy kicked Holly and my butts

39th birthday...ugh!!!!!

2010-03-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

We went out for Japanese food and then did cake afterwards for my 39th birthday. I personally could have just skipped the day completely but the girls are all about the cake!! :)

Holly catching shrimp from the chef

4 candles are way better than 39!!!!

Celebrating at Grandma and Grandpa's house

Bop and Grandma and Grandpa

V.I.K.

2010-03-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

Holly was picked to be the V.I.K. and was most excited....it comes with exceptional benefits, such as being the Line Leader and chocolate chip cookies in the cafeteria...who could ask for more???

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-03-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

The girls heading to school for their Valentine's Day parties...

So so ready for Spring time>>>

2010-03-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

The temps warmed up to about 60 so we headed for lunch with my parents and their friends visiting from Texas, Jane and Don. It was a beautiful day on the ocean!

2010-02-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

We went to Atlanta last weekend for Sam's 9th birthday party. We had a great time and we are still trying to catch up on our sleep!

Brooke and Uncle Randy Holly singing

Me, Chelsea, Lindsey and Kim

Boogy-ing in the kitchen at Kim's house :)

Bop and Sam still going at midnight Friday night!!

At Nancy & Carl's house before the party

Getting ready to head to the gymnastics party!

Two lil monkeys (Anne and Brooke)

Chelsea and Brooke

Randy showing his stuff...

Holly bouncing...

Happy Birthday Sam!!!!

Dancing in the kitchen night #2

Singing Lady Ga Ga

Brooke fell asleep sitting up...

Getting ready to head home...one last bit of torturing for poor lil Tootsie the dog!

This was one wiped out kid on the way back to Jax!!

Holly's 1st lost tooth!

2010-02-09T08:15:00.000-08:00

Holly discovered her tooth was loose right before we left for Atlanta on Friday. She was most upset about it and did NOT want it to come out. (I think the real reason she was upset was because she couldn't shovel food in her mouth) She played with it and played with it and it came out at breakfast the next morning at Aunt Kim's house.

When we got home, we got things ready for the tooth fairy! :)

The tooth fairy brought $5 and Holly just asked "Why didn't she bring me a new tooth??"

My girls....

2010-01-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

Brooke the rockstar

2010-01-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

She was having a little bit of hair issues....her stylist wasn't available before the video shoot.

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New Years Eve/New Years day

2010-01-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

This cold weather is putting a damper on our outdoor stuff! It was coooooold here for about 2 weeks. The girls kept saying "We have to wear a jacket AGAIN?" I almost ALMOST went out and bought an electric blanket! :)

but it didn't stop Brooke from cruising on her bike while I froze my butt off chasing after her...
This weather turned my nice tropical flowering back yard (beginning of Dec 2009) ...
into this ugly mess that looks like someone has poured kerosine on everything...(Jan 2010)

for our New Years eve celebration we went to Pump it Up and bounced all our energy away!

Then off to the park

Is she gonna be a great fireman or a........hmmmm...we won't go there!

New Years day we met some friends at Ollie Koalas

Then Brooke and Daddy went to the Gator Bowl game to watch Florida State play their last game with Bobby Bowden as the coach. Brooke had a blast!

Christmas Day

2009-12-29T13:43:00.001-08:00

Santa came through... Santa brought this drum set for Holly even though Mommy was more leaning towards the flute or the Harmonica....

I think Bop looks like "Animal" from the muppets in this picture! :)

Opening presents at Grandma and Grandpa's house

Brooke ended up with a fever on Christmas day so that cut everything short :(

Christmas Eve

2009-12-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

So so not ready to go to bed...they were so excited!

outside putting out the reindeer food

Cookies for Santa

reading "The Night Before Christmas"....

and opening one gift before bedtime

Goofing off with Anne & Allison

2009-12-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

Aunt AMy, Anne & Allison came over before Christmas and the girls had a good ole time putting on make-up, dressing up etc...

It was cold outside but they didn't care!

Hair everywhere!

Cute lil Allison

No Training wheels!!!!!

2009-12-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

Brooke learned how to ride her bike last Wednesday and now you can't keep her off that thing!

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visit with Santa

2009-12-20T17:59:00.001-08:00

Before heading to the mall to see Santa

Peeking in thru the window of Santa's house...

The official Santa portrait Brooke asked Santa if his beard was real. He said "Pull on it!"

so she did...

Brooke in a little art project she made at school :)

Brooke's Christmas program

2009-12-20T17:31:00.000-08:00

Brooke had a little Christmas program at school. She did a great job singing her songs. They were all so cute and she was very excited to perfom! She is to the right of the little dude dressed as a star in the middle.

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Waving to her fans...

She spotted me in the crowd

Gingerbread houses

2009-12-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

I got to go to Brooke's school and decorate Gingerbread houses with her. I think we ate more than we decorated!

Her and her best buddy Hannah Elizabeth

Tree decorating

2009-12-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

The girls were most excited to decorate the Christmas tree this year....

Then it turned into a wrestling match....

...I'm assuming Brooke lost the match
They became friends again

Veteran's Day

2009-12-20T16:58:00.001-08:00

On Veteran's Day, Brooke had a little flag ceremony at her school, They were very cute. Holly didn't have school that day so we met Grandma and Grandpa downtown at the Veteran's Day parade. It was fun and made you proud to be an American!

Brooke and her class. (She is in the white shirt in the back right)
Holly and G&G waiting for the parade to start

Jacksonville Police Officers

This U.S. Army nurse was a veteran of the Normandy Invasion June 1944

Love this picture....

The Blue Angels

2009-11-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Jax Beach had their Sea and Sky Spectacular this weekend. The airshow was Sat and Sun but they practiced all week. We went down to the beach and watched them 4 times. They are awesome!!! After the actual show on Saturday - we came back to the house and celebrated Grandpa's birthday.

Holly loved watching the Blue Angels

Brooke loved playing in the sand...I think she wasn't too excited by the 4th viewing

Grandpa and Grandma and Holly
Two of them are upside down!!

Blowing out his candles. Brooke said she thought Grandpa was 28 years old!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-09T13:10:00.001-08:00

Holly asked me all day to put her Bride costume on to go Trick-or-Treating....I finally put it on - she goes to about 5 houses and wants to go home and pass out candy! Brooke was an Indian and was thrilled that Grandma Maher made her costume for her. She looked so cute. She walked and walked until about 9:45 p.m. We got lots of loot!

Holly, Brooke and Laney ready to go....

Handing out candy

Still going....

at about 10:00 p.m. Brooke's fun-meter had broken....we had tears and this nice little tongue sticking out at me....

The girls Halloween parades

2009-11-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

Holly got to wear her costume for her Halloween parade the Friday before Halloween. She was very excited! They marched around the school a few times and then had a fun little Halloween party in their classroom. Here she is.....the bride

The whole class

Playing Bingo at her class Halloween party

Brooke's parade was for the Cystic fibrosis foundation...they just had to wear hats and march around with their animal masks on.

Her whole class

The Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-24T12:22:00.001-07:00

Visit to the pumpkin patch.....self explanatory....Brooke dropping pumpkins everywhere, Holly tired of getting her picture taken and 75% of the pumpkins were mushy from the heat. But I think their pictures came out cute!

The Shriners Circus

2009-10-24T12:17:00.001-07:00

We went to the shriners circus this morning. The girls had a good time. Brooke wouldn't go anywhere near the clowns but at least she didn't scream if they came near her like she did last year. We filled up on cotton candy, popcorn, skittles and all sorts of crap all before noon!

Holly doing the "Y-M-C-A"

Brooke with her face covered in blue cotton candy

Garden Day at Holly's school

2009-10-24T12:09:00.001-07:00

We had Garden day at Holly's school on Friday. Every student brought in a plant & mulch. They also made stepping stones. Only three parents showed up to help so we had our work cut out for us....it ended up looking really nice!

Holly planting her plant
The finished product

everyone working hard on their stepping stones

Holly reading a book before lunch

Holly & Natalie in her classroom

Holly's Birthday

2009-10-16T07:44:00.001-07:00

Holly"s actual birthday was on Thursday. We went to the Bakery for donuts and picked up some #7 cookies to take to her class at school.

Decisions decisions.....

we went to the park after school

Big 7 year old!!

then opened a couple more presents...

Then we went for Japanese food....Holly's favorite!!

Grandma and Grandpa met us for dinner

Then why not throw in a cupcake right at bedtime????

Holly's 7th Birthday party

2009-10-13T06:34:00.001-07:00

Holly had her party at the bowling alley this year. Her and her friends bowled, ate hotdogs and ate lots of cake! She was so excited and she had lots of fun bowling with all her buddies!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BIG 7 YEAR OLD!!

Laney and Brooke
Anne, Brooke, Holly & Allison

Eyeballing the cake

Holly, Kendall and Ashley

Bop and Grandma

Holly and Daddy

The whole crew

Make a wish

Poor Anne never gets a break from Brooke

Opening presents

More soccer

2009-10-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Brooke's first soccer season is coming to an end. She hasn't scored a goal yet this season, but she is definitely on the ball when it comes to knowing which Mom is bringing snacks each game. I think she will actually be a pretty good player someday if she will pay a little more attention and stop waving to and socializing with everyone on the sideline!! and maybe cut out a little of the gymnastics in the middle of the games.....
Girls rule!

Brooke's cheerleader

Misc pictures

2009-10-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

Just a few misc pics of the girls...

Before school...

Sammy

The squirrels are really scared of him...can you tell...?

The park

2009-10-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

Feeding the birdies at the park.....

Lil Monkey

Soccer game #2

2009-09-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

Brooke kicked butt at her second soccer game! She was having a ball! Here is a little video of her (she is number 9) :

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Goofing off with her team before the game

I'm not sure whose bright idea it was to take the team pictures in the MIDDLE of the game...

Brooke refused to take her individual picture by herself...she would only do it with her coach in there.....that kid!!!!

Go Bop Go!

Brooke's first day of VPK

2009-09-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Brooke started school on August 31st and has been doing great so far! Her new school is located right next door to Holly's school so it is nice and convenient for Mom!!

Brooke and her buddy HannahElizabeth at their orientation for Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten

The first day of school...Brooke has to wear a "uniform" shirt which makes it nice when picking out the picky little diva's clothes! Holly and Brooke Brooke and her new school bag that's almost as big as her!

in her classroom

Brooke's first soccer game

2009-09-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

We were so excited for Brooke's first soccer game. She got there & warmed up like a champ. Then she was told she could not use her pink soccer ball during the game and it all went downhill from there. She refused to play at all. Her coach (who is AWESOME) did everythng he could to get her out there....no such luck.

Warming up...Good thing Grandma and Grandpa drove all the way out here to watch her pout on the sidelines

Getting a pep talk from her coach

Stubborn lil thing

Holly is now a 1st grader!!!

2009-08-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Holly went back to school today. She was very excited and got up right away. Her little sister, on the other hand, took a little more work...

My sweet lil 1st grader!

Brooke got all bent out of shape that I took a picture of Holly without her in it! Crabby lil thing!

Outside her new classroom

All ready to begin!

Bowling

2009-08-24T10:04:00.000-07:00

We went bowling with Holly's friend Kendall last week....we are doing anything we can to stay out of the AWFUL heat. The girls did pretty darm good bowling!

Kendall, Holly & Bop

Brooke soccer

2009-08-24T09:47:00.001-07:00

Brooke is playing soccer! Well so far...Brooke is enjoying putting all the gear on and acting shy at soccer practice. She keeps telling me after practice "Mommy next practice I am gonna do really great!"

Road trip

2009-08-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

The girls and I took at trip up to Atlanta to see Kim & family. Then we went over to Chattanooga, Tennessee to do a few things there. They had a good time and we were all tired by the time we got home.

One hour into the trip.....(Joan - does that remind you of anyone??)

Hanging out with Sam in Atlanta
Hanging out at Nancy & Carl's house

Brooke and her buddy Bumpa

At the Children's Museum in Chattanooga, TN

Looking for dinosaur bones

Jumping on the beds in the hotel

at the amusement park

At the Tennessee Aquarium
In the butterfly garden at the aquarium

holding a butterfly

Back in Atlanta hanging with Sam againBrooke loved this doggie Tootsie! on the way back to Florida....

Laney's Birthday

2009-08-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

Brooke's bestest buddy Laney had her 4th birthday party at Sweet and Sassy....they never can get enough glitter, hairspray & nail polish! Happy Birthday Laney!!

The two trouble makers :)

Getting together with old friends...

2009-07-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

We got to celebrate Ben House's 70th birthday Saturday night. We all go back a long way (Italy) and it's just amazing how you can get together with good people and feel like no time has gone by at all! Happy 70th Birthday Ben! Glad we could help you celebrate!

He wasn't expecting all of us...SURPRISE!

Ben and Dad

Ben and Judy

The folks...

Me and Chechi

Group shot

Me, Ben & Michelle

Ben and his wife, Chechi and adorable son, Justin

The House family

Happy Birthday Anne!

2009-07-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

We went to Jungle Quest to celebrate Anne's 9th birthday. It was fun...Holly wouldn't do any of the zip lines but still wore the harness around like a champ! :)

Anne zipping around

The Birthday girl! Happy Birthday Anne!!!!! Love you!!!

Amy & her "baby" :)

Sam, Bop & Holly

Troy looking like he's up to no good...

Group shot

The Beach ~again~

2009-07-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone was in town for Anne's birthday party this weekend so we all hit the beach Friday. We had a great time with the Crass peeps (as always!) until the black clouds rolled in...

Allison
Sam, Holly & Allison

Brooke

Nancy, AMy & Kim

After lunch heading back to the beach...

Sam & Bop

Aunt Kim & Allison

Head for cover!

Later that night at Mandarin Ale House

Hanging out at Amy's house

Lots of girls!!!!

Still loving the summer time!

2009-07-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

Brooke decided to jump in fully clothed....

Lisa & Michael's visit

2009-07-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

My sister Lisa and her husband Michael came for a visit two weeks ago. The girls were all about them & had a great time hanging out with them (especially their "child" Cleo the pug) :)

On the pier at Jax Beach

Michael trying to get lil Miss Attitude to hold a starfish

She gave in...

Grandma and Brooke picking up shells...well Grandma's picking up shells, Brooke's picking her seat :)

Lisa and I

Brooke's Dance Recital

2009-07-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

Brooke had her 1st dance recital downtown June 13. She was very excited. We started off with the makeup....

Then back to Sweet & Sassy to get her hair doneLaney getting her hair done
The finished "do"Brooke and Laney all dolled up
Ready for their last dress rehearsal

Me, Brooke, Missy & LaneyAnne , Holly & Allison waiting for the show to start

After the show...

With Grandma & Grandpa

Bop & Anne

After the recital we went to PF Changs for dinner & out for icecream....another busy day!

Brooke's actual birthday

2009-07-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

For Brooke's actual birthday, I took them and got their pictures taken together and they cooperated so nicely (for once!) and then we headed to Tunnelz and Tumbles for the afternoon. We finished up the night at Grandma's house & out for Japanese food. She was a sleepy 4 year old girlie by the end of the day!

Brooke at Tunnelz and Tumblez

Holly playing putt putt

Holly must get this great golf stance from her mother!

Watching the chef

They brought her some cake and sang Happy Birthday

Eating cupcakes at Grandma's house

Getting a kiss from her sissy

Bop and Grandma

Brooke's 4th Birthday party

2009-07-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

Brooke had her 4th Birthday party at "Sweet & Sassy" on June 6th. There was hairspray, nail polish & makeup galore. She and all her friends had a great time & looked ever so fashionable!

Holly & Brooke before the party

They had a whole team of "makeup artists" working on them! :)Bop, Anne & AllisonBop & LaneyShe picked out midnight blue nail polish.... The whole group

Getting ready to do the Limbo...

Time for pizza and cake

Brooke diggin her fingers in her cake

Brooke wanted her ears pierced for her birthday.

So we decided to get Holly's done at the same time.

Just a few tears and everything was fine....

The girls and Grandma Maher
The girls in their dresses from Grandma Brue

Last day of Kindergarten

2009-06-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe the school year is over...today we went to an awards ceremony in Holly's class & watched a slideshow of the whole school year.

Holly was very excited to go to school today!

Holly reading in front of the class what she learned in Kindergarten. "I learned how to read books and turn the page and when you're done, you put it on the shelf."

Holly getting her awards and report card from Ms. Towne.

Me and my girlies - summertime here we come......

Holly's Fieldtrip to the beach

2009-06-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Brooke and I got to go with Holly and her class to their last Kindergarten field trip to the beach. It was a perfect day and how lucky can you be that your school is only a few blocks from the ocean?? :)

Getting ready to head out....
They got to fly the kites they made in class.

Holly's teachers - Ms. Olsen, Ms. Towne & Ms. Hixon

Holly wrote "Bech Day" in the sand :)

All the Moms, teachers and students & a cute lil lifeguard in the backround :)

Heading back to school for a water balloon fight.

Never ever ending rain

2009-05-20T17:40:00.001-07:00

It's been raining here for 10,000 days (well actually 3) and everyone was going a little stir-crazy. What started out as the girls helping pick up all the storm trash in the yard....

turned into a little cute splashing in the gutters.....

which then turned into this....

and this....

Brooke dumping out the soaked rain boots!

Brooke's preschool graduation

2009-05-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

Brooke graduated from her preschool today. She looked adorable. Her class sang a bunch of songs (Brooke picked her nose during a few) and just looked cute! Afterwards they had a big luncheon for all the parents and grandparents. Brooke was most excited that her Grandma and Grandpa were there. The room was sort of dark so my pictures didn't turn out so hot.

Click on this picture below for a video of a few of their songs :) (Brooke is in the middle row, 2nd from the left)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Marching in the auditorium

With Mom and Dad afterwards

Brooke an Laney
Brooke and Hannah Elizabeth

At the luncheon

silly girls

ahhh nice weather

2009-05-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

Loving the summer days...here is our first trip to the waterpark this season :)

Mothers Day "tea" at Brooke's school

2009-05-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

I went to tea at Brooke's school right before Mother's day. They sang some songs & gave us presents. It was sweet.

Here they are singing...Brooke is 4th from right

Brooke holding up the picture she made me. The teachers asked them which princess their Mom looked most like and how old they thought their Mom was...It said "I think my Mommy looks like Belle and I think my Mommy is 15 years old." :)

Goofing off with the camera

2009-05-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Okay - I love the Jasmine blooming this time of year so I made the girls pose for me :)

Brooke and Laney (= trouble) Laney

Carnival

2009-05-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

We went to the St. Paul's carnival this year and rode pukey spinning rides all night, ate lots of crap and had lots of fun!

Dance pictures

2009-05-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Brooke and Laney had to get all dolled up in their recital costumes for their dance pictures. They looked so cute!

This is Paris Hilton chilling by the pool afterwards.....

Shaking their booties out by the pool

2009-05-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Here's the girls dancing out by the pool :)
(Just click on the link)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com