Guinea Pigs and Giggles

Mackenzie had her first day of Pre-Kindergarten this week at Stepping Stones Preschool. She was so excited and giggly when she woke up that morning. Her teachers were very sweet and enthusiastic. Many of her friends from her class last year are in her room. Not to mention, her best friend Baylor. There are 8 girls and 8 boys. Best of all, the class has a pet guinea pig named Frosty!

The class pet came at a perfect time. Just days before school began, Mackenzie told me she wanted a pet. When I asked what kind of pet, she thought for a minute and replied, "A dog, a cat, or a chipmunk." What?! Hopefully the guinea pig will be a suitable rodent substitute for the chipmunk. Enjoy the snapshots I took as we walked into school. She kept asking me to take her picture at every turn... and of course she had to pose with Frosty.
Such a cutie pie!

Can You Watch the Boys?

I got a call this morning from my sister Mandy saying she was on her way to my house and wanted to know if I could watch her boys while she took care of some unexpected business with their builder. (FYI... for those of you that don't know, Mandy is building a house in my neighborhood.) Of course I was totally excited to see my sweet nephews- I told her I would meet her in the driveway. Hutton and Colton were still in their cute PJ's! I didn't tell Mackenzie they were coming. As she was calmly eating her breakfast, I just creeped in the door holding Colton while Hutton followed behind. Needless to say, she lit up when she saw them. Hutton said (in his typical country twang), "Hey Kenzie, I'm here!" Being the good babysitter that she is, she sprang into action. I spent a lot of time explaining to Mackenzie that Colton did not need to be carried or held in her lap. She definitely does not let him out of her sight. As usual, Hutton enjoyed Jackson's cars and excavator and Colton went after every ball in sight. I hope we get to do a lot more babysitting while Mandy and Chris are building their house!

My Little Entrepreneurs

Yesterday, Jackson and Mackenzie decided to make a "drink stand" in the front yard. (They were planning on a lemonade stand, but Mommy only had Kool-aid.) Jackson made the sign and Mackenzie and I made the Kool-aid. Their original idea was to charge $1 a cup, but luckily I talked them down to 25 cents a cup. After setting up our stand, I prepared them not expect that many customers... it wasn't exactly rush hour in the neighborhood at 4:00 p.m.. BOY WAS I WRONG! We even had to make a second pitcher! Every single person that drove by stopped to buy a drink... even the UPS driver...and then the neighbors started coming out of their houses. Jackson took care of managing the stand and Mackenzie stood on the side of the road in her sunglasses and dimples attracting the customers. They must have soaked in an episode or two of The Apprentice when they watched it with us as babies. In total they made $5.50! For those of you that don't want to do the math, they sold 22 cups of Kool-aid!!! I loved watching their excitement. And of course the teacher in me couldn't pass up a few lessons in how to count money and give change. ;) I have attached a few cute pictures... I love the hand holding a "wad of cash" on the sign Jackson made! Is this how Donald Trump got started?

Jonathan's Half Day Off

Yesterday, Jonathan had his half day off. We went to Knoxville to get Jackson some new tennis shoes. We got LACE UP shoes (he learned how to tie his shoes last week)!

After our short shopping trip, we met up with Robyn and Lynn at their church. Robyn is going to be the lead teacher for the 4 year olds and she wanted some help with a bulletin board. While we worked, our husbands and kids played tug of war in the classroom. Needless to say, it was a little crazy... I don't know if that room has ever seen that much excitement.

Afterward, we took Jackson and Mackenzie to Olive Garden for dinner. Yum!!!

Open House

Last night we had Open House at Sam Houston Elementary. Jackson loved showing off his classroom to his little sister. To the left is a picture of Jackson's new teacher, Mrs. Welch. She bragged on Jackson and remembered Jonathan also being a good boy many years ago (Jonathan had her as a teacher about 27 years ago!). The room was very cheery and organized. I can tell it is going to be another good year.

The picture I posted of the "paper boy" was a Self Portrait made by Jackson especially for Open House...I was impressed...such a good artist... he must take after his Dee Dee.

My Big First Grader!

Jackson started first grade yesterday! Wow... how time flies. He had a great first day and likes his teacher- Mrs. Welch. Believe it or not, she was Jonathan and Jordan's Kindergarten teacher many moons ago. Jackson was such a big boy marching in the room and said he wasn't nervous at all. In his words, "I'm not nervous mommy... I was nervous in Kindergarten, but now I just can't wait to meet all my new friends." Luckily some of his "old friends" were in the class... like our neighbor Madelyn and buddy Chad.

Mackenzie and I had some girl time after we dropped Jackson off and went to eat breakfast with my mom (Nana).

I Gave in to the Peer Pressure!

Yes... I admit it... I gave into peer pressure and joined the blogger community. I thought friends and family far and wide might get a kick out of it. I know I LOVE reading about everyone else's cute families.