Aunt Claire's House

Tessa and I jetted cross country to Idaho for a visit with some of our favorite people, the Kosmickis. My sweet baby was wonderful on all of our flights. Our connections were uneventful, even "Dee-troit" wasn't so bad. Tessa didn't sleep a wink on the plane but was easily entertained with coloring books, stickers, snacks, dvds and my ipod. I thought I was so smart buying the Color Wonders markers to avoid any messes. Of course, I bought the glitter version and we ended up with glitter everywhere. It looked like we were flying Tinkerbell Express. Fellow travelers were sweet complimenting how well Tessa behaved. Warms a momma's heart to hear that. But, at the same time, I wanted to say "knock on wood, we're not there yet!"
With four kids under the age of 7, we purposely planned the visit during the school year. What I didn't realize is that I would be there for W's first day of 3k. What a bonus to see this growing boy hop on the bus for his first day of school! It seems crazy to me that W and Tessa will eventually be in the same grade.

While big brother and sister were at school, G2 and Tessa had a wonderful time playing together. Even though he is more than a year younger than Tessa, G2 runs and climbs and jumps like a big kid. He had no trouble keeping up with my big girl.

And I just can't believe this beautiful child is old enough to be in first grade! Tessa adores G1 and happily followed her around in the afternoons. Very exciting for Tessa was when we took G1 to dance practice. We arrived early and Tessa and G1 were able to play in the huge studio, pure bliss for my little girl. I really need to look into dance classes for the spring.

Coach Brad was nice enough to let Tessa practice with W's soccer team. G1, aka Assistant Coach, patiently taught her how to kick the ball and Tessa was dribbling in no time. Of course, she preferred to pick up the ball and run with it - to a whole other field! She is three after all.

Did I really think the kids would sit still for a picture?!

With the kids playing together so well, Claire and I were able to spend hours chatting and just catching up with each other. Though we talk on the phone all the time, it's different when you're sitting at the kitchen table and drinking coffee together. I'm so sad that we live on opposite sides of the country but at the same time grateful that our friendship is strong enough to survive the distance.

Sky Top Apple Pickin'

State Fair

On this beautiful Labor Day week-end, we headed over to the Upper SC State Fair. Midway rides, junk food, a circus, animals, and people watching all made for an interesting afternoon.
We all rode the ferris wheel together. Tessa has no fear of heights, wish Momma and Daddy could say the same.
Daddy took Tessa on her first "Dumbo" ride. Let's go high!!!
Momma took Tessa on her first roller coaster ride - wwweeeeeee!!! She loved it and asked to go again and again.
And, of course, we rode the carousel. Tessa can spot one of these from a mile away. It's still her favorite ride.

And what's a fair without a FUNNEL CAKE!?! Tessa enjoys them almost as much as Momma does. We also tried deep fried Oreos, yummy.

Momma's Birthday

Happy Birthday to me! I was lucky enough to stretch out my birthday over ten days this year! It started with a special girl's night out, then there was birthday cake, shopping, steak dinner, more cake and Ryan taking the day off work just to spend with his girls. Thank you everyone for making my birthday so special.