A Little Splash of Color!

Sammy decided to add a splash of color to her hair!

Cake!!!

Just in case you weren't sure what we were dealing with!

Grandma Q's New Do!

I recently found a great hair stylist through a friend at work.  I sent my Mom there to enjoy a little makeover. And here she is:

Love it!

Happy Birthday (Party) Sammy!

OK, so her birthday wasn't until the next day, but it was time to celebrate being 11 years old!  She pointed out that if she had any magical abilities she would have been receiving her letter from Hogwarts the next day. We celebrated with the usual pool party, go cart rides and with a new person to join us!  Nanny had just arrived from New York a day or two before the party and was able to join us for the first time.  Welcome to Virginia Nanny!

Playground Project, Phase I

In the beginning....

Progress being made...Screw A going into Hole B in an appropriate manner...

Owen found his supervisory role exhausting and decided to take a nap.

But when it was done, it was play time for Owen and Jigsaw! Sammy was off with Laney, but her turn would come later.

Elementary School Graduation!

Can you believe it?  Sammy's going to be a Middle Schooler next year!  

If you're going to graduate, do it in style, with a hat!

She's all business though while watering the garden.

The 5th grade class

Eating snacks at the reception with friends

We got together with Laney's family after the ceremony

Where they didn't let growing up go to their heads!

Last Minute Grandma H. Snuggles

It was time to head back south, so the kids got in a last few Grandma snuggles.

Makin' Lunch with Grandma H.

Sammy, Daddy and Grandma Higgins stopped by my Grandfather's grave site while I was home with Owen.  They got the date wrong on the stone, but it was nice to see all the flowers left for Memorial Day.

Val's Cabin

We went up to visit Val and Vince's new cabin that they are building themselves.  It was another cold, rainy day - but it was nice to see our friends no matter what the weather!!

We were staying with Grandma Higgins and her floor was nice and comfy.  What's better than a nap with  your puppy?

Once he was awake though, it was back to climbing as usual.  The window seat was a guaranteed Owen magnet!

Rain...

The sun did not shine. 

It was too wet to play. 

So we sat in the house 

All that cold, cold, wet day.

Dogs and Snuggles

It was a hot day for our walk up the mountain so we hosed down the dogs before we left and stopped often for drinks!

Um, awwwwwww...

Hanging Out With Granpda Q

Grandma Q was still up in New York, so we went over to keep Grandpa Q company.

This was my rocking horse when I was little.  Owen decided to give it a go.

Sammy had hurt her arm in gymnastics and put it in a sling.  I have no idea what she is holding in her hand, but I bet she'll tell me when she reads this!

Perched up high, of course

I Think I Shall Have a Bath Now Mommy

Sammy says, "Mooom, Owen turned the water on in the tub!".  Why, yes, yes he had.  Apparently he felt the need to clean his feet!

Splash Time

A nice warm day for a splash in the pool for my silly little man.

Barbara and Owen

Yeah, he love Ms. Barbara...and I think the feeling is mutual!

Mother's Day Gift

What could be a better Mother's Day gift for a camera nut like me than to get some beautiful pictures of my kids?!

Dear Lord, please let us both smile at the same time so that Mommy will not keep us out here all afternoon!

The perfect gift, right there...

Spring Dance

I was a chaperon at this year's Spring Dance, so that meant I got to take pictures.

Stock Market Game Winners

Virginia Tech hosts a stock market game every year for all the schools in the region.  The gifted and talented class at Sammy's school participated and her team came in second place.  They got a nice plaque for the school, and the team got to make a speech.  Sammy was elected to read the speech for her team.

Snowball and Midnight

Meet our latest family additions, Snowball and Midnight

Owen's 1st Ribbon, Sammy's Last

Owen stretching with his class before they get started.  Well, he's staring at the lights really, but he's there with them.

Owen climbing up to accept his accolades!

There was a lot of applause for the little man.  He really worked hard and he deserved it!

Owen watching his classmates on the podium.

Sammy in her natural state - swinging on something

On the bars during class

Sammy receiving her last ribbon.  Shortly after she got this one, she was promoted to the All Stars team.  She will now be participating in competitions and will receive scores instead of ribbons!  Well done Sammy!