OVER A YEAR

It has been over a year since I have posted.  I can't believe it.  I started posting photos on Facebook and kind of got away from the blogging world.  I am rejoining, and kind of with a "year in review" plan.  I will start with the Halloween 2009 photos and work my way forward.  I might take a while, but I will get there.  I hate to lost this because it chronicles our life so much and I would love to publish it one day for the kids.  So this is my November resolution and it starts today.

PUMPKINS

Our church, Larchmont United Methodist, does a pumpkin patch every year as a fundraiser for various ministries.  The truck arrives during the 11am  worship service and then everyone comes outside to unload and organize...and eat.  Lamar was traveling this weekend, so I decided to take the kids to the early service to miss the pumpkins.  Well, apparently God has other plans.  The truck arrived YESTERDAY.  So, when we pulled up for early service, Grace and Walter saw the truck.  We ended up staying at church until after the late service (5 hours later) to assist in the removal and display of the pumpkins.

On the Way to Larchmont School

Going to get Grace from school.

First Day of School

Grace and Walter both started new schools yesterday.  Walter started two year old preschool at Larchmont United Methodist Preschool (LUMPS...also known as my new school)  Grace started kindergarten at Larchmont Elementary School.  When we arrived, during the torrential downpours, we discovered that Grace's classroom had been displaced due to a leaking ceiling.  It did not phase her.  She loved her first day and even came home with a happy note.  When you get five of them, you can trade them in for something from the treasure box.  She asked me to make her four more last night, so she could get something today. 

On the way to school this morning, she asked if I could just drop her at the curb and let her walk by herself.  It was like..."thanks for the last five years Mom, but I've got it now."  Seriously??!?!  On the nice days, we are parking at the church, loading Walter in the stroller and walking the four blocks to school.  It is really nice.

Oh, and Walter stuck his head in the toilet at school yesterday...and flushed.  Nothing like a self administered swirlie!  Pictures to follow once I get the change to upload them (of the first day of school, not the swirlie!)

My Musical Babies

This is a video of Grace and Walter dancing to The Both Reached for the Gun from Chicago the Musical. Safe to say that Walter does not need a career in the dancing business.

Post Updates

Be sure to scroll WAY down.  Easter pictures have been added below the school play.

Classic Walter and Grace

These are their classic faces...I couldn't resist!

The Ocean View Carnival

There is no lack of entertainment in Hampton Roads.  Throughout the summer, there are lots of festivals, carnivals, concerts, and fireworks.  Many of these are free.  This is one nice advantage of living in a bigger city.  Lamar took the kids up the road to the Ocean View Carnival a few weeks ago, while I had a meeting.  They had a great time.  Walter rode a few rides.  Grace played on the big slide most of the afternoon.  

Beaching It

Our move to Ocean View was a great idea, even if my car was stolen from the driveway last year.  The children, Lamar, and I love taking advantage of the Chesapeake Bay and beach right across the street.  Grace and Walter have really become beach bunnies.  Grace will go straight out with no fear, as long as her face does not get wet.  Walter will go in to his knees.  Of course, they both LOVE the sand.  I have decided that I am not going to mop my hardwoods until the summer is over.  I mean, really, what is the point?  The house stays COVERED in sand!!

Jackie and Alex's Birthday

Jackie and Alex are in Grace's class at school.  They are twins.  Their birthday this year was at the "tumbling class place," according to Grace.  It is otherwise known as JW Tumbles.  It is a gymnastics place that caters its lessons to children.  Walter was invited as well.  He just played.  Grace bounced on the yoga ball, knocked over the air mattress, and zipped on the zip line.  She had a great time and decided that she should take classes at the tumbling class place.  

Jackie and Alex's Birthday cont...

Spring Time in Virginia

Spring arrived early in southeastern VA this year.  Now that we have a larger back yard/driveway, the kids spend lots more time outside.  Grace loves to ride in her jeep from the second birthday, and she is even willing to let Walter ride...sometimes.  With Walter, it is always safety first.  He insists on wearing his sister's bicycle helmet whenever he rides.  It is Disney Princess-themed.  Gotta love the fashion sense.  

Unexpected Company

Dad had clean up day this past weekend in South Carolina. He had some unexpected company in the pond. Gotta love a country Southern visitor. At least he did not stay long:)

Stats For Visitor:
Length: Long
Size: Big

Actually, he was believed to be about nine feet, but no one stopped to ask him!

WICKED WICKED WICKED

If it comes near you, go see it. We went last weekend and it was amazing. I cannot express it enough. It is here in Norfolk until May 31, so I am hoping to go again. Right now, I sing the soundtrack all day...ask my assistant:)

Prayers for Evan

Evan Bryant Roland is my roommate from graduate school's nephew. He was born last week. He is having a difficult time right now, still in the NICU. We are all praying for his rapid and permanent recovery. Get well soon, Evan. Everyone wants you home.

www.prayersforevan.blogspot.com

Slacker 2.0

I AM TRYING!! The camera is fixed, so hopefully things will catch up!

More Grace and Walter

Just Random Black and White Photos

School Production

At the end of February, (I know) Grace and Walter had their debut into the performing arts. Their school celebrated a Tribute to Walt Disney. Walter's class did The Mickey Mouse Club and Grace did Under the Sea from the Little Mermaid.