Madison's first day of 8th grade

Madison started school today. She is excited for this year. Her best friend Kortny from elementary school will be going to school with her again. It has really helped to have something to look forward to. The middle school has implemented another new dress code and she thinks it is awful. All summer I have been trying to find her polo shirts since that is all that she can wear but she has not wanted look at any of them. Finally in the last week in half she has started to cooperate. She is also excited because she is on the volleyball team. She has been practicing for a little over a week. This is going to be a great year for Madison. I can't wait to see what happens.

Yes it was too much to ask her to smile for the camera.

Surprise at work

When Kevin got to work today he found his cubicle all decorated.

He was so surprised. He works with so really great people. He was really touched that they went out of their way to do this for him. They also made these cute little graduation hats for him.

Kevin is done

Kevin has been working on his Masters through Northwestern University for the past two in half years. Today he turned in his capstone thesis paper. It has been a long 2 1/2 years but we have survived.

To celebrate Kevin's hard work, I thought it might be fun for the two of us to get away for some relaxation. I wanted to surprise him so I put a basket together as a special way to show him what I planned.

This is what he found when we came home from church today. He was surprised because he didn't think I needed to do anything for him. He has worked so hard and is such a great husband and father. He deserves a little R&R. He does a great job taking care of us.

A new dog

It looks like we brought a new dog home today. Macie was getting rather shaggy so we felt that it was time for a haircut. Here is what she looked like before.

Here is what she looks like now.

She looks like a completely different dog. This is going to take some getting used to. I didn't realize how much she did need a haircut.

Summer is over for Ashley and Allison

Allison and Ashley started school today. It seems so early for them to start. It seems like just yesterday that they got out. The girls had a great summer and were ready to go back. Ashley starts 1st grade in Mrs. Conway's class. This was Allison's first grade teacher. I am so excited that Ashley got her. I loved her when Allison had her. Ashley was so excited to start school. She could hardly sleep and was up first thing this morning.

Allison is going into 5th grade with Mrs. Dunn. I am not as excited about her teacher. She is a last minute replacement for another teacher who got a different job at the last minute. This is her first year teaching. I sure hope the year turns out good. This is a crucial year before she starts middle school next year. Allison is also very excited for school. Two of her good friends will be in her class Bri and Andrew. I am really hoping that it is a good year for Allison.

The girls had a great day at school. This year is off to a great start. Ashley seems a little tired from all day at school but I am sure that she will adjust here soon.

Championship game

Madison played in the championship game tonight with her basketball team. They didn't win but they sure played their hearts out and gave it their best. Madison did especially well. She scored 12 points out of the 16 her team made.

It has been fun watching Madison play this summer and improve so much. She is really enjoying herself and loves the girls that she plays with. It will be fun watching them all play together through high school.

Olympics

Today I found Allison and Ashley creating their own gymnastics gym. They were quite creative.

They had a great time playing like they were at the Olympics. I guess after I left they used a blue blanket as a pool. I guess their dolls are multi-talented. It was fun watching the girls be creative and work together.