I cannot begin to tell you how many times a day Cooper bumps his little head. Seriously, he doesn't even cry anymore. He bumps it, rubs it, and moves on. No drama necessary. Well, our afternoon consisted of TWO children who would not take a nap. This is VERY uncommon (thank you sweet Jesus!). I'm not sure if it was the weather or what, but it wasn't happening. So for kicks~ SK decided she would roll Cooper around in the mop bucket. That was fun for all until it toppled over and he fell out. She lured him back in for a quick picture and you can see the look of sheer terror on his face. The next adventure happened sometime while I was gone to a meeting. I walked in the door and Cooper walked up to me rubbing his head saying, "Noggin." Will says he isn't quite sure how it happened~ he says it couldn't have been when he fell out of the bucket (again) so, it must've been when he rolled off SK's school nap mat (per Will). Poor little Cooper!

Happy Birthday Chaney

We went to our friends Dan and Shae's little boy, Chaney's birthday party over the weekend. It was a "farm" themed party and the kids had a blast!! The weather was perfect. Sara Kennedy LOVED riding the ponies. Look how cute she is in the swing with our sweet friend and neighbor, Zan.

Run Girls Run!

We did it! We ran in the Surviving the Summer Sizzle run this weekend. It was a 2 mile or 4 mile. My playgroup friends and I started training in July and we ran the 2 miler. Some of my other friends were a little more ambitious, and they ran the 4 miler. Part of the fun was visiting before and after the race (after we caught our breath!) Much thanks to Sharea (the planner in the group) who did our daily run schedule for us. We love her! And kudos to Stephanie (4th from left) who has a TWO MONTH OLD baby, wow! Now we're going to train for a 5K for the end of September. However, I don't see any marathons in my future! L to R: Lauren Hailey (4 mile, she is sooo funny), Tonya Barber (smoked the 2 mile), Shelly Kilpatrick (4 mile, and yes she's always that cute), Stephanie Savorgnan (playgroup and new mama- 2 mile), Jennifer Mayo (2 mile-playgroup and teacher friend), Sharea Myrick (2 mile- playgroup, teacher friend, and coach), Kellie Milner (2 mile, I really didn't want to stand beside Miss Really Tall and Skinny, but I was stuck :-) and your's truly (2 mile)!
Yeah, we did it. Look how sweaty we are and look at my red face!
Thanks to my sweet husband who took all the pictures AND stayed outside in the heat to cheer me on and watch me finish when he could have gone inside the bar and had a toddy. He's sooo sweet!
The girls in black!
Chad and Tonya Barber

Happy Birthday to MeMaw! We had MeMaw and PePaw over for a birthday dinner and birthday "pie." Sara Kennedy loved carrying the pie to the table while we all sang happy birthday. Cooper was mainly interested in eating it. After dinner we were all treated to some entertainment by Sara Kennedy performing some dance moves that surely made MeMaw feel special :) We had a great time!

First Day of School

It's official- Sara Kennedy is a big girl! She started 4 year old Kindergarten at Canton Academy today and she was so excited! She LOVES her teacher- Mrs. Anna Brown (she calls her by her whole name :). Anywho, I walked her to her class today and was taking pictures. She kindly asked me to go ahead and leave and take Cooper- he was trying to get in on some playdoh action. I couldn't believe she didn't cry. But guess who did, oh yeah me- I didn't make it out of the building before 3 people from our church stopped me for some mama loving and a sympathy hug. I love a small town! As you can see, Cooper LOVED having the run of the house. He made himself at home in Sara Kennedy's room.

In Memory of my Dad

Jim Kennedy (June 9, 1945- August 6, 2006)

It seems surreal that you're no longer here. It's been a year of firsts for me. The first time I couldn't pick up the phone and talk to you like I did EVERYDAY and ask some silly question- like, my car makes a clicking sound- what could it be? The first time I drove up at your house and you didn't rush out to get my bags and you weren't there when I walked in. The first time I looked at your tractor and knew you would never ride Cooper on it. The first time I drove your Suburban and clenched the steering wheel because I knew your hands had been there. The first time I walked into your workshop and saw all of your tools labeled because you were such a perfectionist and I didn't think I could catch my breath because it hurt so much. The first time I sat at your grave and talked to you through tears and I know you heard me. Now, we begin our second year without you. Knowing you watch over us as we go on. Promising to never forget your sweet, gentle spirit and vowing to share memories of you with your precious grandchildren so that they too know what a special PawPaw you were.

Forever your little girl-

Dawn

To all my sweet friends who have helped me through the past year. It means so much that you've listened through many tears and been there for me in so many ways, so many times. I know I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. Thank you for helping me walk through the valley and holding my hand along the way. Because of my faith, family, and you - I know I'm ok.

-dkl