Jiu Jitsu Tournament

We had a new experience today at an area Jiu Jitsu tournament.  Two of the boys that grapple with Ryland and Reed were participating, so we went to show support.  

They did amazing, and we all watched very intensely as they won gold.  We all love Sampson Jiu Jitsu and look forward to Ryland and Reed completing one day.

New Truck

This fun never goes away!  Our crazy, fun Friday night is learning about our new truck.  Same excitement as when we were younger, just a much better new vehicle.  

Clapping

Ridley has learned to clap, and it is adorable!  She is so proud of herself and starts clapping when you say "Yay".

New toys

Don't you just love the hours after you get a new toy?  Ryland and Reed were completely mesmerized by two new toys.  They played quietly and only complained when it was time to eat lunch.  John Chris and I need to think of a way to stretch these birthday toys out.

Visiting Uncle Clint

We spent the weekend hanging out with family.  Uncle Clint gave us the tour of his new home and told us about his pending projects.  The boys loved the "construction" site in the yard and were in full boy mode.  Either squeezing through the pipes, throwing dirt chunks, or jumping in the holes and footers for the porches. 

 

 

Ally got in on the tour too, and she told Grandpa all about her plans for a pool and a miniature pony arena.

New MOPS steering committee

After a fabulous year with an awesome group of ladies, it was time to kick off my first meeting with the new group of leaders.  I was more than a little anxious because it is a new beginning, and I am one of those dorks that love a fresh start and a change.  I was excited at how quickly the steering committee filled, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to get to know the group better.  I was also a bit sad to not see some of my gals from last year.  I only hope that we can continue the growth and developement and continue to have fun!  Here is to change!

Fresh new look

I have been looking forward to decorating our home for a while now. Since we moved in, we have had constant construction projects going on, so it was nice to finally do some "fun" stuff. I selected a new wool rug, lots of silk down pillows, sleek accessories, and contemporary artwork. It is completely different, and it seems so fresh and light.
I am still on the hunt for two slate colored urns for the mantle, and I am ordering a glass bubble lamp for the side table. On to the dining room...

My new sweet bus

What is wrong with this picture? This is the rear view of my new ride taken by me while driving John Chris's truck as we drove off the dealership lot. I didn't even drive my new "baby" off the lot.
Today has been totally nuts and the peace and quiet of the empty truck I was driving was awesome. I elected the quiet ride back home in hopes of relaxing before I quickly picked up dinner for our friends with a new baby. I was admiring my sweet new kid hauling bus when...

I noticed that John Chris had the windows down. I pulled up beside him and heard the screaming of my boys. Ahhh, I picked the right ride home!

New shoes

All I can say is, it's about time. Ryland has grown out of every pair of summer sandals, and he desperately needed some new tennis shoes. When we first put them on, he walked like a robot. Poor kid. He didn't know how to walk in real shoes.

He caught on fast and quickly decided he liked them especially the "cat" on the toe. Watch out. Here comes running Ryland.

Meet the teachers

Ryland has new teachers at school this year. It was a surprise to us, because we were expecting Ms. Nan to move with them to the next class like we were told. I am not sure what happened, but we have 2 new teachers this year. We met Ms. Debbie and Ms. Kerry and look forward to a fun year full of learning and playing.

We are homeowners again

Our new home!

We are absolutely thrilled that we found such a great place to call home, and we are looking forward to renovating and moving in soon. The house needs some work, but it is in a great neighborhood with exemplary schools.

Sold sign

As I was taking Ryland to story time, I drove by the new house and noticed the SOLD sign. I was happy to see the sign addition, and for the first time I got a little excited. This is a possible sneak peak at the new house. Cross your fingers that everything will work out.

House inspection

Today was the house inspection on the house we are potentially going to buy. John Chris and I were really nervous about this step, because we wanted to make sure that the basic structure and components are functioning correctly. We already knew the house would need major cosmetic work like all new flooring, paint, plumbing and lighting fixtures, appliances, and major updating in the bathrooms.
The inspector was awesome. He let john Chris tag along to get a front row view of everything on the report. After the thorough inspection, John Chris and I feel much better about proceeding. There were just a few minor things that need prompt attention, but they can easily be fixed. Next step - get our current house closed.

Have we found a new home?

John Chris and I have been working on a house deal all week, and it finally may have worked out. We made an offer on a house a couple miles away from where we are currently living. After brief negotiations, we have come to an agreement with the owner. We signed the contract today, and we now start the 14 day option period. We still have many things to work out before the deal is done, but at least we found something we really like. The next step - the inspection.

Bye bye wave

Ryland has learned to wave bye bye. It is like a hand making a fist over and over. He gets so excited when he does it, and he just stares at his hand. It is really cute, but I don't really think he knows what he is doing. He just thinks his hands are cool.