Grammy

 We lost Grammy this year on January 20. She was diagnosed with leukemia and had a short battle; her body was just too weak to fight and handle the chemotherapy. Grammy had a tough time the last few years of her life with failing health and memory issues from a previous brain aneurysm. We are so sad to see her leave this earth, but we are happy that she is at peace with God. You kids were so great during this tough time, and really helped us (especially Daddy) get through it. Your Grammy loved you so much and is so proud of you two and will be watching over you as a special angel! We want you to remember her funky spirit and loving personality. We want you to think of her when you draw and paint like she loved to do. We want you to have your own original style like her. We want you to make the best out of situations that are tough like her and live for the moment! Most of all, we want you to remember that because of Jesus she is in heaven and we will one day see her again. 

Basketball

 This was the first year that you were old enough to join the church basketball league and you decided to play even though you’ve never really played basketball of any kind before. You took to it naturally and quickly became a huge help to your team. You learned to be more and more aggressive as the season went on and it was so cool to see you girls learn together and work as a team. We encountered some unsportsmanlike conduct this season in other teams, but you all should be proud of the kindness and respect you showed all players and coaches at all times and the team spirit that you had. We are glad that you want to play again and think you are going to be a great player! 

Christmas photo dump

 We had a great Christmas with lots of fun. We made cookies and the girls took a day trip to tour some old homes and have lunch downtown and we went ice skating in addition to our usual drive through the lights at Saluda Shoals. Santa Claus was good to all. Favorites this year were new room stuff and a hoverboard for Maddy and a trumpet and guitar for Andrew. 

My WAY behind Fall catch up post

 Oh, my goodness! How are we already in November? You've had a great start to school this year; although I can't believe you are in the fifth grade, which means middle school next year! You continue to do well in school, even with the challenge of 7th grade level math and a lot more quizzes, tests, and your first science fair project coming up. You remain a good, kind friend to all at your school and make us proud daily. You are playing tennis 3 times a week, and just started your first season of basketball at church. You have a sweet group of friends that you enjoy spending time with, but honestly, we stay so busy, and you do so much, your favorite times are relaxing at home. We love lazy weekends when we have no plans (rare these days!) 

We also had a great time at the fair recently. You are such a dare devil and rode ALL the rides. You convinced me to ride the ski lift ride that lets you see the whole fair from above and it was fun to hang with you (even though my hands were sweaty the whole time!) 

You picked out the funniest Halloween costume this year (a giant blow up bunny) and wore it to a party, trunk or treat and then for trick or treating on Halloween. 

Here are some pics and videos to catch up:

10th birthday and summer recap 2022

 I can't believe you are already 10!!! You have turned into such a helpful and thoughtful young lady. This summer you have really worked hard on your schoolwork and pitched in on household duties without having to be asked to do so. We are very proud of you!

Your birthday this year was fun- you have some friends spend the night and ya'll had a blast! From us, you got your ears pierced and we took a family weekend to Atlanta to see The Braves play and go to the aquarium. So much fun!!  

It has been a busy, but great summer. You spent a week at Grandmommy and Grandaddy's house while Dad and I went to Jamaica with some friends. You played tennis each week and did swim team. You have gone to the lake with Mitch and Stacey, the lake with Elizabeth and Lily and we had several pool and one day beach trips as a family. You will spend a week at Camp Gravatt soon. 

We can't believe it's almost over and then you will be a fifth grader!!! 

First Tennis Match

 You played in your first ever tennis match this past Sunday. You were nervous, but went out there like a champ! Luckily we were matched up against other kids who were new also, so we all learned together. You played one doubles match with your partner, Clare. You guys picked up on everything so quickly and even though you lost, you looked so great out there and really learned a lot. You two also had the etiquette that a tennis player should have (unfortunately your very loud and talkative opponents did not). We could not be more proud of you and how you've stuck with tennis and put yourself into spots that are unknown and uncomfortable. We are so excited to keep watching you play and see where this goes! We love you!

Snow day!

 We enjoyed a fun day together in the snow. We were all so disappointed when our first snow day didn't happen, so we really crossed our fingers for the second round of storms that came through. School was canceled, but by bed time there wasn't anything happening besides rain. Andrew, you went down without a fight, but Maddy held out for a little while longer. Sure enough it started sleeting and then turned to snow about 9 pm. Maddy went on the back deck and felt it/ played around for a few before bedtime and it just kept coming down through the night. Ya'll were both up bright and early and ready to play in the 3-4 inches that stuck!! We made you wait until 8 am to not wake up all the neighbors too early and it was a challenge to get ya'll to stay in for that long. Other than coming in to warm up red feet and wet gloves (realized we need child sized waterproof gloves) we were outside a good chunk of the day. It was so much fun to hear you laugh and see you play together. Dad and I felt like little kids too! Great memories that we will cherish forever!