If only...

Yesterday I had to wake Hannah from her nap because we had an appointment. She was not happy to get up early - I can't blame her one little bit. If I were sleeping that peacefully, I wouldn't want anyone waking me up either!

Waiting...

The other day Hunter was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his best bud, Jacob. When I said he would be here any minute, Hunter pulled up his chair and waited. Thankfully, Jacob came within a few minutes of Hunter's waiting!

Summer Pics I Should Have Already Posted

At some point this summer, I had lots of things to blog. Then life got busier and busier. I try to update regularly, but life just gets crazy sometimes. Speaking of crazy, I have no idea how it is already Thursday night. This entire week has been a bit of a blur. I haven't picked up a camera in the last week, but I know I need to add pics - right Grandma?? So, here are some pics from the summer that I should have posted but never did - enjoy!

Outings with our favorite photographer, Laura (we miss you and hope to see you soon!)...

See Sissy!

The cutest ocean creatures you ever did see!

What a cool picture!

our favorite friend

Come on guys!

Inside the shark's mouth

OHHHHH!

See the bug, Hunter?

Careful Sissy!

Kiddie Jail?

Meet Hannah the Tiger

Who Knows!

So Strong!


Trouble!

No one will find me here!

The hills are alive...

Gustav Evacuation Vacation

We kind of jumped out of the fire into the frying pan with our evacuation. Gustav didn't hit New Orleans as hard as expected, but it did some serious damage to a lot of other places. My mom's house never flooded, but many in her town did. We were anxiously watching the water rise through the night though. At one point we wondered about sandbags, but the road was already too flooded to do anything. Mom never lost power, but my sister did. So, she just joined the fun at mom's house. The kids were delighted to have Aunt Steph spend the night, and Aunt Steph loves all of the attention!

Mom's driveway taking on water.

The street and sidewalks were completely covered.

Once the rain subsided, we found a chance for some serious fun! The kids joined my nephews at an indoor playplace for a morning of much needed exercise!

I'm a big girl now!


Check me out!

We can all fit in here! Hannah opted out on that opportunity - Smart Girl!

It's almost naptime!

TROUBLE!

It's Off To School WE Go

After an extra week of vacation (thanks to Gustav), we finally started school today. For the most part, the kids were excited, but we still had a few details to work through.

Hunter wanted to be in Mrs. Judy's class again. He really did not like the idea of Hannah being in her class this year. Hunter did play the role of supportive big brother very well as he helped take Hannah to his old class, her new 2-year-old class. Then he slowly ambled across the hall to his new class (the three-year-old class). Once he saw his friends from last year, he never looked back. I don't even remember him telling me goodbye!

And then there was my class - I was asked to be an assistant in the other two-year class (not Hannah's) at the children's preschool. Hunter was insistent that I could not work at his school; it was HIS. He did let me stay in my class today, and he even waved across the hall once. Hannah had one little meltdown when she saw me on the playground, but she recovered and enjoyed the rest of her day. I had an interesting yet fun morning with a room full of two-year-olds. It's quite different from the high school kids that I normally teach, but it is kind of a fun change of pace.

Hopefully we will all have a great year!

Hannah's breakfast grin

Can you see the concern on her face? Rabbit stayed in the van!

Thinking about getting dressed!

Superheroes need an education too! They had to settle for the van today though!

Status Report

We made it home on Saturday. The house fared well - quite a few missing shingles - but nothing major. Grocery shopping was a huge challenge. We had to go to three stores to get enough just for Saturday and Sunday. The lines were unreal and people were not exactly friendly. Most stores are expecting trucks today. I guess we'll have to brave the crowds once again. We won't be getting much with Ike lurking in the shadows of the gulf - just enough for a few more days - then we'll re-evaluate again.

The kids were supposed to start school last week, but that has been postponed until Wednesday which could be postponed again depending on weather. What a crazy time!

For now, we wait again. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. We are truly grateful.

Better than Expected

Though Gustav isn't completely out of the area, first appearances seem to be that we escaped any major damages. I guess officials are waiting to see if any flooding accompanies the continued rains, and they are continuing to watch the levees, but right now all is looking favorable for a return later this week!

What an incredible praise!!