Our Little Ballerina!

Ashlyn and I have been going to the Little Gym since she was 4 months old. I decided that maybe it was time for a change. I found this great little dance school over near Nana & Papa's called The Dance Arts Studio. They start Ballet at 2 1/2 and Tap and Jazz at 3 1/2. I signed Ashlyn up for her first class. She LOVES it!!!

Getting ready for her first day!

Ms. Jessica teaching the class how to do "rocking horses".

Ashlyn learning the basics of a back bend.

Ashlyn & her classmates dancing...they were learning the first steps to their recital song.

Ashlyn enjoying her treat for listening, sitting still on her X, and behaving!!!

Disney - September 2010

We took Ashlyn to Disney for her birthday, back in April. It was a great time, but it rained a bit, so we did not use all of our park tickets. We decided it would be great to take Ashlyn back, so when Rick made it home from Germany in late Sept., we packed up the car and headed to Florida. We did not realize what a wonderful trip we were going to have. The weather was perfect, and the crowds were limited!

The first morning on the bus. Ashlyn was so excited. She just kept giving Daddy hugs.

Our first stop was the Animal Kingdom. Ashlyn was a little nervous about seeing Pooh and the gang, but after a few minutes, she thought it was pretty cool!

The Chadwicks & Tigger

Ash, Mommy & Flicker

The drums in Africa were a huge hit!

Boom, boom, boom.....

The Safari ride...Ashlyn loved sitting with Daddy and seeing all of the animals!

The elephants...there was the most adorable baby elephant chasing his mommy!

Day two, we headed to the Magic Kingdom. We arrived just in time to see the morning parade.

Goofy was...well Goofy!

On a ride with Daddy...Ashlyn was NOT afraid of any of the rides. We were so proud of her!

Waiting to go into the Tikki Room to see the singing birds. Ash took this picture!

Heading out...after a few hours, we went back for some much needed R & R!

That evening we headed back to the Magic Kingdom to go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! Ash was so excited!

The Chadwicks...the entire park was decorated for the fall and Halloween. It was beautiful! As we entered the gates, they handed Ashlyn a bag for Trick or Treating.

The fireworks were outstanding!

They just kept going and going. They played Halloween music & everyone was dressed up!

Mommy & Ash being silly!

The park was not crowded...we could pretty much walk up to any ride and hop on. They didn't even make us get off at the end, if we wanted to go again!

Collecting some loot. There were candy stations set up throughout the park!

The "Boo to You" parade.
Watching all of the Villains in the parade & collecting MORE candy!

Round N Round

Ashlyn with Mickey and Minnie

Mommy & Daddy, too!

The BEST part of the day!!!! As we entered the tent to see the princesses, we noticed that we were the last folks that they let through. Once we got inside, all of the princes and princesses were talking to Ashlyn and giving her so much attention. It was truly AMAZING! She was having such a wonderful time. Her excitement and facial expressions were the BEST!

Ash with Cinderella and Prince Charming

"You are so pretty!"

Ashlyn said she was going to kiss the Prince, and well, she did!!!

After talking for a few minutes and looking at bracelets, Ashlyn stopped for a picture.

Snow White and Prince Ferdinand were so friendly!

After visiting with Sleeping Beauty & Prince Philip, we were surprised by the others, as they came over and offered to get a group picture. It was a moment that we will never forget!

We decided that this was our FAVORITE family day ever!!!

Day 3...we decided to hang out at the hotel and hit the pool. That night we went to Epcot. We went on a couple of rides...Nemo, of course. We ended the night with dinner at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. It was perfect! All of the princesses were there & they each came to the table to say "hello" and take a picture with Ashlyn! We saw Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and Ariel!

Sleeping Beauty & Ashlyn

Ashlyn & Ariel! Ash's favorite! She had to show off her doll, too. She was glowing with excitement!!!

We had such a fantastic time! I am so glad that we decided to go back. I think we have officially made Halloween in Disney our new family tradition!

Heading home...Ashlyn with her Simba (from our trip in April) and Ariel!

First Day of School

Ashlyn started her second year at HIS School on Sept. 7. She is in the Tuesday and Thursday 2's class...Yes, I am the teacher! We are both LOVING our time there. We have 5 children from last year's class with us. I have a new assistant, Ms. Kelly, and she is a true blessing!

Keeping things interesting...so, the night before school started, Ashlyn and I went to visit Nana and Papa. Ashlyn insisted on dressing herself, which included a pair of rain boots. As we were leaving, she tripped down the stairs and landed with her face against the bottom rails and cement. Her nose was bleeding & she had a huge lump on her forehead. Thank goodness for her Ariel ice pack. It was the only thing we could put near her. She slept with it that night, and we took it to school the next day.

Ashlyn with her Ariel...she put this ice pack on her head throughout the day.

Little drama queen?

Playing with Playdough during free time. Ashlyn is so excited to have her buddy, Avery, in our class. They are so cute together. Butterfly masks...
All of my little princesses...the worst days can turn sweet when I get to spend time with these girls! They are the best!

In Loving Memory!

We were blessed to get to spend a very special day with my grandmother, Mama. She had to come to Charleston to go to a doctor's appointment, so I asked Mom if they would come to the house for lunch. I made a homemade chicken potpie. It was a special time for me, as I used to have Mama over for lunch often when she lived at the Franke Home. I'll never forget that day, or any of the wonderful times I shared with her.

Ash & Mama - They always sat together to eat, and they talked and talked!

Ash helping Mama drink juice. She always copied the things that she saw me do with Mama. She was very sweet & gentle.

Annie Lee Fontaine

Nov. 17, 1924 - Aug. 18, 2010

The Royal Treatment!

After being gone for most of the summer, we HAD to have Cara & Brooke come stay with us for a few days before school started back. We had a really great time together! The girls enjoyed giving Bono a bath in our driveway.

I am not too sure what he thought! "Brooke, my turn! That looks fun!"

Looking better!

Worth the pain!
Now we are talking!!!