Birthdays All Week Long

Helping Mimi count out ALL six candles for her cake.

I think she liked it!

I think she liked these even more!

Daddy and I shared a birthday lunch with her at school.

We even brought a cookie cake to share with her class



Ellie and her best friend, Emily!



After school, Ellie enjoyed her first horseback riding lesson-a gift from Mimi and Alan.

Leading like a pro.

First time on a horse...a little scary, a little exciting.

We ended the day with an evening swim, a large cheese pizza, and everyone piled up on the couch watching the new movie her sister gave her. What a wonderful birthday!

Guess Who's 6?

Wow, six! I really can't believe how quickly these past six years have passed. I look back at old pictures of when Ellie was a baby or toddler and my heart fills with memories of a happy, kind-hearted, easy-going, child who is now reading, riding a bicycle, and wiggling a loose tooth. Ellie brings such joy, not just happiness, but a deep-in-your-heart, on your knees thankful, only from God, kind of joy. I cannot wait to see what the next six years hold for my dear, sweet Ellie.

Fun with Friends

Last weekend, the girls went to their friend Ben's 4th birthday party at his house. They had a blast playing on the swingset, trampoline, sandbox, and batting tee. Funny how these prissy girls of ours LOVED some dirt,  digging, and playing ball with "the boys".




Sadie Kate and Ben on horseback

Jack, Ben, and Sadie Kate having some fun in the sandbox

Ellie and Jon Douglas played FOREVER on the new trampoline.

Ellie, Kurt, Ray, and Jon Douglas

Tell me this isn't the most precious birthday boy EVER!!

Hitting the Pool

I've found the first "pro" to living in an apartment...a heated pool in March! What a nice way to spend Spring Break. I guess we all know where the Mayo girls will be after school for the next few months.

House Plans

With all of the drawings and house plans lying around the house, it seems as though Elllie has decided to try her hand at drafting, too. She loves to sit at the kitchen table with Mark and draw the kitchen, playroom, and especially her new room. She surprises us with all of the details she adds and even draws in 3D. Wow, this momma (who can't even draw a square) is mighty impressed!

Double click on the pictures to enlarge them.

Ellie's room-check out the 3D desk complete with lamp and spiral notebook. Notice that closet in the corner (just like Daddy's drawings)!



Love the kitchen table and stove, but sadly, only Ellie and Sadie Kate get to live in this house.



Yes. She Really Did!

You can't turn your back on this kid...not for one minute!!

This is what I found when I heard someone singing, "I'm tee teeing, I'm tee teeing,  I'm tee teeing on the potty." Luckily, it was just a song!



It's Been a Long Week...

Saturday, Mark and I took the girls to see where our house will be built. As you see, they could hardly stand the excitement...and well, I just took advantage of the opportunity.



Here are our darlings at an Alabama basketball game. Mark took them (in the rain) and they actually made it throught the entire game...the Sprite, cotton candy, hotdogs, and chips probably helped, though.

Overwhelmed...

Boxes, sore muscles, stairs, rain, bubble wrap, and connection fees...all things I have had enough of this week. Moving is not for the weary and I am definitely teetering on the verge of weary. I thought that by hurrying up and getting out of the house we would avoid the "waiting to tape the boxes closed" stage, but I'm beginning to think that I over thought it. I completely rushed us out of the house and now I'm paying for it. So Mark Mayo, read this carefully...you were right. But I love you anyway.