Monday, June 28, 2010

1st Year of TBall....WAY TO GO Lady Dawgs

My little Ball Player

Most of the Team...Go Lady Dawgs

Hallie with her helmet on ready to go bat

Getting ready to BUST IT!

Waiting for Daddy to send her to 2nd

Hannah Claire had lots of fun at the ballpark too...she loved all the attention that she got from the girls...so much, that I could never get her to look at the camera, she was always looking at them

Check out the wet hair...Lilly Jane cooled her down one night with a spray bottle and she loved it

As long as Lane would share his Doritos with her she was always sitting in the dug out and "happy"


This was Hallie's 1st year of playing softball, and she has confirmed over and over again that she "LOVED" it. She was given the option to dance or play softball this season, and she chose softball. When it was 98 degrees outside and the sweat was pouring down her face, I asked her again if she had still made the right decision about softball, AND she still confirmed "YES." So, I really feel that she enjoyed herself and had a great "1ST" experience. Her team was known as the Lady Dawgs, and there were lots of sweet girls on the team. Some Hallie already knew, and others that she learned to love and have a great time with. I don't know who got more excited at the games, Me or Hallie, but I can truly say that I had a great time watching her play. When her bat would hit the ball, I would always rise to my feet and cheer (SCREAM) her on. NO, I am not one of those crazy parents that screams, hollers, and often makes a fool out of themselves, but I have to say I did my share of Cheering! When the game would come to an end, Hallie would often ask if we won or lost. This was what made me love it even more! It truly wasn't about winning all the time, but having fun with friends and learning new skills. This is what I think sports at a young age is all about...friendships and relationships. Hope you enjoy the photos!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

A "Storey" Book Wedding

which included "2" precious little flower girls. I can say that right? I can't help but be a little partial!

Last night, our family along with many others gathered at Lost River Cave to celebrate Kyle's cousin, Ben Storey, and his beautiful Bride's wedding. It was a beautiful celebration and a fun night. Hallie and cousin Macy were flower girls in the wedding and they were perfect little princesses! So glad these girls get to share so many great experiences together, and I am sure that they will always be the best of friends. Hallie tells me often how much she loves her cousins, and when they are together it truly shows. I left my camera at home, but thanks to my SIL, Stephanie, I have some photos of the night to share. Thanks for letting me steal some pics Steph! Here is a few photos from our fun night, and Hallie's first experience as a flower girl. I hate it that I don't have any photos of Hannah Claire to include, but since she has been a little under the weather, we decided it would be best for her to stay out of the heat and spend the afternoon with Nana and Papa. We missed her so much!

Kyle and I at the wedding


Me and my special flower girl


Hallie, Watson (ring bearer), and Macy

The Wedding Party

Hallie and the Beautiful Bride, Ashley


Hallie and Macy had a great time...dancing the night away

Hallie and Aunt Catherine

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

A 5:30 am alarm sounding.....

on a Friday when I have nothing that is urgently calling my name!!! GRR...I was so mad, turned to the night stand to turn it off, and then I had a husband looking at me smiling and telling me that I need to get up. GRRRRRRR...Get up? Are you NUTS?!?! I could have literally took him and the alarm clock both and sailed them out the window if I could have managed. I didn't get in the bed until 1:30 this morning and I am not getting up for no one! "Yep, you need to get up and get packed for a "2" day getaway." And, you must be ready by 6:30," he replies. Really, are you crazy?!?! There is no way that I can get up, shower, pack for me and 2 girls, make beds, etc. Kyle..."Yes, you can do this...All you have to do is worry about YOU...I have already packed for the girls." No way...you pick out outfits for my girls..NO WAY! But, he proved me wronged! He had matching outfits with shoes, bows, and even remembered swim diapers. I was impressed and shocked, not to mention that I still am! I jumped in the shower, hurriedly got ready, packed my stuff while he made our beds, and we were on the road by 6:33 am. Wow, I don't think I have ever managed to get ready that quick in my life! So, all the way to Brownsville I was still in shock! So, where are we going.... I must of asked atleast 200 times before we pulled through the drive thru at DQ. Please...Please....Please tell me where we are going...You know I hate suprises. Then, my little Hallie in the back seat says in a sweet tone..."Dad, please tell her where we are going before she drives me crazy...I can't take it any longer!" Kyle replies, "Okay Hallie, tell her." All I hear is, "Holiday World! Mom, I am so excited and I know you will be too. Dad has been working on it for a few days now and he has everything set up." I was excited! Not so much about Holiday World in the 98 degree heat, but that my husband had taken it up on himself to sporadically plan a getaway for us! Wow! Most of the time I am the one in the house that does all the vacation planning, so I was super proud of him. We arrived at Holiday World at 9:15am, and by 9:30 we were riding rides, and then by 11:30 spending the rest of the day at the waterpark. We had a wonderful time and the kids loved it! I recommend this park to anyone for good family fun. It was very clean, offers free drinks and sunscreen, and there is something there for all ages. We closed down the park, met up with some good friends for dinner, and then drove to Tell City to spend the night. The next day we spent the day with some great friends that were camping at Santa's Lodge and Campground. It was an awesome getaway, and I encourage my husband to do it more often. So, the 5:30 am alarm sounding turned into a wonderful adventure, memories for my girls, and a big ole apology to my husband for being so grouchy when it sounded last Friday morning.

Me and My Girls at Holiday World

Hannah Claire getting ready to head to the water park...she loves putting on sunscreen

Hallie and I after riding the Wildebeest...we both loved it!

Hallie and Daddy riding rides


Caroline, Hallie, and Jarrett had a great time playing together


The guys and their story telling

Hannah Claire couldn't get enough of Brian's famous snow cones

Happy Belated Father's Day to the Special Men in my Life....I love them so much!
I can't say enough great things about my Jim...wonderful dad and GREAT Papa!

Please say a special prayer this Friday for Kyle's Dad...one of my favorite men! We love him so much...he is a wonderful Dad and a GREAT Papa to my girls!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Happy "6th" Birthday Hallie

As I awoke this morning and started my daily routine, my mind quickly went back to June 16, 2004. Yes, "6 years" ago when a 9lb and 11 oz, 21.5 inch long, dark haired, blue eyed, and to me the most precious baby girl in the whole wide world was placed in my arms.

I can remember the joy I had in my heart and how I could hardly take my eyes off her. It was a love and joy that is so amazing (so much better felt than told), and if it can even be possible, a love and joy that only continues to grow more and more every day. She has brought so much joy to our home, and Kyle and I both feel so blessed that we can say she is ours. I know she will make many mistakes in her life as I do mine, but I always try to encourage her to be the best she can be, love with all her heart, be a friend to everyone, tell the truth no matter the consequences, respect your elders, and most importantly to always Love and Fear the Lord.

Happy Birthday Hallie Ann!!!!!! Dad, Mom, and Hannah Claire love you more than you will ever know. You are such a joy to be around, and I always look forward to your good morning kisses, funny personality, and your sweet bedtime prayers. Thank you so much for all the joy you have brought to our lives. We hope you had the best birthday ever!
This photo was taken this morning before she left to spend the day with Grandmother for "Hallie Day"...she was so excited!



Last Saturday we celebrated with a slippin and sliddin beach party. Many of her friends got to join us, and the kiddos seemed to really enjoy theirselves. Hallie had a ball and would love to have this kind of party every weekend.


Some of the kiddos getting ready to climb up to the top


Look at these handsome fellas...they all had a ball

Josi, Rachel, and Lilly Jane enjoying snowcones


Daddy made snowcones for everyone...it was a nice treat considering the heat outside

Hannah Claire and Emma Grace having a picnic on their beach towels

Caroline and Hallie enjoying snowcones

Some of the parents in the shade watching the kids slide...We felt so priviledged to have such a great group of people at our home

Gathered around to watch Hallie open her presents...Thanks again to everyone for such sweet gifts! However, spending time with Hallie was what made her day so special...She loves her friends and I feel so fortunate that she has the best kids in the world to grow up with!

Reading her cards...Hallie is like me...she loves cards and loves to read every word

The most awesome "Flip Flop" cake and beach cupcakes specially made by the one and only Aunt Catherine aka Martha Stewart

Blowing out the candles


Then End to a GREAT Day...Thanks Everyone for Making my "6th" Birthday so Special

Sunday, June 6, 2010

All the WAY from Chalybeate Springs KY to Hawaii

We love you Dad and Mom....We hope you are having as much FUN as we are!

Maggie enjoying her popsicle...She said she needed to cool down from sliding.

Macy has enjoyed the afternoon swinging!

Molly is the pro on the Monkey Bars

The whole gang of Cassady Girls...WE have had a Great afternoon playing together!


And, just to let you know Mommy, I am doing a great job going to the potty!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Bye Bye Kindergarten...Hello First Grade!

It seems like it was just yesterday when this little girl was heading to SEE for her very 1st day of Kindergarten.

Oh MY, how I was flooded with so many emotions! So sad to see her growing up, becoming very independent, ready to broaden her horizons, and so eager to learn. But, in another perspective, I was very happy that she was going to have a Great teacher that she already knew, LOVED, and most importantly that her daddy and I trusted to care for our child. Not to mention, that she was going to be in a classroom full of precious kiddos that we go to church with and love so much.



And now, as of May 28, 2010, we officially have a Kindergarten graduate! Wow, it seems like this year has flown by!

She has had many wonderful experiences this year, and I was always so eager to meet her in the afternoon and hear about her day. She loves learning and loves to spell out every word she comes in contact with. Maybe, this is one reason she got this..."Best Girl Spelling Award!"

We are so proud of her many milestones and accomplishments this year! As I set here this morning reflecting back on this past school year, I can't help but have tears flow down my face as I think how proud she would be to come home with 100% on her spelling tests! I would hug her tight and tell her how proud I was of her and remind her that she worked real hard studying those words to get that 100%. Oh, how that sweet smile and sense of accomplishment would make my heart feel so warm and fuzzy! I just feel so blessed to be this little girl's mommy!

Thanks so much to this sweet Lady for making Hallie's 1st year a GREAT experience! Mrs. Lesley, Hallie already misses you and loves you so much! Everytime I tell her that I love her to the moon and back she reminds me that you tell her that sometimes too! And, I don't have a picture of Hallie with Mrs. Lisa, but we are very thankful for her too!


And, some photos of some very special little people!

Jarrett, Noah, Evan, Macy, and Hallie


Lilly and Hallie

Caroline and Hallie

Hallie and Macy...Sweet Cousins

Hallie and Josi

Meredith, Rachel, and Hallie

Hannah Claire and Hallie


Me and My "2" Blessings! Even though Daddy couldn't attend because he had graduation at his school at the same time, he gave Hallie a call to her classroom before graduation started. He was very sad that he couldn't be there, but was reminded by several teachers and staff at his school that one day he will be able to call her name as she walks across the 8th grade stage and be so proud. That reminder brightened his day and then we topped off our afternoon with icecream and a fun night.

Well, it is now off to 1st Grade! Hallie is so excited that many of the same, sweet kiddos that she experienced Kindergarten with will still be by her side in 1st grade! We are hoping that the Summer slooooowly passes and are excited about lots of fun playdates with wonderful friends! We will see you soon Mrs. Monica! And, Mrs. Lesley you just hang around in 3rd grade until we get there!