Shelby is 3!!!!

We had Shelby's family party on Sunday the 12th and it was so much fun!!! We had a care bear theme and wait until you see the cakes!! Gift bags don't work at this age by the way...she knew there was a baby in there way before it was time for gifts! Also I should add this is just a small portion of the presents...the rest arrived later and let's just say Christmas came early!!!

I baked the cakes but the artist was my cousin Charlene!! They were so cute and Shelby loved them!!


She smiled so big while we were singing to her. She's got this birthday gig down pat!




Me, Brandon, and Mary getting into the spirit with our hats!

Charlene and crew gave her this store and she has loved it. She has served ice cream and many more delicacies to all since then. Please note her fancy shoes and earrings. Cousin Mary is one of her best playmates!


Grams got her this hissing snake...it sleeps with us.

The day before Shelby's birthday we went to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) walk that my Aunt Charlotte is a huge part of. We walked, got face paint, and animal balloons. I bought $2.00 in raffle tickets at the last minute and won 3 $50 gift cards (one to a children's boutique, one to an adult clothing store, and one to self tan...gonna give that one away). The event was at Party Central so we tried out the water bumper boats...I was relieved there wasn't anyone else riding...they aren't the easiest to drive if I must say!!







Panties they aren't just for your hiney anymore!

A girl has to look good while helping her Gram sweep the flood of rain water that came on the porch!!



The pad.

We have foundation!

Shelby is standing in her bathroom.

Our first bit of framing...this is my side bedroom wall.

This was her first day of dance. The first couple of weeks were rough but she loves it now and we have so many new tutus to show off in the future!

She loves to walk around with a pillow case on her head...the hat was an added accessory on this day.

These were taken befor we went for a "little walk" as Shelby calls them. She usually takes her back pack but today we had our wand just in case!! Don't worry her baby and stroller went as always.

3 weeks and counting at the farm

Ok so what's been going on since gotcha day on July 12th you might ask...well we went over to our wonderful friends and travel companions the McKeeby's house just after that to celebrate with them and our social worker Amanda and her family. It was a special time to visit and let the kids play...and hard to leave I might add.


Elizabeth helped Shelby get "dressed for dinner"...doesn't she look fabulous!

This group shot didn't work out just as we would've liked...Sam really wanted to play on the swing/slide set.

Then after my last day of work on the 15th we headed off for our first solo trip. We started by stopping in Knoxville for a visit with the Sipes. It was such a good time. Tiffany took us to see the campus and wow it has changed so much. We ate at Calhouns on the river..yum, yum and then to play in the fountains...no bathing suit required.


I would like to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Connor Sipe...oh wait am I getting ahead of myself...look how cute they are though!!

We had fun playing on the tee...she needs a little work but her grandpa would've been proud of the effort!!

These were before church...she shocked me and went to the nursery with Connor...who knows when that will happen again...


Then we were off to North Carolina to see the Primms and Wards. It was a fun time. We went swimming, to the science museum, and had lots of good quality visiting time. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me or out enough but here are a few cute ones of Shelby and Avery!


When we got home we had a week to finish the house and it was time to load the pods. We wrapped that up and then we packed up to stay at Aunt Lauri's for a few nights before pulling out. Connor got his horse out to get her ready for the farm.

Fun in the sprinkler with Connor!


This is a painting of Shelby that is in the big open room at her new school. The artist said he aged her to about 5 so we will have to see if this is how she turns out. She is still adjusting to school...she really misses Ms.Dyeanne and all her friends...she still asks for Eddie, Maddie, Carson, Regan, Jeremiah, Clark, Rayce, and Ethan lots!!!

The house is started. We have plumbing lines in place and hope to have the foundation poured soon. Pictures to come! I'm still looking for a job...looks like I will have to take a break from my love of oncology for awhile so wish me luck. We are looking forward to Shelby's 3rd birthday on September 14th so look for those pictures too! Our next adventure will be to Phoenix in October to visit with our travel group from China. I know there will be 5 families there counting us so we are super excited...and I've never been there. Much love to all especially in Nashville we miss you bunches!!!

1 year ago today!!

Do you remember this from 1 year ago today...


Well here we are today...stretched out in mama's bed and wearing gram's bra while running and singing!


These are a few from a visit to the zoo with Aunt Lauri, Jacob, and Connor on Saturday. It was hot but it was fun!!

Happy 4th all!!

We started out the 4th by packing up a bedroom...Shelby had the most fun of that deal I think! Then it was off to church. I was so glad this outfit Judi gave us last year still fit...my little patriotic beauty!!!

We were all off on Monday and had to get started early...we had a 2nd showing of the house from 10 til 11 so we headed to the park. Swinging is always a favorite.

That is until the sun gets in our eyes...she was asking for an umbrella to shade her eyes...Ms. Elsie our guide in China would have loved this...lots of umbrellas are used in China to protect you from the sun and heat!

This is a joy of basically being potty trained...when you gotta go you gotta go!! Mom took her to the park on Friday and that was the 1st time this happened. She wasn't sure about not having toilet paper but mom showed her how to shake it off! Well we went on Saturday and guess what...you got it a repeat performance and then again today. Somehow I think she is gonna fit in just fine at the farm...I knew she was related to cousin Walker...he has loved to go outside for as long as I can remember!

Her OCD came out on this tower...she had to pick up every piece of bark and clean it off.

Climbing up the slide...I thought it would take her awhile to figure this fun trick out.

My little dare devil. She started up this one and mom said she can do it. Well needless to say my heart is still skipping beats...all I could see was her crashing to the ground!

We finished today off at celebrating mom's birthday by going to lunch with Mary Ellen and then swimming at her pool. As you can see below swimming makes horsies very thirsty so Shelby was helping him get a drink.