Dylan's First Trip To The Pool

We took Dylan to the pool for the first time and he really enjoyed it.

He had a great time floating around in the big pool.

And the baby pool was just his size! He walked all around the outside while holding the side.

Preparing to Walk -- Phase 4

Each week Dylan gets closer to taking off by himself. Braden has really been working with him. He loves to take his big brother's hand and walk around. It certainly won't be long.

The Next Albert Einstein?

We had a wonderful day on Saturday in Nashville as Braden was honored during a ceremony at Vanderbilt University for his score on the ACT. Braden was invited to participate in the Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) earlier this year which meant he was allowed to take the ACT as a seventh grader. Braden scored a 21! This score placed him in the top 25% of all 7th graders who took the test (over 74,000 7th graders were invited to take the test in 2007). This ceremony at Vanderbilt was for the students from Tennessee who scored in the top 25%. He was presented with a special award from Duke University TIP and Vanderbilt University which was presented to him by Vanderbilt Chancellor Gordon Gee. We are so proud of Braden for his academic accomplishments and can't wait to see what he does next!

The Three Amigo-ettes!

These three little girls are inseparable. Kristen, Monroe, and Gracie are like 3 peas in a pod! I can't imagine what life is going to be like when they become teenagers -- watch out world!

Mohawk Brothers

Nice hairdo's boys!!! Braden decided to have a little fun with Dylan and go with matching mohawks prior to bedtime. Can you tell they are brothers?

Kindergarten -- Here We Come!

We are sure there were a few doubts as to whether or not she would make it -- but Kristen oficially graduated from pre-K and is now ready for Kindergarten in the Fall! (WHEW!) She sure is growing up fast.

Kristen's New Bike

Kristen has moved up to the next size in bikes and we have a tough time getting her to put it up for the night! Now we just have to work on getting those training wheels off.

Preparing to Walk -- Phase 3

Well, we made it through the "pull yourself up" phase. Quickly moved through the "walk behind this walker thing" phase. And now for phase 3 -- actually balancing and standing up by himself!!! All we have to do now is take that first real step and not fall down. I am sure it won't be long!

The Long Crawl

Dylan loves to be outside in the grass -- and he is becoming much more mobile! It won't be long and he will be walking all over the place.

It Won't Be Long!

We are counting down the days to when Dylan drops the walker and goes on his own. He is getting really good with his walker and definitely enjoys standing up and being upright as much as possible. Watch out world!

The Next Tony Hawk???

Dylan has really taken to Braden's skateboard! It won't be long and I am sure we will be visiting the emergency room with somes scrapes, bruises, and a few broken bones!

Braden Scores An Academic Letter!!!

Braden's academic accomplishments continue to pile up. Today he received an Academic Letter from Hunter Middle School for receiving straight A's throughout his entire 7th grade year! (mom and dad are already thinking about how they are going to spend that college account when all the scholarships start coming in)

DOLLYWOOD!!!

We took a quick daytrip up to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN with our friends the Fouts family -- and had a blast! The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast on all the rides. Despite the really long lines (Braden and Brad waited 1 and a half hours in line to ride one roller coaster), the kids really did well and made the trip a lot of fun!


Kristen and Brad enjoy a little roller coaster ride!


Kristen really enjoyed the Scrambler with Mr. Fouts and Kaylee.


A necessary nap break!


In the end, ALL SMILES!!

Kristen's Field Trip to the Nature Center

Kristen's pre-school class took a great field trip to the Chattanooga Nature Center. It was a really good time -- even for dad! We saw some great stuff, including a hawk, owl, bald eagle, red wolf, and a bunch of snakes!

Big Brothers are Awesome

Dylan just loves it when his big brother spends time with him. And Braden sure knows how to show him a good time (although we have to be honest ... it scares mom a little when he does).

Dylan At Play!

One thing is for sure about Dylan -- he loves to be outside. His current favorites are his new swing, sandpile, and just crawling around in the grass.

Kristen's First Dance!

Kristen had the pleasure of her first real dance recently at the Silverdale Father/Daughter Ball! She got all dressed up (including a beautiful wrist corsage) and had a blast. The only problem was that dad couldn't keep up with her on the dance floor.