Big 'Ol Red

Your last day of summer photo shoot had to include the antique Massey Ferguson tractor.

Is it necessary for me to say, "You LOVE it"?

How could you not love this nostalgic tractor and adorable first grader?!

When I look into your big-boy blue eyes, my heart stops. I am so very proud of you!

Summer Dresses

On the last day of summer, I decided to take a few photos of you with your summer dresses.

I have LOVED watching you explore, twirl, and dance in these adroable dresses.

I adore being your mother!

First Day of First Grade

You were almost bitter about having to return to school.

The only thing that you told me about your first day was that you played with Ethan.

You told dad that you were funny. (You made a boy laugh at lunch with your apple.)

I pray that 1st grade will be a memorable, life-changing year! I love you so very much 1st grader!

Farewell Summer

-Early morning snuggles...but not too early

-Fresh flowers for my hair and hand-picked bouquets for the table

-No Mandatory Bedtime

-CROCS

-Pajamas All Day

-Ice cream, Popsicles, Watermelon, and Home-Grown Tomatoes

-Mid-Morning Giggles

-Afternoon Arguments

I can't wait for you to visit again!

Today at lunch you made me aware of the new tooth breaking through the skin.

It is now time to start a wiggling.

I think that we managed to finish our tooth fairy pillows just in time!

(I bought this beautiful quilt at a garage sale this past weekend for $1.00.)

This sign is hanging on Andrew's door this morning...

This sums up last week! School starts on Thursday!

Thankfully?

Yesterday, I captured you playing quietly in your room with the super-cat, D.D.

So sweet! Pets=Constant Companions

We are believing that one day there will be a lost tooth in the Holman house.

When this much anticipated day arrives, we will be ready with homemade tooth fairy pillows.

(Andrew, you had been crying right before this photo was taken. You are really afraid of being left at church. We have no idea where this irrational fear came from, but I am certain that one day we will be able to laugh at this frustrating memory.)

Tooth Fairy...we are a waitin'

Summer is coming to an end, and life is about to speed up drastically.

I am overwhelming aware of all of the moments that I missed snuggling, reading, and playing.

If only I could stop time...I would stop it now.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray that my love for them will always be etched in their minds. That they will learn from my lack of patience and gentleness. Let my mistakes lead them to become better parents. Help me let go so that they might have wings. They are Yours God. Help me train them in Your ways.

I love you my beautiful girl and my handsome photographer!

Olivia, you decided that it was time to take the training wheels off your bike.

Balance-check; Confidence-check; Steering-YIKES! The driving force behind this bike riding challenge is the promise of a trip to the Dollar Tree. I love how you never give up...keep practicing darling!

Something crazy happened on Friday...something that hasn't happened in years...Andrew, you took a nap! Needless to say, we were ALL in shock, including Fraidy and Skipper.

You woke up in such a great, refreshed mood. At Culver's, you chose Butterfinger add-ins because they are my favorite. You proudly stated, "Mom, you get the very first bite." You are such a sweet, sweet gentleman. Bubba, I love ya bunches!

Peach Picking at Eckerts on One of the Hottest Days of the Summer

Camp-Out

Daddy snuck home early from work and set up the tent for a backyard camp-out.

You both were SUPER excited.

You roasted hot dogs, made s'mores, snuggled in the tent, and then decided to sleep in your snugly, cool beds.

You are so blessed to have a daddy who understands the importance of creating memories regardless of the work involved or outcome.

Thank you daddy for an evening of memories.

Andrew, I adore the fact that you pay such close attention to detail (and that you love to wrestle as often as possible). May you always strive to make the ladies in your life (mother, sisters, grandmothers, wife, daughters) feel so very special.

"The Boy"

was a little jealous that I posted photos of "the girl" snuggling Skipper last week.

Here is Skipper with his super-special boy!

Last night, I attended a beautiful bridal shower for Ms. Stacy.

Catherine made the delicious party favor pictured below, and I was encouraged to take two.

They inspired a Holman Summer Tea Party.

Andrew, you were very apprehensive about having to get dressed up to eat tiny food off pretty plates, but you eventually joined in the excitement. When I got out of the shower, I discovered that you had set the pretty table with fancy dishes and picked a bouquet of flowers from the garden.

Thank you both for making this Summer Tea Party absolutely perfect.