Oh Baby!

What do you do with a pre-schooler who is out of school the Friday before Spring Break...take a day trip!

I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that I have been dying to visit Babyland General, home of the Cabbage Patch Kid Hospital, since I moved to this state.  The opportunity had almost slipped me by, seeing as how my other two are a little old for this, not to mention one is a boy.  So knowing Lucy was my last hope, we made happen!  Leave it to Lucy to save the day.

You kind of need to know that I was a die hard Cabbage Patch fan as a little girl.  Those dolls were like real life babies to me and went everywhere I did.  Taffy was the oldest with red pig tails.  Then there was Rosco who was a soccer playing boy and finally was the bald baby, Jobie.  And no, I didn't name them, those were their official adopted names.  But, boy did I adore them.

I can't deny, I was a slight bit creeped out by the "nursery" at Babyland or actually, the adults who were looking to adopt the perfect baby for themselves...seriously!  I can truthfully say, I was over my obsession by 12 and that was kind of old.  But, it sure was fun to share it with Lulu and a few of her pals.

The nurse was dressed for the part and certainly acted it out too.  My little one had no idea what she was in for.  Nor did I really.

Before entering the "nursery", we scouted out a few glass cabinets filled with dolls from long ago.  And of course, grabbed a couple obligatory pictures.

A cabbage couch...it doesn't get much more official than this!

Once we entered, there were babies everywhere!  I mean they were literally hatching out of the cabbage plants under Mother Cabbage's tree.  We even witnessed a whole ceremonial birth from the tree.  Lucy was beyond confused, rightfully so.

But, after great debate, the girls made their selections.  Lucy and her bestie opted for one of the "big kids".  Having hair was a must for Lucy.

We went through the official adoption procedure and from there Lillie Charlotte was ours!  And oh my, she has that signature CPK smell.  It brings back so many memories.

Ya'll, I'm a Grandma!  And if you think I'm joking, I'm not.  That is what Lillie calls me, I babysit, change her clothes, tuck her in at night, and she goes everywhere with us.

Like Mother like Daughter...

The Circus Is Coming To Town

Actually, the circus did come to town {also known as pre-school} and guess who was the Ringmaster?

Introducing Lucy the Circus Ringmaster!  I can't imagine why my most vocal attention seeking child would have been chosen for this part.  But, let me tell you, she ate up every minute of it from the practice to the actual show.  And I can't lie, it's really fun having a kiddo like her in our family!

As you can imagine, performance day was much anticipated.  I'm pretty sure I had Lucy's lines memorized by this point.  Our little Ringmaster was a practicing fool around the house.  Her rehearsals brought much joy and many smiles to our dinner table.  Even her bigs couldn't hold back the smiles.

We arrived at the Circus to find the classroom all set up for the after show "Cast Party".  I mean, just look how adorbs this is! Makes me want to be in the circus.

The actual show took place in the auditorium and it exceeded all expectations.  These little pre-k'ers put in some serious practice and it showed.  Kudos to their teachers.

The opening act included a parade, lets by the Ringmaster, around the Circus Tent followed by a darling song and dance.

Once it was showtime, our precious Ringmaster got right to work.  And she even used a REAL MICROPHONE {pointed out by none other than Lucy}.

And although performing in the circus is pretty amazing, nothing is better than doing it with your besties!

This is one show that I could use an encore for!  Oh my, I love this age 💛 and I really love my Ringmaster worthy little one!

Teacher Appreciation Week

We did it again!  That's three years if you are counting.  Our committee just couldn't pass up another chance to spoil our teachers rotten for another Teacher Appreciation Week.

Yes, this job is not for the faint of heart.  It is a lot of work, but somehow it's the BEST.  I mean just look who I get to work with.  These ladies are amaz-o, serious besties!  Not to mention, the teachers and staff are so appreciative that it makes every minute worth it.  You know how I love to spoil a teacher.

If you haven't guessed yet, we went with a camping theme this year!  Hold on to your hats because you are about to get a taste of Camp HFE.

Times like this are when I am so glad that I have saved birthday party bins {to my hubby's demise}.  Us girls pulled out Jack's camp party box and then filled in the holes from there.  Decorating was as easy is it gets, I mean we did still have to fill in five bulletin boards and an entire room, but it was nice having a substantial bit to start with.

One of our favorite desserts were the S'mores.  We lit a few sternos around the room {shhh...don't tell the county on us} and the teachers literally roasted marshmallows right there in the room.  It smelled delish!

Just for laughs I have to include our Camp Cakes. Long story, but I would be remiss if I didn't include a picture of these beauties from campcakes.com

Campfire Dog Day was another hit.  Who knew there were so many hot dog toppings...oh my!  Our friendly neighborhood hot dog guy from Mikes's Hot Dogs did the roasting and serving.  It was a nice break for us counselors.  Blazing trails all week can get exhausting.

Seriously, can a lunch get any cuter?  Trail Mix Mason Jar from the Happy Trails Bar, a fleece blanket, and a meal fit for any camping trip.

 So this is only a taste {literally } of what went on all week.  All week!  We made sure the teachers got breakfast and lunch each day and a camp themed gift.

The staff and teachers totally Light Our Camp Fire...hope we did the same for them!

Until next year...

Oh yep, we are on board for next year too.  Just wait until you see what we've got cookin'.

Star Struck

If you know me, you know I am a serious Blake Shelton fan.  This gal loves some country music.  So as soon as I heard he was coming in town, I was in line {on my computer} for coveted tickets.

Lucky for me, I had a few friends who up for a honky tonking night.  With our VIP tickets, Blake gave us these souvenir hats, incredible seats, and a chance to attend a Q & A session with him.  Amazing!

And least I not mention, we were able to sit in Blake's Voice chair on top of all that.

But the best part of the evening, was for sure this....{I have my fingers crossed this video plays for you}

Yes!  This really happened!  Blake said my name and talked to me.  Talk about star struck!  I was seriously weak in the knees ya'll.  

This country gals year has been made!  xoxo Blake, from your biggest fan

If I had A $100

The 100th Day of School is here!  Sadly, it's looking like 4th grade and 2nd grade don't do too much to celebrate the occasion.  Why do my littles have to grow up?  What happened to baby powder in the hair, little old lady dresses, and a cane?  Time goes too fast.

Even Pre-K took it easy on the "holiday".  I guess they save the big celebration for next year.  I can't wait to be back in Kindergarten...my favorite grade!  But, until then, I'll have to suffice with this little gem...

Yes, if you read like a Preschool teacher, you got it right.... Lucy would buy a GIANT BOW if she had $100.

I mean come on, that is a girl after my heart!  How did I ever get so blessed?  Yum!  I sure do love that little cherry on top!  From basketball to bows-she's one of a kind.

My Little Baller

And just like that another season of basketball ends.  I regret to say, I didn't get any pictures of Jack's season. Boo hoo!  I had a handful of fun Mom's on the sidelines with me at every game and just let the season slip away. Shame on me.  It was a super fun season though.

However, I did remember to grab my camera for Lucy's last game.  Although, I didn't get one actual picture of her playing, I did take it to the post party.  I mean you get the just of her absolute cuteness in her sports gear, right?

As I've mentioned, Lucy doesn't know the meaning of an off season.  As we were closing out basketball, she was already attending baseball practice.  This girl keeps our weekends busy.

Lu had the darling basketball team with a couple dear friends and two fabulous coaches.  One being her Daddy and the other being one of our sweetest family friends.

Coach Meredith is seriously the BEST...and I'm not just saying that because our families love to hang together.  Lucy had a great experience and is already looking forward to the next season of b-ball.

The little players took home some serious swag.  The initial plan was to put the vinyl names and numbers on these mini basketballs.  Well, the best laid plans....

They would not stick as hard as I tried.  I've never had issues with sports balls before...there is always a first.  Meredith and I opted to go with paint pens instead, but I found myself sitting here with 10 ballers names and  jersey numbers in vinyl.  I just could not let those go to waste.

After a bit of research, I found these great water bottles on Amazon for a steal.  I wanted all white {you know how I love a color scheme}, but there was an order limit on white.  Ugh!  So it was pink for the girls and black for the boys.

They turned out super cute and I'm hoping it's something they can use for whatever court or field calls them next.

We are off to baseball practice now.  Seriously...this never ends...