Saturday, September 26, 2009

First Day of 2nd Grade

Rylee's first day of 2nd Grade went so well! I really hadn't prepared the kids for going to bed early, or getting up and dressed early. The transition went so smoothly though. Thursday and Friday were harder than the first two days. Rylee's teacher is Mrs. Groban at Wylie Elementary. She was ready to go back and be able to see all her friends everyday. For some reason, she didn't understand why she couldn't have a friend over every single day!

Miss Rylee Elizabeth Keesee

I also started Cutter at St. James, the same day care Rylee went to, on the first day of school. It was a much needed break on my part. He loves it. He talks about his new friends, and doesn't complain in the morning when we are getting ready for school.

My silly kiddos!

Showing off their new school back packs!





Eastland Water Park!

The week before school started I decided to take the kids on one last summer adventure! Ashley and Karsen joined us on the road trip to Eastland, TX. There was a water park that had been written about in the Abilene Reporter News, so I thought we'd give it a try. The kids had a blast, and the park was very nice, clean, and kid friendly (especially when mom forgets the life jackets)! Don't ask, obviously my head was somewhere else.

Here are the kids in the parking lot! Cutter, Karsen and Rylee

Karsen thought Cutter was SO funny!

Rylee is such a good big cousin!

Playing on the whale!

Rylee, Ashley and Karsen!

My little baby is so grown up! He thinks he's invincible!

Playing on the pirate ship.


Mom Always Wanted New Carpet

I almost didn't post updates of dad's bathroom, because this was in August (I'm just that far behind on posting) and it's almost finished. I say almost because Pete the Plumber is on his way over to finish as I type! Once Pete finished today, all I have left to do are the accessories: hanging the toilet paper holder, towel bars, shower curtain rod, curtain rod and mirror. See I really am almost finished!



This day at dad's was very difficult! First off, I Cutter decided to make everyone Fuji's all on his own. Normally, this would have been cute, but after the 5th and 6th times, it's just not! After we left, we headed to HEB to reimburse Dad and Hanaba their dozen eggs!

Secondly, I sent Cutter inside to get his shoes because you have to have your shoes on to go in Grandad's garage. He was taking a little longer than normal, so I went in to check on him. Cutter was sitting on the brown carpet with a gallon of mixed, white paint ALL over him! I immediately curl him in a ball and take him outside. Ryan, who was painting the door, looked at him and asked what happened. Did I really need to explain, just look at him? I go inside and begin to clean this mess up. Luckily Aron was there and told us pour water on the paint and use the WetVac to suck it up. After two rolls of paper towels, a new vacuum filter and gallons of water, Ryan managed to clean the spot up! Thank you so much Wormie!
The only thing I could say that didn't make me mad was, "Mom always wanted new carpet!"




A Beautiful Day at the Zoo!

A few weeks before school started again, the kids and I enjoyed a beautiful day at the zoo. The time before when we had gone, it was so hot the animals weren't out. This time, they were all out putting on a show!


Looking at the turtles.

hahaha...The alligator was underneath the new bridge, hiding in the shade. We all looked through the cracks to see if we could see him. Low and behold, we got to see a close up of his gigantic hand! I couldn't believe they were that big.

Rylee had just fed the giraffe, and I love the moment I captured while she was laughing!



Dad, Rylee still remembers your water fountain at the Granbury Park. I have to convince her every time we see this one, that it is not yours!

We had a great time at the Abilene Zoo!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Donnelly Family Reunion 2009

The Donnelly Family Reunion was held the last weekend in July this year. This was the first year Justin has gotten to attend in several years. He had to be in North Dakota Monday morning, so we left Saturday afternoon. We enjoyed our time together down in Brownwood (where there used to be a lake)!

We got there and it was raining cats and dogs. All the electricity was out in the cabins where all the kids had been left to run WILD!


Nanny wanted to play ladder ball so bad, so she convinced Christopher and Cutter to play with her. I'm not sure who won!

Susan and I trying to stay dry!

I love this picture! Tyler, Justin's youngest brother, and his little girl Karsen! Too cute!

Nanny and Justin look bored!

Pops and Buster waiting for something to bid on!

Cutter waited so patiently to 'buy' his ice crusher! Poor baby, he wanted it as soon as he say it, and had to wait until the very end. We made a snow cone as soon as we opened it though!

Sorry for the picture Brittney, but I didn't have any other ones or you and Chad! They were in charge of games this year, thus the plunger! Too bad we missed that one!

Ahhh...Cutter and his best friend!

...And Buster's drink is ALWAYS better!





Cousins in Cedar Park

On one of our trips to New Braunfels this summer, we made a three day stop in Cedar Park! My cousins live there with their four kids, and mine were in Heaven! We were busy the entire time we were there.

Rylee and Georgia

Bella and Roo

Here's the boys! I can't see the freckles, so I'm going to take a stab at this.
It's Ryder, Cutter and Colton!

Here's all SIX of them. This is when my phone decided to take a dive in the pool.

Saturday morning, the boys school had a carnival, that was gladly attended.

Cutter and Colton
How sweet!


Rylee, Colton, Bella and Cutter waiting their turn to ride the ponies!


We also went to their neighborhood swimming pool Saturday afternoon. The kids loved this slide, and weren't scared at all!



See, Cutter does play with normal boy toys! He just has to have friends to play with him!

Here's the girls in the media room where they camped out one night!

They apparently were watching Wizards of Waverly Place,
the Vampire episode!
Damian and Laura, Thank you so much for letting us come invade your house. I enjoyed to company and the kids had a blast! Hope to see y'all soon!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Family Birthday Party!

We invited my family over to have cake and ice cream for Rylee's birthday that afternoon.

Cutter and Hudson, I guess that's a hug!

Dig in!

Hudson and Aron

Grandad and Hanaba got Rylee her very own keyboard! She was SO excited, and plays in constantly! Too bad it doesn't have batteries!

Rylee and Grandad

AWESOME, Kori and Pops got Rylee a skateboard!

Kori and Brittney had to help a little!
Obviously, they didn't want to take a picture, but I try to take one of all three of us every now and then.

Thanks to everyone that came over, and joined us in celebrating Rylee's 7th Birthday!