Madelyn Turns 7!

My sweet niece Madelyn Grace turned 7 on Sunday!  Friday before her birthday she had an "Almost Sleepover" with some of her closest friends (and cousin!)  Cora had a blast!  She didn't want to leave when I came to pick her up!  On Madelyn's real birthday she got to invite a friend to go up to DC to the American Girl Store.  And who did she pick?!!  Drumroll please...Cora!  I love that they all love each other so much.  Their cousin bond is amazing!  Cora got to spend the night at Nana's, so she was very excited about that!!  I was working, but here are some pictures that I got sent during the day!  Happy Birthday to my sweet, caring, beautiful, creative, and giving niece!  She amazes me with her kind heart every day!

Getting Felicity's hair done!

Happy girl!

The dolls got their ears pierced!

The 7 year old!

The girls with their dolls!

Enjoying lunch!

What a fun day!

Random pic of Cora and Josh that I love:)

My babies



Cora at Alexandra's 5th birthday party at Maymont!

Cora's Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

For some reason, this blog never posted...here it is late...!
Last Friday Cora went on her very first field trip...the Ashland Berry Farm!  She was SO excited to go.  I had to work so Sam decided he would be the chaperon!  They were both excited to go.  Sam was in charge of Cora, Meredith, and little Sam.  He said it was a great group and they had a great time!  He sent me pics throughout the day...

On the bus!

Enjoying the hayride!

Got her pumpkin!

Picnic Lunch!

Mrs. Bouton's class!

Looking for pumpkins!

Sam enjoying the hayride!

The group!

U of R Football Game!

On Saturday we braved the rain, wind, and cold and headed out to the U of R Football Game! Tailgating was fun and not too cold, but the game was brutal!  It got a little chilly watching the Spiders!  But we all had fun, especially the kids.  It could be 20 degrees out and they would still be running around having fun, as long as they're together!
Here are also some random pics of Cora on Pajama Day at school (Echo Lake got 100% PTA membership so they got an extra Pajama Day) and of Josh writing his name!  Boy oh boy has my little guy made strides lately.  His speech has exploded and he amazes me with his speech every day. I feel like three is his magic age and everything seems to click!  He loves preschool and he loves his speech class.  I am so proud of him!
Side note-Cora had her parent teacher conference today!  Mrs. Bouton said she is extremely sweet and well behaved.  She is right on target in every area of learning.  I am so proud of my sweet girl.  It is amazing how much she is learning in school, especially with her reading.  It's unbelievable!
To sum it up, I'm so very proud of these two.  What a great start to the school year they have had!

Pajama Day!

"Joshua"

Staying warm in Daddy's arms

The kids

Kelly, Alison, and I.
We have been friends with Alison our entire lives!

Love this picture!