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Here is an update abcd style

A - Allie Kate's Wedding - Congrats Allison and Caleb.

B - Basketball

I am coaching Rhea's AAU team.  Here is 2 of the local teams after a game.  All of these girls have played for several city and county schools for 4 years.  Pretty cool to snap a shot of all of them before they start choosing middle schools.



C. Courtney and Rhea at the wedding

D - Dad "TR" with Allie Kate

E - Everything else!  Too Many to try and get the letters lined up with the right picture.

 Rhea in a dry creek bed prior to wedding..... Would love to have Tripp in picture.... BUT -

Allison - Thanks so much for wanting my kids in your wedding.  You are a blessing to our family! 

 The Wonderful Raders

The last kiss as a single gal.  This was right before she walked down the aisle. 

 Forever known as "Hero".

 Priceless

 The gang.... missing Holly.  This group was and is a VERY special set of Lady Raiders Basketball Team.

 Fish and the Hubby

  

Goof Ball 

 Love me some Willy Family!

One Brave Little Man

My 11 year old nephew, Jackson, was born with hydrocephalus.... water on the brain.  He had his first surgery at the ripe old age of 5 weeks to put a shunt in his head.  Jack and family has always known it wasn't going to last forever, but to get 11 years out of it was amazing.  Well.... the time came last Sat. for the shunt to fail - and so immediate brain surgery was the answer.

I am so happy to share that today - less than one week later - my little brave man - is walking out of the hospital, shunt free.

Jack - you are amazing.  Good to know you got all the brave genes. 

Jump to Kelly's blog to check out the whole story.

CHAMPION

I asked Rheagan this morning on the way to school how she spelled champion

- and I quote -

"R H E A G A N". 

The Lady Bulldogs won the elementary league tournament last night beating North Lee 19-18.  I also have a picture Rhea

- and I quote -

"with the hardware",

 but it will get put on later.

Way to go Rhea.  I'm so proud of you and your friends!

Snow Much Fun

Snow day with Rhea and Tripp have been SNOW MUCH FUN.  Here are just 2 of the ton I've taken.  Now we're off to make a SNOWMAN!

Volleyball Game

Today Rhea played in the annual 5th grade vs. teachers volleyball game.  I caught her and her basketball buddies pregame.

Happy New Year!

Well, after a break from blogging, school and more - I'M BACK! 

We had an unbelievable Christmas with both families.  Kelly, Jon, Payne and Jack enjoyed the white Christmas with us.  Mom's brother, Jimmy, was here for a week and helped make the holidays so special. 

The basketball team played in Chattanooga in the local tournament and went 1-2.  Rheagan's team also played in a tournament and got 2nd place.  She made the all-tournament team as well. 

After some down time ( and decluttering time ) we are ready to get back to school and a routine.

I'll have some pictures ready to share sometime this week.

Thanks.

Fall pictures

I do believe she has Kelly legs!

 The kids going hunting.

 Goofy Girls.  Thanks G keeping them in line!

 Mattie G. stopping for a pose during a soccer game!

 Again - tell me - how do you spell intense?  Oh that's right - TRIPP

 All the kids at Tripp's birthday party.  The camping crew at Gee Creek!

Tripp BBH..... Tripp Before Bad Haircut! 

 Nutney - Rheagan's #1 fan

 The family splitting time all season long between games!

Remind me one more time - how do you spell focused? Oh yes- TRIPP.  One of many slide tackles for this game!

farewell soccer season....

Thanks for a fun time dear soccer season.  We enjoyed your weather, your company, and your laughs.   We'll see you again in the spring!

Tripp and Rhea's Special Days

For our fall break from school, Rheagan and I began in Chatty for a gal only time.  After some birthday shopping for Tripp, we went to paint pottery.  Rhea loves the place and begs to go when we do get a free moment.  She painted a plate - I painted a spoon rest.  We enjoyed a quick lunch at Chili's too.

On Friday we decided to go camping to Gee Creek in Polk County. (yes - we made a run for the border!)  We finally finished stuffing enough stuff for 10 days in the car along with 4 bikes and headed out after lunch.  Two other families were already there and saved us a great spot.  While Mack put the tent up the kids went to the Hiwassee River.  Some knuckle-heads actually went swimming.  Dinner included steaks, fried tators, corn and green beans.

MH joined us on Saturday and brought Tripp a birthday cake.  We didn't have a "formal" birthday party for him - but the all campers helped make his day extra special.  Instead of a small intimate party - he had a whole camp ground for a party place.  There were no balloons or sparklers, but the playground, bike trails, and friends made it so much fun for him.  Tripp got a new bike for his birthday and rode it for hours.  As he'd pass different campsites, families would say to him "Happy Birthday".  It was like a parade for my little man.

Sunday we packed up again and headed home.  After the 2 little ones took solid naps, we raced to the soccer complex where Tripp scored his typical 6-7 goals.  Rhea even scored one to help her team to a 1-0 victory.  I'd chalk up Fall Break to a success.

Of course - do I have pictures.... YES.   Do I have them with me now.... NO.  Pictures will come - sometime before Tripp's 6, I promise!

I did find a picture of his bike:

Happy Birthday to the love of my life......

After a VERY full weekend of activities.... I forgot my camera at home with the shots I wanted to upload for this page.  We went to the Cleveland/Nasty School game on Friday.  Saturday was packed with Tennessee River activities and the Tennessee game.  Sunday we were at the Atlanta Race where I took about 500 pictures.  Monday was a nice restful day with family and friends, but somehow in getting back into the swing of things I FORGOT TO PACK UP MY CAMERA. 

It's like forgetting a child - HOW DID I DO THAT?

SO...   bottom line - Happy Birthday Mack!  You are my oldest husband.  = oh wait... You are my only husband! 

I tell Rhea that she's my favorite daughter all time and she reminds me that she's my only daughter.

Kelly your day is coming soon where I can wish a happy birthday to my older sister!

First Day Shots

We are back in the swing of things here and wanted to share our latest pictures.  The first 2 pics are a comparison of Rheagan's friends from the 1st day of school to the last day of school last May.  Notice the slightly tanner legs!

The gang
first day of school 2010

LAST day of school May 2010

Open House at FLC with Mattie

Walking into school on his 1st day

1st day of school for the kiddos.  Sparky HAD to be in the picture!

Welcome Baby Elly

So glad you're here and part of the Lady Raider family!

Fore!

Rheagan played in her 1st golf tournament today and finished 1st in a sudden death play off.  She shot a 54 for the round.  Here are a few shots of Rhea and her traveling gallery.  Please note that Tripp was NOT very intrested!  More pictures to come....someday.
 

Birthday Girl

Wishing my mom the happiest of times on her special day.  Happy Birthday, Mom! 

Growing Up

Rheagan had an opportunity to be in Franklin, TN this past weekend for a girls only golf camp.  She LOVED it.  We slowed the car down just long enough for her to jump out of Friday and watched the College "Shoot-out" on Sunday afternoon.

Here are a few shapshots of the few minutes parents and others got to be there.    

This smile tells me she had a good time - and wants to go back!