Back to the grindstone

We finally got back into our routine today. BOTH boys have had one of the many illnesses going around for 6 days. High fevers, terrible coughs, runny/stopped up noses, Rhett~pink eye, and Grant~a new found allergy to Amoxicillin were the ailments of the house. Both were tested for the flu and both came back negative. Thank goodness. We did a lot of snuggling, watching tv, taking baths, and drinking juice-since neither one would eat a thing. They went back to the Dr. yesterday and got the all clear to return to our daily lives. We were oh so happy to be out of the house. I thought it would never end.

I'm an Aunt~again!

Yep! You read right, Sara FINALLY popped. After riding out a tornado in their basement ALONE, past due, nearly a week later gave birth. I am the proud aunt to:

Landon Joe

Isn't he a doll! I did NOT make it to the hospital in time, but I did get to be the 1st overnight hospital help. Matt thought I might come home with "baby fever", but after being up all night, I am happy just the way we are~sleepers! I took the boys the next weekend to visit and meet their cousin. Grant was absolutely in love. He wanted to hold him and would try to drag him into his lap. Rhett was content to talk to him and pat him on the head. We had a great time unitl a remnant leaning tree from the tornado took out the power on its way to mine and my mom's cars at 5:oo am. Luckily, not much more than a few scratches to mine. Sorry mom! In the picute above, Grant says, "Hey, didn't this used to be mine. I think I'll get in."

I'm Baaaack

Well, I am finally back and ready to roll! It has been almost a year since my last post, but I am sure I am going to keep up this time. Just a recap of the past year...

~School ended, as did an era of my life. I got a new job and moved from South of the River to the North side. I have always known that my kids would go to Batesville to school, so it was such a blessing that I wouldn't have to worry about not being with them when they started. I still have 2 years left until Rhett goes, but it was on my mind anyhow. I loved my job at Southside, but I love being "at home" in the Batesville School District more.

~We had a great summer break! We swam a lot, went to the beach, played with friends, ate a lot of PB&J, spent time with family, read a lot of books, and fed the local ducks a lifetime supply of bread and cheese puffs.

~School started back so the boys went back to Miss Linda's (whom we adore), I started 3rd grade (literally, I am learning with them-quite a bit harder than kindergarten curriculum), but have FINALLY received word that I get to go back to kindergarten next year. What an answer to prayer!

~Grant turned the BIG ONE! I can't believe how time flies. You really do forget so fast their "tiny days".

~We did the typical pumpkin patch thing with some friends. The boys, as we call them (2- nearly three year olds and 2-6 day apart 12 month olds-at the time) had a ball. Rhett immediately picked the ugliest albino pumpkin from the patch. I couldn't deny him, so that was the one we took home. It turned out very warm and the boys were roasting when we left from running back and forth down the rows of pumpkins. It just wasn't right without that Autumn crisp air.





~Rhett turned three! We had the boys birthday party together at the park (the one with the choo choo train, since Rhett was obsessed with trains at the time) with a sports theme. It was a perfect day and everyone had a great time!



~Somewhere in here, Matt and I took Rhett to a Razorback game, not his first, but my first with him. He did the whole tailgating thing and all. He was such a trooper for the all day affair. Let's call those HOGS! Woo Pig Sooie!




~For Halloween the boys were so cute. Rhett dressed up as Spiderman, very appropriate since he thinks he is Spiderman, and Grant was a chicken-too cute. We trick-or-treated at Mom Tom's house first and boy does she go all out for this holiday. That is her dressed up in the middle. She sat perfectly still until Rhett got close, then jumped up and scared him. We had a get together with our group of friends and all our kids. The kids all had a great time! We'll be back next year-right?

~Thanksgiving came and went. We got to visit with both of our families. This is the most recent picture of the 3 Ellis girls.





~Christmas was so much fun! Rhett really got the whole "Santa" thing and Grant just liked all of the excitement. Of course, we went to the Christmas Parade. We thought all the sirens would startle Grant, but he did great. He just sat back, ate his candy, and watched all the action. Rhett, being the candy junkie that he is, had a blast. All Rhett asked for for Christmas was Spiderman stuff. He could turn anything into a Spiderman gift (Spiderman toys, Spiderman socks, Spiderman bicycle, Spiderman etc...) and what do you know, Santa came through for him. He was most amazed that Santa ate all of his cookies. How dare he??? Grant got a mini trampoline and a ball pit that he has gotten lots of use out of-that is until the ball pit went flat.

~This brings us to January. We rang in the new year with some friends at one family's house and played the Wii we got for Christmas, and The Newlywed Game. It was pretty funny. We took the boys, which was great. Grant passed out on us, but Rhett was a real trooper and made it till the end. We got a little snow in January, just enough to sled for a couple of hours. Both boys loved sledding!







~Well, that's it for the recap. The next one gets a post all of its' own!