Graduation

Was the last day of school really only two weeks ago??? As I write, I am sitting in Destin condo looking out at the beautiful gulf with two sweet children snoring in their rooms. It seems eons ago that we were embroiled in the hustle and bustle of end of the year activities.  

This year Sam graduated from Leika's Kindergarten and Fairchild completed the three year old program.  

Leikas graduation program is always a wonderful display of pageantry that participants and audience alike enjoy.  The theme this year was the Wild, Wild West -- perfect for Sam who has been my cowboy since he learned to walk.  

Fair was Sally Whirlwind Thunder Ann Crocket.  She was a little upset that Ms Crockett did not wear pink. Not only was the costume NOT pink -- I also mistakenly ordered it way toooooo large. Thank goodness for my friend Ann and her sewing skills. With only 20 minutes prior to departure for the school, Ann was sewing darts so the dress wouldn't fall off during the program.  While Ann was sewing my sister Rayne was braiding.  Thanks to those two, we arrived on time with smiles!  After graduation family gathered to celebrate over dinner.

Aunt RaRa (with Baby Sparkles) braiding Sally Ann's tresses.

It fits!! Thanks Ann - great darts!

While we were running from door to door on Mallory Drive dressing Fairchild,
Sam was chillin with Robert.

Cap and Gown

Our first glimpse at the graduates

Leika's Graduating Class 2012

The Garners

Pop & My Dot with the Graduate - so glad they joined us for dinner!

Sam & JuJu (who helped me the entire afternoon of graduation - blessing!)

In lieu of a fancy graduation cake, Sam wanted dirt pudding with "extra worms Mama"

Sam's graduation cap with his name written in green and the names of those graduates who wore it before him (one of whom happens to be one of my sister's very best friends) - My hats off to them and all the wonderful teachers at Leika's who have encouraged  our children throughout the years!

Over the Top

Beth Pearce and I hosted the Leika's End of the Year kindergarten party yesterday morning.  Beth did the lion's share of the work which I totally appreciate.  Our theme was "Over The Top".   I need to dress for work so instead of a long narrative I am going to post pics. Enjoy!

THE PINK CAST....

Last Friday, Fair fell off the monkey bars as she attempted to flee "things that sting". Unfortunately, the landing resulted in a broken right arm.  Saturday she underwent surgery. As we explained to her, she was put to sleep like a princess so she could wake up with a pink cast. 

Fairchild was more concerned with making sure she got a pink cast out of the deal than anything else. To appease her with some pink prior to surgery, the wonderful health care providers wrapped her left hand in pink tape.

When we loaded into the elevator, Fair asked "can I push the button?"

Her anesthesia team. She enjoyed chatting it up with them prior to surgery. The medicine had definitely kicked in by then and she was loving the attention!

Sleeping like a princess post - op.

Baby Ford checking her out. When she opened her eyes, she was ecstatic to see him as her first visitor.

Many thanks to Aunt RaRa - otherwise known as the best sister and aunt in the entire universe. She gave up her Saturday to ride with us to Birmingham, nurse us through the emergency room and provide for my every need while in the waiting room during surgery. (Fair in the background more interested in having a few fries instead of smiling for the camera.)Also, many thanks to Pie and Pal who met us first at the Vaughan Regional ER where Fairchild was having X-rays. That being the final weekend of turkey season they came straight from a hunt and were donned from head to toe in turkey gear. Definitely a picture I should have taken!That afternoon they joined us in Birmingham to love on Fairchild and make sure we were well settled. Last but for sure not least, many thank yous to JuJu and Dee Dee who entertained Sam and Kylie all weekend with trip to Magic City Art Connection and all other kinds of fabulous adventures. The only time Fairchild really broke down in tears was when she realized her night was going to be spent in the hospital instead of at JuJu's house.

Thankfully, my dear and wonderful cousin Beth came to visit us Sunday morning. She brought us many treats and helped wheel Fairchild to the car in the wagon. She was such a blessing entertaining Fairchild and making the whole discharge process a breeze.

Once home friends and family were so very thoughtful - visiting and bringing Fairchild her favorite food, balloons, books and toys. 

Pie bought a jeweled sticky puzzle and helped Fairchild with dexterity!

Loved seeing Baby Lane - they were too busy playing with balloons to snap a very good pic. This is the only one in which they were sitting still.

Miss Bradford brought the most wonderful fluffy pink bunny slippers.

Delicious chocolate chip cookie "cake" from our neighbor Teresa - delicious treat the entire family enjoyed!

Emily Kaytlin, Porter, Sam, Lily and Maggie over to entertain.

So glad John Braxton and Brooke came to visit!

Thrilled to return to school on Wednesday rockin' her pink cast.