Growing Up

This is my handsome boy on the 4th of July. He is getting too big, too fast. He's gonna be a heart breaker - watch out ladies!

I will try and get some more 4th pictures and some from our trip to Nashville (where we saw the Villere clan) posted soon. We had the tummy bug for the 4th weekend, so no beach - just a lot of yard work!

Happy Camper

Madison went to sleep away camp for the first time last weekend (just after her 7th birthday!). She went to Camp Beckwith over the Bay for three days.

Mama and her beautiful girls - Barclay REALLY missed Madison and decided that she definitely wants to go to camp too (good thing, since she has no choice in the matter - but don't tell her I said that).

My Babies

Barclay and Mac had a lot of fun exploring the camp grounds.

Daddy with Madison and Mac - still checking out the camp. It is absolutely beautiful and right on Weeks Bay, which is at the mouth of Mobile Bay.

Not surprisingly, Madison chose a top bunk. Good thing, too, since her bunk mate managed to throw up the second night. Barclay really thought the bunk beds were cool. Madison's assistant counselor, Kate, braided her hair which added to her particularly precious campy look.

Maddie missed her Daddy and her Daddy missed her. A lot. Seven is very, very grown up. Beware, seven.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

Today Mac pooped on the potty.  This is a day that I have been looking forward to for quite some time now.  To reward this momentous occasion, the McGinley family traditionally throws a "Poo Poo Parade" (so named due to the fact that our first two little people were potty trained during Mardi Gras).  We are planning said parade as we speak.  But first, the bribe.  I am not above them.  In fact, I am way, way below them.  I told Mac that if he pooped on the potty, he could have a Cranky the Crane.  Alas, the train store (aka Books-A-Million) was fresh out of Crankies, so we had to settle for self-propelled James and lights and sounds Thomas.  Not a bad trade, all in all.  Even a lovely shiner and busted lip couldn't dampen our spirits today!

You Can Dance if You Want To (aka Noodling Madi)

I really have no words for this post, except to say that to know me is to know that I am not a noodler.  Never have been.  Never will be.  Apparently that aversion is not a genetic trait.

I have said it before, and I'll say it again, my child FEELS the music from deep within her soul. She loves to dance.  She spent the afternoon making up dances to every song on the Hannah Montana sound track - and made them look "cool" all while wearing her hippie skirt and oooh-so-cool tye-dye shirt.  Peace out.

Where I've Been

For those of you who have been wondering where I've been for the last two weeks.  Here is your answer.  Can you see my kids behind the books?  I couldn't either.  I now hereby resolve to rejoin the land of the living in general, and the McGinley family in particular.  But DAMN, they were good.  Goooood. Like indulging in a wonderful gooey forbidden chocolate treat.  But waaaaay better.  I read each of these books in under two days (one or two of them in less than a day) - and I could hardly take the time to come up for air.  So selfish.  So good.  Highly recommended - but only when you have cleared your calendar and are all caught up on your sleep!!!  Enjoy!

Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa

So long 1st grade and K-4!

Carpool with the Whitings.

Long time, no blog!  Sorry for the hiatus y'all - such is life in May with three kids, recitals, trips to Virginia, swim team, growing up too fast, etc., etc.  Today is the last day of school.  After today, I will have a second grader and a kindergartener.  How did I get this old?  I will try to do a big catch up blog or three, sprinkled in with some current pics and stories - there have been a lot since last we spoke.  Happy last day of school and welcome Summer!  

Yes, Virginia, she IS amazing!

This is Ashley and George.  I am obsessed with this picture of them.  George is my "Fairy Godson" (this is the Godmother equivalent of "other than Catholic" which I have a lot of experience with, so I should be perfectly suited for the job).  Also, I want to be Ashley when I grow up.  You do too, you just may not know it yet.  And yes, she is even more amazing than she looks in this picture.  Everyone should have a best friend this cool.  

Here are George and Henry.  I have a feeling they are going to be red headed.  This makes me very happy.  VERY happy.  They are precious miracles and I love them very much.  I miss them, too.

I will be back with Spring Break '09 part 5 soon.  Just had to share my boys!  Rob and I are heading up to W&L on Thursday - so I need to finish up Spring Break before I get some beautiful shots of Virginia in the springtime!