swim meet and a party

 Coach Jenna talking to Hannah about trying to stay straight while doing her back stroke.

 The meet has not even started and he already had all of his toys out.

 Getting her shark drawn on.

 Looks great! Thanks Dad!

 Derrick had to be a timer for this meet. He did a great job.

 Hunter and Lily are great cheerleaders and troopers when they are at the meets for their big sister and brother.

 Trying out Joel's drums. It was loud!

Hunter loved riding this scooter around. He went  faster than I liked. Happy Birthday Joel!

a day at Vanderbilt

 Last year a group from Vanderbilt came to do a study with first graders at our school, if the parents gave them permission. I am all about studies that will help make things better for kids. This study is to help when kids are diagnosed with reading disabilities later (3rd and 4th grade). They look at beginning reading skills and then can compare them to students in upper grades when they have a problem that they did not have in lower grades. Hannah qualified for the study so we will go each summer for the next four summers for one day of testing. She loved it. We had a longer lunch than planned because she worked so hard and fast during the morning. I had to answer a lot of survives about her behavior.

 The last thing they did was an MRI to get a base line for her. She watched a movie while they did it. Next year she will play a game while they do it so they can see how her brain works. She was very excited to get a picture of her brain. The lady who was with her all day told her she was just as beautiful on the inside as she was the out. We agree 100%!

She got to choose a prize after each test. She got a pencil and eraser for her and Hunter. We will get the results of her test in a few weeks.

it is getting close

 We went to school today to see what we could do in my new Pre-K room while Derrick was with me to help. He helped me arrange some of the big furniture. I still have a long way to go. I am thankful I had three good helpers to go with me today.

 The picture says it all!

This butterfly was landing on our butterfly bush when we got home. Hannah wanted me to take a picture so MeMe could see it.

it's Buzz, it's Woody

 It's just too much cuteness for one day!

the trip home

 Nothing gets your day started like chocolate milk, doughnuts and a movie.

 Hunter called Lee the Judge all week. We thought we needed a picture of Hunter and the Judge before we left.

 Hannah did not want to be left out.

 Hunter insisted on pulling the biggest suitcase we had. He is pretty strong to be so little.

 Last flight. I am glad I was able to fly the last leg with this sweet girl.

Gypsy was the most excited that we were home. Danielle and the Tidwell's took good care of her for us. Thanks Kansas Hood's for a great trip.

Boot Hill and Horseback Riding

 So happy to be riding in Sissy's booster seat.

 Ready for the trolly ride through Dodge City.

 This is what Hunter thought of the ride. It is a good thing he went to sleep because before the ride started the driver asked that there be no talking.

 Doing a little duck racing.

 We locked them up for a little while!

 Hunter just made himself at home while touring the Boot Hill Museum.

 The Sheriff was nice enough to take a picture with the kids.

 What a great looking class!

 He is too much!

 Checking out the train engine with Grandpa Mike.

 Hunter wanted his new turtle to ride in his seat.

 After got back to the Hood's we went out to the farm for the kids to ride a horse.

 Hannah loved it!

 Hunter's turn!

 They both needed one more turn, together!

 Thanks Sammy for letting them ride!

This is my favorite picture of the day.

Why do the kids love Kansas?

• they get to drink sweet tea
• they get to stay up really late
• they do not have to ride in car seats
• they get to ride in the back of trucks
• they get to go hunting
• they get to ride on/drive tractors
• they get to eat whatever they want

We may never get them back to Nashville. We are all having a great time. Mike and Derrick took Hunter hunting for prairie dogs or as Hunter calls them puppy dogs. Derrick did not get any pictures. They said he was ready to leave about five minutes after they got there. They should have packed him some snacks and he would have lasted a lot longer. Hannah, Nene and I had a good time just hanging out together. 

Street Dance

 I will be the first to admit that I am not the best with directions. I am very thankful for Google maps. The big girls were going to pick up one more donation for the Street Dance and these are the directions Lisa gave up. We laughed so hard reading them. Megan knew where we were going so we really did not need directions, but they did give us a good laugh. Megan gave us plenty of warning before we had to jump off the highway.

 The kids were excited to play a game before the live auction and dancing started.

 They were not in the mood to have their picture made. I sure do love those silly faces!

Hannah won this pillow in the silent auction. She is so excited! Can you tell by that smile?

 Thanks Mike for taking a family picture of us. 

Enjoy sums up what we are doing with our time in Kansas!

Happy 4th of July from Kansas

 The kids started their day jumping on the trampoline.

 Since that was not enough fun, they changed into their bathing suits and added a little water to it.

 They thought that was the best thing ever!

 For a little more fun they got to ride in the back of the pickup truck down the street to the cookout.

 We went to Lisa's sister's house for dinner and fireworks. I was a little nervous about being so close to the fireworks. Hunter did not get to go anywhere near them and Hannah only got to go with Megan.

 I was not very good at getting pictures, but they were really pretty.

 I hope you all were able to spend time with your family and friends today to celebrate our great country.