Labor Day Weekend

I love extended weekends!  Who doesn't?!  I love having time to have fun, relax, and feel productive.  Two day weekends don't usually allow time for all three of those things to happen.

Sweet girl wearing pigtails for the first time. 

 Our church has a picnic each year at the Marietta Campgrounds.  We sort of think of it as our anniversay of joining the church because after the first one we went to in September 2009 we decided to call FPC home.  And every year since, we are reminded of what a wonderful church family God has given us. 



After eating and playing, we went inside the pavillion to hear a blue grass band called Blue Grace.  These sweet friends sat on the front row before the Kelly girls started dancing in the isles. 

Even before we went inside the pavillion, Caroline was groovin' to the music!

On Monday, we hiked up Kennesaw Mountain.  Elizabeth rode most of the way on her daddy's shoulders.  Spoiled child!

At the top!

It's Great to be a Tennessee Vol!

On Friday, Tennesse played at the Georgia Dome in the Chick-fil-A kick off game.  The Odoms came into town, Nanny came to babysit the girls, and we all headed downtown to cheer on the Vols!

 

Chris hooked us up with reservations to Stats. It was the official UT alumni tailgate location, and we felt like VIP because we had one of the two most wanted tables in the house!

I couldn't resist buying this shirt.  The front looks like a monogram ATL with the power T in the middle.  It was awesome to see so much orange strolling the streets of Atlanta without any red and black in sight. 



Chris, Bert, Garrick



 Funny side note: I bought my orange and white chevron dress this summer online and was super excited to wear it to the first game.  Apparently, so did a million other girls.  It was like a prom nightmare and became the running joke all night long.



had to get pic with Smokey



 Melissa's brother-in-law works for Budweiser and got us VIP wristbands to the concert at Centennial Park.  We felt pretty cool again, especially when we were taking pictures with Lonestar and Philip Philips (who I'd never heard of).  I guess it doesn't take much these days for us to feel cool!

We took this picture right before going into the dome.  Instead of sitting as couples, we let the boys sit together in the club level seats, and the girls all sat together in the lower level. I actually think they would've prefered how close our seats were, but I know we all had more fun this way because the girls didn't have to pretend to be all about the game.  In fact, we left at half time and went back to Stats! 

It was a very long day that flew by because there was never a dull moment!  I love Tennessee football, but I especially love getting to hang out all day with my girlfriends.  What a way to kick off football season!  We have a winning record!! (I thought I'd say it now while I still could:))

Flashback Friday

It's football time in Tennessee!!!  We're going to our first UT game of the season today, so I decided to take a trip down memory lane to good ole Rocky Top.  

Me and Megs at homecoming 1999

Me and Mel 2004 (I think).  I also think I'm wearing the same shirt 5 years later!

Converting Bert to a Vol fan 2006

I cannot wait to hang out with these girls (minus LeeAnn who we all wish could be there too) and cheer on the Vols today!

Open House

Last night was Open House at school, so I knew it was going to be a late night.  I decided to sneak home after school to see my girls and help them get ready for church and ballet before heading back to school. 

Seeing this smiling face definitely brightened my day.

Sleepy head was still napping so I had the pleasure of waking her up.  That's me being sarcastic becauase it is definitely not fun to wake E from her beauty sleep!

One of these days...

I will remember to get a picture of the entire Kelly family when we all get together.  From the moment we arrive, the chase is on!  These girls love playing in the country, but that means I have to keep up!!  I even told Bert to remind me to get a picture of everyone because we were all there besides Scott and Brandi.  We both forgot!  I did capture 3 photos.

Elizabeth and Carter ran around playing tag.

Caroline was content just watching them in the shade.  Smart girl!

Before we left I did get a quick picture of the girls with Bert's dad and his Uncle Kevin who was visiting from California.

Flashback Friday

Daddy and Elizabeth-- August 2009

16 Months

Caroline, Today you are 16 months old.  You are still the sweetest little girl in the entire world!  You've always been the more cautious of my girls, but you have recently discovered your brave spirit.  Your curiosity has made you a little bolder, and you're becoming quite the little explorer.

You are wearing size 24 month clothes and your foot measured a size 6 last week.  You just might catch up to your sister after all!

You are still a girl of few words, but you are signing a little more.  And somehow you still find ways to communicate what it is that you want. 

Whenever we ask you a question, no matter what it is, you start shaking your head "no" with the cutest little grin on your face.  

You basically do whatever your sister does.  Whatever she's eating, you want it too.  If she's doing front rolls in the living room, you try your best to do the same.  Without a doubt, watching you two play together each night is my favorite thing in the world!

You are really good at covering your mouth whenever you cough.  So good, in fact, that you often fake cough just to cover your mouth and get our attention.

Elizabeth has taught you how to play hide and seek.  She tells you to count, which you obviously can't do.  But you also know not to follow her at that point either.  When she yells, "ready" and I ask, "Where's Elizabeth?" you immediately take off looking for her.  When you find her, you squeal so loud that it makes us all laugh.  

Sweet girl, you are nothing but sweet joy in my life.  My heart could not be more full!  

I always want to remember these precious curls.  I know the poor child needs a haircut, but I just can't bring myself to do it!

4, 8, 12, and 16 months

Caroline and Elizabeth at 16 months. 

Here's Elizabeth wearing the same outfit at the same age.  My girls still favor each other, but I think it's less and less each month.  I love watching them grow into the little wonderful people that they are!