Tiger Safari

There's a wonderful place called Tiger Safari, it's barely 10 minutes from our home. We took the kids last week and they loved it. Much to my surprise my daughter not only touched a rather large snake, but, held it. The tour guide brought out more cuddly animals, like a ferret, then we saw the not so cuddly porcupines. Which, I did not know has a rattle under all those quills. They use it as a warning, much like a rattlesnake. We were able to hear the deep growl of a lion, even though not full force roar, is still amazing. Those that live down the road say they can hear their rumble at night. They both fed tigers, one 8 ft and another close to 10 ft. Seeing those massive animals stretched almost the full heighth of a chain link fence to reach their yummy raw chicken leg, makes you feel pretty tiny. Talked to birds, raced a camel, fed cornflakes to goats and animal crackers to deer. Chance road giant turtles and yeehawed like a cowboy. God is an amazing creator of so many very different things. All in all, a fantastic afternoon.

Kindergarten DAY 1!

Rayleigh was so very excited for today, I'm surprised she fell asleep as quickly as she did last night. She said, "When I fall asleep, I'm going to be smiling because I'm so excited." She's a very big girl and walked in tall and proud, didn't want daddy to help carry her bag full of new supplies. Her teacher seems very nice and sweet. I'm looking forward to helping with face painting on game days :)

Chance on the other hand was not happy to leave his sister. The only time they have ever been apart is school times. And that hasn't happened since March. Guess I better have some fun distracting things lined up for him!

I am amazed the path God put me on before I knew I was on one. I am amazed He was working in my life before I "let" Him. The path along the way not only led me to Him but, He blessed me with a wonderful husband. Who has been very understanding through the last almost 8 yrs. More specifically the last 6.... when we were blessed with our first baby. The many emotional ups and downs parenthood takes you through. I was excited for her to start Kindergarten this year, but I don't really want to let go. It saddens me, my baby, just isn't anymore. I vow to hold you and sit with you to play...every time you ask me to. Because, that is a request I always want to hear. I love you, dear Rayleigh, my favorite little girl in the whole wide world.

Locks of Love

We were planning on getting Rayleigh's hair trimmed before school. I had in my mind maybe 2 inches. Tim was looking at her and asked if she had enough to donate. My first thought was can we really do that without bawling. (Me, not her) Tim thought it would be an oppurtunity to teach her a valuable lesson. So we talked to her about it. Then the night before her and I sat down and looked at the locks of love website. She, of course, wanted to know who they were and what their names were. Rayleigh also noted, that they were all still smiling. Those kiddos have lots of courage, a level I may never reach in life. Or, prayerfully, even be challenged with. Love you my Rayleigh!

Rayleigh's 3!

We had Rayleigh's three year old birthday party today. The kids all seemed to have fun, some of the parents didn't seem to sure about letting them dive in. We had a bunch of paint and chalk set up for them in the garage. Surprisingly they didn't get as messy as I had anticipated them getting.

halloween

We had a frog and a princess this year. Rayleigh has really been into princesses here lately. If I could figure out how to be a little more handy I may make their costumes next. (great big laugh for those who know me!) Rayleigh had a really good time. We went to the pumpkin patch where they had different little stations, they were trying to help Dora find Nemo. One night they had a Trunk or Treat at the school. Then we took her trick or treating to a few friends houses. We ended the evening at Paige's house where Rayleigh and Maty took turns handing out candy. However, if Rayleigh thought you were scary, she wouldn't give you any!

Random Stuff

Such a happy baby (very thankful)


Miss Diane's attempt at catching Rayleigh for her church picture.


Chance napping at Grandma M's house.


Look at those cheeks!


Hanging out watching squirrels.

Awards Night

All of our little kids were awarded. Yet again, I know, I'm a little slow! Rayleigh at first wasn't quite sure what was going on. She was the first one to go up there. That whole alphabetical thing. So by the second time around she knew a little more of what was going on. They all received their awards for learning what they were expected in their age group and for doing their daily bible reader. One was a plaque (there you go mama, no more plague!) and certificate the other was a children's picture bible.

VBS

Yes, the title is Vacation Bible School, so I'm a little slow. Rayleigh was big enough to go this year. One of those many bittersweet moments that I have been going through. So proud to see them going and wanting to go but, you can't hold them close to you. At least not as much. I have been trying to stop and color more or build more when she looks up and says "Mommy will you please...?" My house has gotten a little messier than I like or am comfortable in. But, I have learned that it doesn't matter like I thought it did.

FORE!

Mmmmm, what to do? If that's not that face of a kid lookin' to get into something, I don't know what is. (can you tell a resemblace between the two?)
Rayleigh found a way to kill sometime, her infamous disappearing act! We all had a really good time, we were out of the house, it was wonderful. Rayleigh has her own little plastic golf clubs now. She'll grab one, look at you and say shhh!

First Night!

Rayleigh made it through her first night in her "big girl" bed. It was going on 10:30pm when we finally got it put together, in her room and the crib out. We said our memory verse, brushed her teeth and sat there giving her some time to wind down. When the next thing we know she gets all her blankets (those of you that know her, that's a lot of blankets!) and heads off to her room. Tim and I sat there staring at each other not quite sure what to do. We finally peeked in at her and she had laid down in bed, she stayed in there all night! So far so good! Rayleigh still won't climb out until she gets an okay from one of us.

OKC Zoo

Well, Rayleigh and I headed off to the city to visit family. We got to stay for a full week and was busybusy. Actually, I think she ran my grandma all over the place. While we were there my mom and I took her to the zoo, she certainly enjoyed it. Her little bitty legs walked over that place. Until we headed to the car, then it was time for her to collapse and be tired. Her biggest highlight that she got to tell daddy over the phone was the "I rode the choochoo train!!!"

aquarium trip

During spring break a group of mommies took a trip with all their kids to the Jenks Aquarium. Rayleigh is a fish girl and she loved seeing all the different ones. Tim and I are planning on taking her back when it's not quite so crowded so she can take her time looking. The picture is of her and a friend Dayne, which she sweetly calls "Dayna". They were attempting to feed the turtles. While she enjoyed her day, I don't think she quite new what to think about the sharks.