More Cicadas

The Cicada Invasion!

The moment I had been dreading since the  first time I heard the word Cicada... and I actually thought it was a made up evil joke to play on a Californian! These bugs are so disgusting and alarming. Ok, so yes they don't hurt you or bite you, however they will fly right into you and they have no problem landing on you. They are attracted to sound and will just flock to you. I guess they come every nine years! Just my luck they are here for my first year! Just like how last summer, was the hottest TN has had! The winter was the coldest TN has ever had! Now the Cicada's? Ha! If that isn't a sign for me to RUN back West, I don't know what is! These bugs make a loud sound and have really big red eyes! They only live for a few days and are here to mate and will burrow their eggs deep in the ground to hatch in another 9 years! Those orange/reddish/brown things are the Cicadas! They are even worse in Nashville! I was driving through Green HIlls just the other day, which is an older part of Nashville and it was like a sci-fi movie... the bugs flying all over, was like little ships just launching across the sky! I can not wait for them to leave. I think they will be here for 6 weeks!

Her certificate of completion!

Last day of school

Charlie Mae's last day of school. My heart is fully of excitement and I was so glad that I remembered to take a photograph. I was so nervous for her because she had her program coming up. It was so funny because she woke up super early so I know she is going to get tired. She just did a quick rendition of some of her songs before we left the house and she was already excited since her Mommy took her to school instead of her Daddy, who usually does. I can't believe how fast the school year has gone by. I am so happy that we decided to enroll her. I remember the first time I went to the school to inquire about the program. I had NO idea what to expect. In fact, I only went because one of the girls from here that I had "known on facebook" LOL! I went and introduced myself to her right after I moved here because I wanted to make friends and I wanted Charlie to make friends. Well she asked me what school I was putting Charlie in and I had no idea she was even going to go to school at this age! Haha! Well I went to school and sat down with the priciple and she was amazing. She made me feel so comfortable and so welcoming to Charlie Mae and had such a calmess and patience about her. She just truly showed her passion for education, children and fell in love with Charlie and Addison so fast! Looking back on this past school year, I am so lucky I went in there that day and spoke to her. She really made a positive impact on my little one.

Get ready set go!

Addison The Queen

Little Miss Independent has decided at a very young age she is going to rule the world!

Charlie singing her heart out!

Her little program was so special and fun to watch. Scott recorded the entire show! Addison was really well behaved too and just had a blast watching her sister on stage. They have music day once a week and they sang every song they have learned all year long. Even all of their seasonal songs! It was too cute! Charlie did really well and kept up with everyone. We just had a blast watching her.

Addison cheering for her sister

FUN RUN

I am on the Sports Council with the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce and one of the events we have is a 5K/10K memorial run. This was the first time that we had it and it was very successful. I am proud that I was able to be a part of it. We were able to raise over $20,000 and everyone had a great time. Part of the event was a fun run for children and of course Charlie Mae had to participate. I was so proud that she did and I thought it was great she wanted to support her Mommy! I had spent so much time and dedicated so much energy to making "Go Johnny Go" a Johnny Keel Memorial run successful and I'm still putting in an effort to raise money for the Johnny Keel Wellness Foundation.
Charlie Mae had an awesome time. She loved meeting the girls at Sports Village and was happy that she was able to be a part of it. She came in second to last place and actually ran right out of her shoes and tripped the girls behind her. She stopped running, sat down, put her shoes back on and jumped right up and kept on running. I couldn't have been more proud! She was smiling the whole time!

The home stretch

Look at the smile!

Our family photo attempt!

We tried to get a nice family photo for Mother's Day, but as you can see we did NOT succeed! We tried...

Cousins

They all really had a great time and Charlie and Addison love spending time with both Molly and Emma. It is really nice for my girls to have someone to hang out with because I know Charlie really misses seeing her cousin Maryam.

Our first double stroller trip... and it worked out!

Addison had a blast

Addison's First ride!

Charlie just got such a kick out of this large potato!

Driving a little car...

Funny story! This is little Charlie Mae on her first ride of the day... at first she wanted me to drive, but I managed to explain there was nothing to worry about. As she begins to drive and crashing over and over into the center track, she looks at me and says "I don't know why everyone thinks I can not drive... I just need a little car!" Hahaha! I thought it was so funny! Later on that day, when she made her wish in the wishing well she said, "I wish I was 16 so I can have a car!" EEK! I guess she was inspired!

DOLLYWOOD!

Happy Mother's Day to me! We decided to spend Mother's Day up in Gattlinburg and rented a large cabin. We had an amazing time. We went with Richie and Tonya and took all four of the girls to Dollywood. We all enjoyed it. We decided to get season passes and this is going to be our summer get-a-way spot! The cabin was really roomy and a pretty cool location. It wasn't too far from Dollywood so we were able to make the most of it! There was something up with the water though because it was filled with some kind of metal. Oh RUST! It was so yucky! We could taste rust when we brushed our teeth and we smelled like rust when we got out of the shower. Other than that, it was a nice place! The kids enjoyed the hot tub! Plus, we let them all sleep together in a pull out downstairs, and this was such a big deal to them! They had a blast and it was a good chance for the cousins to get to know each other and play together. We were so proud of them because they all played very well and they all slept great! All and all it was a great trip and we can't wait to go back!
Dollywood is an awesome theme park! I haven't see much of it yet, because we really only stayed in the little kid section and took the girls on the kiddie rides. It was really clean, not too crowded and the theme was super cute. Dolly was everywhere of course and that made it fun. She is a very inspirational person and is full of positive encouragement. It was a real treat to see such a positive influence brought to a fun and outdoor environment. All of the shops had a little country flair which was fun too! Plus, it wasn't too hot because of all of the shaded trees!