Celebrations

Things have been extremely busy around here to say the least. I am sure that they are the same in many homes across the Country right now. Holly loves school. She enjoyed her time off but couldn't wait to get back to school. She was looking forward to meeting her new teacher and seeing all of her friends as well as getting into the new year of learning. I made her the normal first day of school breakfast and she loved it. It is customary around our house to give the girls the choice for something special for breakfast on their first day of school. Holly's choice was french toast sticks with powdered sugar on top, orange juice, a small glass of milk and a side of strawberries. She enjoyed her breakfast and then scurried off to get ready for the big day. It is so nice to see her excitement and pure joy about going to school. I hope it is something that stays with her as she grows. Last week we had a combination party. It was just for our family and was to celebrate Alissa's 18th Birthday and Tiffanys departure for the Disney College program. It was the first time in a long time that all of the cousins were together. I really enjoy when that happens. Everyone was having a great time swimming.

It was a nice day and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Grandma Granny was happy to get some pictures of all 8 of her granchildren together.

The younger girls always stick together. They were bathing beauties here. Just taking a break from the pool.

We enjoyed a nice dinner and then it was onto the cake. Everybody sang to Alissa and they couldn't wait to get their piece of cake. Chase wasn't very fond of the strawberry filling but we just took it out for him.

Grandma Granny, Tiffany and Grandpa posed for a picture. They are pretty excited for Tiffany to be onto her new Disney adventure. Grandpa is already trying to figure out just how many times he will be able to make it down there to see her while she is working there.

Tiffany and her Uncle Patrick. She has always had a special bond with both her Uncle Patrick and her Auntie. She loves them both very much.

Auntie, Tiffany and Uncle Charlie pose for this picture. After all the picture taking everybody headed home. It was a very nice day.

The night before Tiffany left Chris was helping her move everything up to the living room before they actually moved it all out to their cars. It was exciting but very sad at the same time. I knew that they would be heading out very early the next morning and I was feeling mixed emotions at this time. Any one that knows me knows that Disneyland is very important to me and my favorite place. I love all things Disney. For me this opportunity for Tiffany is an amazing chance for her to learn more about the history of the company and of Walt himself. I know she will have an amazing time.

In the morning we were watching her load her last few things into her car. It was so hard. I was getting emotional but trying my best not to let her see that. She was driving her own car but would be following Chris and Alissa. I didn't want her to be sad or worry about me being sad. I just really wanted her to enjoy every single moment of this experience.

Holly was really emotional about Tiffany leaving. Tiff gave her her special Bubba George stuffed animal to keep. This has helped Holly. It is never far from her side. After we watched them all drive off Holly was really sobbing. I tried to console her. She said " Mommy Tiffany is my best friend next to you and Paige! I will miss her so much! "

We do miss Tiffany but we are also very happy to hear of all of the wonderful things that she is doing. She really loves her new apartment and has already made some really nice friends. She has her official Disney name badge and her ID. She is actually spending the day today in Disneyland. I look forward to getting pictures of her day.