Pictures to Share

Kiara turned 10 last week and decided to get a Nintendo DS instead of a party this year. Of course, we still had to have cake and, of course, I couldn't resist tying in the Nintendo theme, so here's the cake I made:

P.S. Nick and Jenny... Kiara LOVED the games you got her! Thanks so much! How thoughtful!

And now fast forward to today...

It was costume day at school and Kiara went as cheerleader with very fancy eyelashes. We had to make a special trip to the store last night to get them.

Then when we got home, Kiara decided we needed a DEER as a pet instead of a goat so she fashioned some antlers for Kenai...

And now my 10 year old girl is waiting for me to tuck her in, so I must go. Sweet dreams everyone...

Rainy Friday

Today is a rainy Friday. I guess we've needed it but could do without the cold front that came along with it! I picked Kiara up from school early today so that I could bring her to my mom's while I worked this afternoon. I just got home, and Paul isn't here yet so I thought I'd take this quiet time to update my blog. Problem is, I don't have much to report! This is a bittersweet season for me as it was two years ago during this time that my dad got sick and passed away. Guess I've just been in my own little world remembering and missing him.

On a happier note, I do want to add my "Kiara's Quote of the Day" since I forgot last time. Found funny episode (but a bit embarrassing for me) from when she was 4 years old...

Kiara came in the bathroom one morning and noticed the "stink". Jokingly, I blamed Paul. Later, she came back in and replied, "It smells better in here now... Daddy must've used mouthwash!"

Have a great weekend, everyone!!!

Mother-Daughter Bonding

Last weekend Paul was in Atlanta visiting family and picking up a car we bought from his sister, so Kiara and I had some "girl time" together. One day we went to a local state park where we had a picnic lunch and took pictures of the beautiful scenery. Then we participated in something called "Letterboxing". We were given a list of clues and had to locate the "hidden treasure" which, in this case was a special rock. (See picture below). It was a neat experience, and Kiara and I finished first!

During the weekend we also went bike riding with some friends to a place called High Bridge. It is an old train bed turned into a trail that will eventually go over the bridge which, as the name implies, is very high. Here are some pictures from that:

We also went to the movies, restaurants (several during the weekend!), batting cages, and arcade where Kiara played her favorite hunting game. It was a fun weekend with my little girl who is growing up so fast. Hard the believe she will be 10 next week!

Fall is Here!

It's really beginning to feel like fall around here! The temperature is perfect-- I love crisp, cool autumn days when the sunshine warms you up just enough!

Paul is in Atlanta now visiting relatives and picking up a car we are buying from his sister. So, Kiara and I have a girls' weekend! I'll be off to pick her up from school in just a couple of hours and thought I'd sneak in a little blogging while I had time.

I am enjoying my part time schedule. The 3 ten hour days in a row seem unending at times, but then the reward of 4 days off makes it all worthwhile!

My brother is coming into town for a visit the day after Kiara's birthday. Then I'll see him again in November for our trip to Germany. Kiara is so excited about her birthday. She will be 10 on October 22nd. Instead of a big party this year, she opted for a Nintendo DS, so that's what she's getting. Anybody out there know if some good games to get?

Here's a picture taken at school of Kiara with some 4th grade classmates. The boy in the middle is her first "real crush". (Hope she doesn't mind me telling the world that!)

Kiara's Quote of the Day: Just recently Kiara asked a friend how old he was and he said, "I'm in my 50's." Kiara replied, "I'm in my 9's."