Baby Emmy and Noah Laughing at Hope

First Day. First Grade

 Hope started First Grade today! She is growing so fast. Remember last year? Last year, I picked out what I thought to be the perfect outfit, perfect back pack, etc. This year, it's all her. Choosing her backpack was torture! She had 3 picked out and just couldn't decide! Then, we found this sparkle backpack, and the girl was sold! Ha! She definitely has a thing for all things sparkle. Her outfit? Not what I would have chosen, but, I let it go. She is so happy. And it's not horrible. And it matches. :) I never in a million years would have guessed she would pick white leather keds, but, they have jewels on the laces, and she thought they were perfect. She definitely has her own style. And the child loves shopping as much as her Mommy. Always has!

And look who she sits across from! Cooper! Cooper and his family moved here from Little Rock the same week we did last year. I am so happy they are in class together!

 
Hope's teacher's name is Mrs. Rocas. But, she will be out the first week or two of school recovering from surgery. We were thrilled to hear Mrs. Neumann would be her sub! Mrs. Neumann is also our neighbor, and she and Hope have a sweet bond. I know it helped Hope having her there for her first day.

And, you know I have to take a look back. This is Hope's first day of Kindergarten. Ahhh. Sweet girl!

Hope Louise, I am so proud of you! I know First Grade is going to be great!

Beach, Take 3

I can't tell you how much I did not want to post these pictures. But, here it goes. But, I at least get to give some background. I had the worst migraine ever. I had just gotten both babies asleep and I was sleeping as well. I was woken up suddenly and told I had to go down the beach to do our group pictures because Wes had to leave to go home. So, I frantically get the babes stuff together for our Razorback pictures. Then I couldn't find my Razorback shirt. So, I ended up in one of Johns. Lovely. Plus, the sun on the beach at 3:00 with a migraine? Not a good look for Jill. Sorry folks.

 And don't forget, I had to wake up Noah. This is never good. He was not happy at all. In case you couldn't tell.

 The girls. Really. I should have sat out people.

 I think this is adorable. Yesterday was their 42nd anniversary! That's a long time!

 The original Hoovers. Notice the brothers are pestering. THE STORY OF MY LIFE, PEOPLE.

 I love her. And her swimsuit. ;)

 Hope spent about a month total this summer with the cousins. During this time, one certain niece, RILEY, taught her some "Toddlers in Tiaras" moves. Help.

Nope. Still not done people. It was a long trip. More to come.

Beach Take 2... CAKE!

So, the next day, we all gathered in the kitchen for CAKE!

Batman was there too...

I was a little sad we didn't have a Diane made cake... Walmart had to do...

We were at the beach though. So, I think it was an alright trade.

I love first birthdays. I ordered these plates weeks before we left. Love.

Hmmm

 A little help from Big Sister

 She figured it out...

 This picture makes me very happy!

 She got just a bit carried away...

 Look at her arms!

 So. Who's gonna help me get out of here? No takers?

John sort of rinsed her off in the sink, and then I ran her up to our tub. The bath water turned completely pink! It was very Pinkalicious of her. Hope approved! And no, it was not easy to get that icing out of her hair. Or her ears!

The Beach, Take One

Two weeks ago, we had the most amazing vacation. My parents rented a beach house for all of us. The whole crew, My parents, my siblings, our families, The Sullivan's (technically, my sister's in-laws, but they are way closer than that! My children do not know they are not actually their 3rd set of grandparents. I'll never tell.), the Allen's (again, technically my sister's sister in law and family, but, no, they are our family too!), and even Aunt Heather and Uncle Bryan! It was the perfect crew! We had so much fun! We were in Fort Morgan, near Gulf Shores, AL. I have hundreds of pictures, and I am overwhelmed with trying to get them on the blog, so I will just take bites! These pictures are all from Emmy's actual birthday! How awesome to spend your first birthday at the beach! She was a beach baby, for sure! She loved loved loved the sand. And the ocean! And the pool! And all the attention! :)

 Baby tracks!

 Oh Ninny, you're so funny!

 Strike a pose!

 Riley burying Clara

The house on the left was ours. It was perfect!

That night, we went to Lulu's! Lulu's is one of my very favorite places on earth. It is just perfect. It's my happy place!



 I don't know about you, Uncle Wes. I've heard things.

 A few of my favorite ladies!

 My very favorite boys

My brother Vince in a stinker. Pray for Lisa. :)

My brudders. 

 Julia and her daddy. I love this!

 My mom and dad.

 3/4 of the Allen crew!

 Hope and Rosalie. They had a blast together!

 Me and all 3 babies! A rare pic of this, indeed!

 The birthday girl!

 Yes, she's advanced! She knows she's one. ;)

I cannot thank my parents enough for this vacation. We all needed it so much. Lots and lots of memories were made!