From the First Day to the Last Day

Friday was a milestone day in Madison's life...well, I guess in all of our lives. She graduated from preschool, and I can't even believe it! Since Fall 2005, Madison has been attending SYC (School For Young Children) in Tallahassee, Florida. Here is a look back at how she looked in her first days of preschool.

Driving to school


Wearing her SYC shirt

Graduation Day

This was not the original school Madison started at, but we are extremely thankful it is where she ended up! After the first few days at another school, we new we had to find a better place. Brian called up the owner of SYC, whom we had prior connections to, and explained about the horrific experience we were having at her first school. Even though there is a waiting list to attend SYC, Jamileh graciously accepted us immediately. From that point on Madison was welcomed and loved with open arms from everyone there. It is truly an amazing blessing to feel confident that your child is safe, loved and is learning each day when you drop them off at school....especially when you do not want to be leaving them in the first place! But the days, weeks, and months started getting easier as Madison fell in love with being there. It went from her running to me with open arms when I would pick her up, to eventually a disappointed look that I was there to get her already! I knew that was a good thing, even though I couldn't believe there were days that she would rather be at school then be with me. I knew without a doubt that SYC was doing a great job! And now here we are 3 1/2 years later with an intelligent, beautiful girl on her way to Kindergarten!! There is no doubt in my mind that Madison will be successful as she enters elementary school. She has already accomplished so much. Although I am saddened by this chapter in her life closing, I am thrilled to see what lies ahead for this amazing child!

We are so proud of you Madison!

Thank You Great-Grandma Bordeaux

While we were visiting in Baltimore a few weeks ago, Madison showed extreme interest in every one's jewelry. Well, to Madison's surprise a package arrived shortly after our trip from Great-Grandma. She was amazed to see a tiny jewelry box filled with some goodies.

Thanks Great-Grandma Bordeaux....she loved it!!

Our trip to Baltimore

Last week, while Brian had some time in between semesters, we took a trip to Baltimore to visit my brother and sister-in-law. Since flights were cheaper out of Orlando, we started our trip there and spent some time with Grandpa and Grandma. Thankfully they were able to take us to and from the airport, which helped a lot. Flying with two small children went better then expected. They each received certificates for flying, southwest wings to wear, and a bunch of goodies from the stewardess. After a few short movies and some snacks, we were there! Wednesday night Brian and my brother Bobby got to go to an Oriel's game and enjoy the luxury of my brother's office suite! Kim, the kids and I just hung out and got to catch up. The next day it was off the Washington, DC where we went to the National Zoo. We took the metro into the city, and that was by far the highlight of the trip for Hudson. He had a blast listening for the train, watching the lights light up the tunnel, and then feeling the gust of wind as the train flew by. He just laughed and kept signing for more and saying, "again, again". The kids enjoyed zoo too! Madison especially liked seeing the giant panda bears. Unfortunately the weather did not allow for us to do much more in the city that day, so we headed back after the zoo. The next day was beautiful, so we spent the afternoon walking around Annapolis, shopping and checking out the water. Later that night my Mom and Grandma came into town. We all had dinner together and then spent the night having Wii tournaments, and playing guitar hero! You should have seen us all! Maybe later I'll upload some video footage Brian snuck of us...it was quite a show! Saturday we relaxed a bit, shopped again, and took the kids to the park....they really needed to run around by this point. Then Sunday, we had a wonderful Mother's Day picnic at a beautiful park on a river. It was very special to spend that day with so many members of my family. I couldn't have had a better Mother's Day weekend!

It was a wonderful trip, but as always went by too quickly.

Below is a slide show if you would like to see some of our trip.

Four Generations Together on Mother's Day

During our trip to Baltimore last week (more pictures to come), my Mother and Grandmother came up from North Carolina to spend Mother's Day weekend with us all. We had a great time having four generations of women (and girls) together to celebrate this wonderful day. It's been a long time since we have all been together, so it was special!