Our trip to SC

We decided to get away from home while Derek was very busy with trying to get his boss re-elected in his Aug. primary- so me and the kids and my mom and dad and Anthony decided to take a trip to see the Coopers! We missed them very much and decided that it was the perfect time to see their new house!

Mom, Dad, Anthony, and Austin only stayed a few days and then traveled on to NC to visit some other friends. Reagan and I stayed behind and enjoyed some girl time with Aaron and Riley! It was a great, relaxing trip!

The only thing missing was Daddy! We got to see him at the end of our vacation in NC!

Strawberry Picking!

In May we decided to take the kids strawberry picking at Shlagel Farms in Waldorf. The kids loved trapesing through the strawberries and picking the shiniest and the biggest ones they could find. Aunt Shelley joined us on this last field trip of the kids Kindergarten school year.

What a fun time! We ate strawberries until we were sick of them!

Hear Ye Hear Ye...Princess Reagan turns 5!

This year Reagan decided that she was going to have a Princess party....sound familiar. I'm not sure when this stage will end, but I hope not anytime soon since she has every princess thing known to man...thanks to Aunt Shelley!

Her invitations were so much fun to make. We made them look like scrolls with burnt pink edging. They read:

Hear Ye, Hear Ye...all Prince and Princesses of the land are invited to a royal celebration in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Reagan's fifthe year of birth. Please join us for feasting and festivities at the castle of King Derek Vaughn Baker at ....please have your carriage drop you off at the noon hour and retrieve you at the stroke of four. Please let the Queen knowif you will be attending, as she has to prepare the castle for your arrival. Princess Reagan has chosen to bequeath all gifts from her loyal friends to homeless children attending the Bright Beginnings Center in Washington DC. If you wish to grant Princess Reagan her deepest desire, please inquire from the Queen what you might be able to give to one of these precious little ones.

Reagan had a blast decorating and preparing for all of her friends. We had fun food and games as well as the hit of the party...the chocolate fountain. One of the kids asked if they could dip theirface in it....a girl after my own heart!

Some friends from NC (the Romaine's) came to visit and helped us make it through the day with 15 little Prince and Princesses ...oh and a Pirate running around. I couldn't have done it with out their help!

A few days after her party, several of the kids from her party came with us to deliver the many gifts to Bright Beginnings. I think it really helped them to see how richly blessed they all are. The first thing they saw when they walked in the door was a Christmas Tree-a lady shared with us...it was probably the only Christmas Tree any of these kids had and they all had to share it. Because of their generosity, Reagan was able to donate some money and gifts for 18 children that attend the center.

I can't believe my girl is 5 years old already. She is truly a delight and blessing to us each and every day!

Austin Turns 2!

Can you believe this guy is 2 already? His second birthday was spent at Nana and Papa's house in Delmar, Md. this year. We went to Delmar with my sister, John, and Anthony for Christmas. As you know Reagan's birthday is on the 24th, the Lord's birthday is on the 25th, so poor little Austin gets the end of the week on the 28th when everyone is all partied out.

We did shower him with some fun gifts and enjoyed watching him ride around on his new motorcycle! As his 2nd birthday arrived I started to think about all the things that he is famous for these days. He says "thank you" for everything...even if he's giving you something, he says "bless you" when you sneeze...or cough, he loves to ride on Derek's neck and slap him in the head and say "giddy up horsey", he's given his sister a bloody nose as well as a friend named Gabriel, he loves his bible, he loves to lick us when we ask for a kiss, you tell daddy "stop it daddy" when he tickles you, and you of course love to eat your mashed potatoes!

We've had a wonderful year watching him grow. He is everything a little boy is suppose to be!

A Night To Give Thanks!

Reagan was in her very first play this year! The kids in the co-op worked very hard to memorize a little play, memorize the ABC's of Thanksgiving, and sang some Thanksgiving songs for lots of parents, siblings, and grandparents.

They each had cute little outfits that we made in co-op. They proudly sang their songs and nervously sputtered out their lines! After it was all over I heard the kids talking about how nervous they were, but how much fun it was. I was so glad to be able to give her this opportunity. I know many of the schools in our area have done away with school plays. They just do "concerts" where the kids sing a bunch of songs with their class. This was truly a treat and a great way to introduce public speaking. What a memory!

Homeschool Fall Harvest Celebration!

Our Homeschool Fall Harvest Celebration was a HIT! We sent out invitations to all of the families that participate in the co-op. We planned fun food, games, and pictures for the entire family.

The evening started out with each child getting their Kindergarten or 1st grade picture taken. We had fun being able to take a fun picture outdoors and with fun props. Reagan will remember this Kindergarten pic!

Then we had some good old fashioned competition! We did sack races, a doughnut eating contest, bobbing for apples, and fun with the parachute. The kids (and adults) really had fun playing games in the cool crisp air. We won't mention the cheating that took place in the father's sack race (hmmm....Derek).
What a great start to the school year. We are definitely enjoying the fellowship that comes along with the co-op!