This blog spot is primarily a photo/memory album for our family. It also serves as a way for us to share what is going on in our lives with our friends and family that don't see us on a regular basis. Ashley, Worth, Ellie, Emma, and Mack
This week Emma and Mack attended a Lego camp at VSU, while Ellie did a dance intensive at Dance Arts. Emma was not old enough to do the dance intensive, so she opted for the Lego camp instead. It made for a busy week of brain and body activity for all 3 kids.
This weekend Ellie's best friend, Taylor invited her to go to Disney with her for her 10th birthday. Of course, Ellie didn't hesitate saying yes to that. They had a blast and I think it was an epic 10th birthday for Taylor. Mack actually said "I miss Ellie" at least 5 times over the weekend. I have to document that since he normally is arguing with her.
Emma and Mack had the afternoons together since Ellie was in dance most of the afternoon. They decided to work together on one of Mack's kiwi crates this particular afternoon
Emma was being so sweet reading the instructions to Mack and helping him put the prroject together.
This particular kiwi crate was a genius invention - a sweeper. It picks up toys/trash and has a bin to hold the items to either toss or put away. Mack has used it all weekend to sweep up legos. I couldn't have hand picked a better kiwi crate for him.
Also, this week, the kids (led by Ellie) have been ALL about some after dinner living room dancing. Emma wouldn't let me film her, but I got SEVERAL videos of Ellie and her choreography in addition to this hilarious video of Mack jumping in:
Ellie's dance intensive was a various mix of choreographers teaching all different forms of dance throughout the week She failed to mention to me that a guy that was in the Thriller video and had toured with Michael, Janet, Tito, and LaToya was her jazz teacher on Tuesday. I heard all about the UGA ballet instructor, but had to hear about the awesome jazz choreographer from my friend Allison. This video is just a quick clip of the last few minutes of a swing class on her last day. It's a terrible video because I was filming over someone else, but I got a little bit:
We finally got the popcorn maker that E.W. gave us for Christmas cranked up. Emma and Mack enjoyed some popcorn over the rainy weekend.
These are all of the pictures I got from Ellie, selfies she took with her friend Taylor on her iPod. They had a blast at Disney though.
Ellie, Taylor, and Taylor's little sister Marley
Taylor's mom did send this to me. They got their own room ate the Wilderness hotel for the trip, and both girls were pumped about it.
Mack and Emma missed Ellie so much and were staring out of the windows all day today until her return. She came back bearing souvenirs that she bought them.
May was nuts, and I'm finally getting a moment to sit down and post some pictures of the last few weeks. We had dance recitals, end of the school year parties, preschool graduations, volleyball tournaments, baseball tournaments, and a beach trip among many other exciting events. I'll let these pictures tell some of the story of our family's May 2019:
Mack had a Mother's Day tea at school They filled out some pages in a book they made us about us. I'm just honored that he has faith in me on sewing on buttons, since I'm pretty sure I've never sewn one on for him before (Worth does all the button sewing around here if needed.)
Mack's portrait of me.
When Ellie read this, she said, "Mack, Mommy never toots out loud!" Mack said, "yea, I know, but it would be really funny if she did"
Me and my sweet boy at a very special preschool Mother's Day tea.
Next up, we celebrated Emma's birthday again with the grandparents. Grandma brought a money pizza. For the record, Emma hasn't shared any slices.
E.W. and Mia know Emma. Girl LOVES anything UGA.
Ofcourse, Ellie "helped" Emma with all of the gift opening.
They do love each other, sometimes.
Then it was finally time for cake! She didn't get an actual cake on her birthday because we were at iFly and Top Golf eating all kinds of treats and junk all day. She was more than thrilled to FINALLY be getting her cookie cake.
We officially now have an 8 year old!
Unicorn for the win, ALWAYS!
We finally had an afternoon to run Emma to the mall to spend her gift cards that she got for her birthday. Justice was her favorite, I think.
The WES art show is always a fun event. It was such a busy Thursday night that night, but we ALL made it to the art show just before they closed the doors. This piece is Emma's.
Also at the art show, Ellie's science project board was displayed as part of the exhibit.
Art by Ellie, fresh from dance, headed to Volleyball practice. We literally squeezed in the art show
Another masterpiece by Emma.
Emma's boat
A still life (I think that is what you call it) by Ellie
Ice cream by Emma
Ellie was excited about her work.
Ellie's city. Notice how she has an Omni hotel in her piece.
"Love"
"hope'
Emma had to show Mack the chicken coops and butterfly garden at their school. atfter the art show.
My crew and I for Mother's Day. I had to beg to get this picture.
I made Worth pose for a picture with them as well, eyes closed and all.
Ellie cooked a mother's day dinner (mostly) all by herself. On the menu was; spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread, and strawberry shortcake for dessert.
This girl had a great volleyball season. They finished 3rd in the league with a heartbreaking loss in the finals. She got better with each game and has now deemed volleyball "my sport."
There have been all sorts of critters in our yard lately. This bunny let me get pretty close before it hopped off.
The cats were playing with this surprise guest last week.
No worries on this one, it was a non-venomous oak snake. It tricked us at first though because it's markings were very close to a copperhead.
The week school was getting out was filled with parties. This was Mack's end of the year pool party at the Y splash pad.
He would never stop long enough for me to get a good picture.
Lots of good food at a pool party...
..and fun gifts.
The boys thought the sprayer was so much fun going up the back of their pants.
Dance recital is an exciting end of the school year even for most of us. (Except for Worth) I caught Emma helping Ellie get dressed and thought it was too sweet not to document.
I really wanted pictures of them in all of their costumes. This was Emma's last year of tap and jazz. She has opted just to take ballet next year.
Never a dull moment with this one.
Ellie will remain in jazz next year as well as ballet and pre pointe, but she will be dropping tap.
Jazz girls ready
Tap was never my favorite when I danced, but I was hopeful one of the girls would fall in love with it. I do love watching tap.
These 2 ballerinas were my favorite!
Cutest tapper ever!
One hot and sweaty dance mom backstage with her babies.
Jazz queen
Emma on stage!
Annual end of performance flowers from the grandparents.
And then there was that time that it was Mack's last day of preschool.
Although I thought my heart might explode I didn't cry. I didn't want him to look at me and see his mama losing it. Once the waterworks are turned on for this woman, they don't easily turn off. I felt Mack would be confused and upset by it, not to mention the other kids. I kept a huge smile the whole time, but apparently I didn't trick him because he told me later, "Mama why were you looking at me so weird?"
Getting ready to perform
PAUMC preschool graduatiing class of 2019
He looks just like Worth in this picture to me.
He took the bell ringing very seriously
"God is bigger than big, stronger than strong, he is mightier than mighty, and LOUDER than this song!"
Quite a performer
He said he wants to be "a scientist" when he grows up.
The prayer is so sweet.
Kindergarten here he comes!
My last precious graduate from PAUMC preschool.
Grandma and Papa made the trip to watch graduation,
and so did Mia and Dubs!
There was a small reception after the graduation. I was glad we got one more picture with Ms. Tish. She has loved (put up with) all 3 Bowers kids and is amazing. My kids are so ready for kindergarten when they have left her class. We just love her and are going to miss her joyful spirit!
Colson Anderson, Mack, and best buddy, Luke Cowart
In case this ever gets lost, I documented it with a picture. It is a note Ms. Tish put in Mack's report card, and it is hilarious.
These 2 finally finished up their year. I don't know 2 that were more excited about school ending than these to girls right here.
Before the last days however, there were parties. Mack and I attended Emma's and Ellie's which were thankfully, on the same day.
Ellie and 2 close friends she made this year, Katherine on the left, Colette on the right. Both are military brats and will be moving this summer. They are sweet and fun little girls that Ellie will miss terribly.
Ellie's ELA and homeroom teacher Ms. Hansen, who was super sweet.
Emma and her teacher, Dr. Haugabrook. This teacher was amazing. I had been praying for Emma to have a teacher that saw her strengths and encouraged her in academics and character, and this wonderful woman was the answer to my prayers.
Ellie was too cool to pose in front of the sidewalk chilk sign in front of her school on school party day.
Summer nights mean more time to be together and do easy stuff, like feed the fish/turtles in the neighborhood pond.
I thought this was a great picture.
Some of our neighbors had an outdoor movie for the last day of school. We watched Ralph breaks the internet and the kids had a blast.
In the midst of the May Cray, Nicole had baby #4, a girl, Willow. She is precious and such a blessing in all the pain. I can't wait to squish on her at the beach in a few weeks.
After MUCH anticipation, we FINALLY made it to the beach. Our favorite Memorial Day spot, SSI.
Emma was thrilled.
Ellie even tested the waters this year.
We found a great newer restaurant that had outdoor games for kids. The food was great and the atmosphere even better.
Mack even found a friend to "teach" how to build stuff.
Had to snap a pic of this moment on our way to get ice cream after dinner.
Sweet Emma
Blue Ice cream, and blue teeth to match
Chocolate is his fav
And of course, Mint chocolate chip for Emma
She can still be silly for a picture when she wants to! Blue teeth and all.
Despite the signs asking people to no longer climb on the whale statue, we still got our annual pictures there.
Ellie read through several books on the beach. Girl loves her chair and a book.
Emma and Mack finally talked Ellie into boogie boarding and she had a blast.It helped that the water was super clear this year and cool and comfortable in the heat.
Goof ball #1, and #2
Worth and I are thankful that they are getting old enough that we don't have to go out with them. We can stand or sit in the water and watch.
No words for this one, but he laid like that forever.
Another whale picture.
Emma wasn't quite as comfortable posing as her sister was.
In case you were wondering, it's HOT in Valdosta. This was an afternoon still in May!!!
