Mack's 6th Part 2 (and the rest of the week)

We celebrated Mack's actual 6th birthday on Wednesday. He woke up that morning to a table full of gifts from us and other family. I took doughnuts to his class for snack time where he refused to let me put a candle in his doughnut and he ABSOLUTELY refused the "birthday walk." The birthday walk was discussed the night before his birthday and was the reason he couldn't sleep that night. He was crying his eyes out for me to "text my teacher so I don't have to do the birthday walk tomorrow!" I'm not sure what it involves but his teacher told me he flat out refused it and wearing a birthday hat. By the end of the day, he was so excited because it was also the first day of K-Kids at our church. This meant that he was able to ride the bus to church after school. That was the biggest gift he could have gotten in his little brain.

After K-Kids, we headed to Wooden Nickel to have some dinner and celebrate Mack. We returned home quickly after we ate, however, to give him some time on his new hoverboard (his big birthday gift from us.) We had another small cookie cake (with candles this time,) and Mack had plenty of time to play with his birthday toys.

Later in the week, we headed to Thomasville to meet the newest Chancey baby, Madeline Anne Chancey. Matthew and Jesica's 3rd baby and most precious little girl.

Mack having doughnuts outsidewith his class for his birthday. 

I realize when I went tthrough these that I only got pictures of the boy table. There was another table FULL of precious little girls. It was so hot outside, I can't believe the doughnuts weren't more messy. 

One of the moms that chaperones on the K-Kids bus sent this. Mack and his friend Colson made it on the bus, and Mack was THRILLED! 

A nice greasy dinner after K-kids was in order.

There are a few games to play at Wooden Nickel (not as many as The Mill) but  there are 2 claw machines. Ellie won Mack 2 stuffed animals - this is the first one. And yes, she tried to be an Indian giver, so they are still fighting over this one. 

We got home for a small cookie cake dessert. 

He finally got to blow out some candles! He's officially six!

Emma didn't leave his side. 

 Mack was immediately a master of his hoverboard. 

We had a great time Friday night in Thomasville visiting with baby Madeline.  The girls were enamored, but Mack had zero interested in her. Mack, Will, and Walker had play to take care of. 

Emma, the toothless baby whisperer. 

Mack Turns 6: Part 1

Mack will officially turn 6 this Wednesday, but among other activities last week, his birthday party was Saturday. He has been begging for 2 summers to have his party at the Valdosta Country Club pool, so this year we did it. We planned so much and had fun coming up with party favors, balloon ideas, cake, decorations, etc. However, Saturday morning came, and along with it came a monsoon. It rained and rained and rained. The party still happened with a 1 and 1/2 hour or so delay for swimming due to lightening in the area. The kids that showed up seemed to have more fun out of the pool than in it though. They ran around, splashed in the puddles and had water gun fights and chases. Thankfully, there was a covered area that the adults could stay under but otherwise, we were all SOAKED. To add to the chaos, the candles to Mack's birthday cake were accidentally thrown away before we actually got to use them, so he was unable to blow candles out. It was a fail all around, but at least the kids seemed to have a blast. Mack said he had a good time, and that was all that mattered to me.

Rain, rain, go away...

Bo, Banks, Grey, and Auntie Kate showed up to surprise Mack. He was THRILLED! 

This was obviously after the rain stopped and we were able to get in the pool. Grey was "fishing" for his mama. 

Playing in the rain. You can see blue skies in this picture, but it wasn't a sign of the rain letting up. 

Big girls against little boys. 

Emma finally got in and on a float. 

They were very serious about the water gun in the rain fight. 

Sweet Banks

The sliding finally happened. Some of the sweet parents were so kind to stay an extra 30 minutes to give them time to swim together once the lightening finally cleared the area. 

Mack getting sung Happy Birthday to with no candles. I win mother of the year. 

Grey and Emma doing their thing. 

It was a shark party no one will forget.

Mack and Bo pretty much commandeered the 2 shark floats I brought 

Mack and his buddies. From left: Luke Cowart, Cooper White, Mack, Griffin Ganas, Reece Bennett,  Hamilton Dickey, and Lane Sanders

In case anyone was concerned, as of last week, Emma still fits on Worth's shoulders,

Mack got a LegoBatman car set for his birthday. It was well over 100 lego pieces I think, but Emma put it together for him. She worked for 2 days on it. She had a little mishap yesterday when she realized almost before she had finished that she missed one major piece. After a lot of tears, she finally took it apart and started over. This little girl has concentration  and determination that I have never seen in any child. And yes, her brother told her "thank you." 

Last week Ellie informed me (in a crying rage) that I never help her or do anything for her in the morning before school. The fit was, for the most part, unprompted, as I was in the process of making her school lunch when she decided to start the rant. For those comments, however, I told her for the remainder of the week she would get up and make her own breakfast and lunch. This was the breakfast she made herself the first morning. Cucumber and Lucky Charms. Breakfast of Champions (that smart off to their mom.) 

Dance started back last week as well. Emma has moved into the blue leotard class, and Ellie in a black leotard. They are getting so big! 

First Day 2019

This past Wednesday, August 7th, was the first day of school for the Bowers kids. Mack began his first year of elementary school in Kindergarten, Emma entered the 3rd grade, and Ellie started her final year of elementary school, 5th grade. I will have this one and only year in which all 3 kids will be at the same school. I'm loving making 1 drop off and 1 pick up. However, assisting in the carrying of school supplies for 3 children into the school on the first day in 100 degree temps and 99% humidity was for the birds.

I thought I would be sentimental about Mack leaving me, but I really was fine. He knows the school so well already, because he has attended numerous class parties for the girls and meetings with me. He just felt right at home walking in there. I honestly feel he is SO ready for kindergarten that I'm excited for his journey to begin. Ellie, on the other hand, had me in a tornado of emotions. She was so nervous that she almost threw up as we were loading the car that morning. She was quiet and sweaty and almost in tears during the ride there. I don't think I have ever seen her so worked up and worried. She finally pulled it together though and we successfully got her to her classroom, supplies in tow, with no more incidents. She has since calmed slightly, and seemed in better spirits about going back this week.

When I picked the kids up from school Friday, I turned to Mack to congratulate him on his first week of kindergarten. Mack replied, "Well, I made it 3 days without hitting anybody."  Enough said.

Not related to school, we have a new semi pet. "Cat Food" (aptly named by the kids)  greets us every morning now to  have breakfast with Aspen and Dash. I never knew a turtle would eat cat food until Cat Food started visiting. 

One of the last days before school started, the kids and I had some pool time together. It is so hot here, there is really nothing else to do. 

Monday was time for open house and meet the teacher! 

Monday night I gave the girls their back to school pedicures. Mack entertained while they waited on their toes too dry. 

Whether I wanted it to or not, Wednesday came and another school year began. 

We dropped Mack off in his classroom first. He sat right down and got to work. 

Emma was our next stop. She was so ready and excited!

Finally, Ellie and I made our way to her classroom Her new teacher, Mrs. Tucker, even posed up with her for the picture. Mrs. Tucker wanted to make sure I got her "good side" in the picture. I think Ellie will be just fine in her class. 

As expected, Emma was hovering over Mack to make sure he got to my car at pick up. 

Our annual after school trip to The Mill for buffet pizza and games  is always something they look forward to!

Emma worked hard to win some tickets on this game. 

Ellie is still a sucker for the claw game. 

Pirate patches as prizes for the game tickets. 

After pizza, we headed down the road for dessert, FROYO at The Mix. 

Family selfie. Best I could get. 

This was Mack's kindergarten self portrait that was his homework this weekend. He informed me that he made sure he added his "bed head." 

Summer 2019 Sum Up

This summer came and went with lightening speed. I decided not to post any pictures until right at the end of the summer, so that I would have as much time as possible to soak up every moment with the kids that I could. This is Mack's last summer before going to big school, and the girls are getting more and more involved with school activities that don't necessarily involve me. I have just enjoyed (ok not every day) spending time with them and making memories as a family this summer. Not every day is a cake walk, but it is so nice to spend afternoons soaking in the pool, taking golf cart rides to feed the fish in the neighborhood pool, and generally not having to worry about getting to the next thing or making sure someone has a ride from the next thing.

After the last post, the kids had VBS, after that we had our Ft. Morgan Beach trip, the kids did a golf camp, then we headed to our annual SSI beach trip, Ellie went to church camp, Emma tried out volleyball camp here at VSU, the girls did a slime camp at VSU, Mack did another golf camp, the girls did tumbling camp, and they finished out last week with tennis camp. The camps are mainly to keep them busy while I'm at work in the mornings, but they loved all of them this year. I also, don't have pictures from everything, but I have many to sum up Summer 2019.

The kids actually got to attend VBS at OUR church this year. VBS usually falls on the week we are at Ft. Morgan, but his year it didn't.  The kids loved it, and were great in the final show at the end of the week. That's Emma in the dead center in a pink shirt and glasses. 

Mack did some great singing as well in the fiinal show! 

Ellie did a great job performing as well. She was not completely thrilled about going to VBS, because she said she was too old for it (even though it's Pre-K-5th grade,) but she ended up having a good time. 

There were sooo many kids in our VBS this year. Our church is known for their children and youth ministries and it shows, when this many kids show up to your VBS.

Next up was Ft. Morgan, AL with all of our "beach friends." Mack didn't waste any time hitting the waves on his boogie board. 

This precious baby in the pink blanket was the hit of the trip though. Meet Willow Hughes, the bright light in some heavy  despair. 

I wasn't the only one that got snuggle time with sweet baby Willow. 

Emma had quite a few turns. Girl loves a baby!

Baby beach nap

We stayed in new house this year, as none of us could bear going back to the old one and reliving that night over again in our heads. 

The big girls put on a play for us one night. 

It was hysterical, and actually really good. I will say it was spearheaded by some pretty serous drama queens. 😉

They included everyone, even the moms got to jump in for a dance at the end. 

This was our play bill for "Everything but Cinderella" 

Mack and Worth goofing off with a huge sea shell. 

Nights included lots of games such as Jenga. Mack was a fan. 

The ice cream truck still delivered twice a day to our new beach house despite the concerns from some of the kids that he may not be able to find us. 

Caroline and Ellie catching minnows and other sea life. 

The youngest Shelton boy, Rhett, took a liking to Worth and would have discussions with him  on the beach. 

Mack realized that he LOVED throwing a football this year at the beach, and he "practiced" every day. 

The big(gest) girls. These were all of the first born Birmingham girls. L-R: Avery, Maggie, Lily, Caroline, Ellie

Gilligan came with us as well. 

Some of the kids enjoyed using these nets to catch and release all kinds of sea creatures, even Ellie!

Until rip tide warnings kept us all out of the water, this girl lived in the water and waves. 

Wave hopping. 

Even Ellie suited up and rode a few waves at Ft. Morgan

Dr. Hughes was in full effect with his pool kid throwing. 

They were all lined up and waiting their turn. I don't know how Hughes' shoulders held up. 

Crab hunting night happened. It was hard. We had new t-shirts and everyone had a positive outlook, but it was still hard. The Hughes' went through with it and were happy and sad all at the same time. There was so much emotion, but we crossed that hurdle, all of us together. The crabs were caught, and Levi was there with us in spirit. I just know that he was. 

Bowers crew suited up for crab hunting. 

We consumed A LOT of boiled peanuts under the tents this year. 

The boys decided to bury Ellen

Picture night! I love these ladies so much! 

I lined up an on site yoga class for us. It turned out to be really good minus the monsoon storm that swept up right at the end! 

The reason we are all together and friends started with these guys. They quickly all became friends and then soon after that, we were all family. 

All of the UAB family babies. 

Crazy kids - this picture is more on point with their personalities than the sweet one above. 

Healing can happen. We will continue to stand by their side through the pain. We are family and this trip meant so much to all of us to connect, cry, laugh, and just be together. 

Even the adults had some crazy picture fun in them. 

Megan took this picture of Ellie and I. She is getting so tall! 

A windy, yet acceptable beach family photo. 

My loves. 

After Ft. Morgan, ALL 3 kids went to golf camp this summer! Mack was so excited as he wasn't old enough last year. 

The following Friday, we turned around and headed right back to the beach at SSI with our other family. I love this picture of Grey, but I love the conversation between Mack and Bo in the background even better. So intense. 

A little morning cousin time. 

SSI doesn't have the waves that Ft. Morgan does, but sometimes when the tide is coming in, you can catch some good ones  on the boogie board. 

I'm not sure Grey had to walk very much this year at the beach. 

It was so awesome to have all the cousins together. They played so much. There is always some sort of "race" when they are together. 

Another silly picture. Banks is on point in this picture. 

Benny's Red Barn night is always fun, especially when Hardy is there to entertain everyone. 

Patriotic Bowers folks. 

Mack and Banks taking a break. 

Bo didn't hesitate to give wagon rides, and Mack didn't hesitate to jump in. 

More high tide wave riding. 

More conversation time between Bo and Mack. I wonder what they talk about. 

Hardy was too cute!

Mr. Hollywood. 

I think Banks rode sand instead of waves. 

Sweet Bowers babies

We went back on the fishing trip that we went on last year with the Summers, but this year we went with the Berrymans. 

Banks and Mack keeping watch from the back of the boat. 

Big girl, Ellie. 

Emma caught the first fish! 

The catching by all the kids continued to follow that! 

The Berryman boys were not afraid to touch the fish. 

The Chancey cousins

Mia and Dubs with their grand babies. 

10 going on 20. 

Sweet Emma. 

Happy 4th!!

Ellie even rode some waves at SSI. 

Ellie jumped in on the football throwing with Worth and Jay. 

I was hoping he wouldn't throw his back out. He's an old man now. 

Homemade ice cream by the pool! 

This picture is a little out of order, but when we got back from Ft. Morgan, before we went to SSI, the kids gave Worth his Father's day gifts and were so excited about it since I forgot to pack the gifts and take them with us to Ft. Morgan. (Father's Day fell while we were there) 

Less than 48 hours after returning from SSI, Ellie headed back with some church friends to Camp Connect at Epworth. 

Ellie had her friend Anna Beth with her this year, so she was so excited! 

Ellie and Anna Beth with their counselor who ended up being a student at VSU. 

While Ellie was gone, I did a MAJOR clean out of all of her junk. She is quite the hoarder and it took me the ENTIRE week to clean everything in her room and bathroom up and out. As I was cleaning out school notebooks, I found the jackpot of some notes that were passed in class. Totally innocent, but so hilarious! 

While Ellie was church camping it, Emma did a 2 day Volleyball day camp. She fell in love with volleyball! 

I know 2 people that were REALLY glad that their sister was home. 

I caught these to chit chatting away. Emma was soooo glad to  have Ellie back home. 

Grandma's 65th birthday was on July 13th. We went to Tifton and had lunch with her. She doesn't look a day over 35. 

Worth and I celebrated 14 years of marriage over a dinner out at Friends on July 16th. 

I did some cleaning in Emma's room as well. This is what Old Maid looks like for moms. 

Emma had a big bump erupt on her top gums. It never got better and continued to look worse, so I took her in to have the dentist look at it. It turned out to be her permanent teeth pushing through, but her baby teeth were not budging, so the dentist pulled them. 

She did so well and even said that she didn't feel a thing. 

She got a popsicle at the dentist office and the tooth fairy gave her double the money. 

Tennis camp was fun for the kids at VCC. We spent one afternoon at the pool after lessons. They LOVE this slide. 

They each had the equivalent of 1 chicken nugget for lunch, but somehow still talked me into ice cream at the pool. 

We love shark week around here, and even had a themed dinner this year to celebrate  opening night! 

Ellie was fitted for pointe shoes last Sunday. She will be in pre-pointe this year and she cannot wait to start! 

We went to a peach farm and had some homemade ice cream one Sunday afternoon. This picture looks sweet, but it was HOT, Ellie got sick while we were there, and Mack was running around like a crazy person. Not the best idea for a Sunday afternoon. 

The pool is a daily event in the afternoon. This particular day, they played Pie Face by the pool. 

Snopocolypse was a hit for the Bowers kids. Mack and Emma had been before when Ellie was at camp, so I took all 3 of them this week. It was a much better experience than the peach farm. 

This kid got his book bag in and is ready for Kindergarten which will start this upcoming week! 😢