Trick or Treat

This Halloween was a lot of fun! Kaylie was super excited to be a witch and wear fun stockings. Makenzie loved being a hippie and sporting her long braids. When it came to Dannen, we became a bit crafty lol I couldn't make up my mind, so we used different articles of clothing, threw in some construction paper & other items, and wallah lol
The first time trick-or-treating for our little man was at our neighbors house right next door:)
Kaylie and Makenzie had a lot of fun going from house to house... beautiful outside with lots of friendly people and gorgeous houses!
Happy they enjoyed the night together:)
All in all, they really made out this year! Dannen pooped out after the third house, so he spent the rest of the night waving hi to people and eating a lollipop. Our girls stuck with Daddy and we did two neighborhoods:) While the girls and Daddy finished up, Dannen and I hung out in the van, watching The Heffalump Halloween Movie, following along. Great job everyone:)

Happy Halloween!

~happy~halloween~

Kaylie's Fall Field Trip

Want to learn about pioneering? What- no electricity? What kind of toys and where do people live? Oh yeah, those were some of the things I heard when visiting the Heritage Center with Kaylie and her class. They toured and experienced what it was like to "live back in the day".

Our first stop was in a little cabin, where the kids helped to make corn bread and butter! It was so neat to watch and hear about how huge families used to live in such small spaces, keeping up with day to day activities as a family.
Kaylie's best friend Grace was super cute! The two of them were inseparable all day:)
One of the most interesting stops, for the kids that is, was the outhouse. For such a small building, EVERYONE wanted to go in together at the same time lol
With no electricity and lots of time spent out doors, kids used normal everyday items to make toys. All the kids got to make a fun toy with a string and button:)
The greatest joy came when Kaylie and her friends played with the metal pole and steel wheel... they learned how to use simple objects to entertain themselves:)
I was very honored to accept the "job" as class photographer. It was great watching all the kids and getting to know Kaylie's little friends:)
I was taken back at how smart Kaylie has become... of course I see her everyday, help with homework and see the A's flying through the door, but interacting with her outside of our home has really helped me to appreciate all of her hard work. I'm so proud of my daughter!!!

Photography by Kristy

Finally... I got brave enough to get my photography skills together and create something to share with others:) For many months now, I've been looking into creating a web page & Facebook account, showcasing my work with hopes of finding people who need a photographer. I LOVE TAKING PICTURES!!! There is something about capturing "that special moment" that makes my heart flutter:)
Before we had children, my love for taking pictures grew and I got my first job in photography taking pictures with Santa in a local mall. How fun was that?!?! It was even better when one of my Santa's was my husband, all padded up and ready to go! Afterward, I got a job working for Kodak, setting up film displays and learning about different types of film... this made me even more interested in how images were captured.
I am thankful to say that I found what turned out to be a life changing job as a Portrait Studio Manager and Photographer back in 2000. I was the first to implement "Pet Portraits" within the company and received certifications in Portrait Photography. After 9/11 hit, the idea of pushing people to have and buy photos because "you never know what can happen" came about and I found myself questioning the morals of that company. I wanted to take pictures for people, not just because some place said make money from hurting individuals.
After injuring my knee (while working- FUNNY story- ask me about it sometime) and needing a new place to explore my talents, I left the studio, but found myself working for "The Happiest Place"- Disney's EPCOT. Taking photographs of tourists while entering the park and even back in the "World Showcase" was amazing. I especially loved being back in England with Eeyore, Tigger, Pooh and Piglet. Standing around all day listening and interacting with British speaking people made my old accent come out... one I would LOVE to have back again! It's great knowing I took pictures for people who live in many places around the world:)
I landed another position taking pictures in another mall for Santa after having Kaylie. It was really nice to share special smiles at such a great holiday! During that time I also took pictures for a friend's wedding and a few family photos as well.
I was privileged to be my cousin's photographer at her beautiful wedding:) So happy for the opportunity and time spent together, creating memories for those involved. I couldn't have had a better experience with such an amazing family!
With the reconnection of an old friend, my photography skills grew even more with her maternity photo shoot. A growing belly is a beautiful thing:) An even better experience was actually getting to be in the delivery room when her baby girl was born... amazing, truly amazing to photograph and share.
I've had three wonderful subjects to photograph over the past 7 years! My children are my world and I love to share their special times with people through my photography. It's so much fun to share with them and teach as I learn...
And now, the move to Tennessee has brought out a hidden love for scenic photography. I guess it helps living in an absolutely gorgeous state... blows my mind away looking around! I love taking pictures of even little things like plants and even barns. There are so many details you can find that can tell a story without any words:)
I started up a Facebook page and a blogger website... nothing fancy or crazy with huge advertisements or flashing lights... just me and my photography. I hope to meet new people here and get to take family photos, maybe even venturing into engagements, weddings, maternity and L&D.
One thing is for sure... my love for photography is growing, and I want to share with hopes that I can capture a special look or moment for someone to cherish for the rest of their lives:)

Makenzie's 1st Field Trip

Pumpkin Patch, Hayride, Playground, Corn Tub, three Corn Mazes... all of this in one day! Makenzie's Kindergarten classroom went to this awesome Krazy Korn Maze and had lots of fun:)
She was very excited to ride the tractor pulling everyone...
Her friend was so cute and made the ride even more fun!
This is Makenzie's pumpkin... She learned about the different parts of a pumpkin and it's stem, then was let go to pick her very own!
Think she was happy? :)
Makenzie had fun crawling after her friends in the hay maze... no fear!
Lunch time was hilarious with her little friends Tanner and Alex.
Everyone gathered to learn about the BIG maze and get their scavenger hunt lists.
It was sooooo much fun running around this huge maze... took a long time to get through since we had to find 12 different items such as a pair of bloomers, watering can, hoe, tractor seat, etc. She looked so little going in and out of the hidden paths:)
I'm so thankful to have had this time with Makenzie. Since moving, she's been very active in her Kindergarten work (and doing great I might add!)... this was a nice break to spend together and have fun:)

Class Queen

Kaylie was nominated as Class Queen for her second grade classroom! What a way to be welcomed into her new school. Kaylie handed me a notice that her classmates selected her to represent them at the Fall Festival. We helped set up fundraisers and ways to collect money that will go towards a new playground and technology.
While waiting patiently for everyone to line-up, I caught both her and Gabriel "zoning"... They looked so cute in matching outfits:)
I was just playing with this picture... It turned out blurry and with lots in the background, but I love the way both are posing:)
Congratulations to our King and Queen... CUTE!!!
Makenzie and Dannen were great supporters! We're so proud of you, Kaylie:)

The Forge Cinemas

The Forge Cinemas at Waldens Landing is now open!!! The day before opening to the public, William's theatre held a VIP event for the owners, theatre management, local city officials, and other important figures in the community. Our kids and I were very thankful to be asked to join the event... Excited to support Daddy!
It was amazing seeing how far along the theatre has come in only one month...
And who can't forget the popcorn? The theatre gave out free popcorn, pop and specialty candy:) Popcorn has ALWAYS been a hit in our house!
After spending time meeting people inside and checking everything out, my kiddos needed some run-around time outside. The sugar hit and they were ready to play!
At 7:30, the entire complex filled with tons of people. The mayor of Pigeon Forge, Owner of the building, and Vice President/CEO of Big Cinemas all made speeches, welcoming the new theatre and employees. This has been a treasure in the making:)
Once it got dark outside, it cooled down FAST! Thankfully, our girls kept each other warm:)
The ribbon cutting ceremony was pretty cool... Most of the time they use a ribbon, but for a movie theatre it meant pulling out a reel of film. Now the ironic thing about this event was that William's new theatre is ALL digital- no film needed! So to say good-bye to film and hello to digital capabilities, the "film" cutting was super symbolic:)
What a great day to celebrate together as a family... We're so thankful for this opportunity!

Mommy's Kitchen Helpers

I'm sure I've written it before, but I'm so proud of how willing to learn and help out in the kitchen both of my girls are. Sometimes they even argue about whose turn it is to stir something or choose what to make.

Kaylie was very excited to make the first batch of cookies here in Tennessee! One of her favorites is oatmeal:) This time helping was even more "fun" because she began learning about fractions in school. Looking at the 1/2 and 3/4 cups made for a learning experience, too.
Kaylie was having a good time, until the bowl started to get away from her while using the mixer... she would rather do things by hand, instead of using electric appliances. These were some of the best she'd ever made!
Makenzie chose homemade pizza for dinner last night. I was SO excited about our shopping trip for ingredients... $0.88 pizza dough, $0.88 sauce, $2 mini pepperoni, and cheese already at the house= perfect priced meal! She loved getting her hands messy:)
Daddy would have been proud of her pizza skills... (He worked at both Pizza Hut and Papa Johns)
Took forever to do the pepperoni because they had to be "perfect" (Thanks to my Dad for that one lol)
The finished product was tasty! Both girls ate two pieces and Dannen ate a big piece himself:) Kaylie's always been super picky with pizzas, so when she gave Makenzie a huge hug and said "Good job! It's my favorite!", we knew it was a success:)
I LOVE when my kids enjoy cooking/baking as much as I do:)

Potty Training Time!

Dannen has officially started potty training! It was a little earlier than we expected, but when interest begins, it's time to be ready. Dannen began getting interested when anyone would go to the bathroom, following and wanting to flush. We even found him in the bathrooms flushing and clapping when no one was around. He also began getting uncomfortable when in a wet diaper, saying "pee pee wet!"... That's when it got interesting. I love the idea of him learning to take his things on and off, but when he started going through tons of pull-ups a day, it became $$$! We didn't want to scold or flip out, so it meant time to change, again!

We planned on buying a potty, but thankfully I came across a new friend who was getting rid of her almost new potty. YES! I brought it home and thought we'd give it a chance. At first he put some cars in it and pushed it around the living room. Not wanting him to think it was a toy, we quickly put it in the downstairs bathroom. I had him sit in it a few times with clothes, but he kept wanting them off, saying "pee pee!". I helped him change, and he went on his own the very first time!!! Wahoo:) Lots of praise and high-fives from mommy and his sisters. We even called Daddy at work! He kept "going" for about five minutes, smiling and laughing. He did really well, giving me the look and running to the potty when he needed to go. A few times I guided him over, and he sat happily:)
With a few accidents here and there (I am thankful for the new phase, but truly did not miss the clean-up LOL), he's doing pretty well. He's actually used the potty for "THE BIG ONES" three times now... I think he was super proud of himself with how much he danced around afterward:) Since the downstairs bathroom is just off the living room, he likes to watch cartoons or talk to the tv while going... such a man LOL

For the most part, he wears a pull-up at bed time, nap time, and if I need to run an errand. Today was a little tough with Kaylie and Makenzie home from school... he got distracted a lot and needed reminders. It's pretty cool seeing how much his sisters want to help, asking him to go along in the bathroom and use the potty. It should be "fun" as we dive head first into this adventure... SO proud of him and his accomplishments so far. Makes me kind of sad, thinking about how purchasing diapers/pull-ups is slowly fading out of my life... no more babies means one more thing to say good-bye to and cherish the memories:) Now, it's onto more laundry LOL

Front Page!

Open publication - Free publishing - More press

William made the front page of The Mountain Press... He's in the second picture scooping the freshly popped popcorn:) His theatre opens tomorrow, with a VIP event tonight. Talk about exciting!!!!

Theatre Visit

William's new theatre is amazing!!! We've been lucky enough to see the construction progress since moving here one month ago today.

Last Friday, the kids and I went to pick William up from work around 8:30pm. The traffic getting there was a BEAR! So many tourists LOL We sat in the van watching the Toy Story 2 DVD for the millionth time. We were very surprised to get a message asking us to come in the theatre- YAY! All three took off running when they saw Daddy standing inside his theatre:)

Kaylie and Makenzie really enjoyed running around each of the five screened theatres... lots of room to check out and burn some energy!
Dannen was being pretty sneaky, hiding toward the bottom and playing with the rails.
After the "tour", we hung out in the lobby for a little bit, meeting some of the crew helping to put the finishing touches together. The concession stand is SO beautiful! Can't wait to see all the employees in action!
We are super excited about this week... Thursday is the big VIP event. There are 500+ people coming to a special showing of a few movies, eating yummy foods, and of course checking out what's going to be THE BEST new theatre! Talk about an important night for our kids to behave... can't wait to share with William:)
Pigeon Forge's theatre is scheduled for a Grand Opening this Friday! SO many people talk about how excited they are and anxious to see great movies in such a great location. It's going to be very crazy, but in a good way! We are so thankful for this opportunity...

First Frost Advisory

We are probably the only Tennessee residents who welcomed the three-days-in-a-row frost advisory our county had last week. The temperatures hoovered in the low to mid 30's each morning for a good four hours.

I take both of our girls to school early, leaving around 7am so they can eat breakfast beginning at 7:10am. As soon as we opened the door, both girls screamed! It was cold!!! We all laughed walking to our van, making breath clouds. I went to clear the window and we heard a loud shwoosh... the blades were scraping across the frosted windows. (The last time that happened was in Florida, when I poorly sprayed the windshield washer fluid and made it freeze to the window LOL)
After I drop them off, I take our fun roller coaster road home to avoid the crazy traffic. My favorite place to look out is on a super tight corner, overlooking a field with a beautiful barn and the mountains in the background.

This special morning showcased the purple sky and frost covered grass...
It was refreshing to have the cold temps with great scenery!