Just a quick little post. Things have been just a little questionable around here as we await the exact path of Gustav. We have decided to stay home as it appears the worst will be west of us. It just brought back weird emotions to go through our little town and see the gas stations with extremely long lines and traffic very steady along our highways. Most seem to be more prepared since we experienced Katrina. We saw 15 school buses traveling south to move folks out and there were vans at the nursing home near us that I suppose were there to transport patients. The girls are just enjoying us all being together even though this is not exactly what I call a holiday. Oh well, we can make the most of it. The house is still nice and cool but it is that sultry hot outside. We do have a generator, gas and a small air conditioner this time. I am posting just a couple of recent photos. It would not be a fun post without those. Notice my Wildcat cheerleader. We had to create an outfit for Emelia. She is still very pleased with make dos. :) The twinkle in her eye in the last photo is due to me catching her with the stool climbing onto my bed.

I will brag just a bit on both our girls. Evelyn has done so well with going to school over the last week. We are so proud of her. Emelia continues to make progress every day. She still lacks in the area of potty training but I know it will happen. She was so funny making sweet faces and hugging on me trying to get her way. It doesn't take long for kids to pick up on that one. The two girls have even made progress with each other. They both look out for the other and Evelyn is definitely the big sister making sure Emelia is included in everything. We had a long but good weekend. We survived a lock in with around 150 youth and adults at our church Friday night. The girls did great staying at my sister's. It was close enough for me to tuck them in and be there when they woke up. Saturday was Miss Ruth's (my mother in law) birthday so we had cake and ice cream, both favorites of Emelia's. The kid's enjoyed the cooler weather before the rain set in. I will include a few just fun photos.

I have not posted much lately so I did load a few photos to share. I guess not posting means things are well because you would certainly hear from me otherwise. : ) We have just been very busy but all is well. The 16th made two months that Emelia has been in our family and the adjusting has gone very well. She continues to make progress daily. Evelyn still fusses daily about school but loves her teacher. I will describe some of the events in the photos. There is one of Emelia imitating Evelyn with bink bink and thumb. Thank goodness she did not really pick up those habits. The one of them in a Memphis jersey is while they await a visit from our dear friend, Dusty. He is our pastor's son and pitched until last year for the Memphis Tigers. He is now attending NO Seminary. They are in princess attire on the way to Evelyn's classmate's birthday party. Take a look at Emelia's mouth in the close up. I think she thought all things in a goody bag were edible. I knew it was quiet in the back seat but had no idea she was trying to drink the bubbles. Thankfully the lids are very hard to get off. The school picture was Evelyn's second day of school and two of her classmates also went to preschool with her. They were glad to be in class together. There is also a photo of Evelyn with Wren in her princess attire at the party, sweet girls. Saturday was special in that we celebrated the Creel family's upcoming travel and joining with their daughter Raegan.

School Girl

Well today is a day to remember. Miss Evelyn is now a big school girl. Wow! It is hard to imagine but she started kindergarten today. We all did fairly well considering this big change. She started the day out in her usual princess style, on the couch with chocolate milk and bacon. She was in pretty good spirits until it was time for me to leave her in the classroom. She cried just a bit (I almost did) but recovered shortly after. When we picked her up this afternoon she was all smiles and had a good report of the day. Whew. The other event today was an A okay from Emelia's visit to the eye doctor. Our pediatrician thought she might have a bit of a lazy eye but everything was fine. She did get some cool shades due to the checkup. :)

Water Fun

Well the last few days have been busy but good. We were trying to squeeze in all we can before the upcoming days. We met cousin Mason and his mom (Aunt Jen) at the Grand Paradise Water Park in Collins on Friday. The weather almost interferred but did not. We all had a good time as the park was not too crowded. I think Mason had the most fun. He could not get enough. He was a very brave 4 year old. He went down the Great Falls a number of times. Evelyn was not quite tall enough and also not quite ready. I was very proud of her though on the water slides in the kids area. She has come such a long way in the water this summer. Her short series of swimming lessons definitely paid off. I know you will wonder where the pictures from the fun are. Well the Kimballs now own a decent camera but forget to bring it. : ( Jen did have her camera and got a few shots so maybe I can add some of her photos to this post. Saturday we atteneded a birthday party for Peyton, one of Evelyn's very good friends from preschool. We then attended a 50th Wedding Anniversery for a family who were part of our church for many years, a busy busy day. Today our pastor took a little break and asked Scott to fill in for him so that made things interesting with him trying to prepare and Miss Emelia always wanting to be in his lap. : ) God took care of it all and all went well. Emelia is continuing to make progress every day. She has understood for quite some time but is beginning to say more every day. One of my favorite things she says right now is chocolate milk. You just have to hear it to appreciate it. She also says more in her prayers. She has had thank you God for quite a while but now says thank you God over and over and then adds thank you God, Ba Ba (Daddy), Mama, Jie Jie (big sister, and Hui Hui(her nick name). It is so sweet. I mentioned the upcoming days, whew, lots of changes are coming. I start back to work tomorrow, Evelyn starfs kindergarten mid week, Scott goes back to work next Monday and therefore, Miss Emelia begins some time with her grandparents. This will be a big change for all of us. Emelia is doing much better with going to the potty. When we have that conquered and are doing better with the language, we plan for her to go to the preschool at Pearl River. I also wanted to mention that the sister issues are better. They still fight but also do so many sweet things for each other. I am pleased with their progress.