Camping with Grammy & Papa!

We had a very special treat over Nicholas & Caroline's spring break...Grammy and Papa came to visit all the way from South Georgia! To make it even cooler, they brought their pop-up camper, and camped out all week at Shelby Forest!!!

Grammy and Papa got in Saturday night late, but in time to setup the camper. Karen and the kids went out to the campsite on Monday, and the kids stayed there until Thursday!












I was able to take Wednesday off, so after rehearsal Tuesday I drove up and setup my tent. I stayed out there Tuesday night, and all day Wednesday while Karen and Grammy visited the Commissary to restock our cupboards. Nicholas and I went on a decent hike on Wednesday enjoying some father-son bonding time, while Caroline was at her swimming lesson. More on that father-son bonding later...

Sadly, I had to come home Wednesday night because I had to turn in my external reviewer materials for my tenure process the next day. I would've much preferred staying out there Wednesday night too!

We had a fantastic time...Nicholas & I tended the fire (along with Papa's help of course), and Caroline entertained the campground kids at the playground. Nicholas was quite handy gathering firewood and sawing!













We even made "friends" with the local raccoon...I named him Oswald; not sure why...

Enjoy!

Book Fair 2010

Each year at school, the kids get to participate in a Book Fair. The multipurpose/playroom is transformed into a bookshop, and the kids get to "shop" a few times throughout the week. One of the culminating events in the "Book Fair Parade", in which students get to dress up as their favorite character of their favorite book.

This year was particularly exciting because it was Caroline's first one. What a day! Nicholas was his beloved Harry Potter (from any of the books...pick 'em).






Caroline was none other than Fancy Nancy (also from any of the books...though I think she picked Fancy Nancy and the Boy from Paris...go figure...)








I've also included a picture of Alice, from Twilight, as played by the music student teacher (and one of my favorites) Robin Smith. Yay Book Fair!

Our Most Valuable Player

I am WAY behind in my blogging, and one of the most egregious delays on my part is to blog about Nicholas' basketball season. He had a tremendous year, and was honored at his basketball banquet twice this spring. He was awarded the Mr. Offense award this year, scoring the vast majority of his team's points, and also received the Most Valuable Player award. We always thought he was the most important player on their team, but we also know we're his parents and a wee bit biased!
Coach Greg & Coach Tony
It was neat to see him recognized by his coaches and teammates as their MVP, and we're very proud of him. It's fun to see his efforts and hard work pay off!

Happy Easter!

Here are two cute pictures of Nicholas and Caroline with their yummy Easter baskets. We didn't get to go to church because Caroline ran a fever the night before but we celebrated our RISEN LORD at home! Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross so that we can spend eternity in Heaven with you!

Swimming Lessons!

Caroline started back to swimming lessons last week. She LOVES it! The people who run this program truly know what they are doing. We have lessons 2 times a week for 4 weeks! This is our third year there! As you can see from the pictures, Caroline is SUPER excited to be back in the pool, and Nicholas is quite unhappy that he doesn't get to take lessons. He finished up last year at the pre-swim team level! Summer here we come!

A very sad day.....

February 26, 2010 was a very sad day in the Holland house. On this day we had to put down our Halbo. He wasn't able to walk anymore (both of his knees in his back legs were dislocated) and we had to make the horrible decision to let go. Letting go is so very hard. But we were able to have him for almost 13 years! We are still adjusting and just last week I asked Nick where Hal was, but we are able to smile and remember his antics without crying! Here are pictures of our last day.....

Deal Shopping!

I have been a serious coupon shopper for about a year now. I have always used coupons but until my sweet friend Sarah discovered some of the blogs out there I really had no idea how to get the best deals and save the most money! Now, I must confess that I have become an addict!! I have stock piled 3 shelves, both my freezers and my pantry. I LOVE IT!! So here is a picture of one of my best shopping trips ever. This is what I bought:
2 Motts Apple Juices
8 boxes Ronzoni pasta
3 2-liters of Coke products (you all KNOW I don't do Pepsi)
3 Grands biscuits
1 creamer for coffee
2 greek yogurts
2 bags Sargento cheese
2 bags of Chex Mix

I only spent $12.15!!! I saved $44.39 or 80%!! Whooo Hoooo!!