One Nation . . .

I am not a person who talks politics. And I will not begin now. What I will say is that the United States of America is a beautifully diverse and strong nation which has a history of doing difficult things be it declaring it's own independence, fighting against itself to end the evil institution of slavery, standing and fighting with allies to stamp out world evil, fighting for civil rights for all people, and so forth.

No matter where we personally stand in political lines, the one thing that is undeniable to all is that we live in "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

On Memorial Day weekend this year, we traveled to Washington DC. It was our girl's first trip to DC and it is one I hope they always remember. Being in Washington DC on Memorial Day weekend was inspiring and very moving. 

We visited all of the monuments, the National Archives where we saw the Declaration of Independence, toured the Smithsonian Natural History and American History Museums, walked around the White House.

 And to top it all off we got to see President Obama and the First Lady leaving a restaurant. This first trip to Washington DC will definitely be one that the girls will always remember.

Beginning and Ending

            It has been some time that I have sat down and typed out a post here on my blog. At times composing blog posts have seemed so difficult. The words have not come. I have missed this place, however, I feel that I have needed this quiet and introspective time to allow myself to go through the process of moving to a new state and all the new changes both physically, mentally and emotionally that go along with big changes. Today I begin writing once again.
            In my beginning of writing again, it is ironic that this post will also celebrate the ending of our oldest daughter's years in elementary school. Emma-Caroline has been blessed over the years of elementary school with amazing teachers from Mrs. Hughes in Kindergarten, to Ms. Ellison in first grade, to Mrs. Tarbett in second grade, to Ms. Murphy in third grade, to Ms. Hulsey in fourth grade and finally to Mrs. Crickenberger in fifth grade. She has attended BES all six years at two different schools, Bearden Elementary School in Knoxville, Tennessee for kindergarten through fourth and Brownsville Elementary School in Crozet, Virginia for fifth grade. Both schools have formed our child both academically and socially in amazing ways. We feel blessed that Emma-Caroline had such a wonderful elementary school experience. Now she is off to middle school at Henley Middle School. Congratulations Emma-Caroline! We are very proud of you, sweet girl! Here's a look back at Emma-Caroline's elementary school years.

Kindergarten Year in Mrs. Hughes' class.

First Grade Year in Ms. Ellison's Class

Second Grade Year in Mrs. Tarbett's class.

Third Grade with Ms. Murphy

Fourth Grade with Ms. Hulsey

Fifth Grade with Mrs. Crickenberger

Fifth Grade Graduation

Strawberries!

Today we went out to our local strawberry fields to pick bushels and bushels of sweet strawberries. What an awesome way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Emma-Caroline Turns 11!

Each year that the girls have a birthday roll around, I can not believe that time has passed so quickly and that they have turned one year older.

 Emma-Caroline is now 11 years old and has done exceptionally well in our move and in our transitioning to a new state and school.

 She has made lots of new friends and has been having a wonderful 5th grade year. Emma-Caroline has also taken up a new love of horse back riding which is something she shares in common with her Nana.

 We were so excited that Nana was able to join us this year to celebrate Emma-Caroline's birthday!

Happy birthday sweet Emma-Caroline! We love you!