Meeting Miss Mississippi

Miss Mississippi, Sarah Beth James, is a Madison native, and a reception was held in her honor last Sunday. Anne Parks had become a Sarah Beth fan when we were at the pageant this summer. She is a pianist, and Anne Parks has practiced piano pretending to be Sarah Beth ever since.
The two of us had a fun "big-girl" afternoon. We can't wait to cheer her on in Miss America!




Anne Parks stood like this while Sarah Beth gave her thank you speech and played her competition piece.

Nora's Favorite Spot

Nora loves to sit on the steps. This is where she plays, reads, eats her snacks, and sometimes even takes a rest!

A Saturday on the Playground

Celtic Fest

Last weekend, we braved the heat to attend Celtic Fest at the Ag Center. There was dancing, music, sword fights, food, and lots more! We had so much fun, and even got a rare, if not great, family picture.


Uncle Drew came, too. He and Anne Parks really liked watching the knights fighting! Anne Parks picked the winner every time!









While Jason and Anne Parks visited the jumpy house and face-painting booth, I got the chance to take some photos of Nora. I think they turned out pretty cute! Hasn't she gotten big?

Community Helpers

The Chirpy Chicks have been learning about community helpers, and they got a special visit last Friday. Anne Parks' sweet teacher stuck her head in my office on their way to the parking lot, and I got to join them!

First stop - the fire truck with its loud siren and horn!


Spraying the Hose


Anne Parks and her new friend, Liles


Addy Katherine, Mary Hampton, Anne Parks and Liles


The Chirpy Chicks: back row - Claiborne, Mary Hampton, Addy Katherine, Richard, Anne Parks, Charlie, and Wyatt; front row - Olivia, William, Patrick, Liles, Alex, Gentry Claire, Andrew, and Isabella


In the Firetruck


In the Ambulance - As we approached the ambulance, one of the kids saw it and shouted, "Ice cream truck!" The kids went nuts, then ended up a little disappointed.


Hopefully not a sign of the future!

Labor Day Weekend - A Few More Pics

Outlet Mall Playground














The Hangouts' awesome playground...a giant pile of sand...genious!





Can you spot AP?


Ferris Wheel at The Warf

Labor Day Weekend - Hair Braids

One highlight of our trip for Anne Parks was getting her hair braided at this place, aptly named The Purple Octopus.









Nora liked to watch. Maybe next year, she'll get braids, too!











Liking what she sees!




By the way, the cornrow lasted 5 days, and she's still wearing the threaded one!

Labor Day Weekend - At the Beach

A few weekends ago, we spent a few days in Gulf Shores. We all had a wonderful time, and Anne Parks and Nora both loved the sand and the water!