Yes, we were Elvis inspired after our Viva! Elvis! Cirque de Solei show in Vegas. Andy splurged on these authentic gold plated Elvis glasses (HA!), and we did our best impersonations!
The tables didn't treat us as nicely as the last time we were there, but the city sure was fun. Thank you Jay & Cait for joining us to celebrate my graduation and for initiating me to the Roulette table.
Nearly 6 years of deadlines, papers, exams, and of course the nerve-wrecking dissertation, all hurdles I felt at times were impossible to jump. I’m not sure what exactly inspired me to begin this journey, many thought I was loosing my mind (and perhaps I was), but now that it’s done, I feel just so . . . happy.
I graduated.
I walked across the stage, stood in front of my family and the newly graduated, and went through the hooding ceremony.
I’m at a crossroads, and life is coming into place. This year I will be an assistant professor at Ball State University teaching four online courses. My school corporation approved a one-year career exploration leave for me to try my hand at higher education. Although I know this is the path I’m meant to take, it’s very bittersweet. It’s tough to think about packing up my classroom, next year’s students who have already been assigned to “Mrs. Kingsley’s” homeroom, and not seeing my SCI friends on a daily basis. What a blessing to know I have my teaching job to return to if the classroom is where I’m meant to be.
But this year, I will set my own schedule (revolving around new found time with my girls), be able to take Alice to preschool, give Andy back his weekends, and that makes me . . . happy.
I graduated.
Now, Andy and I leave tomorrow for Vegas to celebrate with my brother and sister-in-law. And again, I just feel so HAPPY!
Audrey is now 14 months old and well on her way to 15 months. She's been able to clearly communicate yes and no (shakes her head adamantly either way), but this week she really started talking saying "thank you, momma/mommy, ball, dog, bubble, all done, shoe, foot, paci, and Allleeee [alice]). She can point to her head, nose, and tummy when asked and is very polite to everyone (hiiii, byeee). I would say her all time favorite thing is opening and closing doors (then screaming because she's locked out!) She loves to snuggle and play peek-a-boo with her pink blankie and bury her head on pillows when we say "Night, Night." Right now as I'm writing this, she is calling for Alice and trying desperately to open her door while she's napping. It's cute how they are already depending on one another and almost seem lost when they aren't together.
Audrey is definitely a momma's girl, and now that I have some time off, we've been having a lot of quality time together. Boy, has it been HOT this summer! Alice loves to run through the sprinkler and Audrey loves the water table. We've really been enjoying the yard and our porch.
Time to wrap up this post. A stinky diaper is awaiting me!
Alice is really into singing "on stage" and making up her own tunes. Sometimes I wonder if she is speaking a foreign language. I think this kid is destined to be a performer. Yesterday she spent her evening as Cinderella. She strutted into the kitchen and shouts, "Hey everyguys (aka everybody). . . Here is my Prince Charming!" She spent her evening at "the ball" doing her ballet in the kitchen. Oh boy! This is her performance of her new song titled, "We Share Everything!"
Andy had a few days off, so we began our 4th of July weekend in Chicago to celebrate Daniel's graduation. Alice IDOLIZES Anastasia and I swear aged about 2 years just spending the weekend with her. Anastasia was so sweet with Alice (and Audrey of course).
We headed back to Sheridan on Sunday and spent the 4th hanging out in Sheridan. We kicked the day off with the Sheridan parade.
It's not easy keeping this one still. Had to break out the "bear backpack" and even made it a patriotic one!
Notice Audrey grabbing her right ear. . . turns out it was the beginning of an ear infection :( Didn't have a clue that was what she was doing at the time.
Horray for candy!!
The Timme family walking the parade.
Afterwards we headed right to the pool for an afternoon of grilling out and swimming!
Alice helped make the 4th of July cake . . .Mommy's favorite (Jello cake) and from the looks of it, Audrey's favorite too!
Papa trying his hardest to make Audrey a Mets fan.
We weren't sure Alice would make it up until the fireworks (or be brave enough to go). But after watching the spectacular Kingsley $20.00 Meijer combo pack (sense the sarcasm?), Alice was all about it. Andy took her to the park to watch while I stayed home with Audrey. Alice was thrilled with the fireworks saying, "This is amazing!" "This is beautiful" and "Oh My Heavens!"
