THE LONDON BRIDGE

2012-02-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

Ella Cate celebrated her 9th birthday January 6th!! We were a little late celebrating due to some family emergencies, but she had a blast. We held it at Jump on Saturday, January 28th! She and all her sweet friends had a great time. I can't believe our baby is 9! Time is flying by so fast. We gave her a bicycle as her gift! Now, if she can just learn to ride without training wheels!!

2012-02-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning:

She was so excited this year. Santa brought her a pandora bracelet, a sorry board game and an electric scooter with a helmet! I think he was pretty good to her! She is enjoying each of them. I had a great surprise this year. My fabulous hubby surprised me with a gift I never would have thought he would have gotten!! A trip to NYC!!! He combined my Christmas with my 40th birthday!! We are going in May and I cannot wait!!

2012-02-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

We started our Christmas season when we were at Disneyworld. We came home and before we could swap cars back with my mom (we had borrowed hers for the trip), one of my nephews had a horrible wreck and totaled ours! We are just very thankful that he is ok. Then Jay and I had our Christmas couples bunco party! We both "bigged" at the same time!! Next we celebrated with Jay's mom! She gave EC a pogo stick and you can see she loves it!! We hosted Christmas Eve with my family at our house this year! We all had so much fun. I am so blessed with a wonderful family!!

2012-02-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

Here is just a vast array of pictures from things that have been going on over the last 6 months or so. They range from Ella Cate's first day of 3rd grade and our beach trip to tailgating MSU style to Halloween and our Disney trip! We have had lots of fun!!

2012-02-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I am going to try this blogging thing again. It has been a while and we have been very busy! Ella Cate is now in the 3rd grade and has just had her 9th birthday. I will post a few pics from the party later. We had a great end to 2011. We took our first trip to Disneyworld over the Thanksgiving holidays. It was absolutely wonderful! I think Jay and I enjoyed it as much as she did. The look on her face at everything will be in my mind forever. It was definitely the most magical place!! Here are a few pics of our trip. We can't wait for the next trip!!

First day at Thomas Street

2009-09-03T18:30:00.001-07:00

We started First Grade at Thomas Street Elementary on Friday, August 14th. She was very excited. Mommy, on the other hand, was a little scared! Change is very hard for me. But, surprisingly, I did great. She was so excited and happy that I could just not be sad. She was looking so forward to it. She even told me and Jay that we could stop taking pictures and leave!! I kept on of course! We have a great teacher, Mrs. Humphries, and she is in the class with Weston and Connor! She was excited about that! She has eaten in the lunchroom and taken her lunch both! I think we are all adapting very well. Except the second week, I had to pick her up and she was out all week with fever and flu stuff!! Anyway, she is doing great. Made all 100's on her first three assessments. (Mrs. Nicole, you did a fabulous job) The hardest thing we are facing is adjusting to no naptime. She is exhausted when she comes home. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, that will get easier. Her Papa Jack picks her up from school everyday, and she goes home with him until we get off work! She is really enjoying spending that time with him, and we are very thankful to him for doing this! Here are some of the pics taken that first day! Ella Cate, we love you and are so proud of you! God has blessed us so much by giving you to us!! Hugs and Kisses!!

EC, Weston & Mrs. Humphries
EC at her desk as I was leaving!
EC, Weston & Connor
Ella Cate & Taylor
Ella Cate & Mommy

Ella Cate & Daddy

Inside the lobby
Ready to go inside!
On the way to school!!

Last day at Harrisburg Day School!!

2009-09-03T18:08:00.001-07:00

Ella Cate and Taylor

This was our last day at Harrisburg, Thursday, August 13th. They looked pretty excited, but Mommies were very very sad!! It was very hard because we loved it there. But a new era was starting for us. God blessed us so abundantly in the years we called HBC our 'school'. Ella Cate made some lifelong friends, and were taught, cared for and loved by so many wonderful teachers! She already misses them so much. To Mrs. Nicole: Words cannot express how grateful we are that we were placed in your class on that first day when she was 2! We could never have imagined the incredible bond that you would form with EC. I am so thankful as well, because I found a wonderful friend for life! We love you dearly and are so thankful for you! (and Sam) Ella Cate will continue to move on up in school, and I know she will do great because she had the loving, christian background that we wanted for her. Thanks a million!

EC and Avery
EC and Aunt Nicole!!!
Ella Cate and Ms. Joanne

Fun in the Sun!

2009-06-26T18:02:00.001-07:00

Ella Cate decided her Jeep needed a wash the other day. She and Ginger had a great time cleaning it up. She is learning early!

Ms Brittany's Wedding

2009-06-26T17:54:00.001-07:00

Ella Cate and Taylor were bubble girls in Ms Brittany Rinehart's wedding. They were so excited. Of course, we mommys had to go all out! Who knew when we would get to do this again! I will post some more from the wedding later. These were taken under the "tickly tree" at Taylor's house.

Splash Park!!

2009-06-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Ella Cate's Kindergarten class had their end of the year party at Splash Park! Everyone had a great time. Ms Patti and I took off work and went to eat a picnic with them! It was so much fun. The kids loved it. I think they all crashed as soon as they got back to the school!

HBC Graduation Reception

2009-06-26T16:32:00.001-07:00

We had great time after graduation at the reception. It was a very special evening. Thanks to Ms Nicole and everyone who made the night "FABULOUS"! We have had a great year and will miss you all so much! Thanks for taking care of my sweet Ella Cate for all these years!

Ella Cate & Carly

EC & Ms Nicole

EC, Grace,Walker & Taylor

Ella Cate & Ms Katie

Ella Cate & Emily

EC & Mr Sam!!!

Ms Stephanie, Ms Mona & Ms Nadine!

EC & Ms Monica

HBC Kindergarten Graduation Class of 2009

2009-06-26T16:12:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics of her graduation ceremony! Papa Jack and Grandmother came to celebrate with us. BiBi and Grandaddy couldn't make it because Hunter & Taylor graduated from high school at the same time. They were so upset! Ms Monica came to watch you too! We all love you very much and are very proud of you!

End of the year program HBC

2009-06-26T15:50:00.001-07:00

Ella Cate had a great year at HBC Day School Kindergarten! It was sad to see the end of the year come. She had a fabulous teacher, Ms Nicole, and wonderful other staff! She made some everlasting friendships! I hate to see her end this stage and move to 1st grade, but she is so excited! Time is just flying by! Here are some pics from the "Down by the Creekbank" program. As you can see, she was a little unhappy at first. But she sucked it up and did a great job! She had her own speaking part with Ms Nicole and did wonderful! We are so proud of you! We love you very much!

Ballet/Jazz Recital

2009-06-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from Ella Cate's recital this year. They are adorable. She had so much fun and learned so much! Thanks Ms Shale!!

EC and her BiBi

EC & Mommy

Ella Cate and Ms Marsha!!

Ella Cate and Ms Nicole on the way!!

Her class after performing

Choir Program FBC

2009-06-26T14:56:00.001-07:00

This was Ella Cate's end of the year choir program at church. She sang her sweet little heart out! The top is a pic with Ms Ginger, one of her teachers!!

Mothers Day 2009

2009-05-14T16:34:00.001-07:00

Here is a precious frame that my sweet Ella Cate gave me for Mother's Day this year. She also gave me a precious card and a sweet smelling pink candle that somehow she decided to take away and give to another special lady in her life!! She is so sweet. Ms. Nicole, we hope you enjoy the candle. My sand art is great. I don't know if you can see it, it says "you are a hoot". I love it. Thanks sweet baby!

Gumtree Festival 2009

2009-05-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Ella Cate's dance class participated in Gumtree this year! She did great. They were adorable. They danced their little hearts out! Now recital may not be so stressful this year.

Easter 2009

2009-05-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the Easter weekend. Some are from church on Sunday and some from the Easter Egg hunt for FBC. Ella Cate had a great time. We had hot dogs and all sorts of dips and desserts. The kids had group readings of the Easter story, played on the playset, did face painting, made necklaces, and, of course, bubbles! Thanks to the Womacks for hosting this at their home!

Precious Blog!

2009-04-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you all know to go over to the DoodleBugsPaper Blog and enter for a great giveaway! Her stuff is adorable. Precious stationary!

2009-04-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Last week my best friend from home and her son came to visit from Atlanta during their spring break. We were all so excited! They stayed 5 whole nights. Usually when we get to visit it is just for a couple of nights. The kids played and played. It was pretty good weather so that worked out well. They did get a little irritable at all of our shopping. We had to hit some certain stores! We did bribe them with some candy to get these pics out of them! Whatever works!! We had a great time and we miss you guys! See you soon.

Daddy-Daughter Date

2009-04-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

This year our Tapestry Womens Ministry held a daddy-daughter date. Ella Cate invited Jay to take her. Of course he said "yes!" It was a precious time for all. They dressed in their Sunday best and our minister of music, Bro Randy, and his two daughters entertained with music and a slide show of their family when his girls were young. Romie's catered it and the girls got to decorate a cupcake and a mirror to keep. It is to remind them that each time they look in the mirror, they are a creation of God. They also had someone there taking a picture of the two of them and framed it to bring home. Ella Cate loved it, and I am pretty sure Daddy did too! Hopefully, this will be an annual thing.

I'm Back!

2009-04-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a while. We have had lots of stuff going on at the London household! Ella Cate has turned six and is finishing up her kindergarten year. I will post some pics of her first sleepover, including some from their karaoke time. It was hilarious! They also had a dress up fashion show. There will also be some pics from her party at school.

2009-01-21T19:54:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a while since I posted.

We have been pretty busy at the London Bridge. We have celebrated a 6th birthday for our sweet Ella Cate. We had a fabulous sleepover with a few friends. We were given a superb fashion show and we ended the night with some karaoke. They all crashed around 11:30pm and snoozed the rest of the night. They all woke up bright eyed and ready to go. Another round of karaoke at 9:00am on Saturday morning!! Can you imagine? We all really had a great time. (The adults maybe a little more!) I will get some pics posted soon.

Also, we are trying to get back into the routine after the holidays. We are finding that very difficult. We have also been battling the viral infection that seems to be taking over the area. So far, no strep throat!! Hopefully, the next few weeks will be better.

On another note, hubby finally broke down and purchased himself a new tv. He is beside himself. He has definitely thought and thought and waited and waited. He deserves it!! I must say it is great. However, now there is mention of a blue ray player. Ah, the new technology never ends!!

Happy Birthday Ella Cate!!

2009-01-07T19:41:00.000-08:00

I am a little late posting, but Tuesday, January 6th was Ella Cate's 6th birthday. She has been looking forward to turning 6 for a while. We were able to spend some much needed family time together over the Christmas holidays. I had a really emotional time taking her back to school and going back to work on Monday. I cried all the way there. It felt like going back to work after maternity leave all over again. I don't know why I got so emotional this year. Then, Tuesday she turned 6!! I can't believe it. Time has flown by. She is such a big girl now. I thought my biological clock was not talking to me anymore, but today I think it is. I got emotional because a friend that had borrowed Ella Cate's baby carrier brought it back to me today. It made the memories come back in a flood!! Anyway, I will be calling this friend soon so that I can get some "baby" time in.

For now though, I just want to wish my baby "Happy Birthday". Ella Cate, you are my heart and soul and I love you to the moon and back!! You are a precious little girl and we are extremely blessed to have been picked to be your parents. It is our greatest gift. We Love You!!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

We had The Hammacks over for some burgers and fireworks on New Years Eve. We all had a great time! It was very cold outside, but we just haaaddd to shoot the fireworks! Some of us are scared of them, so we just did a few bottle rockets and some sparklers! Ella Cate and Taylor stood in the back of Mr. Ryan's truck and did the sparklers!! Little Whit sure tried to hang in with the girls but just couldn't make it! He is so precious. Take a look at some pics. The girls are two of a kind! (Wonder if that brings back memories for mine and Patti's moms?!)

Christmas Morning!!

2009-01-04T18:24:00.001-08:00

Ella Cate slept in on Christmas morning. She slept till about 8:30am. I know, she is a strange bird. Like her mother, she enjoys her beauty sleep. (That is why we are late every day!) She got several of the things she had asked for. What you are seeing is a Phaddywack Lane doll. Her name is Courtney and she is the cutest thing. They have books and cd's that go along with them and you and your friends can have little tea parties, etc. Each doll is a different type of character, such as bumblebee, bunny, princess, etc. Even has cute boy dolls for those of you who can get away with that!! Santa also surprised her with a Nintendo DS (pink, of course). I think everything she received except the doll makes noise of some sort!! What were we thinking??

Christmas Eve in Aberdeen!

2009-01-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

Opening her gifts, fun time w/ Uncle Ronnie, Lance and Taylor, and goofing off with Daddy.

Etc...

2009-01-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

More pics with family at Christmas program~ Lance and Courtney, Grandmother, Papa Jack and Bibi and Granddaddy.

Christmas Program

2009-01-04T17:30:00.001-08:00

Here are some pics from Ella Cate's Christmas program at school. I am a little late posting, but here is our sweet little angel. Also included are Mrs. Nicole, Carly and of course, Mommy!!

Down Time

2008-12-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Ours was great! Santa was very good to the Londons this year. We are now just enjoying our down time together before we are back to our normal schedules. We loved every minute of our holiday season, even though we went non-stop for a few weeks. We are looking forward to 2009! Ella Cate has a birthday coming up in 2 weeks. We hope the Lord will continue to bless our family with health and happiness through the next year. We are so thankful for everything He has given us.

Christmas Program

2008-12-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight Ella Cate had her Christmas program at school. It was precious. Mrs. Nicole and all her teachers worked extra hard to make it a night to remember! And what it was! The sweet children sang their hearts out to the Lord. The kindergarten class were dressed as Mary, Joseph, wise men, shepherds and angels. EC was an angel and looked adorable! She is so grown up. I was a little emotional when the class finished the Christmas story from Luke on their own. They also said John 3:16 as a group! She has been with these children since she was 2 years old. It is great, and comforting, to see how they have all grown up knowing and loving the Lord. Many thanks to all of the teachers, assistants and directors at her school that watch over her every day and work to make sure that she not only learns academics, but also reinforce the love of the Lord! We are so blessed.

Thanks!

2008-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my great friend Nicole for helping me learn the bloggy stuff! I think I am going to luv it. Merry Christmas!

2008-12-14T19:46:00.000-08:00

Baby Steps

2008-12-14T19:27:00.000-08:00

I am new to the blogging world, so ya'll be patient with me. I have mastered facebook, so now I am on to something new. It has taken me a little while to come into the electronic age. Hopefully I will learn all the tricks soon! We have had a busy week with Christmas parties and such. Also finding time to fit in the hours of trying to get a decent Christmas card pic. This year instead of having trouble getting her to sit still, I had the little performer on my hands! I think she will be a star! I hope to be able to slow down after this week and enjoy the many blessings I have in my life. God has given great things to me, but the most precious is Jesus! Hopefully, in the middle of the craziness, my daughter learns from me the real meaning of the season! Merry Christmas to all!