Catching up......

OK..... Where do I start? How about at the end of summer?

At the end of July, my dad retired after working for Exxon for 36 years! We had a retirement dinner at Ralph and Kacoo's. Dad, thank you for teaching me about loyalty, honesty, and working hard. I love you!!!

Next, we went to Gatlinburg with Ryan's family to celebrate Ryan's parents 60th birthdays. The entire Metz crew was there. Ryan, Cole, Kate and I went to Chattanooga for a few days before meeting up with the rest of the family. We were able to do the Incline Railway, Ruby Falls, Rock City, and a train ride though the beautiful Tennesee countryside. We also ran out of gas there, but that is another story altogether :) While in Gatlinburg, we were able to enjoy Cade's Cove, Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, and Laurel Falls. Cole was even selected to chase the chickens at the Dixie Stampded. We had so much fun, especially all of the "girl talks" in the outside hot tub every evening. Oh yeah, we saw a few deer and a bear while in Cade's Cove!!!!

Next, it was time to get into the swing of things with the start of school... Cole started his first year in a five day a week K4 program in a school close to our house, and Kate started her two days a week Mother's Day Our program at a church close to home. Oh, they grow up too fast.

Then, at the end of August, we celebrated Kate's first birthday and my Grandmother's 100th birthday and Hurricane Gustav all in one weekend! How is that for some major milestones?

Kate is such a sweet baby. She started walking right after her first birthday. She has a big brother that she has to keep up with. She is also getting about 8 teeth all at once right now. She is a busy body. She loves to walk around the house and collect things (hangers, shoes, bubble bath). She is so proud of herself when she brings them to you. She doesn't like her naps. She likes to swing her arms and clap when music comes on. She LOVES pancakes, Ritz crackers, and fruit (and nursing)!!!! I am just now weaning her. She will NOT take formula, milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, or vanilla milk. We have tried everything. Happy 1st Birthday, bug! Mommy loves you so much!

Yes, it is a homemade cake. Don't laugh.

My grandmother was born in Iowa, Louisiana, on September 5, 1908. She still lives at home (with the help of sitters). Every day of the year, you will find her with a dress, slip, and hose on under a "mountain"of blankets in her chair. I guess she is "old school" Baptist that way. I have never seen her in anything but a dress. We celebrated her birthday at a local hotel with all of my aunts and uncles and cousins and most of their families. I was surprised at the turnout since most of my cousins live so far away and since there was a hurricane heading straight towards us. I love you, Ma Ma, and am blessed to have such a wonderful, loving grandmother.

Finally, Hurricane Gustav hit Lafayette on September 1st. We evacuated to Baton Rouge, but probably should have stayed in Lafayette. Baton Rouge was hit pretty hard. Jason lost 18 trees in his yard. We lost about 5 shingles at our house. I guess there are a few good things about not having trees :) We spend several weekends afterwards going back to Baton Rouge to help with the clean up.

I will have to catch you up on our great fall beach trip later! Bran and Jenn, I hope you are happy!