Big School Debut

We have been very busy in August and September adjusting to our new school schedule.  Vi's school day is a little bit longer, but that hasn't seemed to bother this energy-filled gal.  The year started with the Backpack Blessings ceremony at our church.

Vi has settled right into her new classroom.  It is super cool, and there is a second level "home living" play area on top of this little reading nook.  Of course, we had to get a first day of school picture with Vi's new teacher.

We visited many schools in our area and luckily, it is clear that we made the right choice for Vi.  It is a little bit of a drive from our house, but has been worth the extra few minutes in the car.  She comes home singing a new song and telling us new "facts" each day.  We are thankful to have found her home for the year.

There are lots of opportunities for the little kids to get involved at school.  Vi has enjoyed collecting Box Tops for the big competition mainly because the class who turns in the most gets to have an ice cream party.

We hope that everyone has a great 2013-2014 academic year!

Sprinkles for Lily

Lily's sprinkle felt more like a full on shower.  We had such a great luncheon at my favorite restaurant, Tomato Head.  The strawberry filling in this cake was to die for, too!

Our very generous friends and family included Vi and "sprinkled" her with a few treats.  It really should've been Vi's sprinkle and Lily's shower.

Super sweet aunts that prove having a sister is a blessing!  I did not get an individual shot, but Aunt Janice came all the way from Virginia to be at the shower, too.

 Lily's (and Vi's) fan club.  I was so happy to see family, family friends, high school friends, and college friends.  It's always nice to have an excuse to get together with everyone.  Vi seemed stunned that all of these people she normally sees in isolated places were in the same restaurant!  She loved it!

Congratulations Grandma and Mamaw on gaining (soon) another grandchild!

I have the best friends in the world.  They are both busy, working moms and it meant so much to me that they organized the sprinkle (and worked in my favorite restaurant).  The centerpieces were lilies (how thoughtful!) and mason jars filled with Hershey's hugs and kisses.  Every detail was perfect.  Thank you Rebecca and Cathy - we love you!

Family Pictures

Follow the link:

www.madamebrown.net/2013/08/the-lepore-family/

Sweet Lily

 Baby Lily's pictures are very similar to Vi's ultrasound pictures.  She has the same full cheeks and lips.

Hey, it's fun in here!

Sleepy girl.

Only a few more weeks to go until we get to meet her in person and we can't wait!

Staycation celebration!

We had a BIG staycation weekend that involved making the rounds at some of our local tourist pit-stops that we had never visited, along with some classic favorites.  Our first stop was a visit to the top of Lookout Mountain via the TN incline railway.  This ride is very steep, and the temperature at the top was about 10 degrees cooler than when we first started riding the incline - what a nice surprise!

Conductor Vi and family spent the night at the Chattanooga Choo Choo and had a very own Victorian rail car to call home.  There is so much to do at the choo choo!  One thing that we all loved was the model railroad museum - very impressive!

The rail car was very spacious and had enough room for a queen size bed plus this daybed.  We also had a bathroom and flat screen TV.  I could travel anywhere in these conditions!  The lobby was open and beautiful with a domed ceiling.  Vi felt like a princess and did some poses for me.

Our next stop, Rock City!  Have you seen Rock City?  If not, you should.  The barns all over the southeast tell you that it is awesome, and we agree.

Our last favorite place is Dollywood!  Vi loves to cruise and sing "Lollipop" on the antique cars.

Dolly's Imagination Library was awesome featuring Ladybug Girl and Bingo.

Vi had a playmate on this trip.  They enjoyed having their faces painted and playing games at the end of the day.  This was an extra special trip to Dollywood because we got to spend the day as a family, and several of our favorite people joined us (Mamaw, Paw, Grandma, Grandpa, Allyson, Skylar, and Taylor).  We can't wait to go back again soon.

Winners!

Princess for a day

Vi got to attend a special Princess birthday party for a friend.  Some of the highlights of her princess day were:

selecting the Merida costume (Brave) from a giant closet of princess dresses

receiving a princess hairstyle, glitter included

nails & makeup

tea & cupcakes

lots of twirling and dancing to Disney Princess music

playing Princess games

Although she lives in her own little princess world each and every day, it was fun to share it with her friends and get the royal treatment.  We love our Princess Vi!

Ahhhh the lake

SWIMMIN', CRUISIN' & FISHIN'

all weekend long!