Adventures in Bour-land

Some Christmas

2012-01-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

For Maddux Christmas this year we rented a great little Cabin in the woods. We had a blast being all together and away from it all.

Casen loved his Batman.

So excited!

The boys fixed things...

Typical Bourland activities...

Pa helped the boys...

Libby got a Leapad, so this is what she looked like most of the time...

Sweet Casen

Family Holiday Card Picture - Only one take if you can believe it!

Thanksgiving 2011

2012-01-01T05:20:00.000-08:00

You know you are behind on your blog when you are posting about thanksgiving on New Years Day...
This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at the Wade's. The food and fellowship were both wonderful!

Merry Christmas 2011!

2011-12-25T04:25:00.000-08:00

Neighboorhood Leaf Walk

2011-12-11T13:12:00.000-08:00

Before it got too cold, we went for a walk on our street to pick up some of the beautfiul leaves that had fallen. The kids had a blast and Libby made a neat notebook of all her leaves when she finished.

Cookies with Lola

2011-12-09T04:46:00.001-08:00

Lola the elf is visiting with us for a while. This weekend she watched as the kids decorated Christmas cookies.

Puddle Jumper

2011-11-22T14:15:00.001-08:00

Halloween 2011

2011-11-13T07:09:00.000-08:00

For Halloween this year Knox was a fighter pilot (specifically Maverick from Top Gun) and Libby was a bunny ballerina (her own idea).

This is Maverick's "mean face"

Our neighborhood had a big party with games, crafts, a costume contest, hayride and a visit from a firetruck

WINNERS!

For trick-or-treating, we went over to our friends, the Brysons. The had a big bouncy house for the kids, and we had a blast.

My friend Brandi and I

Happy Halloween!

A Fancy Soiree

2011-11-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

Recently, Libby got to get dressed up and go to a Fancy Nancy Birthday Party

Fancy MP, the b-day girl!

Getting fancied up!

Jumping Rope...

Undefeated!

2011-11-06T19:30:00.000-08:00

Libby's soccer team was unbeatable this year! They went undefeated including the last game which was a come from behind 4-3 win. Very exciting. Libby loved meeting new soccer friends, playing around, and eating post-game snacks, but she was not real fond of running or kicking the ball. Blake made her a deal, that if she would kick the ball, he would take her to the Dollar Tree. With that encouragement, she kicked it TWICE! She was so excited about her trophy!

Peace Day 2011

2011-11-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

Libby's school celebrated Peace day a couple weeks ago. They got to hear a fun storyteller and see doves being released into the air.

Then we had a big multicultural pot luck lunch. Libby and Emily waited in the cubbies.

It was fun to have a "peaceful" lunch with Libby and her class.

Salem in the Fall...

2011-10-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

The kids and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Salem to see Pammy and Gramps. Our time there was jam-packed with fun fall activites!

First stop, the little beach. Libby and Knox made sand castles while Pammy soaked up the sun.

After church on Sunday, we headed to the Pumpkin Patch in Mt Vernon. It was GREAT!

The hayride was the best part! It looked like a pirate ship...

The playground was HUGE and it had teeter totters and tricycles.

After all that playing, homemade butterscotch ice cream and kettle corn hit the spot!

A little pumpkin painting after the patch!

Gramps returned from a trip on Monday, so Knox put him straight to work on the tractor.

The girls went shopping and this is what we returned to.

Our last night, gramps and the kids made a campfire.

We had a weenie roast and s'mores...

Yum! Too much fun!

Libby's Soccer Debut

2011-10-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Libby has started playing soccer this fall. She is having a lot of fun.

Knox would give anything to be out there with her.

A prayer before the game

Ready to play defense

Posing for a picture

"Good game!"

I think after-game snacks are her favorite!

All About Libby!

2011-09-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

Libby's first homework assignment was to make a poster all about herself and the things she loves. She put pictures of family, friends, soccer, cheerleading, ballet, and biking. Then of course she had to fancy it up with stickers, glitter and rainbow feathers!

KINDERGARTEN!

2011-09-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Libby started Kindergarten this fall. She was a little nervous but mostly excited. Her first day was a half day to "phase in."

Daddy takes her to school each morning, which Mommy loves...

Checking out the new classroom...

Knox would have stayed too if we would have let him.

The puppet center

Finger puppets

I am so proud of my little girl! When I picked her up from her first day she was hugging a new little girl saying that they were going to have a slumber party! Typical Libby!

Redbirds!

2011-09-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Last month we took a family trip downtown to a Redbirds game

Trying to get Rockey Redbird's attention

Family Reunion #2

2011-09-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

After our trip to Knoxville, we came back to Cookeville for some good time with Pa and our Bowman/Maddux family reunion.

Pa and Ben

The rain did not keep these boys from having fun!

Or these sweet girls...

Giveaway...

2011-09-06T06:22:00.000-07:00

I think most of you know that I have started a little style blog. Check it out! I have a giveaway going on this week.

Family Reunion #1

2011-09-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

While in East TN, we got to go to 2 family reunions. The first was with our Knox family .

We all met up at Anchor Park in Farragut. Gramps taught the boys to skip rocks.

The whole crew

Heading East...

2011-09-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

The first week of August we headed to East Tennessee to see family and friends. Casen met us for some swimming at our hotel pool. Afterwards we snuggled in our towels.

While in Knoxville we got to see our good friends the Robinsons. We had some sweet time being with them and seeing their beautiful new home. We know they are going to love K-town! We went to Ham 'n Goody's with them for lunch, and I introduced Libby and Knox to their first Tea Cakes. Safe to say, they were HUGE fans, just like me.

I think these are the first pictures of Libby's new haircut on the blog. Mommy's attempt to "trim" it went a little shorter than I would have wanted, but we LOVE it now, and she looks so cute. Plus it is much easier to manage. More East Tennessee pictures coming soon...

A few more...

2011-08-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

Guitar with Gramps...

Sprinkler fun...

A stroll outside by the lake...

What a great week we had! We hope to make it up again in the fall when it is a bit cooler.

More from Salem...

2011-08-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

While we were in Salem, Blake and I got away for a short little vacation. We went to the beautiful French Lick Resort and stayed at the West Baden Springs hotel. This was the view from our indoor balcony. Such a beautiful place...

One of the highlights of the trip was Blake getting to play the amazing Pete Dye course!

We enjoyed great food, golfing, and spas.

We couldn't leave without checking out Larry Bird's house, it is for sale if you are looking to moving to Indiana.

Back at the ranch... Knox continued to stalk gramps... Here they are in the workshop.

Taking measurements I guess...

The shirt says, "Grandpa's Right Hand Man."

Gramps helped Libby and Knox build a super cool birdhouse

Thank goodness, Pammy was there too, for some reason she is not in many of the pictures...

A Week with Pammy and Gramps!

2011-08-21T12:13:00.000-07:00

Late July we got to spend a WHOLE WEEK at Pammy and Gramps house! It was a blast!

Knox would have spent the whole week on the tractor if we let him.

He wanted to be right with Gramps all the time. He thought he could help him fix the tractor...

Fishing with Gramps...

Some late birthday gifts for Knox-man.

Ready to rumble, thanks to Gramps! More pics to come...

Happy Anniversary P and G!

2011-08-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Pammy and Gramps! Thanks for leaving a great legacy of Godly marriage for all of us!

Sad Goodbyes

2011-08-12T07:51:00.001-07:00

We recently had to say goodbye (for now) to some of our favorite friends.

Kate and Carter are on the move to one of our favorite town, so for her birthday we got CC a UT shirt so she would fit right in

We had fun saying goodbye at a HOT cupcake party at the playground.

A few days later we hit the zoo with the Browns. They are also moving away. Griffin and Libby have changed quite a bit
2006:

2011:

We enjoyed spending some good zoo time with them before they left

but the zoo can be a bit stinky at times...

We will miss our friends so much! We know the Lord is going to bless them as they leave us, and we hope that we will still see them a lot!

Knox's 3rd Birthday Party

2011-08-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

For Knox's 3rd Birthday party, we had a Donut pajama party! (his hat has a 3 on it, he picked it himself!)

Every kind of donut you imagine!

It was the 4th of July weekend, so we gave s'more making kits for favors

Personalized sippy cups kept chocolate milk spills to a minimum.

The giant donut cake was huge!

But Knox had no problem with it.
Happy birthday to the most handsome and loving 3 year old in the world!

Flower Girl and Ring "Bear"

2011-07-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

Libby and Knox were honored to be in cousin Brennan's beautiful wedding last month. At the rehearsal, Knox asked me where his ears were. I thought for a minute and asked him if he thought he was wearing a bear costume to be the ring "bear". He was very dissapointed to find out the he was not going to be dressed as a bear, but they both still did a great job and had lots of fun...

Busy as a Bee...

2011-07-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

Libby's month of June was JAM-PACKED! After a one week of Bible school, she had...

Soccer Camp...

Another Bible school with cousin Abby...

and cheerleading camp...

Whew, this girl needs a break!

Cinco de Libby!

2011-07-13T12:00:00.001-07:00

For Libby's 5th birthday, we celebrated "Cinco de Libby" at Overton Park.

Waiting in line for the limbo contest!

Pin the sombero on Libby was a big hit!

Sarah won the limbo!

We had a HUGE crowd, so fun!

The pinata was hard to get down!

Griffin finally took care of it for us!

We love you and are so proud of you Libby! Feliz cumpleaños del quinto!

Lake Weekend

2011-07-06T19:19:00.001-07:00

We all had a great weekend with our cousins at the lake over Memorial Day weekend! The Wade's graciously invited us to their beautiful lake house for lots of fun!

Movie time on the couch!

Elle and Parker gave the girls makeovers, Knox wanted a mask too!

Swinging with our cousins

Libby caught a fish, thanks to Richard!

Boating!

Bento Style

2011-06-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of packing your kids lunches Bento style? I hadn't until just recently. I stumbled upon this blog . She packes the most beautiful, fun and healthy looking lunches for her kids. Turns out there is this whole bento world out there with blogs, supplies, cookbooks and everything. I attempted my first lunches packed Bento style, and while they aren't as creative as Wendy's, they are better than what they usually get. And the best part, was they ate almost everything. That is a big deal with these picky eaters.

The Last Day!

2011-06-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

Libby started her last day of Junior Kindergarten the same way she started, with a picture by the school sign.

This is where she hung her bag and coat everyday

With her teachers, Mrs. Paige and Mrs. Emily

Emma Grace, Hill, Libby, Kate, and Anna

Kelsey!

Libby has a great year! She cried herself to sleep that night, so sad that it was over. But she is getting really excited for a new school and Senior Kindergarten next year!

Libby's Special Day and 3 Piggie Opera

2011-06-18T19:34:00.000-07:00

Since Libby's birthday was in the summer, her teacher let her have a "special day" in honor of her birthday. Knox and I arrived while they were out playing so he hopped over to the lego table while no one was around.

Libby helped me make cupcakes for the class. She wanted to sit at a special table with her brother and eat hers.

Since it was her special day, she got to stuff her Buntyn bag full of show and tells. She brought her Easter purse, bicycle Barbie, blankie, ABC book, and Vegas bear just to name a few...

The end of the year program was called the 3 Piggie Opera. The girls were dressed like pigs, and the boys were big bad wolves. The kids had A LOT of songs and words to remember and they all did great!

I let Libby put on a little makeup for the show. She LOVED wearing mascara!

Knox and Libby split a milkshake afterwards to celebrate!

Scooters and Grizz!

2011-06-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

For a very early birthday present, Honey and Pop Pop got Knox a new scooter.

He loves it and has become quite fast at his scooting...

The Bourlands had fun getting into the spirit of the Grizzlies as they played in the NBA playoffs this year. We got to make it to one game. We met up with friends for a fun dinner before...

At the game they had white t-shirts and yellow "growl towels" for all the fans. We had a blast cheering them on to victory!

Recital 2011

2011-06-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

Libby completed her 2nd year of ballet with Mrs. Carrie with a recital. She did great!

Posing with Mommy before the show (thanks Beth for these great pictures).

This year Libby's good friends, Julia, Daveney, and Olivia were in her class. The "light green" class.

Knox couldn't wait to give sissy flowers after the show.

Proud Honey and Pop Pop

Proud Mommy and Daddy

The Royal Wedding

2011-05-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Me and some of my Bible study buddies (with daughters) decided that we couldn't let the once-in-a-lifetime event of William and Kate's wedding pass by without celebrating it with our girls (all of whom assume they, of course, are also future princesses).

We got all dressed up for the event.

Drank sparkling drinks out of fancy cups

Decorated crowns

and watched a tivoed version of the big royal wedding.

Later that evening our cousins came over for one more toast!

My First Bike...

2011-05-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

Libby got her birthday gift from Honey an Pop Pop a bit early this year. Her first bike! They took her to a special bike shop to pick it out and get it fitted just for her. She LOVES it and wants to ride it all the time.

Knox got a new helmet for his tricycle as well...

Wait up sis!

Easter 2011

2011-05-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful Easter service at our church, we headed to Harbor Town for Easter lunch. A few sweet pics...

A Special Wedding

2011-05-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago Blake's oldest buddy Jim got married. We had so much fun at all the events.

The groomsmen competed in a competition to see who was Jim's true best friend and of course Blake won. Dallas and Les came in a close 2nd a 3rd. "Jim" dolls were there prizes.

The rehearsal dinner

At the wedding...

We are so happy for Jim and Kristy and I am so bummed that the only picture of the 4 of us, Kristy had her eyes closed. Oh well, I guess we have the rest of our lives to get another one.

Egg Hunting

2011-04-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

The weekend before Easter Pammy and Gramps came to town for the weekend. They got to join us for my Bible Study's annual Easter egg hunt. It was FREEZING, but we had a blast anyway.

It took Knox a bit to get the hang of the hunting, but once he did he loved it.

Libby of course was on the hunt for the golden egg that she found last year, but no luck.

It was GREAT having P and G with us!

Pammy helped us decorate cookies

Gramps helped me ride the bike

A cold, fun time was had by all!

He Is Risen!

2011-04-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

A New Place to Play!

2011-04-21T11:55:00.000-07:00

A week of so ago, we went to check out the new playground in town. It is AMAZING!

We had a total blast, swinging...

climbing...

teeter-tottering...

and sliding...

whew, time for a rest and a snack!

Yee Haw

2011-04-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last week Knox and I got to help with the Rodeo party at Libby's school. We had so much fun.

Lasso practice.

Knox loved getting to be with Libby and all her friends.

Libby and her cowgirl pal, Emily

American Girl Fashion Show

2011-04-09T13:02:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Libby and I traveled to Decatur for the American Girl fashion show. We made it a super girly day of manicures, lunching, and fashion!

Pop pop got "little Libby" and "little Abby" new outfits to wear to the show.
During intermission of the show we got to be VIPs and walk on the stage and get introduced to the whole audience! Thanks Ashley, Abby, Hudson, and Brent for hosting us. We had a blast!

Spring BUST!

2011-04-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

This years spring break was probably one of the worst ever. The week started off with yucky rain. Knox and Libby packed up the American Girl doll and Curious George in their jackets when we headed out for what would be the only day we left the house that week.

After that we were all (except Libby) struck down with a horrible stomach flu. Knox got it first and as soon as he was better Blake and I were hit hard with it. We had to ship the kids off to Honey and Pop Pop's for 2 days, and then Pammy came in for the weekend to get us back in shape. We are so thankful for our wonderful parents!
Finally, by Sunday evening, we were ready to head to the park for some much needed sunshine and fresh air.

Libby was excited to see her friend Sarah Catherine.

Daddy helped Knox on the zipline.

What about Knox?

2011-03-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

So where was Knox-man during all this Princess fun? He stayed home with Mommy and Daddy and got really spoiled. He got to go to a birthday party, to the mall with Mommy (his choice, not Mommy's if you can believe that), eat lots of junk food, and go to the museum with Daddy. It was really such a joy to have some time with just him. And we were shocked with how great he was even though he missed his sissy so much.

One of the highlights of his weekend was getting to spend an evening with his friends Carter and Kate while Mommy and Daddy went to a family party. I think he enjoyed getting all the girls attention without Libby being there. What sweet friends those girls are...

A Magical Trip

2011-03-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Libby just returned from a wonderful trip to Disney with her grandparents and her cousin Abby.

The girls had so much fun being treated like PRINCESSES for the whole trip

They even got to meet all the princesses

Pop Pop must have been princessed out by the end of the trip, but what a great grandad he is!

They each got to pick out a special gift. Libby chose these princess ears and Abby chose a Mickey Mouse suitcase.

One morning they had breakfast with Mickey!

They got to sleep together in the same bed...

And sit side-by-side while they got dolled up at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique.

A star is born!

Daddy hardly recognized the gorgeous princesses at the airport.

Knox was happy to have sissy home and to see his new Mickey doll.

What a special trip for these special cousins and a special memory with their grandparents. Thanks Honey and Pop Pop for a magical time!

Wacky Wednesday

2011-03-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

This wednesday Libby's class celebrated Wacky Wednesday in honor of Dr. Suess's birthday. We had a little photo shoot on the front porch before school.

Trips, Toilets, and Trikes

2011-03-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

Daddy went on a trip to Vegas, he brought us back these fun bears.

Knox is very slowly working on his potty skills.

Libby had a trike-a-thon at her school. She learned about safety and rode her trike to raise $ for St Jude. Knox got to come too!

Buddies!

2011-02-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

A Snowy Day

2011-01-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago we had a big snow (well, big for us).

Our cousins Abby and Hudson were in town, so they came over to play.

Pop pop helped us sled

Knox LOVED it!

The boys attacked Honey!

Courtside, Baby!

2011-01-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

If you were looking closely, you may have seen Libby and Blake under the goal on the FRONT row of the Grizzlies v. Bulls game on ESPN yesterday.

A New Post!

2011-01-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I have been so bad about blogging. I will try to improve! Here are a few more Christmas time pictures...

Langston was in town and the girls were so thrilled to have some time together.

Libby got to feed the animals at the petting zoo at the Christmas Fair at the Agricenter.

Knox's favorite thing was the Choo Choo!

Daddy helped us write a note to Santa to leave with his cookies and milk.

We left it for him by the fireplace... and when we woke up...

Santa's loot for Libby

Santa's loot for Knox

The Diego Pen, Pillow pets, a camera, a barbie and other goodies were all big hits..

New hooded towels!

I was a little dissapointed when I first opened my only gift from Blake, but then I read the poem in the box and found that he was giving me an IPad. I love it so much! A great Christmas was had by all at the Bourland house!