Day at the Orchard

Well, we decided on Jesse's last day of Fall Break to try out the local orchard for a morning of picking apples with our great friends Lily Grace, and her mom Barb. The kids had a blast and soon became pros at pulling those apples off the tree. Claire even decided to bite into one and devoured it! Enjoy the pictures. Couldn't think of a better way to spend a great fall morning!

The kids found dried up beans nearby, so for some reason, decided to pose with them.....
Claire's 1st apple to pick all by herself.
Our bucket of apples after we were done!

Day at the Zoo with Daddy

Well, he did it....Lance actually went to the zoo with us. Poor Lance, he's never been the zoo type. So when the kids and I were loading up the van this morning, what a surprise to see that Lance was coming too!!! We had a great time and perfect weather. The kids were both on their best behavior (sigh...) We had a picnic lunch, which we all enjoyed thoroughly!! Thanks Daddy for coming!!!
My little canoeists (that might not be a word...)
Jesse striking some sort of wierd ninja pose nwxt tothe dragon at the China exhibit. We have a bust week planned this week, so stay tuned for lots of new photos!!
Lov,Gretchen

Happy Fall Yall!!

Well, October is here along with the wonderful season of Fall! I've included some recent photos of Claire, but promise to attach some soon of Jesse. It seems as if he's always in school when I'm taking these pics..... More of him to come soon!! Claire and Jesse are doing great, and as the weather has cooled down, lots of outdoor pics to come!! Here is Claire with her "Baby Brooke", whom she feeds and rocks all day!
One of Claire's other favorite things.....
Of course, now that it is officially October, bring on the seasonal clothes!!! I am proud to say this outfit is size 24 months and shoes size 5!!

We had to go to the zoo today since the weather was absolutely perfect!!! Here is Claire keeping her eye on a chicken too close for her comfort, all the while petting a baby lamb. She thoroughly enjoyed our visit today!!! Promise to post very soon!!

Love, Gretchen

Another Wonderful Week!!

Well, Claire and I thoroughly enjoyed the zoo on a mild day last week. The butterflies were drawn to Claire, and of course, she was not afraid of them at all!
She wanted to take them home. I convinced her that they belonged with their family, so she was OK with that!

This is Claire with one of her looks while praying. She refuses to completley close her eyes, and has to peek at us while we are saying the blessing....


Promise to post again real soon!!
Love,Gretchen

Back into a routine.......

Well, all is well here at The Hollingsworth Household! This past weekend was Tiger Fan Fest and Jesse had to have his annual picture with Pouncer taken. He's getting taller!!! I remember when Pouncer would have to crouch down on his knees with Jesse. Can't believe my 2nd grader is grwoing up....
Well, of course Lance couldn't resist when he saw a pink laptop in the toy isle this week. For some reason, we found Claire before bedtime playing it in my bathroom! Whatever works for Claire......
Jesse finished his 1st school project by himself. If is a collage of "What Makes Me Special" that covers his profile in cardoard. His did the entire process ( I helped with a bit of gluing) in his own and was very proud. Way to go Jesse.
Claire, also had to have her picture taken, because she helped "watch" Jesse with his project. Well, I promise to post again very soon!

Love,Gretchen

End of the 1st Day of School

Well, it was chaos picking up Jesse today with hundreds of parents doing the same, but I eventually found him and he was happy as a lark. He loved his 1st day & immediately met a new friend who sits next to him in class and they sat next to each other in lunch. He said he was funny and nice. He had lots to talk about and was as happy as I've seen him in a long time!

After school, we all went to get ice cream to celebrate the beginning of another great school year. Nana was able to come along, and Wednesday, Grandma will bring Jesse a special Beginning of the Year treat!

Nana loves her chocolate.....

I promise to post very soon!
Love,Gretchen

2nd Grade Here We Come!!!

Well, Jesse started 2nd grade at a new school this year. Though very excited, he seemed to be a tad apprehensive. He was up and ready to go this morning, especially after eating his favorite breakfast!

This year, Jesse will be riding to school with Lance, which will be a change and special treat for Jesse. Sure hope Lance was not driving while taking this picture.......
Jesse found his name on this desk and was ready to go. He was sick of having his picture taken and said, "Mom.....you can go now...." My baby is growing up!

A Very Special Day......

Well, this weekend we celebrated Jesse & Claire's Baptism surrounded by our very special family & friends. The ceremony went smoothly and both of the kids did great. Jesse got a lot out of the ceremony. We are very proud of him! Here we are with Father Martell, and Chris and Ann, the Godparents.
The kids after the ceremony. Claire wasn't too sure in this photo!
The kids with Ann & Chris. Thanks for coming all the way from Washington State to be with us!!!
Mommy & Daddy with the kids.
Claire & Jesse and Grandma & Grandpa's house afterwards at the celebration. Lots of yummy food & treats were had by all!!
Jesse starts school this week, so I promise to post very, very soon!!

Love,Gretchen

Weekend Fun in Jackson, MS

We drove down to Jackson, MS to see Lance's Grandparents, Cousins, & Aunts and Uncles last weekend and the kids had a blast. It's only 2 weeks until school begins, so we jumped at the free weekend and drove down. We had great fun, food, & company!
Claire was instantly taken with her cousin Micheal, who was taken with her as well.....
Jesse's Pappaw found this Mastedon tooth in the Natchez Trace area a few years ago. Jesse was fascinated with the tooth and it's size! We then went to the Museum of Natural Science, where they had a new dinosuar exhibit...full of Mastedon teeth. Jesse was thrilled!!
Jesse & Claire with Mammw during our trip. Thanks for all the great food, Mammaw!!

Trying to stay cool!

Mary Sofia came over for her 1st play date a t Claire's house. They played outside for as long as the mommies could stand the heat! They did splendidly at taking turns going down the water slide! Fun was had by all and yummy snacks followed inside...where it was a bit cooler!!
Mary Sofia became a pro at the slide....
You can tell she's used to hamming it up for the camera!
Hollywood Claire ready for a splash.
Thanks for coming Mary Sofia and Carrie! Sure we'll do it again real soon!!!

Sorry it's been so long......

Well ,today we visited the Mud Island Riverwalk for the 1st time. We went with friends Lily Grace & Elliot from gymnastics class, and their mommies. The kids had a blast! They splashed til they could no longer and then after getting sprinkled in the "Gulf of Mexico", we had lunch in the shade. The kids were exhausted. Yay! All the kids enjoyed the water and were on their best behavior.

Ms. Barb, Claire, & Lily Grace having some fun.
Can't tell Claire liked it at all......
Elliot & Claire having some sort of discussion.
Jesse was a great help with the little kids on the Riverwalk!

I promise to post again real soon!
Love,Gretchen

Sorry it's been so long (continued)........

Well, we've been having a very fun and busy summer. But I finally have a free t moment to post a few new pictures. We're trying to fit lots of fun stuff in before school starts in 3 weeks! Hard to believe!


Claire playing dress up. Actually, she walks around in these shoes most of the day....
Jesse at a Redbirds game with PawPaw, cousin Dylan, and his friend Ryan. Jesse thoroughly enjoyed seeing his cousins this summer!!
Handsome Jesse before going out to eat.
More pictures from today's visit to Mud Island Riverwalk. The kids had a blast and were exhausted at the end of the day....just the way we like them!
Jesse with little Elliot staying cool at the Riverwalk.