Dan's new love!

Dan has finally had a "wild hair" and done something completely impractical and not like himself at all.....and I couldn't be happier for him - as long as he is careful. Dan has discovered the rush and joy of riding motorcycles. This bike pictured was a loaner for the weekend from his boss, Gary - but Dan is looking for a similar bike to call his very own. Although I fear for his safety - he is mostly wanting to ride country back roads for leisurely rides and he took a 3 day motorcycle safety course first and graduated with the ability to get his license. JT and Danielle are as equally fascinated with Dad's new hobby and LOVE to ride. Good thing JT got that old 1970's helmet from Great Grandpa Mac a few months ago.

Danielle and class mascot, Allen the Alligator get a ride too!

JT's 2011 Fall Baseball Season

John Tanner's first year of "kid-pitch" baseball. He is on the Tampa Bay Devil Rays team this season. He has a great group of coaches and players - most of whom attend our church too. John Tanner has struggled with batting this season, mostly due to a fear of run away balls from new pitchers - but he is trying to be brave and stay in the batter's box. He is an incredibly acurate thrower for the potential to pitch himself if he ups his "game" to be more aware of all that is going on in the in-field. He just LOVES baseball.

JT warms up before a game.

Oh, we are in trouble!!!

If this is what we can expect from teenage years - we are in so much trouble!

Mighty Tikes Triathlon

Danielle gets ready to participate in the Mighty Tikes Triathlon - one of the cutest events that Williamson County Parks and Recreation hosts!!! Kids ages 3 to 7 bike two laps around a bike course, stop get off their bikes and head to run through the obstacle course, complete with hoops, bouncy balls and a slide and then finish the event by running through the sprinklers. Danielle attended last year's event as a spectator and was all upset that she wasn't signed up to participate - so naturally I signed her up thinking that she was game to be a great competitor - not quite. But fortunately for us, every participant gets a medal and a t-shirt - not dependent on how they do or their attitude!!!

Danielle, Parker and Carter line up at their Heat Gate getting ready to head to the start line.

Danielle LOVED the bike portion of the event and rode really fast. When she got to the running portion through the obstacle course, her excitement wore off and she quickly became the World's slowest triathlete ever! One of my staff, Randianne, had to hold her hand and basically drag her through the course. It was hysterical, not just for Danielle's lack of interest, but for the fact that Randianne is 7 months pregnant and was jumping up and down and running with enough energy for the both of them. She did finally get Danielle to run through the sprinklers at the end. Even though Danielle refused to run through the ribbon at the finish line and let the lady put a medal around her neck -mom was able to drag her across the finish line and accepted her medal on her behalf. She was all lucky go happy when she realized they had a snack tent sponsored by McDonalds. She ran over to ask for apples, a sausage biscuit and orange juice. Then we got winner's circle pictures with her and our neighbors who also participated!

Danielle with friends and neighbors, Parker, Carter and Eva Belle. Eva Belle was so excited to get her picture made with the big kids and medal winner from the triathlon. She'll be a competitor before you know it!

Center Hill Lake - Sat. Aug. 27, 2011

The kids brought their bestest buddies, Jesse and Addie Lee, to the lake for the day. I can honestly say it was not a relaxing day at the lake, but we had so much fun! The kids were great playing together and had a blast riding, swimming and jumping into the water all day. Danielle loved getting to spend the day with "Juicy" and Addie and it made me feel good to hear Jesse say halfway through the day that "this is the best day ever". It was fun taking pictures of them being silly and having a good time all day.

Addie Lee's favorite thing to do was drive the boat! She'd play for a while and then make her way back to Dan's lap to take over driving responsibilities. She loved going left to right - straight was too boring!

The water was the perfect temperature and was so refreshing. The kids had a great time swimming and jumping off the boat

Addie and Dani try out the little boat!

I think these best buds had a very good time at the lake together. Can't tell if they had more fun being in the water or being in the boat, but there were smiles and laughter all day long. We are so glad that we found great friendship with the Lee family.

Jesse Lee trying to take me out along with my camera!

Danielle LOVES jumping off the boat and probably jumped off 100 times this day.

What good is a picture with your best buddy without "bunny ears"?

Nap time after a fun day at the lake

Big girl, Danielle Olivia's, first day of Kindergarten as an Allendale Alligator! She was so excited to be starting "big girl school" and to be at school with her "Bubby" as she affectionately refers to John Tanner now. She looks so grown up in this picture - I can't believe she is starting school. Her baby years flew by much too fast. But I must say, I am really enjoying getting to know her as a little person - she is so funny and fascinating. She is still very obstinate and independent - but not as often. I am so proud of her. She is anxiously waiting the day she can start riding the bus in the mornings with JT and then get to go to SACC with him each day after school until we can pick them up. Danielle had a 1/2 day of school on Tuesday, August 16th, a full day on Thursday, August 18th and officially starts next Monday, August 22nd! I wish her teacher Miss Farris well!

My fourth grader and kindergartener together for Danielle's first day of school

Big Brother, John Tanner, takes Danielle down the main hallway at school to her new classroom. I'm so glad she has him at school to watch out for her during her first year. He is such a good brother and she just adores him. They have to give each other hugs and kisses before they separate every day! I hope they always feel this way about each other.

This is Danielle on the rug in her new Kindergarten class. We LOVE her new teacher Miss Farris. Danielle has the honor of being in Miss Farris' very first class ever!!! She is so cute and sweet and is the perfect Kindergarten teacher. We can't wait to see what Danielle gets to do as a big girl in Kindergarten.

JT and Dani get soaked at the water front park downtown Chattanooga. We love stopping here for a a few hours for the two of them to run wild and have a great time. It is such a beautiful park - every town should have one of these. After playing in the fountains - they got to ride on an antique merry go round too.

John Tanner and Danielle get ready to play in the fountains at the Chattanooga Riverfront - they had a blast running in and out of the fountains and then enjoyed ice cream at CeCe's!!!

Katherine, Danielle, Michael and John Tanner get ready to head up to our seats for the Braves vs. Cubs game in Atlanta. The kids had a blast!