Ritchie Crew

Ritchie Crew

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Play Date/Nashville/Father's Day

It is a late night, so this post is probably going to be short and sweet. Since when did Matt start going to bed before me? I feel a little busy this week, so I went on a cleaning rampage instead of marking things off the to-do list. Now I find myself sitting in bed next to a husband who is sound asleep while my mind is wondering from one thing to another.

Aubrey came over last Sunday to share the afternoon with Caroline. Caroline always takes long naps on Sunday afternoon, so Aubrey and I waited patiently for her to wake. Finally, after great waiting we heard a little singing coming from the back hall. We found Caroline awake, and boy she was excited to see Aubrey!
Sweet Kisses

There is a small part of me...a very small part...that sometimes thinks that I would have liked to have twins. How much fun would it be all the time to have two girls the same age, experiencing life together? They could share clothes, stories, emotions, smiles, and love. It looks like this is as close as I am going to get.

I traveled this weekend to Nashville for a continuing education course sponsored by ADHA. Tanya and I braved the trip Thursday night. We made great time considering it rained the majority of the way and hailed a bit. It was my first time to drive in hail and I must say it was quite the experience. We stopped and had dinner at a diner outside of Forrest City. The diner was featured in a Southern Living Magazine last year for their breakfast. Below is a view from our hotel window. The positive aspect of arriving late was that we were placed in the concierge room. It was nice to have a meal available at all times without cooking...
Friday morning we arrived to a very organized and well put together CE course. It was the best meeting I have ever attended. We started off at the exhibits, and soon realized that it would take us the weekend to finish the exhibit hall. By the time the weekend was over we finished and left with samples galore.
For lunch Friday we headed downtown

We went to see Always... Patsy Cline at the Ryman. I did not know anything about Patsy Cline, but the show consisted of comedy and history...now I am a Patsy Cline expert.
So check out the newest dental chair...the ball chair. I laughed inside, and then proceeded to let Tanya take a picture. But...I must say that this chair is very comfortable, mobile with wheels, supports the lumbar, and you can sit at any position. I do not think that Dr. Bannerman would go for the leopard cover.
Friday evening we headed for the downtown farmer's market. I found Matt a homemade energy bar and Caroline a new bow for her collection. I always feel bad at the farmer's markets because I feel as if I need to purchase something from every vendor.

The pictures below are from the plenary session Saturday morning. It felt so special to be in the meeting with so many authors of dental hygiene material, researchers, national supporters, and Esther Wilkins! I kept telling Tanya all weekend that I just wanted to see Esther Wilkins. Tanya probably got tired of hearing me say her name.



Taylor Hicks...had to ask Tanya who he was on Friday. He is the winner of American Idol from a few seasons ago...his music was enjoyable.



Below are pictures from Always...Patsy Cline. A must see if you are in Nashville.



I was so excited to see my favorite two people when I arrived home on Sunday! Caroline waited to give Daddy her Father's Day presents until the afternoon so I could watch. Matt is such a good father, husband, and example for Caroline to follow. Words cannot express how much I love him. When I hear Caroline say Daddy, it makes that love grow deeper than I can imagine.


Last night Jensen came over for a few minutes. Caroline has this new obsession with wanting to hold her while sitting on the couch. She loves to give lots of love and kisses. As you can see, Jensen is wondering what is going on!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Just the Girls

I had the privileged of staying home with Caroline this week. We have had the best week! I think we have read every single book on the shelf, played dress up with our bracelets, and completed several things on our to-do list.

She is so much fun in the sun right now. When Matt gets home in the evening, we play outside until the sun is going down. She loves the water!


This picture was taken before her first day back to school for the summer session.
Dawson came over to play this week. As soon as Matt started mowing their eyes were glued to the lawn mower.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Caroline's First Fishing Experience

We ended our Memorial Day weekend with a fishing trip to Lakeside. Mamaw and Papaw extended the invitation and at first I hesitated, but then agreed to go. I am not big on bugs, fishing, or anything of the sort. I am to impatient to fish! Caroline is just the opposite. She loves bugs, fish, and dirty water. She had an amazing time catching her fish and getting to use her new fishing pole.

Eating a pb&j sandwich

Showing off her pole

MiMi helping her fish

This was her favorite way to fish...

Crickets!

We caught a fish!



Happy Memorial Day

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day Weekend

We have spent the holiday weekend as a girl's weekend. Matt got put on orders this weekend due to the flooding in South Arkansas, so that means that Caroline and I have been getting in a little girl time. We have been swimming several times this weekend and it looks like the pool idea is going to change a bit for Caroline this year. Her favorite thing to do is jump off the pool stairs...not safe!

Caroline and Mommy...the sun was so bright!

Getting ready to surf

Saturday, Aunt Karen helped watch Caroline while I hosted a wedding shower. Caroline has been chatting about Zoey all afternoon!
I had the privilege to host a wedding shower for Brittany and Joey this weekend. Our house is now spotless from top to bottom. It was a "stock the kitchen" shower and looked adorable thanks to my friend Jennifer. We are so happy for Brittany!

Entrance decor

Centerpiece
Our dining room table...Matt be proud...I used the table
One of my best friends, Sarah, got married on May 21. I did not have my camera with me before the wedding, so I only have two pictures from after the wedding. The wedding was at the Capitol and the reception was in Maumelle. Beautiful!