Hunter's Safari Room

Melman the Giraffe

Mama and Baby elephant...no names yet.

Marty the Zebra

The no name chimpanzee.

Close up of the chimp.

Alex the Lion...or Reagan's name for him is Simba.

Well, Hunter, as most of you know, is fascinated with animals and has been since he could sit up. So after many years of hinting and a little push from my Mom this summer, I decided it was time to take the plunge. With the new baby coming, there was no better time than now. We all know there won't be much "free time" when little one arrives! I scrounged around the house for left over paint from previous jobs and locked myself in Hunter's room for about 6 days. Then the "safari" room was complete. Hunter LOVES it so much and that makes all the hard work VERY worthwhile!!!

Reagan's New Bed

The Helwig house had a big day yesterday. Cayce and Hunter both started school and Reagan has moved from a toddler bed to a BIG girl bed. With the new baby coming it was time to move some furniture around. Reagan now has all the guest room furniture and the toddler bed is back to a baby bed and anxiously awaiting a new sleeper! Reagan was excited the whole time we were moving things around and went right to sleep last night! Gotta love easy transitions!!

First Day of Kindergarten

Happy First Day of Kindergarten!
August 19, 2009

Our first backpack...we really wanted an animal one, but settled for Spiderman.

Reagan with her big brother.

It's a little bright out...Shirley Mann Elementary

One last hug before we go in.

Daddy had to get one too!

Hunter watching all the kids.

He's keeping an eye on us to make sure we aren't leaving yet!

Patiently listening to instructions.

First day in Ms. Gripshover's class.

Sorry the video is sideways...I am so mad at myself!

Hunter had a wonderful first day of school. There was not a bit of hesitation walking into the school. He was ready to go! Mommy was the one holding back the tears and praying that I didn't explode in front of him! Ryan held my hand and kept saying..."This is a happy day!" Then as we were leaving and the tears are streaming down my face, Ryan sees a group of Mom's all crying by the front door. He says, "Wow, I had no idea what an emotional experience this all was!"
When Hunter got off the bus that afternoon with a great big smile, I knew each day was going to be so enjoyable for him!

Trip to Missouri

Papa and Reagan before the wedding.

Just the three of us before the wedding...Daddy had to stay home and was missed dearly!!

Mimi and Papa with all their grandchildren.

My sweet boy Hunter snuggling with Mommy!

The handsome usher...Cayce.

Me, Reagan, Aunt Gwen, Uncle Harold, and Hunter at the wedding.

Uncle Harold, Me, Stephanie, and Aunt Gwen at the reception.

Reagan decorating her hair with the table accents!

Rea Rea and her Cayce

Reagan with the Groom Uncle Aaron

Hunter learning to play the guitar.

Hunter and Reagan hold the new puppies.

Hunter's favorite puppy!

Reagan's favorite puppy!

Reagan feeding Coalminer

All the gang headed to find the other horses in the pasture.
Mimi, Kennedy, Hunter, Halle, Cade, Ryan, Reagan and Cayce

Hunter and Reagan riding Ginger

Poor Ginger...holding all those kiddos!
Ryan, Cade, Hunter, Halle, Kennedy, Reagan, and Beckett

Hunter making homemade pizza with Mimi.

Reagan making homemade pizza with Mimi.

We ventured out to Missouri for a wedding and a visit to my Dad's house this summer. The kids always have so much fun. They have lots of animals and lots of fun things for them to do. Their days are spend in the barn, playing with the new puppies, riding the horses, and swimming. They are so exhausted at night, sleeping is NEVER a problem! Thank you to Mimi and Papa for letting us invade your home with all our things and have a GREAT time!

Happy 3rd Birthday Reagan

Reagan and Hunter with Gigi...not wanting to sit down...friends were there to play.

Reagan - 3....Emily - 7
July 9, 2009

Gigi, Mama and Reagan

Reagan trying not to get into the cake yet!

Daddy and Mommy with our birthday girl!

Our neighbors!

Singing Happy Birthday to Emily and Reagan ready to blow out the candles.

Thanks for my Tinkerbell dress Gigi!

Look more princesses!

Our tall 3 year old.

New purse and coloring book.

Reagan's new necklace.

We had a wonderful day with our sweet three year old Reagan. She shares a birthday with our neighbors daughter Emily. So we decided to combine their birthdays and celebrate together. Just the two families went out to eat together and then came home to cake and ice cream with all our friends. What a great day! Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Reagan!