Doggy Love!

Makutu's Island

 

Joelle had a great time at Makutu's Island with Hailey. 

 

 

The girls climbed and slid to their hearts contents. 

They also had some fun gaming!

 

Sweet Sixteen!

 

David is finally16!  He has his learners permit and in a few short months we will have another driver in the house!  We have been taking him out and he actually does very well driving.  It is crazy how quickly time flies!  I remember when he was just a little kindergartener and Megan was 3.  We are very proud of the man he is becoming.  He tends to be level headed and he has a wonderful relationship with Steve that is sure to guide him successfully!  Happy Birthday David!

 

 

 

First Game

 

 

First game of the season!  We love watching David play.  Of course the game was at 7 so I had to leave early to get Joelle to bed.  David is so excited that football is here.  He even likes the practices in 100+ degree weather.  He is a nut! 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is my poser again!!  She loves to rock out some hats!  She is wearing one of her Daddy's new Shamrock hats. 

Pool Tricks

 

Joelle continues to get more comfortable in the pool.  She saw Michael doing this with his daughter and she wanted in on the action. 

 

 

Fearless is all I can say.  She is up for anything now!  Almost makes me wonder if she should be in cheer!!  She is able to get up pretty well, it is just keeping her balance that causes some issues! 

Reading on Her Own

 

 

 

At the end of August Joelle discovered that she could read the book Are You My Mother? all by herself.  She was amazingly proud of herself and showed us all what she could do.  She read the book all weekend.  She even started writing down all the words to the book.  I am so excited that she enjoys reading!  We went through her books and put about 10-15 aside that she should be able to read on her own or with very little help.  She can't wait to read more books!

Football Begins

 

David had his first scrimmage on a VERY hot Saturday morning! 

 

The pictures aren't the greatest but David had a good game.  We are very excited for the actual season to begin.  He is the STARTING strong tackle!!  Very proud of him!

 

And of course some sisterly love!  Even though we were all so hot and sweaty, Joelle just couldn't resist:)

Kindergarten Here She Comes!

 

My baby is in Kindergarten.  It is hard to believe that 5 and a half years ago she depended on me for everything.  And here she is of to learn and grow on her own.  I have enjoyed watching her grow and learn things on her own.  I have really enjoyed watching her personality develop.  But if truth be told, at times I do miss the days of her infancy.  She was so utterly helpless and I was there.  I miss holding her little body and just staring at her for hours.  I don't miss changing diapers though!  Each day that passes I fall more in love and in awe of her.  Thank Goodness she is going to school where I work.  That has made the transition into Kinder so much easier to handle for me! 

 

She is so ready for school. 

 

Lucky for me I was able to do the Kinder playground for one of my before school duties.  Every Monday I have duty out there and I get to watch her play and interact with her friends.  In a few short days of being a kindergartener she has already learned how to swing on her own.  No more pushing for this mom!

 

And here she is at her very first school assembly!  She thought it was pretty cool that her mom was called out and introduced to the crowd.  She is doing better than I could have expected at school and the things she is able to do now amaze me!  Love you baby!

2nd Lost Tooth!

 

This tooth we actually knew was loose!  We had been checking on it for about a week or so, and right before bed time it was ready to come out! 

 

So, now Joelle has no bottom front teeth.  And guess what?  Her 2 top teeth are a little wiggly too!

 

Sunday Brunch

 

The family had brunch in Santa Monica.  There were so many of us that they could barely find enough seats.  We had a bit of a wait so guess what we did to occupy our time?  Take pictures!!

 

 

 

This was the view from the restaurant window.  It was breath taking.  It was a perfect day for a perfect day for brunch!

 

Megan looking good with her hair down.  She gets more beautiful by the day.  

The kids and Grandma. 

Cousin Jennifer and Steve

 

The teenagers and Joelle!

 

Joelle really liked the beads that served as a door to the restrooms

 

Courtney, Errol, Andrew, Steve, Chris, Jennifer, and Peter

 

This was a wonderful way to end a terrific weekend.  We had a great time making lasting memories and building relationships that will last a life time!

Famiy Reunion!

 

After a day of sight seeing, we headed back to Andrew's house and got ready for the real party!!  The nieces needed a picture with their Aunties!  As you can imagine, Mom Pratt cooked!  There was more than enough food to feed two parties!

 

Steve and his oldest brother Errol.  In order for them to be the same height, Errol had to be on the step!!  It was so wonderful to finally meet Errol and his family.  It is funny how you can meet and you are instantly family.  It really felt like I had know the Jamaican family always! 

 

Peter and Brenda gave all the kids an opportunity to tell Mom what she has meant to them and the inspiration she has proved them with.  It is amazing when you think about it.  This woman brought 10 children into the world.  When they decided to come to America, they actually came a few kids at a time because it was expensive.  Once all the kids were here, Mom was basically on her own to raise them all.  She worked at I Magnum and later at Nordstrom's.  Growing up in Southern LA was no picnic.  The kids had all kinds of temptations around them, but they followed the straight path.  There was gang territory on all sides of their neighborhood and they managed to navigate it without getting into it.  Mom was the reason they stayed true.  They knew how hard it was for her to raise all the kids on her own and they made her proud. 

 

She even got a trophy!!  She was beyond touched.  It isn't often that you see a Pratt break down and get teary, but today was the sort of the day that they all did.  It was really a celebration of Mom and all that she has done for the family. 

 

 

The grandkids!  The newest generation of Pratts!

 

The children (minus Chris, he got there later in the evening)

 

 

Mom and all the grandkids!

 

 

Now we added some of the great grandkids!

Mom and the great grandkids.

 

Mom with her first born and the rest of the Jamaican family.

 

Steve, Errol, and Mom

 

Now it is time to play!  Kids young and old got involved in a game of PIG!  There is nothing better than when the whole family plays together!

 

Looks like Megan could be pleading her case!  I don't think Uncle Michael is buying it!