School Girl!

I apologize that this is a little late. Ellie started school almost a month ago and I'm just now showing you pictures:( She goes three days a week to our church's Mother's Morning Out, which at Wildwood is a 2-3 year old preschool. The days she goes are actually the days that I work so we just ride together, I sign her in and then walk down to my office to work. How great is that?! These pictures are from her first day. She loves her backpack and lunchbox (a little pink elephant - gotta love PBKids!). Her teachers, Mrs. Janet and Mrs. Bo love her too. They say she's always happy and very smart. Of course, that makes Brian and I quite proud! Within the first week, she already knew all the kids names in her class (there are 8) and the rest of the teachers from the other classes. Her favorite thing to do in the car is ask where everyone is, by name! So, we now include her classmates and her teachers. "Where's Miss Bo, Mommy?" "Mommy, where's Miss Bo?" "Where's Jeremiah, Mommy?" "Where's Emma Grace?" "Where's Miss Janet?" Of course, she always asks where are daddy, Ryan, Lucy, Auntie Steph, Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Jon, Grandma, Grandpa, Papi, Abuela, the list goes on and on. It gets tiring; but I've learned to ask her where they are and she usually has the right answer! Can you tell I'm a proud Momma??!!! She definitely did not start school a minute too early and we're so thankful for the God-fearing instruction she's getting.

Labor Day in Seagrove Beach

We decided that the Dyster Family needed a good family vacation at the beach. So, we rented a beautiful house in Seagrove Beach, just east of Seaside - like you ride your bike ten minutes and you're there - and spent four wonderful days relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Mom and Brother Jon came on Thursday, followed by Amy & Chris from Atlanta and Brian, me and Ellie. Brother David came late Friday night (and had to leave Sunday Morning) and Dad arrived Saturday morning. I don't think the location could have been any more perfect. We had plenty of room to spread out and do our own thing: go to the pool, beach, fish, ride bikes, kayak, etc. Ellie even got to ride on the back of Daddy's bike - she loved it! We'll have to get one for home. We definitely plan to make this an annual trip. Click here for pics from our camera (which mainly center on Ellie!) or Click here for pics from Amy's camera (which do a much better job of catching the scenery!)

We're Potty Trained!

We (and when I say 'we', I mean 'I' with Brian's full support!) wanted to have Ellie trained by the time she started school on September 4th. I took the week off to do it and she responded quite well. We had and continue to have accidents here and there; but not that much. Her teachers work with her too and we are very proud. Honestly, we just think her little tushie is sooo cute in those panties! You go, girl!

So Proud of Lil' Brother Jon

Gorgeous Kitchen

Wainscoting in Stairs

Dark Wood Finish Kitchen

Ultra Contemporary Bathroom - the 4 panels of the door were cut through one sheet of bamboo and then stained different finishes! Not our taste; but beautiful nonetheless.

I want this bathroom! The floors are either marble or travertine.

After seeing these, we are commissioning him to make us some!

Beautiful craftsmanship on the side of a drawer and an unstained mahogany wardrobe!

Here are some pics of Jon's amazing work that I referenced in a previous post. If anyone knows of work needed in Pensacola, I'll pass on the word! I yanked these of his myspace so hopefully they still look good when you click on them.