Road Trip to Starkville

Malloy and Kyle took a little Daddy-Daughter road trip this weekend. They went to Starkville, MS to see the Georgia Bulldogs play the Miss. State Bulldogs. I think the game was a total disaster from a football standpoint, but both Kyle and Malloy had a good time. I must admit that I was a little nervous before they embarked on their trip. I was grateful for 24 hours to myself but skeptical about what kind of traveling companion Malloy would be for the 5 1/2 hour drive.

Kyle said they spent most of their time along the Georgia sideline watching the cheerleaders, Hairy Dawg and Russ. Malloy brought her "ear muffs" to protect her sensitive ears from the din of the cow bells.

She was very excited about the red pom pons that the cheerleaders pass out to the fans. When she came home, she performed many of her cheers for me.

Russ (the temporary Uga substitute)

Hairy Dawg

Amazing Photographer

Yesterday we had some professional pictures taken. Let's just say Malloy was less than cooperative. When the photographer sent me a sneak peak at some of the cute shots she got, I was amazed! Between all the squirming, laughing, wiggling and funny faces, she was able to capture some great images of Malloy. She was here for over 2 hours, so there are many more to come. I can't wait to see the full gallery. If you're interested, her name is Catherine Gikas. She lives in Oklahoma City but has family in Shreveport so she is down here frequently.

Her website is www.catherinegikas.com and her blog is www.catherinegikas.com/blog

School!

Malloy started K-3 preschool this year. She is at St. Paul's Day School and just loves it! Her teacher is Mrs. Carlisle and their classroom is called the "Farm Friends". There are 13 kids in her class (7 girls and 6 boys). Malloy is lucky to have several familiar faces in her class this year. Three of her friends from Mothers' Day Out are in her class - Shep and Caroline are pictured below and Kate is also in her class. Kate also takes swimming lessons and ballet with Malloy so we see her all the time. There certainly were no tears on the first day. As soon as Malloy saw the corner of the room with the dolls, she and Caroline were off playing without hesitation. Malloy is going five days a week from 9:00-12:00. They have the option of staying from 12:00-2:00 and eating lunch and exploring other classrooms. She loves to stay for "extended care" because she can eat lunch and play with her other buddy from Mothers' Day Out, Jack. He is in another K-3 class so she doesn't get to see him as much. She told me several times last week that she sat by Jack at lunch and Mrs. Carlisle told me that Malloy and Jack were playing house together last week.

The best part about school so far is hearing Malloy tell me about what they did each day and hearing her sing the songs she is learning in chapel. They go to chapel everyday for 20 minutes. I know that they sing "God Bless America" everyday and she has also been singing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" and "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart". When I was volunteering at the school the other day, one of the teachers told me that they pick children who are really singing along at chapel and they get to go up and sing at the front of the church. She said Malloy was chosen twice last week. Parents are welcome to attend, so I'll have to check out chapel and bring my video camera along.

Haircut

One thing Shreveport is lacking is a children's haircut place. While we were up in Chicago, we decided to take advantage of the abundance of salons geared towards kids. Malloy enjoyed sitting in the purple jeep while she got a little trim. I have cut Malloy's hair before, but this was her first real salon experience. She did great and even seemed to enjoy having her hair blown dry.

Trip to Chicago

We've been back from our trip for a few weeks, but I am just getting around to posting the pictures. We drove up to Chicago (13 hours) and spent a week with Grandma and Papa. We enjoyed some cooler temperatures, went to a Cubs game, Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, the American Girl Store and spent time with family and old friends.

This was actually Malloy's 2nd trip to Wrigley Field. She saw a game last summer as well. This year, the Cubs were playing the Braves. She was really torn as to who she should cheer for. Her daddy was telling her to do the Tomahawk Chop and Grandma kept singing "Go Cubs Go". In the end, the Braves destroyed the Cubs so Malloy should have sided with Kyle.
Malloy got to spend some quality time with her uncles, Matt and Kerry. Above, Uncle Matt reviews the American Girl catalog with her in advance of her big trip to the store.

A little backyard fishing with Uncle Kerry. Malloy caught a pretty respectible bass in the first 10 minutes of her fishing experience and was ready to call it quits.

We went to the Lincoln Park Zoo one afternoon. It is much smaller than Brookfield Zoo, but has all the essential zoo animals and best of all - it's free.

Above, waiting for her water taxi ride to Navy Pier.

Below, having fun at the American Girl store. We were lucky enough to enjoy the "experience" without actually having to buy anything. Malloy was content to just hold and look at the dolls.

I met up with one of my oldest and dearest friends, Michelle. Malloy had the best time playing with her 4 year old daughter, Laine.

We went to breakfast with my friend Jackie Spencer and her family. Malloy got to meet Patrick and baby Molly.