Happy Birthday Alison!

Alison is 5!!!!!

We had her birthday party last Saturday (Aug 15) and since it was a sunny, hot day, we did a water party. Alison became quite the pro on the slip and slide.

Nathan spent 2 hours filling water balloons and they were gone in about 5 minutes. Fun times!

The crew doing crafts

The pretty birthday girl



Alison had a great birthday!!!!!

Mammoth Cave

Nathan and I went with the young women and leaders to Mammoth Cave that is located near Bowling Green, KY. I had no idea that Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system in the world (over 300 miles). We took a 2 hour tour and it was amazing!

Entering the cave. You immediately feel a rush of cold air! It felt so good on a hot August day!

Waiting for the tour to start

In the cave! What a fun day! A huge thanks to grandma and grandad for watching the girls!

Back to school!

My brother, Dan, was in Alabama for a business trip and decided to drive 4 extra hours to come visit us! We picked him up in Nashville and had a fun day together.

Hanging out at the Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe frog. My kids got a pretty big kick out of him.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!! My favorite part of this picture is Hailey FREAKING out in the background. I want my picture taken too!!!

Alison--my big kindergartner!

Rachel-2nd grade!

All ready to go! Of course Hailey thinks she needs a backpack too. The girls have great teachers and we are all looking forward to a great school year!

It was fun while it lasted :(

Many of you heard about this on facebook, but here is the sad reality of our trampoline. What a storm! There was a tornado that did touchdown nearby. This is how we found the trampoline.




The path of destruction. It went through the neighbors fence and knocked down their swingset. It was fun while it lasted!

Summer update!

It has been a crazy fun summer so far at the Craig house! I don't think I have ever in my life been to so many parties and bbq's. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of what we have been up to this past month.

We LOVE to swim at the YMCA--in fact we go almost every day!

Yes that is ice cream on Alison's face :)

Hailey has no fear of the water--she jumps into the deep water by herself.

This was at a birthday party/4th of July party with our friends the Wilson's. Here is Hailey taking a swing at the pinata.

Eagerly awaiting the candy!

faces painted

We spent the 4th with our friends the Hughes. It was the first time that I have ever eaten fried green tomatoes. I have to say that they were DELICIOUS! I think I am now officially a southerner :). This picture is Rachel watching the (very illegal) fireworks--thanks Christian!


hanging out with Hailey



holding a sparkler with attitude!

Last Monday we went with the whole Craig clan to Holiday World up in Indiana. Great weather and good company. It was a fun day. This is Hailey waiting in line for a ride.

Hailey with her cousin Ben



Such a fun day!

Nathan's brother Bryon and his family were in town this past week. It was so fun to reconnect! There is nothing better than hanging out with family and friends!

gymastics and dance recital

Last week was a busy week getting ready for Rachel's gymnastics recital and Rachel and Alison's dance recital. They looked so cute and danced beautifully! Nathan and I were so proud! Dance starts up again on August 3rd and the girls are already looking forward to starting their new classes--Hailey included !

Rachel in the dressing room--so much anticipation!

Alison looking pretty! Notice the laundry basket of tu tu's behind her. She wore this under her costume for her ballet number.

Cute ballerinas :)

Hailey wore her "costume" to the show. She kept asking when it was her turn to get up and dance!



The girls were so excited to have permission to wear make-up

This is the gymnastics recital. Rachel did a great job! She is very flexible and is looking forward to getting better at back handsprings next fall.

Many missing teeth!

There is something so cute about a 7 year old that is missing a front tooth! We love you Rachel!!!