Year of Destruction

2008 maybe the Chinese Year of the Rat, but for the McKinney's it is the Year of Destruction, oops, I mean Construction.

We had many projects in our house that we planned to complete in our first few years living here. But, we got involved in a few side projects. The first was in 2002, Project Donovan and our most recent was in 2005, Project Allison. Since these took most of our free time, not to mention sleep and sanity, we put our home projects on hold. We have agreed to take a slight break for any further side projects to finally complete our original house projects.

I painted and gave Donovan's room a new look. He wanted a "Sports" room. You may remember me mentioning it in a previous post "Smurfette". Well, I finished that and even got a thumbs up and "Way Cool".

We also (Matt deserves all the credit actually) put in new windows in the living room, our bedroom, breezeway and parlor. We have to finish the trim and one more project is off the list.

Oh, did I mention also on the list is siding, new front doors, new front windows, new kitchen flooring, and new front porch and roof.

Currently the front porch/roof project is underway. Stay tuned to more updates!

Happy Birthday Bubba!

We tried something different this year. We had two parties.

Our family party (SPEED RACER THEME) was hosted at Auntie Jess's Clubhouse at her apartment complex. One word...WONDERFUL. I was so much more relaxed and was actually finally able to participate and enjoy a party. A DEFINITE MUST DO AGAIN!

The Clubhouse is huge, lots of run for the kids to run and play. It also has a full kitchen.














Our guests were even able to watch "Pirates" in their Movie Room!














The following weekend we had a friends party at National Golf Center. This was great, no set up, they ordered the pizza, no clean up and the kids each got a goodie bag from the Center. Highly recommend this!!! Donovan invited his soccer team and a couple good friend from school.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONOVAN! Can't believe how fast the years go. Six years and First Grade this year!

Donovan has lost...

HIS FIRST TOOTH! (His lower left central incisor)

Yet just another sign that my little man is growing up...no denying it (as much as I try to). The tooth has been loose for a few weeks now and it came out while he was eating a marshmallow - that's right a marshmallow! He is so excited. Of course he told me the Tooth Fairy is going to leave him fifty dollars. It was fifty cents when I was little, inflation I guess ;) I do wonder...what does a tooth go for now adays?

Happy Father's Day!

Been awhile since I got to share my b-day with my Dad's Father's Day. Dad - I hope you know how special you are to me. I Love You!
Happy Father's Day from your first Father's day present.
-Heather

Allie B is THREE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLISON. Allie turned 3 last week. Of course, if you ask her, her birthday lasted a week.

Allie picked out Little Mermaid as her theme this year.

She had her first "Friends" party with a few pals from daycare. They all had a blast. They got to jump on our trampoline, ate hot dog octopus's and we even did a small art project (fish sun catchers to go with the Little Mermaid theme).

After our friends left, we had our family party - IN THE RAIN! Nothing like fitting 27 people into your house as the rain pours and the sirens sound. Donovan was running around saying a "Tormado" is coming.

Allie got lots of Disney Princess toys, bubbles, Barbies and TONS of clothes. Thank you to all who braved the storm with us!

The little lady in red...One of my favorite pictures of Allie. I took it on her birthday.

Newborn
1 year

2 years

Mr. Smarty Pants

HAPPY GRADUATION DONOVAN!

Couldn't be prouder and even shed a few tears at his Graduation Ceremony. He as learned so much this year and very proud of himself!

Even though school is out for the summer, he wants to write in his journal at Nana's house, work on a Math workbook (he had to have me buy - He loves Math) and reads me a book every night. Let's hope this continues as he continues school. He really is Mr. Smarty Pants.

Off to conquer 1st Grade!!!

GOAL!!!!!!!

I am happy to report that Donovan scored his first goal of the season at Fridays soccer game. I unfortunately was not there (the carpet cleaning people were late) and missed it. Sad Mommy moment for me. Donovan was a cloud nine. They were even talking about his goal at his game on Tuesday. It must have been great one!