Today is a special day because we celebrate the birthdays of Aunt Michele and Grand Pa-pa.  We are so blessed and thankful for you both!  Happy Birthday!!!

Love, The Pond Family

The happy couple upon arrival to their wedding shower hosted by Judy Angle, Jackie Durrett, and Nancy Hopson, three of Mom’s best friends. 

Walking up to the party, Poppa and Noelle were in front of me, and Mike and Anna Kate were behind me.  Ahh…

Our family celebrating with John and Nancy! 

Beautiful tables that were soon filled with wonderful food and lots of laughter.

John and Nancy with Nancy’s Mom and Dad, Mike and Sheihla.

Gorgeous set-up.  It felt like we were at an outdoor party in a movie – Mom has the sweetest friends!

We were so happy to have a night to relax and unwind with family and friends in Jacksonville.

I was saying, "Get that towel on girl!"  This is Noelle’s mischievous grin – isn’t it cute!?!

Noelle knows how to point, click, and watch different videos on youtube (all princess, of course).  It makes for some great entertainment!

We had a blast catching up with everyone last weekend during all the reunion festivities.  The highlight of the weekend for Mike was getting to play golf with the guys on Saturday.  They have such a special bond – it’s the coolest thing to see.

The girls always love Marcos!

Last Thursday was Noelle’s first day of school ~ she was SO excited!

This is Mrs. Carrie, one of Noelle’s new teachers.  The kid dropped off before Noelle had to be pried off his mom and was kicking and screaming, that’s why Noelle looks really confused in this picture.  She couldn’t wait to kiss me good-bye and go to class!

Noelle was so giddy today.  Last year she was a "Little Lamb" and this year she is a "Superstar!"  I was taking a picture of the star they gave her on her backpack, and she wanted to add a fairy in the picture as well.  Cool!

This was Noelle on the first day of school last year.  What a difference a year makes!

Noelle got the royal treatment at her first trip to the dentist here in town.

Mike’s Sunday school teacher from high school, Sandy, was Noelle’s hygienist – she is amazing, and Noelle was really into everything she was doing.

The office was incredible – Noelle played video games until it was her turn to get her teeth cleaned.

She got to ride the chair, and they gave her a sand timer so she can measure how long she needs to brush her teeth.  Pretty cool stuff.

Happy girl with a pretty smile and lots of prizes.  I’d say our first trip was a success!

Every time Noelle wears these glasses, she puts on some sort of scarf with them and says "I’m a dentist.  I really am!"  Not really sure how purple glasses and a scarf qualifies her to be a dentist, but there you have it folks!

Noelle’s favorite singer is Taylor Swift… she LOVES her (our) iPod!