Customize your own slideshow design

This is a taste of Halloween 2011 I made due to popular demand by those who love us to see the girls' costumes. They had a blast all weekend long!
(and now we have enough candy to get through next halloween)Gotta love it.

Since the End of School

On Friday, the 27th, we had the 5 Bettencourt boys over to our neck of the woods.  They came by and we all went to ride the trolley stopping for shakes at the Arcade Restaurant in the middle.  Yummy!  Unfortunately, the youngest of the boys, the 19 month old twins were less than impressed with the lask of mobility permitted and thus did a lot of what babies do best to let eveyone else know it.  Even so, the big kids had lots of fun.   Charlotte just loved being with her friend, Christopher (the third of the boys) and didn't even realize that anyone in her company was upset or stressed. Hope to play again soon, maybe at a park where running around is welcomed. 
Saturday, May 28th, was one of those days when there is just too much going on.  The girls and I walked to the park in the heat.  Of course, Madi has to go to the bathroom as soon as we get there.  Sadly, she is out of luck in the public restroom department.  Then more sadness strikes as Kevin phones to report a house showing to occur at 3pm (currently 1140).  This should not evoke sadness, but after you've prepared and shown your house as much as we have in the past 2 years, that's what you get in the realm of feelings.  Also, in the plan today was good naps for both the girls because we had plans to go to the Sunset Symphony at Tom lee Park for hte closing of Memphis in May that night.  And out the door flies those naps.  So the girls play briefly, and then we venture home.  Over lunch, I talk the girls about needing good behavior (what a common term discussed in our home) so that Daddy and I can clean the house.  The new plan is to eat and then have quiet movie time in Mommy and Daddy's bed.  They were great with this.  Charlotte fell asleep within 15 minutes and thus got in the previously hoped for good nap, and Madi, while she did not sleep, was very well behaved.  3 hours of cleaning later, the girls went walking with Daddy and Grizzly and I showed our house to a medical school student and his purchasing-him-a-house parents.  Haven't seem or heard from them since.
Next it was off to the Sunset Symphony. One of our neighbors works for AutoZone and gave us free tickets and to the VIP AutoZone tent with chairs, and tables, food and drinks all night.  The girls good behavior stuck around (there really wasn't tons for little ones to do) as they chatted with our friends, Miriam and Johnny, and danced.  Madi, the non napped kid, faded around 9 and began the plea, "I wanna doe," but luckily accepted the comfort of a parents' lap while we waited for the fireworks, which the girls did love (even though they started at 10pm!).  It was a late night, but lots of fun.
Memorial Day, brought a make up day of work for Kevin and pool fun at the Windsor for the rest of us.  Kevin did meet us there later and I got low census at work that night so we all had a good day.  The girls loved swimming with Nora, even if Xander wasn't really feeling swimming that day.  It is always fun just to sit around with good friends.
Tuesday, May 31st, was our little friend, Noah's, 5th birthday.  Even though he's having a party on the 18th of June, we decided to celebrate with him at the location of his choice...Incredible Pizza!  Of course, I had coupons and discounts handy.  One of the best discounts available is that if a child wears a superhero costume, they get $10 added to their game card...enter our Halloween costumes from two Halloweens ago and some shorts!  The girls and Ian and Noah all had a great time during our 3 or 4 hours of playing and eating.  Happy Birthday, Noah!
Wednesday we got to see our friend, Stacy with sweet baby, Harris.  We met them up at St. Jude just to walk around and visit and it was so good just to see them.  We all miss them lots in Memphis.
Thursday, the girls and I packed up our lunch and swimsuits and headed over to Sarah's mom's home in Bartlett for swimming.  We met Sarah, Max and Myles, and Macy, Avery, Parker, and Carter and had a blast.  Sarah's parents are so nice to let us come utilize their beautiful backyard always.  It always reminds me that even though we don't have our families right here, we are so blessed to welcomed by others. 
Of course, time flew by and I almost didn't realize the time when it was 1:47 and my kids are still swimming in a pool in Bartlett and I gotta get them to another friend's for sitting, change, and be at work downtown at 3!  With luck and cooperative kids, I made it and swiped in at 3:01!
Friday, June 3rd, we were so lucky to get to go see Michael Buble in concert at the FedEx Forum.  It was so great!  It was amazing to see the wide range ages of people in attendance, and in a way just nice that the young to the old could find a commonality.  Even during some of Micheal's songs, I found myself thinking about my grandparents and their generation how they might dance to this. The opening act was even fantastic and received a standing ovation.  They were an accapella group called Naturally 7 would partake in vocal play, in which, as they described, "we become the instrument".  Seriously, if you heard their music you would swear there was a ful band behind them.  Totally amazing! They would totally rock in a TV talent competition.  I wanna get their CD, as they are so talented and a real conversation piece.  Micheal was phenomenal!  I wondered how this concert would be as he is like a ballad singer (even though wonderful) and all. Micheal delivered a totally entertaining show that blew me away.  I was really "LMAO"! (to use text jargin for this generation).  He's hysterical and I loved it so much!
In closing, today's June 4th and while we did not leave for PA as was the plan a while back :( we did pass the time with fun.  The girls and I attended Home Depot's Kids Workshop to build a valet organizer.  The girls really enjoyed this, using hammer and nails and their beloved glue (you know Madi, the messier the better) to build something.  Really fun and free - we'll be spreading the word for sure :)  Next it was to Costco, for some needed items and a bite to eat and then the real fun of swimming at Nana and Pop's, aka Sarah's parents, aka Max and Myles grandparents.  We swam in the 90 deg water from 2pm - 6pm, and Madi feel asleep on the way home at 630pm and remains that same way right now :) 

More Sugar

So just a little bit ago, while I was blogging like crazy to catch up, Charlotte came to my bedside and said, "I have to tell you something".
She said, "um, I had a really good day today and thank you for standing outside the show, I had a really good day, and I'm proud of myself."
Need I say more...

Ahhh Success is Sweet!

Today, May 25th, is so different from last May, you can't imagine.  I am referring to Charlotte.  Last May, although better than the previous performance at Christmas, Charlotte, went through her 3 year old end of the year program with her head hung low, carrying her blanket, and without a ounce of participation.  Today, Charlotte, completed the show, participating whole-heartedly.  OMG, words cannot express how glad I am for her!!!
About a month or so ago, Charlotte came up with her "deal".  After watching some footage of her 3 year old end of the year program, she seemd like she knew she wanted it to be different for her this year.  She expressed interested being more like her friend, Jolie, in the show, rather than how she was. She said to me that she planned on participating in the show, but that we, me and Kevin, her mother and father, cannot be there.  Of course, I was like "What?".  I yessed her and then figured she didn't really mean it. 
Shortly after though, she said it again...and again.  I realized that Charlotte wanted to succeed at this, and she was asking for our help.  I figure that at her age, they desire so strongly to please, especially their parents.  It would be only natural that they, the parents, feel to the child the biggest stress inducer or critic.  She was telling me, "I an do this, but I need you to not be there." 
We took Charlotte's "deal" seriously.  We let her be very specific in where we were to be.  She wanted us in the lobby behind closed doors.  We could look through the windows.  She did not want to see us before and probably during. 
So today, we stood behind the closed door and watched her succeed - what a moment! So happy.

Breakfast with ???

So on a last minute whim, I decide to take the girls to Davis Kidd Booksellers Breakfast with Belle Event.  I was torn, but figured Kevin had to be at Saturday school (agh), and they are wanting to go and be brave and have fun.  We got up and got all dressed like princesses.  I was accompanied by a Belle Madi and an Ariel Charlotte.  The event was to start at 8:30am, so we were on our way at 8am.  This is early for a Saturday event for the Sanders to attend so no small feat.  We met up with our friends, Katrina, Elena, and Annie Shook.  All of us ctually on time, we purchased our tickets upon arrival. 
We were seated in the cafe, entered into a raffle for Beauty and the Beast Show coming in June, given a craft and were waiting for Belle when they annouced that the buffet was open.  So we ate - although had some waiting when food was burned and needed replenishing.  The girls were having fun just being together, but they as were Katrina and I, were beginning to wonder, "Where's Belle?". 
They next announce to move over to the storytime area.  "So much for Breakfast with Belle, maybe she's just going to do the storytime?"  We get over there only to be informed that Belle is NOT COMING!  All the kids were like,  "huh, what?", while all the moms were like, "what the ****?"  They announce some raffle winners, had a representative from the radio station read Beauty and the Beast, took a group picture and said that when Belle can come we could come back and take pictures with her.  Some people were beginning to leave, when I looked at Katrina (still stunned) and said, " We're gonna say something, right?"  We decided for me to go complain and her to stay with the kids.  I said my piece and got us full refunds without struggle, but I am still bother that they didn't offer it upfront to the group.  People should not be put in the position that they have to speak up for the refund that is due to them. 
Later that day, Katrina and the girls came over for dinner and playing.  Katrina, who is on Facebook, commented about the Davis Kidd posting she had been following about the morning's event.  I learned and saw that the group picture had been posted on Facebook...with my two children and hers on it.  I am not even one Facebook! Do you think I want my children on there without even my knowing or permission? I am so disappointed becasue I do so love this bookstore and a smaller local neighborhood bookstore.  However, a heated phone call must and will be made in the AM!

Big Girl Furniture!

Kevin did not attend the Windsor's birthday, becaue it conflicted with the picking up of the girls' new bedroom furniture.  OMG my kids are graduating to big girl furniture - it can't be.  We are done with two toddler bed and a changing table making up their room and moving on to a dresser, mirror, chest of drawers, nightstand, and twin bed with headboard, footboard, and trundle!  Annndddd, the set is beautiful!!! I found it and discussed it with Kevin.  We weren't really prepared to get all this, but he finally said, "do you really want it?"  And me, the one who has trouble parting with big money, answered "kinda yes".  Honestly, I know that when I was a little girl, as tomboy as I was, this is exactly what I would have wanted in my room. 
Kevin and our neighbor friend, Jason, went with his big pick up and a Uhaul trailer and picked it all up and when we got home there it was in their room and their nursery, even though still painted, was no more...
The girls and I stopped on the way home and picked up not one, but two, comforter sets.  One that they really liked (oddly enough it was like a teen/college set) and one that I didn't love, but thought matched the furniture best.  I am having trouble deciding, but know we'll figure it out.  Just wanted to make sure we had some sheets!
All I can say is it's lovely, but very different when I enter my girls' room.

Fifth's Dz. and Birthdays - What a Combo

So first thing Saturday morning, Dr. Benaim, our pediatrician, called.  She had just seen the cell phone message.  She apologized that she just now had seen it, but stated that she rarely looks at her cell after Friday comes to a close until Monday, and that in the future I should call her house number and proceeded to give it to me.  If you think that is amazing (as I do), just wait til you hear what I tell you next! 
I explain the situation of how a week and a half ago Madi was diagnosed my Dr. Montgomery with right ear infection and placed on Omnicef, 6/10 days into the drug she complained in the night of left ear pain, she was seen by Dr. Higginbotham and changes her to Biaxin, 2/10 days into that drug she emerges with this rash, i call the MD office and Dr. Benaim changes her to ZPak, same drug family...ughhhhhh whew.  She said ok so I need to see you.  You can come to my house, East Memphis?
So at 10am, me and the girls were on our way to Dr. Benaim's home to ring her door bell and be seen.  Crazy!!!   This actually worked out really well because at 11am we were to be at the Windsor's house in East Memphis for Nora and Xander's Birthday party.  We walk into Dr. Benaim's house and she is certain that Madi has not experienced a drug reaction, but rather has Fifth's Disease.  She is certian.  I love this doctor and really never question her. (she apologed for prescribing the ZPak acknowledging that she did not know of the change to Biaxin).  My first words are, "Isn't Fifth's very contagious, cause we are one our way to to a birthday party full of kids".  Luckily, we could cotinue with our plan to attend the party of our beloved friends, because we learn that the virus is not contagious once the rash is out (it is during the 3-5 asymptomatic days previously that it is - go figure).  Ok so we have to deal with rash for the next 2-6 weeks. 
Nora and Xander's party was a success.  The kids played and jumped in the jump house.  We all ate and had fun as usual.  Unfortunately, it was unusually cold that day so there was no swimming - even though Charlotte was willing if other were  :) 

RASH!!!

So it's Friday the 13th and when I wake up with the kids after working the night before, I realize that Madi has a rash to the left side of her face and arms.  Just yesterday, she was changed to Biaxin from Omnicef for ear infections.  I called the doctor's office for fear that maybe this was a drug reaction and see if she needed to be seen.  The nurse consulted with the doctor and felt it more than likley was a drug reaction and to no longer give it and she called in a new prescription for her.  The rash was not bothering Madi and so I didn't give her any Benadryl or anything.  Later that day, we go to pick up the prescription.  I get it home and look at it and realize that the newly prescribed ZPak is in the same drug family as the discontinued possibly reactive Biaxin.  And of course when I see this it is 4:30pm on a Friday and there is no one at the MD office to help answer my problematic dilema.  I feel I have no choice but to leave a message for the on call RN.  She calls me back and I explain the history and current problem.  She then has to call the on call MD.  She then calls me back and asks allergies and we talk about her categorization as penecillin allergy.  She calls the MD back.  She calls me back and says that I need to bring Madi into the Saturday clinic tomorrow, have blood work done, and find out why she is so reactive to the medicines.  The MD felt out of options at this time.  For fear that Madi is going to have ear pain in the night without drugs to fight off her ear infections, i have put in a call to our pediatrician's personal cell phone, which I hate to do, but I myself feel out of options.  Hopefully, she'll have a better answer, because if Madi needed to be seen I could have brought her in Friday day when I called to a regular visit, not to the weekend clinic which costs more and is a bigger headache in my book.  We'll see.

Birthday Season Begins

Saturday, May 7th, I mark as the opening of birthday season.  I guess just so many of us it seems were pregnant at the same time 5 years ago that we all deliver around the same time therefore now have birthdays to celebrate.  Walker had his 5th birthday party at Germantown Municipal Park (actual bday 5/5).  Fun place to play on the playground, run around, and play in the sand (sand volleyball court).  Charlotte always takes notice of the cake and this one was Spiderman...yummy.  After the party, we hit up Memphis Pizza Cafe with the Windsors, so the goood times with friends continued a bit longer.  We are so lucky to have such a great family of friends. It means the world to us.
This birthday season will continue with Nora, Xander, Noah, and then Charlotte (to name a few) over the month.

Madilynn's First Performance

On Wed., May 4th, Madi and I began our day at Bartlett Baptist for Charlotte's special Muffins with Moms Event.  We had muffins (clearly), the kids sang a song (Charlotte was not so into that) and Charlotte gave me a special tile she had made.  On it she had painted two flowers.  The center of each flower was each of her thumbprints and the petals each of of her fingerprints.  So cute. 
That concluded at 9:40 and then we were off to Advent Presbyterian where Madi goes to school.  Madi was to go to school today to be a part of the Mother's Day/ End of the Year Program.  It was done in the form of inviting the parents to a sampling of their circle time.  It was informal and took place in their classroom on their rug with seating for the parents all around.  I really felt this was perfect for a 2-3yr old class.  Madi took right to it without a problem.  She was sitting in the middle of the rug and participating - just adorable.  In fact in the middle of it, I think she was getting a little too comfortable deciding to lay down on her belly legs bent up.  A few seconds after she did this, her pal, Jane, decided, "Good idea, Madi" and began to do the same.  They ended up being told to sit on their bottoms criss cross applesauce seeing as they couldn't have the entire class laying around.  It was so non-stressful for her and I, I was amazed.  I really enjoyed the beginning when the teacher "called roll".  When she said, "Madi Sanders" Madi raised her hand and then the teacher said "Good Morning, Madi" just to her.  I just thought speaking so directly to each child individually was really nice.  I know, I'm such a softee - ya right.  They sang about 12 songs and did the Pledge and then in closing each student presented their mom with a flower, a card, and hug while saying Happy Mother's Day.  Gotta love it.  Madi was extra excited when she got invited to stay and play on the playground even though it wasn't her school day!  Bonus for Madi.

Lack of Sleep

So we've seen the river rising for a while and I've not been that concerned or worried.  I've committed myself to stay positive.  I figure there is no sense stressing over what I have no control over, but for some reason it all got the best of me last night leaving me unable to sleep :(
So, I will share with you my biggest fear (odd that this would be it) - that I will leave to stay out east for the day while the girls are at school, the flooding will advance leaving our house inaccessable and I cannot get to it to get Grizzly, and that he would then starve or dehydrate feeling so alone and abandoned...all my fault.

All Things Girly :)

So Friday (4/29/11), as per Madilynn's request, the girls got to get their "tatut at the store".  Off to the little girl salon of your dreams, Sweet N Sassy, for our 10am appointments back to back.  Charlotte stepped up to the plate first, and as soon as she sat down was offered to watch the Tinkerbell movie on her own personal TV while adorning a drape that read "Sweet Princess".  She did fantastic with her trim and I was so proud of her. 
Madi sat very patiently awaiting her turn. Even though Madi's request is for a more drastic "tatut", her Mommy is not ready for all that, so she got a trim as well.  She did so great, sometimes appearring pretty stiff, but very cooperative. 
Once their hair is cut, the girls each got to choose a scent to spray in her hair.  Not surprisingly, Charlotte choose cupcake and Madilynn choose strawberry.  Who ever thought my kids could become even more delicious? They topped it off with glitter spray because all these girls need is a little more dazzle!
The enjoyed walking the little runway in the store and selecting a special sucker before leaving.  Oh, and what would a Sweet N Sassy visit be without a few glitter stars on the face and a tattoo on the hand.  I would say I left with two happy little girls.
The next day Charlotte had a birthday party to attend for a classmate at Glitz N Glam.  It's a good thing I am such a girly girl - yeah right.  Totally out of my element with these things, but I do so enjoy seeing the girls have their fun. Anyway, this was a fairy themed party.  So as soon as we got there, Charlotte got to go into the closet of all closets, dress up from floor to ceiling, so many dress up shoes you couldn't see the wall, basically a little girly girls dream.  Charlotte got to choose anything to wear, then it was  out to choose wings, a tiara, wand and jewelry.  Next the beautification process continued with nails and makeup.  While all done up they played games, did a craft, and took pictures, until it was time to undress and have cake and ice cream.  The craft they made turned out to be their take home treat as it was a foam picture frame and unknown to us they fill it with the group fairy picture taken at the party.  Charlotte initally was resistant to taking that shot, but in the end was very happy she did.  Charlotte also thought it was so cool that we picked up her friend and took her to and from the party.  Such a big deal. 
Madi got to spend the day with Daddy.  They went out to lunch at Chili's where she reports she had "mac n cheese". Then they went to the Woodlands Discovery Playground since Daddy hadn't been yet where she reports she played in the sand, her fave. 

All this was so cute, but did leaving me feeling a bit like I needed to go play in some dirt or hit something :)

Easter Party @ Bartlett Baptist PreSchool

Today (4/20/11) Madi and I got to join in with Charlotte and her class for their Easter Party.  When we first got there, I learned that Charlotte held a special job for the day as Line Leader.  I do beleive this is the first time she has had this responsibility and I was proud as she seemed to be doing it well.  She led her class to the Easter Egg Hunt which was indoors do to rain about to start.  Previously, Madi and I helped to hide and scatter the eggs about the location.  Charlotte has been very excited about the upcoming Easter egg hunts, and this was the first of this year's.  Sadly, when we got the start time, her anxiety got the best of her.  She did not pick up any eggs, but rather buried her head into my legs :(  Luckily, her teacher, Ms. Pat gathered some for her and Madi happily retreived 4 to put into her sweet bunny basket each she had made.  Madilynn was so good and not once even asked about any eggs for herself - really kind of amazed me. 
 In hindsight, Charlotte knew of the eggs I had stuffed.  When she saw all the eggs scattered, I think she got confused and that heightened her nerves.  Just before the start, she looked at me unsure and said, "how will I find my eggs, how will I know which ones are mine?"  I quickly tried to tell her that she could pick up any eggs, and that they were all for everyone, but Charlotte doesn't usually do great with any quick change in her mind. I guess I took for granted that she'd recall last year and exactly how it worked. She did really want one of our eggs though because they had little fuzzy chicks in them, but she did not get one.
Luckily, once back in the classroom for lunch and craft, she got herself back into the spirit and had fun.  It was pizza, fruit, and cupcakes for lunch.  Madi got to sit right next to Charlotte, (which they both love), who was right next to Christopher - as per usual.  The cupcakes here really do deserve some recognition.  They were made by another little girl's mom and they were iced chocolate with some green icing for grass and some speckled m&m eggs set on top, but the wonderment lies in the cake part of each cupcake being a rainbow of bright colors.   This mom actually separated the cake mix, dyed each bowl, and layered every individual cupcake.  Wow, kudos to her.
This Mommy was in charge of the Easter craft.  Charlotte always tells me how she likes for her Mommy to explain "how to do it" to the class. I did just that explaining how to marble paint the pre-cut Easter Egg cardstock.  It seemed to be a big hit and Madi participated right along side her sister. 
My great joy came after this when I was placing the kids' crafts and baskets in the hall and then returned to enter the classroom.  Ms. Pat had all the children looking at her from their little chairs to do a song for the parents present.  It was a song about a tiny raindrop that gets larger as the children sing louder.  Charlotte participated whole-heartedly, without noted hesitation!  May be a little thing to some, but almost tearful to me. :)

The Day of April 16th

This morning started out lovely with a little morning sleep for Mommy...yeah!  Kevin got up with girls and I tried to kick the sickness I've had for way too long with a few extra zzzzzzs.  The sickness remained, but I did enjoy the snooze (and little breakfast in bed too :) )
Once up and going there was no stopping.  Kevin went over to school to put in a day's work.  IEP season is the pits!  So much work and stress on him - the countdown is on til it is over in early May.  I got the girls dressed after baths and we went for a special surprise...to see Knuffle Bunny, The Musical at The Orpheum.  They were very excited once I told them of the plan.  Knuffle Bunny is one of both of their favorite books, in fact there are three written by Mo Willems and we own them all, and read them DAILY.  The show was a big hit with the girls.  They enjoyed ring pops while watching the hour long show and then even waited by the stage door for autographs!  So now our Knuffle Bunny Book, tattered and torn and taped, is preciously signed by "Trixie," her parents, and the show's puppeters (x2).  
On our way home, we met up with our friends on the island to catch some of their school festival.  We watched the cardboard boat races and then the rubber duck races. The girls really were having a good time, but their Mommy was freezing.  We ended up running home, getting warmer clothes, and returning for the outdoor concert.  It was really fun and the girls got to run and play and dance till their hearts were content.
Right from that it was off to church.  This almost put me over the edge as I did not have the usual church supplies (drinks, snacks, Color Wonders - you know what everyone brings to worship), but did have two growing weary children.  Charlotte behaved fine, while Madi had a bit of trouble staying still near the end - shocking I know. 
We arrived home to meet up with Kevin, who informed me that dinner plans had changed from quick, easy, microwaveable leftovers to cookout with the neighbors at our house.  I looked at what was to be the hosting grounds for this meal and began moving quickly with Kevin to transform it into something presentable to our friends.  Luckily, they know how we roll, so won't end our friendship over the condition of our home.  We all really enjoy cooking out with the neighbors and so it was fun for all.  We did call it a night when Madi began to beg for a bath and bed.
From the moment my feet touched the floor today, they didn't seem to stop.  All I can say is thank God for my comfy cozy bed!

Woodlands Discovery Playground

"Let's check it out" are the words expressed by Charlotte and Madilynn when I told them their friend, Max, wanted to meet up to play at the new park at Shelby Farms.  Actually, Madi saying "Shelby Farms" is just adorable, as is most of her widely expanded, never ceasing, speech right now :). 
Woodlands Discovery Playground just opened Friday and here we are the following Thursday, ready to explore it though play.  It is just amazing.  It's the kind of playground I would like to play on even without my kids, with really very ingenious activities (see pics - once I figure out how to get them on here).  I would say Madi's favorite part was the sand "nest" (there are four sections in this HUGE park and they are labeled "nests"), which is not suprising that she would pick the messiest one...shocker.  I did beg them to stay out of the small water trough and they actually did.  I think Charlotte's favorite too was in that "nest" but it was the high fast tunnel slide there that she just adored.  The kids (and I) were flying out of this slide right into the sand!
We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed leaving the play area and going to sit under a tree for some shade (88 deg this day), then it was potties and right back to playing.  Charlotte was very excited then when another friend showed up, Avery. They exchanged big hello hugs and then were hand in hand playing the rest of the afternoon.  So cute. 
The only flaws for this Mommy at the park was that it was hard to keep my eyes on more than one child, and to decide what shoes your kids should wear. The place is just tremendous, and as wonderful as it was there are always possible hazards around every corner, so the girls and I had to have a talk about staying together in the same "nest", and moving on together.  I just kept thinking "How would I watch more than these 2?"  The four "nests" have three different ground coverings, so for the sand play flip flops were great, but then to run on the rubbery ground, and climb the ropes and ladders, sneakers would be best.  Luckily, Charlotte (always prethinking) wore sneakers (in case of wood chip ground) and packed a pair of flip flops.  Madi wore her mary jane sneakers with socks, but ended up cutting the socks out the equation.
When we left I was exhausted, the kids were excited still, and it was time for me to get ready for work.  Such a fun day, and I'm sure only the first of many, at this amazing new Memphis location.