Sunday, June 21, 2009

Our Trip to NC

The kids at the NC Aquarium

Daniel the Crab!
Missy and Sarah admiring the frog

Caroline and NeeNa


Playing in the playhouse mansion--even grown ups can fit inside (as you can see!)

The bubble machine was a huge success!

Love this one of the kids chasing the bubbles

Relaxing on the couch with dad

Happy 2nd Birthday (a little early) Sarah!

This is the cute puzzle we gave her--so much fun!

We spent a lot of time like this--oh, to be back!

The guys closing out the day

Playing at NeeNa's

Watching cartoons on a belly full of eggs, pancakes, and bacon. Thanks NeeNa!

The two women I admire most on this earth. I love you both soooo much and miss you tons!
We have just returned from a week long stay with my cousin Missy, her husband Steve, and their little girl Sarah. Missy and I grew up much more like sisters than cousins. She has been my role model for as long as I can remember. I am not sure that she knows just how much I admire, love, and respect her. Her mother (my aunt) Lawrinda is like my second mother. In fact, since my mom passed away, she has wonderfully and faithfully served as my "mom" here on Earth. I can't put into words how much she means to me. They live in NC and I don't get to see them very often, which makes our time together that much more special.
We had such a great trip! They live in Beaufort, NC--very close to the water. We enjoyed going out in the boat, playing in the pool, eating delicious fresh seafood, walking and shopping by the water, grilling out and sipping fine wine on their deck, and visiting the nearby aquarium. We also celebrated Sarah's second birthday a little early with presents and a yummy ice cream cake! Ofcourse, we had to have a grown up night out, so we got a sitter and headed downtown to Clausen's for dinner and then Cru Wine Bar for a night cap. Such fun!
The kids also had a terrific time together! Caroline and Sarah are only weeks apart, and Daniel enjoyed serving as big brother of two! I was not sure how two toddlers would do, but we were so proud of how they shared and played together!!
I hope that Missy, Steve, Sarah, and Aunt Lawrinda will be able to come to Birmingham soon. We miss them!












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VBS '09





Well, it has been quite a while since I have had a spare moment to sit down and blog. This summer has been super fun, but super busy as well! Daniel had another fantastic time at Vacation Bible School. The theme this year was crocodile dock, and the kids learned more about the miracles of Jesus. They learned songs, made crafts, heard stories, and watched movies. Daniel's favorite part was watching his crocodile "grow" just as God's love for us grows more and more each day. I don't think I can say enough good things about the children's ministry at our church. Thanks to all who helped make this year's VBS fabulous!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Thumbs Up!


Whenever D does something really well or he is super proud of himself, he gives the thumbs up. Well, HUGE thumbs up to D for his awesome performance at swim lessons today! Many of you may not know that up until today, D has not willingly attempted to swim with his head completely under the water. He is such a cautious child (crazy, but cautious), and the thought of having his head completely under the water... no access to air...not being able to see what is going on around him...just not appealing to one who likes to have things under control. We tried to do swim lessons at the Hoover Rec last year, and it was a complete disaster. He would scream and cry, and panic every time his little toe touched the water. Ofcourse, I did have to bribe him this go 'round--ice cream for a job well done. Small price to pay. Poor parenting? Maybe. But at least we are headed to a five year old who can swim without floaties. SO, thank you to Ms. Chelsea at Riverchase Country Club--the water gods are smiling down on you for bringing another (slowly, but surely) into the wonderful world of swimming!