Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom Visit

Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop came for a visit Thursday through Saturday. We had such a delightful time. The weather was so pretty Thursday afternoon so we sat outside and watched the children ride their bikes on the driveway, swing on the swing set, and climb a few trees.

Patrick's Dad came over and chili with us for supper and then took the older two children as well as my father for a motorcycle ride. It was the first time in my father's 68 years that he has ever ridden a motorcycle--Yay, Dad!

Friday brought cooler and wetter weather, but it did not deter us from our fun. We went to the Riverbanks Zoo where we walked a beautiful trail along the river, saw the Botanical Gardens, and enjoyed the zoo animals. The reptile house was a big hit for everyone. I was amazed by the furry anaconda poop (what does that say about me?). We also got tickled watching the lion cubs play and the gorilla picking at his toes.

The kids loved playing with Pop-Pop and giving lots of cuddles to both Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom. Grace charmed her grandparents with her smiles and coos. I loved watching Grace lay in her grandmother's arms, looking up into her face, and "talking" so sweetly to her. It was precious.

Our visit was short but very sweet. I am so glad for the special time we enjoyed together.

Down by the Riverside

Spanish Moss and Flowering Trees--Beauty designed by our Awesome Creator!

There Were Three In The Bed

Elyse loves to hold Grace each night as I am tucking her into bed. She suggests that I go do something so she can take a few minutes to snuggle with her baby sister. This particular night Mack decided to join in the cuddle time. I love Grace's face in the photo with her and Elyse.

Look Out For Firetrucks

As I was putting Noelle to bed tonight I noticed that she had a goose egg on her temple. Surprised that she had not come crying to me about it, I asked her how she got it. At first she told me that Pepper (our dog) did it. That was believable as Pepper will sometimes resort to using his teeth when Noelle gets too rough (which she often does). However, as she thought about it, she decided that it was not Pepper but Bella (our cat) who gave her her boo-boo. Then the story changed again. A firetruck did it she told me (we had just finished reading a story about a firetruck). The firetruck not only got her but also Mommy, Daddy, and Jesus! How did I miss all this?!! The moral of this story...be aware of rogue firetrucks!

"Snow Day"

We had a "snow day" here in SC. Schools cancelled last night in anticipation of the coming snow. I was so excited thinking that my children would actually get to experience a snow day just as I had growing up in DE (though I knew there probably would not be very much snow here).

We woke up this morning to a light dusting of snow. We were thrilled that we got any snow at all. Everyone got bundled up and headed outside. Grace was less than thrilled and Noelle was not sure what the fuss was all about.

Mack and Elyse went "sledding" down the hill, though they slid more on the wet leaves than the snow. Mack threw a few snow balls and Elyse fashioned a teeny tiny snowman. We tried to give him a face with some raisins but they did not stick.

So, not much snow, but at least we had the fun of a snow day. :)

One Month Old

Grace is now one month old. It has definitely been a month filled with joy. Grace is a sweet happy baby and we are all enjoying her. Her brother and sisters always want to hold her and love on her. I so enjoy cuddling her, especially in the evenings after the others have been tucked in for the night. I know that this newborn stage will be over in the blink of an eye and I want to enjoy every moment. Grace is a wonderful gift to our family and I treasure this precious baby.

Happy Birthday, Mack

Mackenzie turned 7 years old on December 31. 2008.

He celebrated earlier in the week with his cousins at Chuckie Cheese.

For his birthday he requested cinnamon buns for breakfast. He remembered that I had made them the previous year on his birthday. Patrick took Mack to the indoor shooting range and Mack thoroughly enjoyed himself. Apparently he is a pretty good shot. The paper targets are now displayed in his bedroom.

I made him birthday brownies for dessert and we all sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

It was a very enjoyable birthday.