Nani's House

The kids and I packed up the van and headed south for the weekend to see Nani and attend Judy Lynn's bridal shower.  On the way back from the shower we told Sam if he would take a good nap in the car, when he woke up, we'd be at Bass Pro.  And, guess where we were when he woke up?

Mega fish tank heaven after a long car trip!

Nani even showed Sam her shooting skills at the shooting range.  He would tell her a target to hit, and BAM, she would hit it.  Annie Oakley ain't got nothin' on Nani :)

These babies are in heaven at Nani's house.  They follow her around like lost pups 

waiting for her to sit down and snuggle up.  It's pretty adorable.

A couple of front porch shots before he headed back home.

These babies love them a trip to Nani's house!

New Baby, New Bed

Lucy got a very cool surprise from Grammy at our last visit, a vintage Annie doll and baby carriage.  Lucy love love loves Annie, carries her everywhere.

And, it's time Lucy gets a big girl bed because she calls big brother Sam to get her out and he comes to the rescue and lifts her out of her crib, sort of.  Actually he grabs her under the arms and pulls backwards until he loses his balance, she comes flying out of the bed and they both land in a tangled ball of tears on the floor.  We can't have too much of that now can we?

New baby dolls and toys…

...new big girl bed, everyone is happy (and safe.)

Our Maiden Voyage

Michael and I are both CRAZY busy right now with work.  He works nights (and many weekends).  I work late and host many after-school events.  We basically high-five during the week and trade kids on the way to/from our jobs.  It's insane.  Really.  

But, with the little time we do all have together right now, we are trying to spend it doing fun things together.  Sam calls them "field trips."  And, today was the day we decided to take the kids on their very first canoe trip.  One island to the other, a 20 minute stroll down the duck river.  Easy peasy.  

It took a little muscle power to get the canoe unhooked and down the hill.  Lucky for me, my boys aren't short on muscles.  

Lucy has learned how to say "CHEESE" and now willingly poses for camera shots.

And, those pigtails.  Y'all, I die.  This girl is much too much.

Before departure...

Just after setting sail, still smiling.  

Five minutes into the trip, the little native is getting restless.  Like about to jump.

It's a good thing this first run was a short one.

Sam, on the other hand, could have stayed in the water all day.

We landed on the second island and swam and collected cool rocks and shells.

  Then, it was time to load up and head home.

The mark of a successful and fun first canoe trip…

being so wet and dirty from playing at the river you have to ride home in a diaper/underwear.  

Nailed it. 

Thomas Puzzles

My boy is growing up so fast all of a sudden.  Tying shoes.  Drawing self portraits.  Naming and writing his letters.  And now this!  Thomas puzzles - without any help from momma! I'm not sure I can allow all this growing business.  How is it happening so fast?!

Three in one night with no help from anyone.  I'm working hard to cherish these moments because I know I will blink and it won't be puzzles he's working on anymore, it'll be college term papers!

Favorite Book Character Day

Life with Sam is the absolute best.  Never boring, that's for sure.  This week was "favorite book" week at preschool, and on Friday the kids could dress up as their favorite book character.  And, which character does he choose?

Meet 

Ferdinand the bull

His super dad made him a Ferdinand costume from an old sheet, a pool noodle, a milk carton ring, some black electrical tape and a headband.  And y'all, hands to the heavens, the kid could not sleep he was so excited for Friday to roll around.  In a classroom full of disney princess and superhero costumes, I lovingly call the gentle bull, mine.

From the Mouth of Sam...

Another installment, straight from the mouth of my wee one:

After walking into my bedroom and finding this, I asked Sam what he was doing...

He replied (in his robot voice, of course),
"I. am. not. Sam.  I. am. a. bat. sleeping. in your. bed…"  

Why didn't I think of that?
I crazy love this kid.

Lucy's Baby Dedication

Sweet Lucy,

Yours is a story with a bold reminder, right from the beginning, that you belong to our heavenly Father, and He has entrusted your dad and me to raise you up in a godly home and teach you all about Him and the remarkable gift of his son, Jesus.  His plan for you is perfect, and He is always right on time.  We pray in time you will come to know Jesus as your savior, Lord, and friend, for his love for you far exceeds that of anyone else you will ever know - even your dad and me.  We look forward to the day when we can celebrate your decision to give your life to Christ with you.  What a glorious gift you are, sweet girl, and what a wonderful day it will be!  

I love and pray for you always,

Mom

Your bow-tied big brothers dressed for the occasion.

Nani and Evan could hold you for a moment, and then you were off again.

Your Salvation Squad 

 Each one committed to helping you learn to love Jesus

That sweet sentimental moment on stage when you were individually anointed with oil and prayed for by pastor Johnny.  I cried and you wiped the tears from my face during the prayer, you sweet baby.

And, because sentimental moments can't last forever, here is a shot of how we looked during the rest of the dedication service.  Hey, it was a room full of parents with little ones.  We were among sympathetic hearts, praise God.