Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Our growing tree

At my Nanna's house there is a small corner wall in her kitchen that she will never paint over.  That is because as her grandchildren grew up, she would mark on that wall how tall they were each time they came to visit.  I remember looking forward to each visit just so I could see how big I was getting. 

I want to do the same thing for my children and hopefully grandchildren, too.  But it is very unrealistic that David and I will ever live in one house for more than a handful of years at a time.  So I came up with Our Family Growing Tree.
I was able to buy this 8 foot piece of pine - already primed and painted white - for only $3.23 at Home Depot.  I bought a second, skinnier 8 foot piece of primed and painted pine for another $3.23 and had them cut it into various lengths between 1 and 2 feet long each.  Then I nailed them to the wall in the girls' bedroom to make a tree!  Grace helped me make tissue paper balls using paper napkins and then we hung those up to give our tree some leaves.
 Grace loves to see how tall she is getting.
 We're keeping up with Faith as she grows as well.
Momma and Daddy are on the tree, too.  Grace also had the great idea of painting these little wooden birds (found at Michals for only 99 cents each) and adding them to our tree.  The blue one is for Daddy and the pink one is for me.  Grace and Faith each have a pink bird, too.

Now we have a functional and decorative growth chart tree that we can cherish for years to come.  It was cheaper and more durable than any chart I've seen out in the vast internet, plus it's tall enough to record anyone's height - 6 foot 1 inch Daddys included!  And the best part of all; I will be able to take it with us the next time we move...

Friday, May 27, 2011

It's so good to be home

After driving 2 days in the car, we made it home safe and sound.  While it was wonderful visiting with family, there's just no place like home.
 We have enjoyed our sunsets.
 And today we had a number of sea gulls fly by.
 So Grace shared a bit of her "peanut butter sandwich and jelly" with one.
 And he thought it was quite delicious.
 And called to all of his friends.
 Faith enjoyed the sight of so many birds, too.
Most of all, I think we just enjoyed a quiet evening at home together.

Monday, May 23, 2011

We live far, far away


After we finally arrived home today Grace looked at me very solemnly and said:

"Momma, I think we live Far, Far Away."



We do indeed live far, far away from our family in Charlotte...


Our trip to Charlotte

We had a wonderful trip to Charlotte.
 What I enjoyed most was the time spent with family.
 David was able to spend some good quality time with his daddy.
 And my girls were able to bond with their MeeMee
 And Pappy.
 They spent time with their Aunt Jennifer.
 And we got to see how beautiful Bethany looks pregnant with a precious baby girl.
 Edward came by full of smiles.
 And we were able to celebrate Steve's 30th birthday.
 Grace and Stephen had a blast playing together.
And so did Luke and Faith.  The hardest part is always going home but I'm certain we will see them again sometime soon.  Thank you all for such a great time and all the wonderful memories.  We'll treasure them forever.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Visiting Charlotte: Playing outside

One thing we did almost every day during our visit to Charlotte was play outside!
Sometimes we'd play in the sandbox.
Or pretend to be cowboys and cowgirls.
We'd hunt for lizards.
And then use them for target practice.  (Please note:  No animals were actually harmed during our visit.)
Sometimes, Stephen would play Tarzan looking for his Jane.
Jane could often be found just hanging out.
Then Tarzan would join her.
Sometimes we were snakes slithering in the grass.
Other times we just enjoyed simple snacks in the sunshine.
Faith took some of her first steps outside.
Even though she wasn't happy about it.
Joe could always be counted as a great adventure guide.
And a fast spinning windmill.
Spinning the kids around and around.
Upside down, of course.
 When not being twirled around, Grace wanted to make Faith feel included by tickling her with a leaf.
I don't think Faith was too fond of that leaf tickling her. 
But she loves her sister madly, just like her sister loves her.

Watch as Faith takes some of her first steps!






Visiting Charlotte: Sunday

We started this morning off by going to church.
 And after church we came back to MeeMee and Pappy's house.
 And we took a few photos as a family.

 Then we worked to get lunch ready.
And the entire family got together to celebrate Steve's birthday.  He turns the big 3-0 tomorrow.  Happy Birthday Stephen!!!!!!!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Visiting Charlotte: It's the ice cream man!

We were all playing outside when we heard a familiar jingle down the street.
 It was the ice cream man!  Grace and Stephen ran to the corner and waiting for him to arrive.
Aunt Jennifer told them to pick anything they wanted.
 Both Stephen and Grace wanted popcicles!
 Delicious!
 Then both the kids chased the ice cream truck down the street
Before coming back to give Joe a big thank you hug.
What an awesome way to cool off on a hot summer day!
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