By amy on September 4, 2012
Summer is a time for getting wet! Here is an assortment of water activities the kids enjoyed this summer!
The daring tricycle dash through the pipe works!
Car wash anyone?
Making mud-pies in the sandbox.
Girl time in the pool.
Warming up in the sun – that well water is cold!!
The cousins show off their water slide skills.
Gigantic splash pad at the aquarium.
Lance learns how to spray the water hose.
Cool fountain at the beach…
That got even better at night!
And now that I’ve used all of nap time to bring you this post – I think we’ll all go for a little swim!
Posted in Family News
By amy on August 31, 2012
My offspring have been more than enjoying all the benefits of having a large yard. Not only are there swings, forts and the sandbox, but all sorts of moving creatures besides themselves.
Frogs have been in abundance this year, much to Lance’s delight! They come in all sizes and are nice and soft to hold. He has learned the life cycle of a frog and keeps asking for containers to hold his pets (which we mercifully release at night).
The cat was kind enough to have a litter of kittens shortly after our arrival. The cats are Ivy’s special animal. She carries the older ones around like big rag dolls and loves making “houses” for the little ones.
Flora loves anything that moves and breathes. Here she enjoys the chicks that we hatched out. Lance was the one with enough patience to watch the actual hatching but Flora has the energy and fun to catch the little things now that they are out of the shell.
The babies just enjoy feeling and watching, taking in new things. Eden acquaints herself with a kitten….
….while Greg explores in the chick pen.
The newest addition is Katie’s puppy, Ember. So far the pup has turned out a good fit – no chewing, no barking, no jumping or mouthing the little ones. She is a gentle, cautious girl that has excellent potential as a family dog.
Posted in Family News
By amy on August 11, 2012
The other day I was talking with my Dad and we happened upon the subject of retirement and how the asset of his land was important to him. And he’s right, there is a lot in the Bible that places importance on the Land God had given to Israel and how it was to be passed down from generation to generation. Their property lines among the heathen were a tangible reminder of God’s promise that He would give them an eternal home.
The following day another aspect of my Dad’s heritage descended upon his land – his children’s children: 11 of them so far. (posed in birth order)
If my Dad’s retirement doesn’t take affect until he reaches heaven, he will have the greater joy knowing that his efforts to raise 8 children have made a lasting heritage.
The children and who they belong to:
My brother – the first born son: Connor, Abbie, Parker (ready for action!)
Me – the second child: Lance, Ivy Flora and Eden. (the girls didn’t care for this pose)
My sister’s son: Peter (the newest)
Children of the fourth born: Jenny and Alexa (they waited until last for their photo session)
Their reaction on learning there would have to be a re-shoot when their smiles were better.
Son of the second son: Gregory (a man’s man)
In Jeremiah God asks: How shall I put you among the children and give you a pleasant land, a goodly heritage?
The answer: You shall call God “My Father” and not turn away from Him.
My Dad must be following hard after God to be put among such a crew!
Posted in Family News
By amy on July 2, 2012
The countdown began on Friday when we left the big kids at Nana’s and stayed up late to get seemingly way too many boxes from WalMart.
Saturday brought chaos to the apartment as we tore down and packed up.
Eden enjoyed being a part of this experience. We listened to a lot of music on Pandora while we worked. At one point Brian picked up his baby daughter and started dancing with her, brining out a huge grin and a chuckle.
Boxes start to pile up – one stack for long term storage…
One pile to unpack right away.
Eden tries to scoot into a box to make sure she isn’t left behind!
The stacks grow bigger! Amazingly we’ve used most of the boxes we collected.
Eden tires of packing and enjoys a book that missed its box. I have a feeling the last box we pack up will be labeled “misc.”
Tomorrow we load the truck and head off to our new adventure!!
Posted in Family News
By amy on June 27, 2012
While trying to plan one last playdate with our friends in Dallas, I decided to make a cake and celebrate Ivy’s birthday too. We were meeting at a church play area called “The Ark” so that became the theme of the cake for my 3 year old animal loving girl.
Lance and Ivy helped me mix up this ‘from scratch’ cake by hand – I didn’t have a box mix on hand and the mixer was already packed! However, I may have to make more cakes this way because this one was delicious!
Trying to learn the finger positions for her new age. (and if you wondered whether dinosaurs were on the ark…well, look closely and you just might see one!)
Flora is happy with her piece!
And in case you wondered what it was like inside the ark – well, Ivy is here to show you around. I don’t think the animals were bored!
Up the entry ramp – level to higher level.
Around the giant balls.
Speed bumps and swinging balls? No problem!
Dodging through the “sharp teeth” before you get chomped!
All to make it to the best part – a huge slide! Their favorite was to make a huge train and slide down together, giggling the whole way!
Flora had a great time!
And when it was all over, everyone went home to take naps!
Happy birthday to my bright, vibrant, enthusiastic little girl! You are so capable and loving – I’m excited to see what another year brings to your little life.
Posted in Family News
