Time with friends

Our friends, Dan and Danielle came to visit us this weekend. We were overjoyed to see them and very pleased to meet their 8 week old daughter, Lydia.

Rosalie loved Lydia's toes.

Rosalie also loves the camera!

She can't decide which she likes better, Lydia's toes or the camera??

Lydia - looking at Rosalie.

Sweet baby girl!!

Unfortunately for Dan and Danielle, they had some car problems. Fortunately for us, we got to keep them with us for a couple days longer!

The Park near Mamaw and Papaw's House

Aaron kept asking if we could go to the park near Mamaw's house when we were in Virgina last July - but we just never had time to fit it in. We made it a priority this time!

Rosalie was at home with Mamaw while we played at the park.

Disney on Ice

Mom and Dad took all 7 of the grandchildren to see Disney on Ice!

Jonathan was glued to the action on the ice!

Aaron was too!

Martin was all smiles!

Ahhhhh. . . the Captain came out - Jonathan was so happy to see him!

And thankfully right at the end Buzz and Woody made their appearance. Aaron jumped out of his seat and started shouting, "I knew it! I knew it!" I guess he was pretty certain that they would be there!

It was a fun day - thanks Mamaw and Papaw!

Rosalie is 8 months old!

Rosalie was 8 months old yesterday!

She is now army crawling.

She easily pulls herself up on her knees and to her feet.

She is extremely anxious if I ever leave her sight.

She is happiest when she is in my arms.

She has recently stopped napping for me.

I am hoping and praying she will resume normal nap status once teeth break through.

She has two bottom teeth and 4 top teeth.

The two bottom teeth cut through easily and nicely without much notice.

She has 1 tooth on top - left of center - that cut through.

The other three on top can be seen through the gums - but havn't cut through.

She nurses about 6 - 7 times a day and sleeps through the night most of the time.

I havn't started her on solids yet, but she definitely show interest in what we are putting in our mouths! Not sure yet when I'll start her on solids - maybe next month - maybe not.

I love my shoes!

Look at my shoes!!

See? Aren't they cute?
I love my shoes!

September Field Trip

I planned a homeschool field trip out to Hidden Valley Wonders in Clayton, NC. 4 families participated - and this is a group shot of most of the children!

Closeup of Martin with Aaron peeking out from behind him

This is Dottie giving us lots of information on how to care for horses.


Jonathan and Martin taking turns grooming one of the horses.

Martin rides a horse for the first time!


Aaron's first time on a horse!


Jonathan's turn on the horse!

Playing with the goats
Jonathan feeds the goats

Martin and Aaron fishing in a fully stocked pond

Aaron was extremely patient, but didn't catch anything

We had a picnic lunch and did a little fishing to close out our day. They kept us very busy at Hidden Valley Wonders - and all the children had a wonderful time. All 4 of my children were exhausted by the time we piled into the car for the trip home. It wasn't long before I glanced back and saw this:

Rosalie sleeping

Jonathan sleeping


Aaron sleeping

Martin sleeping

They really are best friends!

Martin and Aaron have gotten along like the best of friends since before Aaron could walk or talk. They are still the best of friends! They love each other, play well together, and enjoy being together. For those of you who have children who fight like cats and dogs. . . you know what a blessing it is to have two that get along beautifully!

I have both ends of the spectrum in this house, so I really do know how wonderful it is to have two who love each other so much!

I am praying that Aaron and Jonathan will learn to love and respect each other in much the same way as they grow and mature. . . I'll have to keep you posted on that!