VBS and Grandparents

Last week was VBS at church. And Oh what a great thing it was! Rick and I taught music together, which was a first for us, and I totally enjoyed getting to work together with him like that. We stayed in our room as several groups would rotate through. I looked forward to seeing those kids, and now recognizing some of then when I see them in the hallways. And Oh what glory to see kids getting such in depth learning about Christ. Not that it was all work and no play... the kids really had a lot of fun too. Kaitlyn had a total blast. She learned new songs and scripture and Bible stories... And she fell head over heels in love with Ko Ko the Koala.


Zach had a great time too. I was so amazed and blessed by how much effort the nursery put into making VBS a special experience for even the littlest ones.

By the end of the week, the kids were both wiped out, as were Rick and I. Ohio Mema and Bebop came down to see the final assembly (and Kaitlyn onstage) and their timing was perfect. Actually, the kids and I all ended up getting sick over the weekend, and I was SO glad for the extra support of having parents around since I wasn't feeling so great. We're all on the mend, but Rick is just getting his first symptoms. I just hope Mom and Dad don't get it.

We had a great time with the grandparents. It rained a lot, but on the one nice evening we had, we setup the pool and enjoyed watching the kids play. We also had our first marsmallow roast in the new fire pit Rick created in the back. The look on Zach's face at his first taste was pretty priceless. Wish I'd caught that one on camera.

So, after a week of VBS and several more days of being sick, the kids are really pooped out. We all went to breakfast this morning at Cracker Barrel then Mom and Dad hit the road back to Ohio. I stopped by WalMart, and on the way home from there (at 10:30 am!!) both kids fell asleep and transferred right into bed and slept until 1:30. It was a long afternoon, but both went down easily tonight. I think we'll stick close to home tomorrow too.

Fun Stuff

As we were preparing to leave for church tonight, we discovered we had guests in the middle of the driveway. Adorable baby raccoons all cuddled up together, just a few feet from the garage door. Totally not afraid of us, but we didn't get too close in case Mom was nearby.


Speaking of all cuddled up... after church, I got a great pic of Kaitlyn playing with Caroline and Anna Beth, two older girls that she just adores, and they are so sweet to her.

Our Beach Trip

We spent a week at the Beach with Florida Mema & Bebop and Uncle Kevin. Oh, what a great time we had. The weather was perfect the first few days, and rainy the last couple, but the rain didn't dampen our good times. It didn't keep us from playing in the sand... and even swimming in the rain. Hey, if you're gonna get wet anyways... why not!

I was so thankful to make it through the week with no sunburns, especially on Zach since he's so fair. Both kids loved getting to spend so much time outside, and Mema and Bebop make everything so fun... the kids were totally spoiled, but I'd have it no other way.

Zach suprised me how much he enjoyed it, seeing as he's such a wuss in the grass. But he loved the sand and the water. And he didn't want to just walk on the beach along the edge of the water... he wanted to go out in it. And in the pool, he was jumping off the edge and I'd catch him, dip him under water, and he'd come up kicking to do it all over again. He's a fish!!

And Kaitlyn just loved running, running, running. And she, too, loved the pool, but did NOT want to go under water. We've got to get those swim lessons this summer!!

Checking out the waves for the first time...

Beach Belle!


Riding on Daddy and Uncle Kevin... Giddy Up!!

Zach buried HIMSELF in the sand.

Not sure who had more fun... Mema or the kids!!

Three generations.

Catching Up

Okay... lots to catch up on.

First of all, a couple of really cute pics from May.

The kids in their Disney pajamas, getting ready for bed...

Zach has gotten quite steady on his feet...

And Kaitlyn remains ALL princess and drama!

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Our trip to Ohio in early May went great. It was my first road trip with kids and no Rick or any other adult to help. I was nervous, but the kids did GREAT!! And they had a GREAT time with Ohio Mema & Bebop. The kids hadn't seen them since December... that's the longest we've ever gone with out seeing them. Mom is doing AMAZING after her double knee replacement in March. It was so good to see them!

All smiles for Ohio Mema and Bebop!

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Swinging in the backyard!

My dear friend Va-Va-Valerie (as Kaitlyn calls her, a leftover from when she was learning to say her name) came over, all dressed up like a princess for Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn was in AWE.

And Abby and Matthew James came down from Chicago to join us for a couple days, and it was SO great to get to see them. I sure miss Abby here in TN.

Soon after we got back, was Rick's birthday. Kaitlyn was all excited about making a cake for him. She asked him if he wanted a Buccaneer cake, or a pink one. My man picked pink for his little girl. Which totally tickled her. I wonder if he'd have believed it if a few years ago I'd have told him that one day he'd choose pink for his birthday cake!

Happy Birthday Daddy!