Georgia Aquarium

I’m stepping back in time a bit to get my blog caught up. Back in April the kids and I took a trip with Nana and Papa to GA and VA for a couple of weeks.  One day my Dad, Sister-In-Law, and I ventured out to the Georgia Aquarium, all six kids in tow.  If you’re ever in the Atlanta area I would highly recommend going. We had a great time!

Just before walking into the aquarium...part of our crew:

Liam, Addison, Noah, Jacob

An attempt to get a photo of all 6 kids...it didn't work out exactly how we were hoping.

Noah, Addison, Ella, Liam, Lia, Jacob

The older three kids thought they were so incredibly cool with their map.

They were having a serious discussion about what sections of the aquarium we had already been, and where we needed to go next.

One of the portals (is that what you call it?) the kids could climb into to get up close an personal with the fish.

I don't remember which exhibit this was but Noah was making sure he got plenty of pictures with his super cool camera.

This was a tunnel that you walked through/rode through one of the aquariums.

Still Here

Just popping my head up to let you all know we are still alive - just enjoying our summer.  This is how we're spending most of our time...it's too hot to do anything else!  I'll get updated on here one day, but for now, the pool is calling again!

Hope you're enjoying your summer too!

Fishin' In The Rain

Yesterday after a thunder/rain storm passed through our area the kids asked if they could take their fishing poles outside to go fishing.  Not having any idea what they had planned I told them yes and went on about my business.  A couple minutes later I stepped outside to see this:

I pretty much melted on the spot.

This was not staged in any way.  It was all their idea.

I have loved watching their relationship bloom as Lia gets older. 

Mr. Jacob "fishing" - which looks more like he's swinging a baseball bat to me rather than casting his fishing pole but...what ever!  He's having a great time.

Mizz Lia had some issues with her pole.  She was asking me to "fik" it for her.  She knows exactly how it should be done.  See - she's pointing it out to me.  This girl slays me sometimes. 

And now it's time for a little love. 

And this...this just makes my heart smile. 

Father's Day 2011

Happy Father's Day to our favorite Daddy!

Today

I realize I am so incredibly behind on catching this blog up. I'll get around to it one of these days, but before more time goes by I just want to share what I've been enjoying today.  Since the tragedy in our family two weeks ago I have been reminded once again that I need to enjoy today and all that it entails.  We are never promised tomorrow. Sooo...this is what I have loved watching today. 

My two babies.  I hope I get to watch them grow and blossom for the rest of my life. 

Georgia Cousins!

Back in April my cousin Mark and his family made a road trip out to TX for Spring Break. We were lucky enough to have them at our house one evening then we got to ride back to GA with them!  It had been about 3 years since we'd seen them so we had never met Kate and Lilly nor had they met Lia. It didn't take long for the kids to get acquainted and start acting like cousins though!

Very soon after arriving, introductions were made,

(and showing off commenced...notice the fancy boots, fancy mask, and fancy purse)

hugs were shared,

 (Lia and Kate are 3 mo apart)

supper was shared,

(notice that pile of clothes in the back-ground...that was the very beginning stages of my packing for the 10 day trip we were leaving on early the next morning)

and vehicles were inspected.

(this is the RV we rode in all the way to GA the next day) 

up next...Travel Day 1.

Happy 5th Birthday Jacob!

Dear Sweet Baby Boy of Mine,

How did you go from this

to this 

in 2.7 seconds?

Love,

Your Mom and Dad

Soccer Time!

Another soccer season has come and gone.  We had a great experience this season also.  The coaches were great, the boys and girls on his team were sweet, and the parents were nice/fun to be with.  There were 3 boys on this team that were together last season.  Two other boys plus Jacob.  This season all of the kids actually played, it wasn't JUST Jacob out there.  We were really glad for that as he got quite discouraged by the end of last season. 

 Jacob leading the pack.

 Jacob and Landon break away from the crowd to get the ball down to the goal!

ummm....great job Jacob for making a goal but...it was supposed to go in the other one!

goalie

he's ready for anything that comes his way

way to block that ball!

ok - here's another one

and another block!

ugg...

and...he's the leader again

(I wasn't a proud Mom or anything!)

great game everyone!

my favorite soccer player of all time!

The Dolphins Spring 2010

Bringing Tay home

Stepping back a few weeks to get this blog caught up. 

Lia and I left to see Brad & Lesha when we heard baby Tay had arrived.  The day they brought her home from the hospital Mom, Dad, and I kept Trace, Trevin, and Lia occupied until the car finally pulled into the driveway.  Trace & Trevin were so excited to finally have their baby sister home they could hardly contain themselves. 

This is a little glimpse of how we spent the day waiting...

Driving various and sundry vehicles

eating plenty of Goldfish

generally monkeying around

and finally taking a little rest with Papa.

(These two can't breathe without the other.)

FINALLY!  Tay got brought home to a house full of people who love her.  Not the least of which was her brothers. 

Trace & Trevin knew just what she needed as soon as she got home - read to.  They brought her all kinds of books.  She got quite an education from the Bearenstein Bears as soon as she came in the door!

The next day Papa and Lia get to spend a little quiet time with Tay. 

And Lia contemplates weather or not she's going to have to give up her place as "Papa's Doll".

The answer is no.  Papa just has two dolls now.  Perfect.

The quiet time didn't last long until Tay's #1 fans come checking things out!  They come bearing gifts of course.  'Cause that's what big brothers do.

One last look at Tay before we leave. 

Sleep tight sweet baby girl - surrounded by a Minnie Mouse lovie from your cousin, a stuffed dog from your brothers, and more love than you'll ever know.

And one more before we leave...my favorite niece (in TX) and I.
Tay will always have an extra special place in my heart.
I will never forget the baby we lost that would be her age.