old times

There are some things that grandchildren can get away with that kids never would.  I'm thankful that as an adult grandchild, I can get away with a camera and a video camera.  I have a feeling that it has more to do with with great grandchildren that are around than it does with myself. Whatever the means, I'm truly thankful for these precious snap shots of my grandfather's life.  It's such a treasure to hear these stories.

Birthday celebrations

It's so hard to believe that Nathan is 3. Three just sounds so much older than 2. We celebrated the day in a nontraditional style but I suppose that has a lot to do with him being the 4th. Today, Philip was required to begin Annual Conference. We wanted to join him in the morning session as it was a big part of his ordination process. So we began the day at McDonald's for a birthday breakfast Needless to say he made a good impression with all the ladies at McDonald's with his fancy outfit. He even scored himself a birthday hat. After breakfast we headed to downtown Raleigh for the start of Annual conference.  Being from a small town, the kids love seeing skyscrapers and riding escalators!

. This Annual Conference session was where Philip and his peers were asked by the Bishop several questions about their life and commitment to the church and then voted on and approved for ordination. Thankfully, we sat next to a good friend of ours who happens to be pregnant and had in her purse a stash of candy and poptarts! Although I'm quite sure my kids weren't hungry, I was ill-prepared for the length and scope of this session!

After an amazing about of patience, self control and a perfectly timed cat nap for Nathan, the kids and I headed to the Museum of Natural Science. I do enjoy being with my kids at museums. It makes me smile and forget about previous frustrations. My heart was warmed today when Emma calmly said, "Mommy you keep walking too fast. I can't read everything that quick".

Since I didn't know my way around downtown that well and I didn't know there was a new parking deck on the opposite side of the museum, we had a few blocks to walk to get to our car. After a long day, I also needed this little break that Ryan requested.

To my sweet baby Nathan, you are now three. I pray that your smile always continues. I hope your hugs and kisses never wax or wane. I hope your love for the outdoors and enjoyment of a good book continues to grow. I hope one day you can get a horse. I pray that you will always look to God for your source of hope, strength and salvation.  I hope you always carry a song in your heart.

You are as your name says "a gift from God".  We love you!

war paint

It's times like these when I'm reminded of the beauty of "summer break". I have no idea what sparked this afternoons decision to create war paint. It might have been the recent exposure to Tom Sawyer. I'm thankful that my kids have the time and space to be creative, act out their imaginations, enjoy nature and build relationships with one another. I'm also truly thankful that the two painted heroes voluntarily jumped in the shower before returning to normal life!

The tree house

For as long as I can remember, the kids have asked for a tree house.  After spending some time in Charlotte last week, Philip was inspired by his brother's tree fort.  He has spent the last two days (with help from the kids) out in the woods and up in the trees.  He's doing an amazing job!

Peter got the prized job of drilling screws into the planks of wood that would form the flooring.

Ryan did a lot of hauling of materials and holding wood that was being cut.

There was definitely a lot of ladder holding going on.

Nathan and I didn't do too much more than sit around and look cute!