Cardboard Box Adventures

Another fine adventure is now hot off the press!!  My mom had asked me a few weeks ago if I would be available to help watch my older brother's kids again.  M & M were planning on going away with her parents to celebrate her mom's birthday.  Of course I was more than happy to re-arrange the nothing I had planned on my calendar that day to help her out.  We spent the afternoon reading books, building forts, racing tricycles, taking naps (yes even Isaac laid down for a little bit), and drinking Grammy's fabulous meadow tea!  It was an afternoon full of adventures and fun!

Prior to the fort (or castle, if you ask Elianna) building, the entertainment of choice happened to be the box my mom keeps a bunch of foam letters in.  Who knew a few boxes were all we needed for afternoon entertainment?!?

We were beginning to wonder if Elianna hadn't fallen asleep in hers...she was literally inside the box for more than 15 min...we barely saw it move...but she was content as could be.

There aren't many pictures of Isaac as he hardly holds still long enough to get a clear shot!

Post fort build...which included a hole on one side to accommodate the tunnel as an alternate entrance.  Stay tuned for fort-building and crazy adventures!

This Memorial Day weekend brought with it few plans on the calendar so an impromptu get together with my family last evening was a welcome invitation.  The evening started out with sunshine but it soon became obvious the sunshine would not last as the dark, heavy clouds began to roll in.  But we enjoyed a few moments of fun in the yard before it the flood gates opened from above.  Caleb is now walking and if we couldn't keep him stationary before, the task has now become near impossible.  Smiling and pointing at you seems to be his "thing" and always makes us laugh.

Isaac and Isaiah came to the party with Papa Smurf who had picked them up with Ted and brought them over.  The kids just love the special rides they get with Papa Smurf and Ted.  Isaiah had a permanent place by the chips until the rain moved our party to the garage and then he found residence by the grapes.

Papa Smurf kept the fire going and the burgers and dogs roasting...as well as stealing chips from Isaiah.  I kept telling Isaiah to take a chip to Uncle Jamie and Papa Smurf just kept on intercepting.  Notice the little face peering around the chair at me..."Look, I tried to give it to Uncle Jamie but Pappy kept taking them!"

Uncle Jason had a little time with Elianna.  Her and daddy showed up right before the rain.  Unfortunately Maegan and Baby Eva couldn't make it as Eva was finally sleeping.  She has been doing somewhat better after an adjustment to her medication but has her nights and days mixed up.  We continue to ask for prayers for Baby Eva and their family as they take this journey one day at a time.

The evening ended with us partying in my brother's garage and enjoying the craziness that makes my family fun.  Lacey thankfully was prepared with some light sticks!  Great idea, Lacey!

And thank you to those who have, are, and will serve our country and fight for our freedom!!

 I was asked recently to do senior pictures for 2 beautiful ladies and what an afternoon we all had!  I'm so glad I had the opportunity to work with them and I wanted to share.  To these special ladies, thanks so much for the privilege to take these and for all the laughs...AND for saving me from the snake!  Blessings to you both as you begin a new journey in life.

 

Easter weekend this year brought with it the realization that family functions will no longer be the same for my mom's side of the family as Grandpa will no longer be sitting at the head of the table.  But as it was Easter we were given the reminder that Christ paid the ultimate price so that we can have Eternal life and in that there is hope in death...the comfort in knowing that we will one day see our loved ones again.  This particular weekend also brought with it the opportunity to spend time with family and to laugh amidst the pain.

 That morning at church we sang several songs that spoke the words of HOPE we have in a risen Christ and of the deep LOVE our Heavenly Father showers upon us...to give His life so that we may live...what love!  So I found it a true blessing to see an earthly example of the love of a father!  These pictures just make me smile...make me proud that I am surrounded by such wonderful men in my life!

My older brother and his family were unable to make it to the dinner and my niece Jessie was up spending time with my in-laws so I decided that since it was nice out and there weren't so many little kids to keep track of, Rachel and I were going to enjoy some time in the sunshine...the wind made things interesting but we had a blast.  Uncle Jamie and I entertained her for a while but she soon wanted Daddy to come out and play...and being the gracious, loving father he his, he complied.

 The things daddy's let their daughters do...oh, Papa Smurf, I can only imagine the things I put you through!

Peek-a-boo!!

 These smiles just...mmmm, melt my heart.

But these 2 pictures really make my heart sing!

Crazy girl just wouldn't give a serious smile, but I love that she's impulsive and doesn't take life too seriously.

While we were out enjoying the weather, Uncle Randy and Caleb were soaking up some quality time together.  When we first got to my Grandma's we found Caleb contentedly perched on Randy's lap and I think Randy is all too thrilled he will have a little buddy to pal around with now.  It was so fun to watch them interact together!

Although the empty place setting at the table this year was tough to process, we had much to be thankful for!  We have the joy and comfort of eternal life our loving Father provided by GIVING His One and Only Son to pay the penalty for our sins and this year I especially praise Him for the family I have to spend this earthly life beside!  I pray your Easter was a blessed and happy one!