Family Trip (part 6)

We went to Stratford Hall with Daniel's parents, the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, and then drove through George Washington's birthplace (all in VA).  We spent most of our time on the beach of the Potomac River looking for shells and shark's teeth!  The girls thought that was really fun!

The Potomac River in the background

It was a little sunny  :)

If you're on the beach you're in Virginia, but if you go into the water you're in Maryland!

Mmmm... yummy sand!

Grandpa, Daniel and the girls digging for shark's teeth

-------

This is what we looked like traveling back home to Wisconsin -- all packed in with no room to spare!

We had such a fun time with family!  The two weeks went by way too fast.  We now look forward to traveling back out there for Christmas in only 6 months!! 

Thank you for everything, Tim and Phyllis!

Awana and Friends

Well, Awana is over.  Daniel did an excellent job as the Commander for his first year, if I do say so myself!  He's looking forward to another fun year come Fall.  I'm going to miss getting together with the "Nursery Moms" every week, but we do have a park/swim schedule planned for the summer so we're excited about that!  This fall Abigail will be moving on to her second year as a Cubbie and Lillian will be a second year Sparky... Rebecca might even get to join Abigail in Cubbies, we'll see!  The girls are growing up so fast! 

This was the prize table at the Awana Carnival.  I was encouraged to hear a few kids say, "These are the best prizes ever!"

The "Nursery Moms" had a western/cowgirl themed game area.  I wasn't able to help with the games because I was manning the prize tables, BUT I did get to dress up!  I love these ladies!!! 

My sidekicks

We rented a popcorn machine and it was a big hit!  It made the gym smell really good too! 

Abigail waiting in line with friends to play a game

--------

Award's Night

The Commander saying a few words

Abigail showing me her awards

--------

This past week we went to the zoo with the "Nursery Moms."  There were 6 moms and 22 kids (not all made it in the picture!)!! 

BFF's

-------

Until next time...

Fun, Fun and More FUN!

We've had a lot of celebrating going on these last few days.  Daniel turned 31 this past week, Lillian had a birthday party on Saturday, and we had a baby/child dedication at church this morning.  Fun, fun, and more FUN!  Lillian's "real" birthday is this Wednesday the 28th which just happens to be the same day as the Awana Carnival... still more fun to come!!  :)

Birthday Boy with his behemoth burger

What's a birthday without Legos?!

We enjoyed a yummy supper out on the front porch

Now onto Lillian's cupcake party...

Lillian had her first friend party!  They all iced and decorated their own giant cupcake cakes!  Oh what fun they had!!

Lillian spreading her FIRST layer of sugary goodness :)

The finished products!!   Mmmmm...

(They also played "pin the #6 on the cupcake" which is up on the back wall)  

Happy birthday to you...

A close-up shot of Lillian's masterpiece

--------

We had a "group" baby/child dedication at church this morning.  We had never dedicated any of the girls so they were all dedicated.  It was a very nice and special morning.  It was also special to have my parents and grandma come for the service.  

Smiling for Grandpa

Thanks for taking our picture, Dad!

-----

Easter

Trying to get a picture before heading off to church...

... after a few tears, we finally got a decent one  :)

Our home school group grew these wheat grass centerpieces for our church's Easter breakfast.  It only took a little over a week for the grass to get this high!  The girls had fun watching the grass grow!  Lillian helped me punch the flowers and butterflies out of paper.  They made for some really fun centerpieces! 

The gang patiently waiting to hunt for eggs at my grandma's house

Time to get down to business

They didn't like my rock picture idea

Although, Rebecca didn't mind smiling after she had the rock to herself (and a piece of candy!)!

Cousin Delaney and Lillian checking out their loot

Daddy and Rachel

I love how dads hold their kids  :)

A few days ago I was talking with Abigail about Jesus dying on the cross and how He came back to life.  She said, "Yeah, and after Jesus died they put Him in a tube!"  She meant tomb!  That's why we call her Chuckle!  :) 

The girls enjoying their supper outside.  We had beautiful weather on Easter Sunday.

We ended our day by driving over to my brother Mike's house and seeing/petting/crying at their new 3 baby goats (the girls were in their pj's ready for the 2 hour drive back home).  My nieces named this baby goat Abigail  :)  We even got to try some yummy goats milk!

-----