Someone turned 9

Our first baby, born on the first day of May just turned 9!!

Hard to believe looking at this "tween" that we share our home with that she was once our little baby girl.  She has brought our family immeasurable joy and keeps us on our toes!

Here is to many more special birthdays to our Gracie girl!

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
- 1 Corinthians 13:13

Another May Birthday

Someone special had a birthday today.  I have always believed that Emma was sent into our home to round out all of our rough edges.  She brings joy and laughter every single day.

Hands down one of my favorite people ever!!

Happy 7th Birthday Sweet Emma!

Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
- Proverbs 22:6

Lake Fun

Last weekend we joined some families from our homeschool group up at Lake Ray Roberts - about 45 minutes from our house.  It was our first time ever visiting this lake and we all had a great time in spite of some chilly weather.

In spite of the cold water both girls had to dip in their toes to test it out.

The girls and I enjoyed some selfie fun.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
- Psalm 150:6

Winter storms = fun

Winter came a little late this year.  We had a small ice storm the last week of February, followed a few days later by a snow storm and then more snow the following week.  For a few days we felt like we were back home in New York!

Winter weather gets the girls so excited.  Each storm found them playing outside for hours at a time. The only way I could get them inside was the lure of hot chocolate!

I think few things in nature are as beautiful as the sun reflecting off of the freshly fallen snow.

Chris's office closed twice during the winter weather so he had some fun playing outside with the girls.  He put them to work rolling up the body of the snowman.

Chris and the girls made "Larry the Snowman" who was representing our home team proudly with his snow hat!

Until next winter snow and ice!  We will miss you!

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

- Psalm 19:1

More rock climbing fun

Last year Grace did a little rock climbing at our local REI.  This weekend Emma decided that she would give it a try.

So of course, Grace had to give it another go.  Neither girl made it to the top but they had a good time trying.

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

- Psalm 105:3

The night Cinderella came for dinner

Tonight when I called the girls downstairs for dinner, this is what I saw . . .

Cinderella on her cell phone of course!

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
- Psalm 127:3

Valentine family bike ride

When the weather is nice we like to go to the Campion Trails for a family bike ride.  There are several miles of paved trails and it is pretty scenic.  Each time we go, the girls impress us and go for more than 9 miles.

Best way to celebrate Valentine's Day this year!

But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
“The Lord is great!”
- Psalm 70:4

How did we get here?

This morning I took Grace to get her braces on - how in the world did we get here?  I swear I was bringing her home from the hospital just yesterday.

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
- Romans 8:16

And still more ice skating

Back by popular demand (from the girls!), we went ice skating this weekend.  The girls love going so much, they have a perma-smile the whole time we are there, so we keep going back.

Seeing them holding hands while they skate makes this is all worth it!

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy.
- Job 8:21

Just because

Took these pictures of Grace on my phone on our way out the door and they are two of my favorites. Seems she is growing up right before our eyes.

Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
- Proverbs 22:6