Atlanta here we come

I gave the kids baths and got them ready for bed before we put them in the car to drive to Atlanta. Derrick had to work, late, but we still had to get on the road. The kids were so excited to get their pj's on and get in the car to ride. I hope we have a easy ride with happy children. Hunter wanted to wear is Spiderman shoes. He is so cute!

BYBC 2011

We had a great time doing VBS at the Carlson's house in their backyard. I was a little nervous about doing VBS outside and not being in the church. It was really fun and we had a great time. I was glad to have Hannah with me and get to see her interacting with other kids.

visiting with the Delaney family

I was so happy that Christin and the kids were able to come and visit with us today. I met Christin at Caldwell my first year of teaching. We were both newlyweds and had just moved to Nashville and were starting out first teaching job. I would not have made it though that year without her. We had been good friends since the day we met. At the end of our second year of teaching she had her first child, sweet CJ. After that year Caldwell closed down and we were all displaced. She did not return to work and I moved to Cole. We still kept in touch. She moved back to Ohio after Chad finished school. I had Hannah a month before she had Josh. The last time I saw her was when Hannah and Josh were about six months old. We call and email as often as we can. She had Avery a year before I had Hunter. I think that is neat that our youngest share the same birthday. It was so nice to see her and the kids and get to visit with her. We always pick up right where we left off. I am so thankful for our friendship that is a true God send. I will have to get her to email me the pictures she took. The one of took of all the kids together is foggy because my camera was cold from being inside. Thanks Delaney Family for coming to visit. Sorry Chad that we did not get to see you.

just like Papa

Hunter has to do everything Papa does, including shaving.

cookie decorating take 2

I wanted to try to make the cookies and decorate them again. I asked Mama to bring her mixer and cake decorating tips so I could try to make them using the correct tools. That helped a lot. I did put too much salt in them this time, but they were still good. Derrick decided he would help me. While I was making icing and mixing colors he did all of the outlining. I will eventually do it in the color of the cookie, but while I am learning I am just doing it in white. I decorated the flowers, butterflies, and the pink and plain blue car. Derrick of course did the flamed car and the detailed dinosaurs. It makes me a little angry that he is just good at everything the first time he tries it. I still think my cookies look pretty good. I am going to making more soon in new shapes. I will post pictures when I get them made and decorated.

centers

All summer when Hunter goes down for his nap Hannah asks me to play centers with her. Some days we color or play makeover or play games or read books, etc. The other day she asked if we had any fuzzy sticks. I told her I did not know what she was talking about. She showed me the pipe cleaner on a craft she had made at church. I told her I did not have any but to remind me the next time we went to the store. A few days later when we were in Target we found some "fuzzy sticks" in the dollar spot. She was so excited. When we came home and put Hunter down for his nap we were set to make our craft for the day. I was doing something in the kitchen and she came in and told me she had the center set up. She had everything all laid out. She told me each step to do and made sure I did it right. She was so proud of our finished products. (She made the one with yarn for hair at church a few weeks ago when they were learning about families.)

new babies, story time and other fun

 We were very excited to see baby turkeys this morning. They were all dusting with their mom.

 They quickly finished and headed to the flower bed then blackberries for a snack.

 I am sad to say today is the first time we have been to story time at the library all summer. Hunter seemed to enjoy he. He was very excited to get his own library card.

 Hannah decided she needed to help Dad prime the floor of her playhouse.

 When I went out to take a picture of Hannah and Dad painting I saw this. He said, "I all wet." I asked him how he got all wet and he showed me. (See the picture below.) He as so proud of himself.

It just looked like too much fun for him not to get in the water. He loves some water.

Happy 4th of July

 We hope everyone had a wonderful day spending time with family and friends. We are thankful to be able to celebrate such a wonderful day.

The Bussell's Backyard Bash

We had  great time hanging out with old and new friends tonight. Thanks Bussell's. We are looking forward to next year.

the drive home

We went and ate breakfast which was really brunch at The Lost Dog before getting on the road. We had a pretty good drive home. We got to see a clown driving lime green car on the way which as entertaining. Hunter thought he needed his sunglasses to watch the movie. It was dark outside but he wore them for a while. Hannah was just happy to be watching a movie.