Welcome and Hello Thea!

Life doesn’t get much better than this! We lounged together on a warm spring day getting to know each other. She is pretty perfect. She studied everything, did not mind a new person holding her, got down and played in water and rolled around on a blanket, helped look for other kids, did not fuss about how she was held as long as she could be a bit squirmy in whatever position she was in, and had such happy faces. This mama took pity on her and kept two sets of little hands off of her today, but the moratorium is off now and she will have to suffer love from two more girls. We are so excited to watch you grow little one! So glad you are in our lives.

All the bigger kids had fun doing their favorite kid things together. Lots of wonderful busyness.

Emily is trying to catch water drops on her tongue. She was pretty busy enjoying herself and wouldn’t pose for any photos.

Wet grins!

Of course Julia had to swing. While she can swing in the bigger kid swing she would prefer to swing in the more secure swing and beg for “underdog”. Geez, the things that Uncles teach little kids. Uncle Doug had better watch out.

This Thursday School Graduation was the best one yet. For some reason the kids seemed hysterical and sweet all at the same time and our girls had both sets of grandparents to watch and celebrate.

Julia’s class performing their song selection. Julia sang with a lot of exuberance and seemed to love being on the stage. Normally she is such a shy kid and seeing her act so bold was really fun. Julia’s little voice could be heard loud and clear.

Emily’s class singing for their performance. The kids seemed to enjoy singing their songs and all the actions associated with the songs.

Elena was a great performer.

Emily finding her Mama in the crowd.

Fantastic photo of the singing Julia. She sang with gusto!

Maeve was shy and not willing to venture far from her teacher. We weren’t sure what happened with her knee and the Band-Aid, but it was distracting her a bit.

After the singing performances each child was presented for their diplomas. The little girls came first.

Julia continued with her boldness she had while singing. She marched right up on stage, got her diploma, and gave the crowd a wave.

Maeve was so brave. She crossed the stage to Ms. Kelly and got her diploma. She wouldn’t give a wave to the crowd, but who really needs that.

Elena was presented in her cap and gown for graduation. The kids were asked ahead of time what their career would be when they grow up. Elena’s answer was that she would be a veterinarian.

Emily seemed to be very happy to be in the limelight. Her career choice was to run a hotel, serve food, and be a doctor. We are very proud of the accomplishments of the girls and their best friends!  

Just as soon at it began it seems to be ending. Today is this year’s last day of Thursday School. Emily is finishing her third year and Julia her second year. They were a bit tired this morning and a little grumpy on the way in, so smiles were not easy to come by. They also know that today is the last day of school and that has affected their moods a bit too. Thank goodness their best friends were there today and that was the grease that got them in the door and to their classrooms.

It is great to have a best friend in class!

Emily with her teachers, Ms. Frieda and Ms. Diane. Zoe was interested in being in the photo and that made Emily happy.

Julia with her teachers, Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Verda.

Maeve was either serious in general or serious about her cracker. This was the best she would do for me. Love that girl though!

Today was a beautiful day. It was a warm and sunny morning to play at the Botanical Garden with our friends. We shared our last picnic and playtime for a while as Elena and Maeve will be doing some traveling. Emily is praying for her friends every night that God would take care of them on their trip and bring them home safely. Very genuine and sweet! One funny activity of the day was with the Pringles we shared. The girls all enjoyed making their duck faces with the chips.

The big girls being very sweet together.

They were being a bit silly, but having fun playing in their special castle.

How very typical of Julia these days to have her fingers in her mouth. She is cutting some molars right now and they must be bothering her a lot, because she puts everything in her mouth to chew on it. Sweet smile – she enjoyed her time playing with her friends.

Mirror, mirror on the wall – who’s the silliest of them all? Today it was the little girls for sure.

Maeve is always ready for a moment with the camera, at least with Ms. Rachelle.

We are having one beautiful day here in Tennessee. The temperatures are getting up toward 70 degrees, the sun came out around noon, and there is a pleasant breeze. To celebrate this wonderful weather (which is only lasting one day), we met our friends after school at a nearby park. We also needed to break the trend of not taking the camera out much. These cold months are hard ones to remember to take photos of our resident smiles.

The park play highlights include: lots of running around, giggles, trying new equipment out, one wet slide that slowed down Emily’s fun, post-lunch snacks, and lots of busyness. Despite being wet, Emily had no interest in coming home. The warm weather makes us all long a little more for spring to officially come.

Wow, they both looked at the camera and smiled together! We are so fortunate that Emily has such a great friend.

Emily will be getting a haircut tomorrow so this is the before photo, but what a great smile from her too. Not always what she is willing to give the camera.

The only way they would both look at the camera (or in the direction of) was to ask about the bug on my head. They were skeptical – does it show? Emily needs more gray shirts, her eyes sure look gray in this photo.

Our sweet girl. Having a great day of not acting too independent. She is wanting to show so much individually these days. She wanted to butter her bagel just like Emily did. She too will be getting a haircut tomorrow, but not expecting any huge style changes.

Our resident pixie friend. Without the awesome pigtails she would still be a pixie, but they sure do make the look complete.

We met up with our friends on Valentine’s Day for a playdate. It was a cool and rainy day so we chose a warm and active option instead. Our friend Lincoln introduced us to Gym Bugs and the girls fell in love (with Gym Bugs, not Lincoln – hee hee). They asked to go back immediately. It is a great place to work off our extra energy. Basically they have a room filled with interactive toys and gym equipment pieces for the kids to play with. The girls loved playing and then when we were done we got lunch at Chick-fil-a together. It was a great way to spend the day – with other little people we love.

I think the big kids were pretending to be chickens while they bounced. The little one was just loving bouncing and playing.

Emily found these fruit bins and fruit to sort. She played with them the whole time sorting them, resorting them, moving them, and finally cleaning them up. She did do other things, but always came back to them. Such a serious girl.

The less serious side of Emily. She seemed to love being in flight.

You have to love the serious face on Kenzie. What a silly girl! She had a blast.

They have this rollercoaster for the kids to ride. I would have thought it gimmicky in a catalog, but in person it is pretty cool and the kids love it. They were so good to share and put the car back for the next kids. Julia’s turn was next – can you see her excitement?

Julia’s turn!!!!! That is one happy kid.

What could anyone want more for Valentine’s day than a hug from Maeve.