Happy Valentine's Day!

We had a fun day, despite the rain.  The kids had school and I didn't realize all the things they would collect.  I feel like it took me an hour to sort through all the tattoos, pencils, and play doh.  Thankfully, their school has a no candy policy.  They were very excited in the morning to wake up and find treats in their valentine bags.  After school, we went to Johnny Rockets for milk shakes.  Valentine glasses Si got at school made for some funny shots.

I  got a card from Kirk that morning and had to message him to make sure it wasn't intended for Halloween.  Never a dull moment....

 

 

Fire Station Party

Silas' friend Luke had a birthday party at a Fire Station this past Saturday.  I hadn't thought about a fire station as a potential birthday party option.  It was a great idea.  I found out later that the cost for the party is a charitable donation or a meal.  The firefighters also will educate the children about fire safety at the party.  What a nice service to the community, in addition to what they already do.  I know Silas and Anna had a great time. 

 

 

 

Daddy's Girl!

 

 

Another trip with just Mom

We made it to Cincinnati, I figured we could make a trip to Paducah.  It is so nice the kids are becoming more independent and manageable.  I remember not too long ago, when trips anywhere usually ended up with me in tears at some point.  Now, they are able to do so much more.  They are also able to voice their needs.  It makes me sad at times, how fast they grow, but it is also nice to see them becoming more independent.

We spent quality time with everyone.  It was very cold and windy, but we made a quick trip downtown.  We ended up eating at a local place and Si got to warm up with hot chocolate.  We also got to see Carol and Travis' new house.  It is hard to believe Travis built it alone for the most part.  What a nice trip!

 

 

 

 

Now North to Cinti!

I figured we had made it to Gina's house, why not a little further.  We went to my parent's house and had a nice time.  I am so glad Si and Anna were able to spend a little more quality time with MeMaw and PePaw, as well as Ann Marie, Scott, and Emilie.  We had a fairly laid back time, minus the tantrums.  It seems when the kids are out of their element, control of their emotions does not come easy.  I am sure this will ease as they mature, but they didn't go easy on me this trip. 

We had a great time exploring the Cincinnati Children's Museum during our visit.  I can't believe how fast little Emilie is growing.  She is almost as big as Anna.  We finished the adventure with some ice cream.  

 

 

 

 

Eyes closed, but what a sweet photo!

Happy New Year!

We traveled to Gina's for New Year's Eve.  We had a great time.  I love watching the kids play together.  It was also great Ann Marie, Scott, and Emilie were there to celebrate.  We are glad they are back from San Francisco.  Happy New Year!

Going it alone!

The kids are getting older and more manageable, so I decided to make a trip to Cincinnati by myself.  We did it!!

I took them to the Chattanooga Aquarium, we ate dinner downtown, and stayed overnight in Knoxville.  I would ask Silas if he wanted to stop driving and stay in a hotel.  He would reply, "Mommy do you want to stop driving and stay in a hotel."  He is such a sweet little guy.

I took them to a hotel shortly after my question.  Anna had to go to the bathroom when we arrived at the front desk.  Well, guess where the bathroom is..  Next to the pool.  So, they both proceed to beg to go swimming.  One problem, no swimsuits.  So, being the pushover that I am, I take them to Target across the street and buy swimsuits.  Swimsuits that will provide us with just for 45 minutes of fun in the pool.  I felt like I was reading "When you give a Cat a Cupcake,"  but the title was instead, "When you Show Kids a Swimming Pool."  They had so much fun, I would do the same thing if I had it to do over again.

Now, settling down for bed about killed me, but they finally fell asleep... I am loving my one on one time with them.  

 

 

I love their sweet interactions.

 

 

 

  

Amazing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a fun day!  Silas' smile says it all.

Imagination is a beautiful thing

Enjoying the last of Christmas break!  They come up with these ideas on their own.  I love it!!  And, as always, it appears Anna is Si's sidekick.  She had to carry the water container... She is always so sweet about it, but I am guessing one day she is going to want to be in charge...

 

 

 

 

Christmas in Paducah

When we arrived in Paducah, we headed to GP's house.  We had a lot of fun exploring.  We had a great dinner and had fun exchanging gifts.  We had a wonderful time and enjoyed spending time with family.  God has blessed us greatly and we are thankful.  Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

Si looks fairly comfortable.  Maybe he will play the piano someday.

 

 

Beau's Baptism was beautiful.  Carol, Katherine, and Kirk were the Godparents.  I was trying to photograph the event, which was maybe not the best idea.  Si and Anna got a little rambunctious during the ceremony.  Kirk said later that he kept wondering when I was going to take them out.  That said, it was a very nice baptism.

 

 

 

 

Ok, maybe I shouldn't have included this one.  I just couldn't resist.  I guess it was just too inviting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the party continues.  We had a great time opening gifts and witnessing Santa's deliveries.  Merry Christmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Grandmother Nanny

 

Anna and Grandmom