I think we are somewhat winding down from the whirlwind that has been our life. Here are some highlights from the last two months:
The boys received some much needed haircuts.
They now sport a summer buzz cut.
The first weekend in May we went to Dollywood with the Bass'. Our hotel room was a two bedroom apartment that was perfect for our families to share. The kids (except Reed) enjoyed the hotel pool. I was very impressed with the rides that Graham was willing to go on at Dollywood. He's always been cautious and as of late doesn't like to try new things. He went on the Ferris wheel, roller coaster, bumper cars, and really liked the ropes course. Reed even went on a few rides including the 50's cars and the yellow ducks. Anthony and I got to go on the ropes course together without kids! It was a great weekend!
On Mother's Day Reed was dedicated. It was especially meaningful to me because Anthony sang the song that I used in
this video of Reed from before he was born. Our prayer for his life, G's, and ours is that we would live to obey God.
Our neighbors moved and gave us one of their garden boxes. I'm taking another stab at gardening. This time it is with two tomato plants and three pepper plants. They are growing, we'll just have to wait and see if I get any fruit for my labor.
The following weekend I attended a Pastor's Wives Retreat with Emily. It was great to get away and be encouraged. We also got to do some shopping on the way home!!
Graham participated in preschool graduation. He picked his own outfit out, complete with a tie. Here he is with his teacher, Mrs. Becky.
We have been doing some school activities, although not on a consistent basis. One day, G took the egg carton on a walk and had to find items for each hole. The items above are what he came back with. We've also been working on teaching Reed his colors. Below is our second sensory bin. The first one was green and now we're working on blue. I love watching their excitement as they dig through and see familiar toys in a new way.
At the end of May we picked Julia up in Nashville and headed to the zoo. We then spent the night at the Witt's house all in preparation for our trip to Cancun (I'm still working on those pics) for my brother's wedding. The boys stayed with the Witt's and Grandma and Grandpa came from MD to help. They all had a great time playing together. We can't wait for our summer vacation with everyone next month!
After getting back from Cancun, we immediately went into VBS mode. I was among the several involved with planning it this year. We opted to do Mega Sports Camp instead of the traditional format that we have used in the past. We averaged 60 kids in 1st-6th grade. They got to choose cheerleading, soccer, or basketball and learned skills in their chosen sport as well as hearing a very clear Gospel presentation. It was well received and I believe something we will continue to do in the future.
We offered preschool VBS for worker's children. Since the sports camp format was too advanced for them, I used the Bible stories for the week to develop a sports camp curriculum for their level. It took some time, but well worth it since Graham and some others walked away learning about events in the apostle Paul's life and being able to say Luke 10:27, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself" from memory.
On Thursday and Friday of VBS week, Emily and I held a yard sale. They are all day events around here and thankfully we got rid of a lot of stuff and made some extra money for our effort!
In addition to Father's Day this past Sunday, Anthony turned 31 and celebrated his 4th anniversary on the FBC staff. We opened presents after church, took naps, and went out to dinner and to the book store. It was a fun night together even though we were still all tired from VBS!
I'm impressed you made it to the end! I probably forgot some big events, but overall I think that catches you up. The boys and I head to NY on July 4th while Anthony heads to camp in SC with the youth group. Between now and then I think we're going to try and stay home :)
A new family fun outing- a pizza picnic by the water. 
The engine was taken from one end and put on the other for the return trip home.
I think they had a good time!!
As you can see from this cheesy smile, time in NY was lots of fun!!
We get to sit back and relax (even while we eat)!
Uncle Joey is fun to hang out with
G-Bob and Uncle Joey working hard splitting wood for the winter.
Graham's lone contribution to staking some of the split wood
A sports nut in the making
Watching Finding Nemo
I just love the relationship they have developed with GG and G-Bob even though we are limited in how often we see each other. It may even decrease more since we will have to buy 3 tickets starting in Sept. We'll just have to keep trusting God to provide when tickets are needed and to bless our time together when we do get to see one another. It's always memorable for sure! Just ask Graham. He amazes me with the things he remembers from trips of the past!!
They don't have problems falling asleep in the car so I was hopeful that this would happen and it was great. On the way home R had to sit on my lap during the longer flight but he managed to get into a sleepable position for himself and slept for over half the flight. I'm thankful that once the planes take off they are like giant white noise makers, lulling them to sleep!
