Mackenzie's Discovery

Josiah fell asleep in the floor this afternoon after a full day at the zoo with his daddy and sister. (I enjoyed some undivided time to complete Mackenzie's first year photo book; Yeah, I know, she'll be five in a month and a half...so it's high time I finish that book!) So, Josiah was sleeping all curled up in a little ball. Mackenzie walked over to him and sat down. She then began to gently scratch his back for him.

All of a sudden she exclaimed, "Mom! Josiah has sugar snap peas inside his back!" I laughed and then began explaining to her that it's really not sugar snap peas, but it's his spinal column...you know, vertebrae, spinal cord, etc. :) Pretty funny, the things those kids discover!

Dollywood, One Week Ago!

Cindy has already done a great post with cute pictures from our day at Dollywood. I am just finally doing a post about our trip from a week ago! I uploaded the pictures tonight...so here is my post from our day at Dollywood with our friends Cindy, Lauren, Allison, and Cindy's brother and parents. We had a delightful time together! I just love the pictures of the four kids! Mackenzie and Lauren are in the closest pig; Josiah and Allison are in the pig right behind them.
Above is a close up of Josiah and Allison. Aren't they sweet?!

Here's Mackenzie, Lauren, Allison, and Josiah all riding together in the duck!

Mackenzie, Lauren, Josiah, and Allison flying together in the Bumble Bee. Sweet kids. Fun times!

Josiah's Chocolate Milk

While watching fireworks out the upstairs windows of our house last night, the kids were enjoying a bowl full of pear slices. Mackenzie and Josiah decided to move from one room of the house to another room. Mackenzie lead the way. Josiah picked up the bowl of pears using two hands and being so careful, and he turned to head out of the room and follow Mackenzie to the next room. However, he stopped halfway out of the room, looked over his shoulder at his precious sippy cup of chocolate milk still sitting in the window sill, looked at me, looked back at the sippy cup, and said so seriously, "Mom, watch over my chocolate milk for me." Then he turned and left the room. Too funny! He does treasure his chocolate milk, but his sincerity just cracked me up.

Random June Catch Up

Sorry that I've been so behind on blogging lately. Here's some of our June pictures taken since we got home from our trip to Arkansas. Enjoy! (I decided not to attempt to do a huge Arkansas post. Too overwhelming! Just know that it was a good trip and a fun time was had by all.)We used some birthday money to buy a tent! Then we camped out in our backyard...for a couple of hours. By 10:45pm we were all four back in our beds inside the house! Mackenzie decided she was a little nervous outside. Josiah agreed. David and I liked the idea of being in the cool instead of in the yard on the hottest day of the year thus far-HA. :) Fun family memory, though. We'll definitely do it again sometime.
Here's Mackenzie peeling her cucumber that she picked from our garden. She picks 'em, peels 'em, and eats 'em! I have to say, it's nice that she can peel them herself this year. Anyway. Cucumber makes a great snack when you're taking a break from playing in the sprinkler on a hot day.

Here's an updated pic of the garden.

This past weekend I looked out the window. The above picture is what I saw. I loved it. Josiah was so focused on mowing our yard while David mowed the neighbors yard. I am reminded that children don't miss a thing. Nothing. They notice our examples: the good and the bad. I pray daily that what my kids see will help them in life instead of harm them.

Mackenzie joined Josiah in mowing our yard while David mowed the neighbors. Just precious!

What better refreshment is there for after you mow than a fudge bar?!

Today we headed to the zoo with our friends, Lauren and Allison. We had so much fun!!!

(Lauren, Mackenzie, Allison, Josiah)

They spent most of the time together like this! Hand-in-hand. Precious friendship. They were easy to keep up with this way, that's for sure! We enjoyed seeing some animals together, then on to the kiddie play area.

The four kids enjoyed the water area. Cindy and I enjoyed visiting!

Mackenzie's in the background, while Lauren and Allison (with Josiah peering over) checked out the frog that sprays water! Such a fun time. Summer days have so much to offer. Almost more than one can take in! I am thankful for fun opportunities and friendships.

Three Pictures

While I took MANY pictures during our trip to Arkansas to visit relatives, I am only uploading three of them tonight. We had a wonderful trip and enjoyed time with family and friends. I LOVE how this picture turned out, if I do say so myself! I snapped this one in my Grannie and Papa New's front yard. I was fascinated with the combined colors of pink and yellow all within one flower. When I look at God's creation and see His amazing creativity, I am awestruck. What an Amazing God He Is!!!
We enjoyed some time at Lake Dardnelle with my Granny Long. I loved this snapshot of the kids in the lake (which was shallow way out) with the mountains in the background. Again, I am struck by God's creation...both the water, mountains, and my two kids, too! :)

Here's one of my David and me at the River Front area in Little Rock, Arkansas. This is where he proposed on September 26, 2000. Has it really been over 8 1/2 years ago?! Yet another one of God's blessings in my life.

May you have a blessed day, too. :)

Happy Birthday April!

This is a surprise posting to wish my beautiful wife a wonderful birthday. Thank you for all that you do for Mackenzie, Josiah, and me. We love you and we hope that you have a wonderful day. May God shower you with all His blessings in the coming year.

Our Getaway!

David and I took our first overnight trip, just the two of us, since we became parents...over 4 years and 9 months ago!!! We have taken several wonderful trips WITH the kids in the past almost 5 years, but never one by ourselves since they were born. This trip was FANTASTIC! We were both ready for this getaway, as were the kids. Now that Josiah is 3 years old and Mackenzie is 4 3/4 years, we knew they would be just fine without us for a little while. They totally loved one-on-one time with Nona and Mzee, and we did not worry at all about our kiddos. We knew they were in good hands.
Here's a view from the balcony of our room in Pigeon Forge. My favorite part of the view is the man standing there... ;) You'll notice Mt. Leconte in the background, too. It really is nice to live in easy driving distance of the Mountains.

Here's the river view from our balcony. We stayed at The Music Road Hotel. Very nice place! Our room was great, and we really enjoyed the lazy river, water slide, and pool areas, too. I highly recommend this hotel if you're ever in that area! We loved our 24 hour getaway. Thanks, Mom and Mark, for taking the utmost care of our children while allowing us some time away.