Family Reunion

Several weeks ago we had a really fun weekend in West Virginia for a family reunion. We loved getting to spend some time with Grandpa Dean and Grandma, and especially getting to meet more of Grandpa Dean's family. 

Davey got to sleep in a tent for the first time, although I should clarify that by "sleep" I mean that he at least remained in the tent all night. We have no idea how much actual sleep happened. 

All three kids loved being on the Potomac River for a couple days. They floated with their water wings and enjoyed the feeling of being pulled along by the gentle current. Mac managed to enlist a few older boys to teach him how to catch minnows, and Davey pretty much stayed close to my side while I relaxed in a lawn chair with my feet in the water. 

On Sunday morning we all piled into a canoe and took off up the river. It was fun getting to ride together in the same boat, but I will add that it becomes very difficult to paddle when all of the kids congregate around your arms. It became quite a challenge trying to stay clear of little heads and arms and still somehow get the paddle in the water!

By the time we turned around to head back, I was pretty tired. Thankfully, Corrie was more than happy to take over :)

Thank you for a great weekend Grandpa Dean. Mommy and Daddy were a little worn out, but the kids had such a wonderful time. We all did :)

House of Inventions

Honestly, even though it can be a bit of a pain stumbling upon the kids' (and Ellis') various "inventions" (which in the kids' cases, always seem to happen in the bathroom sink), I guess you can't deny that their creativity is endearing in its own, quirky way.

That's Corrie

There's something so sweet and calm about what Corrie brings to our family. Perhaps because Mac and David are so high-energy, we can't help but marvel at how delicate yet strong the Lord has made her. Sweet girl!

(snuggling on the couch in the mornings with her unicorn and blanky)

(Mesmerized by the teenage girl who decided to wear a mermaid tail to the swimming pool yesterday. Corrie did not leave her side the entire time and even convinced her to take her for a ride on her back!)

Backyard Sprinkler Gone Wrong

First Lost Tooth

This past Saturday, Mac surprised us all. He came running out the door holding a tiny baby tooth in his hand. 

I hope I never forget the look on his face: it was a perfect blend of excitement, surprise, and pure happiness wrapped up in one unforgettable expression. The sentiment was contagious!

We were all so excited for him. Thankfully, he heard somewhere that if you put your tooth under your pillow, the tooth fairy will come and bring you a new toothbrush. I plan on letting that one ride as long as it can. Sadly, I was too tired to go to the store and buy him a toothbrush, but thankfully he did not want to put his tooth under his pillow. He wanted to save it. For once I was thankful for his propensity to hoard things that he believes are treasures (usually pieces of trash).

I am sorry to admit that I think I wiped his tooth up with a bunch of breadcrumbs on the table later that evening. I am pretty sure I threw it away in the trash. The irony! The one treasure that was not actually trash...ended up in the trash. Poor little guy. On the bright side, the tooth next to the one he lost is very wiggly. We may have a chance to see that wonderful expression again soon!

(Trying his best to show the hole where his tooth was and holding his new-found treasure carefully in his right hand).

A Very Sweet Sunday

We've had a couple pretty sweet weekends lately. On Mother's Day weekend, we were surprised to find ourselves back in Front Royal, enjoying a visit to our old church and celebrating Mother's Day with very dear friends.

I had forgotten how beautiful the view is from the parking lot at our church in Front Royal

After church we headed to the Fournier's for lunch and many other unexpected blessings. For example, Corrie got to take a nap next to a real live kitty cat. I am sure she did not sleep at all, but she was in heaven petting that cat for a few hours!

Ellis had a rare chance to relax and hang out with the guys. I was really happy for him. 

Corrie finished her "nap" just in time to enjoy homemade ice cream that came straight from the Fournier's cows! It was pretty amazing. 

We finished the afternoon with a lively corn hole tournament and a fun time of swimming in the river. I loved being near the water and seeing the mountains all around us. 

Maybe because our visit seemed to happen without us really planning it, I felt the whole thing was a gift from the Lord. As the day passed by, I saw how each member of our family seemed to receive something special. 

I thought for sure the Lord had shown me what a truly blessed Mother's Day looks like. I got to see each person in our family enjoy the Lord's goodness. What better or more satisfying Mother's Day gift could there be? 

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."

-Psalm 136:1

And last but not least, a sweet delivery of flowers from Ellis. 

(They looked a little more lively a week ago, but they still smell good!)

Fun Times

It all started with a simple question: "Mom, can we eat our tacos in the tree?!"

And that's when the fun began!

We've had some other fun times lately, like watching bees pollinate flowers in our yard:

And painting birdhouses:

Looking forward to more fun times ahead!