Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Sandy Update

I just want to thank so many of you for your concern about us during hurricane Sandy.  Thankfully, we didn't loose power or have any tree damage. Being that Jesse was away, the girls and I went to stay with our friends, the Leaches to avoid any trees falling by our house. 
 Laura was kind enough to have finger-painting for the girls!! They loved being little artists (and making a mess).
 Mr. Potato Head was a big hit for the long day inside.
The girls also loved playing with Maggie (their dog).
My girls are so used to spending much of their day outside!!
 We Skyped with Papa, and then with each other- just to be silly!
 Thank you to the Leaches for having us, cooking for us, and being sweet friends!!
Here's more photos that Laura took. 
 We came home this morning, and went exploring to the creek with our neighbor friends.
All is well!! The water rose a bit and we had some branches come down, but no damage was done. Thank you Lord!!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Missing Him

Well, we've made it 7 days with Daddy in Bhutan, and we have 3 1/2 days to go! We've had a great time with our Virginia friends in Jesse's absence. The church is taking good care of us while Daddy is gone. We do have hurricane Sandy on her way, and I think we're prepared. The leaves have been blown out of the gutters, all the outside toys and furniture are put away, batteries are in the flash lights, and food and water in the pantry :) This is my first hurricane experience, so I'm interested in what will happen! Maddie and I had a great talk about the power of God tonight, which ended in a sweet prayer time together. God is so good to teach me how to trust Him more. I wouldn't naturally desire for Jesse to be gone 10 days, or for a hurricane to come, or for us to get colds; but really- these are just simple ways for me to learn how to trust in God more. There is joy and peace here, and I'm thankful for it! All this being said, I just am so excited about Jesse coming home on Thursday!!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Good Times

 
 After GiGi bathed the girls, she gave them some new stuffed animals and read bed time stories.
 They loved snuggling!

Before Grandpa left, he fixed a few things around the yard for me! 
My mailbox door is back on, we have house numbers on our house, and my jogging stroller now folds up like it should. Thanks so much!!

Maddie had fun "helping" Grandpa find the right tools.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

DC with Grandpa and GiGi

 Grandpa gave the girls a little education on the diggers we found in DC...funny, no one else stopped at this landmark to observe like we did! The girls loved each explanation!
 Grandpa pushed the stroller the whole walk...he's so kind!
 As we walked up to the WWI Memorial, we heard a trumpet playing Taps. We were also surprised to find the fountains and reflecting pool filled with water! (This is the first time we've seen it with water since we moved here).
 Grandpa and GiGi on a perfect day in DC.
 Me and my cuties!
The girls had a great time walking along the wall with Grandpa coming by to tease them!
October is definitely the time of year to visit DC- beautiful cool days with the leaves changing colors. 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Grandpa and GiGi

We're so happy to have Grandpa and Gigi here for a visit!
 We had a lovely Sunday afternoon walk together! The fall weather has been such a treat.
 GiGi and Maddie had fun walking the balance beam.
 Here we are at Green Springs Park.
 We had some races in the park.
 Maddie asked, "Can we all fit on this bench?" The answer is nope!
More photos from our time together to come!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Gak Time

Recently, Maddie made Gak with a friend of mine. This is a great science experiment or just a fun project to play with. Maddie even asked to sleep with it, that's how much she liked it!!

Materials
  • Elmer’s Glue® (8 oz bottle of Elmer’s Glue-All)
  • Borax (a powdered soap found in the grocery store)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Plastic cup (8 oz size works well)
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cup
  • Food coloring (the spice of life)
  • Water
  • Paper towel (hey, you’ve got to clean up!)
  • Zipper-lock bag (don’t you want to keep it when you’re done?)
  • Water
Directions are here.

Monday, October 15, 2012

A Little Get Away...

 After church Sunday, the four of us hopped in our car and drove to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
 We pulled out at one stop and did a little hike.
 Savannah liked being carried most of the way.

 Maddie had been singing this song all morning..."We're going hiking, we're going hiking!" She was pretty happy!
 The girls were thrilled to be staying at a hotel. In the morning, Maddie said, "I wish if we could stay here for a whole week!"
 We went all out for breakfast...Duncan Donuts :)
 The pictures don't quite do it justice!
 On the way home, we drove through West Virginia and Maryland.
We loved listening to Page CXVI Hymns as we drove through this beauty. 
I'm so thankful for our 24-hour get away!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Cox Farms

The other day we had a MOPS outing to Cox Farms. What a fun day!

 These little piggies were pretty fun to watch. 
 It was a chilly morning! Here's the girls and their friend Abi watching the cow get milked.
 Elyssa and Brooke.
 Brooke and Savannah watching the baby cow eat.
Here's the girls feeding the cow.
  
We went on a hayride!

 The yellow brick road!

 Savannah was so tickled by the goats.
 I was amazed at all the slides here...fun for little ones and adults!
 The the three of us went down together.
 My big girl.
 My lil girlie pretending to pray at the table (with her boots off).
Can you see the leaves changing?!
I have to say this is the best fall pumpkin patch/festival that I've ever been to!