Garretts

We went to Ft. Belvoir for lunch with the Garretts yesterday. 

They are soon moving to CA, so we'll miss them!

Agatha has such a kind and generous heart!

Me and my sweet baby.

  There was a beautiful view of the Potomac. 

The whole gang!

Food Times, Good Times

 Um, I think she's pretty cute. 

 She's at the grabbing toes stage. It finally got warm enough to take her socks off (mid 50's).

 Feet are serious business.

 And so is food. G tried good old rice cereal today for the first time. 

Her thoughts: unknown. 

She didn't make a stink or get all crazy happy. 

 It seems like yesterday that I was feeding this one for the first time. 

Maddie has grown up and the time has flown.

 Well, as you can see, Savannah is still working on the "neat" part of eating. 

She sure knows how to get it all over the place!

"K-aw-ket" is how she says the word chocolate, and she sure loves it.

More Snow and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 Well, we got to have another snow day Monday, March 17 just in time for St. Patrick's Day.

 I know, pictures of my porch- not exciting, but it does show how much snow we got!

 Brrr...

 After a fun morning playing at the Pinkard's house, we came home and the girls played with neighbor friends. They didn't last long outside before wanting hot chocolate and a snack :)

 I made corned beef and cabbage to celebrate my Irish roots last night.

After dinner, all the girls (and Jesse) enjoyed watching a movie by the fire. We love our new couch. We just got the couch this week...the Garretts, who are some friends from church gave it to us. We're sad to see them move away.

The girls went to bed listening to Too-Ra-Loo-Ra. 

That's what my dad used to sing to me!

Show and Tell

Maddie looks forward to Show and Tell every Wednesday at school. She usually brings in something that reminds her of what she's recently done, or a favorite toy. Over the last few months she's begged to bring in Savannah. It was adorable to see them up front together. Savannah LOVED being in Kindergarten and definitely wants to join the class on a permanent basis! When the kids asked Maddie what they like doing best, Maddie said playing family (of course). I love seeing these sweet girls grow up!

Dinner and Shepherd's Conference

 Daddy was in California last week at the Shepherd's Conference. It was a great time of encouragement and fellowship for him. One night, the girls and I live-streamed Steve Lawson's message during dinner! The girls loved listening, but were also fascinated with looking for Daddy's head in the crowd. You can download any of the main sessions from the link above.

 Miss Penny was kind enough to come over and help out with the girls that day. I was able to get a few moments to myself!!

 Yes, we had chicken nuggets and french fries for dinner. While Daddy is away, we eat differently!

Jesse flew back late Saturday night, so the girls didn't see him until after church Sunday. It was a beautiful day- gave us hope that Spring is coming :)

 Savannah cracks me up- riding with her feet up!

So, we still have some snow, but it's melting!

One way to practice for AWANA!

geneva joy at 5 months

 it can't be possible, can it? she's 5 months old already!

neva joy is such a sweet baby.

now that she's had a growth spurt, she's wearing 6 month clothes.

 i'm so thankful she's healthy again. she had a pretty bad bacterial respiratory infection a couple weeks ago. she's back to her happy self after the antibiotics. 

she's starting to go 3-4 hours between feedings during the day and sleep longer at night (11pm-6am). 

now she likes sitting pretty in the bumbo.

Aunt Melissa's Visit!

Just before Aunt Melissa got to town, I took the girls on a walk in the woods. Poor little Savannah had a tumble down some rocks. I think Maddie cried more than Savannah. Maddie can't stand seeing her sister get hurt! I remember doing the same thing when Melissa and I were little. Sisters are the best.

 Aunt Melissa flew all the way from Arizona on Wednesday! We were so happy to have her here to visit. Thank you Uncle Ben, Charis, and Emma for letting us have her!!

Aunt Melissa played tea party with Savannah and her favorite stuffed animals. She was a huge help with the girls. They loved playing with her. 

She read books, too.

 

 One night we had a ladies dinner out at Copper Wood. My sister actually flew out here with her friend, Jenn. Jenn came to VA to visit her friend (and my friend) Michelle. Such a small world.

    Saturday we went to the 9/11 Memorial. 

 It was very sobering.

 After that we took a pretty drive through D.C.

 Melissa was so sweet to help me scrapbook Geneva's baby album. She was the one who got me started with scrap booking in the first place. 

 On Sunday we went to church, then had hot drinks that afternoon. Melissa isn't used used to all this cold weather, so we had lots of tea and coffee!

 

Jesse was driving her to the airport Monday morning, when they got the call that her flight was canceled. Most of the roads were plowed, but not many cars were out. Jesse was able to make snow angels on Rolling Road and Burke Road (usually a very busy intersection).

 So, we got my sister an extra day! We stayed warm inside playing games.

 Geneva tried eating Maddie's nose!

Savannah called my sister "Miss Alyssa" the whole time...so funny!

 The girls played outside a bit in the snow. Savannah has it good. She gets a ride both uphill and downhill!

So much white!

 

I love this face.

 More cuddles.

Pretty sunset in the backyard.

(We had to stay inside for this shot...too cold for Melissa to go outside :)

  

I made Oreo milkshakes to celebrate one more night with Melissa!

 Geneva has started blowing bubbles.

 Here we are making our second try of going to the airport! 

Thanks Melissa for coming. It was wonderful talking with you and spending time playing with you and the girls. You were a huge help and blessing to have visit. I love you and wish we lived closer!