Field Trip to the Natural History Museum

 We had a great hands-on experience in the insect area at the Natural History Museum. 

These nice guys let the kids hold Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, huge grasshoppers, caterpillars, and more. These guys were full of interesting facts!

 It looks like Geneva is licking her lips- wonder what is going on her her mind!

 What a cutie!

 There's so much to love about this picture! 

The NOVA birds are really beautiful- 

I love seeing how God designed the male and female birds so distinct from each other. 

 Train of girls...

 I love hopping in the Azers huge van with the Pinkley girls and going on field trips! 

What fun memories!

 Here's the kids by the petrified wood.

And this fried trip ended up at Chick Fil A for lunch!

Happy Birthday Jesse!

I've got to say- I'm one lucky lady! Jesse is such an excellent husband, best friend, father, pastor, and all around fun person to spend life with! God was so gracious in giving him to me. 

This birthday was celebrated for a few days! We had a family dinner, lunch out with his guy buddies, and dinner with a few friends. I love you, babe!

Last couple of days with family...

 Duck donuts. I say no more :)

 My loves

 We went to the Natural History Museum for the afternoon.

Geneva loves carrying her scooter up the street!

 We had a great walk/ride/run to Green Springs.

 Papa, can I play with your hair?   

 We also went to the Tanger Outlets where the girls got their very own purses!

We had a great time altogether! We made some great memories.

Thanks everyone for coming out our way to celebrate together!

 But I must say we were a bit exhausted! 

Here's Geneva on my big Costco shopping trip after everyone left!

More Memories

Since the weather was so warm over Christmas, the kids (and Papa and Mimi) had fun playing in the backyard. 

   

Silly cousins!

Aunt Melissa and Geneva watching the deer come through the yard!

We had an outside scavenger hunt!

 The kids got to ride the train at the mall, thanks to Papa and Mimi.

  Aw. Buddies.

 Since all the big girls had American Girl Dolls, we had an afternoon dress up and tea party.

The girls made thank you cards for the Christmas gifts they received. 

 

And Jesse got into the sticker by numbers, too :)  

We also decorated cupcakes!

Geneva just ate the icing- why put it on the cupcake first?!

Thanks Grandma for the new shirts- they are so soft!

 

Charis's turned out looking professional!

 

One afternoon we went to Old Town, did a little shopping, rode the trolley, and brought home fish and chips for dinner.

   Such a pretty place!

Christmas Day

So, things have been a little busy around here, and I'm catching up on blog posts...

 Christmas morning! The girls loved wearing their new PJ's from Grandpa and Gigi. 

My girls were almost always in Papa's lap! They just love being with him!

 Here they are opening the stocking bags.

 Geneva was thrilled to get a new toothbrush! I love how the simple things are a big deal.

 Then we talked about our Christmas advent, sang, and prayed together.

 By that time, everyone was hungry for breakfast! 

My girls always look forward to monkey bread each Christmas morning.

 They love getting gifts for each other and always give the best hugs!

 Everyone loved Geneva's new game from Papa and Mimi!

 Charis, the sharp shooter!

Twins.

Maddie and her new bike. We all went for a bit of a walk. 

We had unusually warm weather for this time of year!

Lunchtime. 

 Mimi and her girls. She got them all matching dresses 

(and they came with matching dresses for their dolls, too!)

 A little painting of horses...

Mustache Smash was a new game that was a huge hit!

 And dinner time. 

Look at the Christmas tree napkins- my sister is so creative!

 Game time! Thanks Mimi for the great toddler toys.

 Miss Penny was able to join us for dinner on Christmas!   

What wonderful memories we made with family that day. 

It had been 4 years since we celebrated a holiday with my family!