Our Dainty Princess and Master Thunder Thighs

Well, it's been a while since I've taken the time to journal. And at the speed my mind is going, I better record as much as I can now before I forget!



Dainty Princess Eveley Joy is anything but dainty. She loves to play in the mud puddles in our driveway. And, frankly, I love to let her. While her brother was taking a rare late afternoon nap, we wandered outside. I had high hopes of us sitting on the porch reading my new Better Homes & Gardens magazine together. But she had other ideas. Within seconds, she had removed her white sandals and set them in the grass. And then she was lying on her back in the puddles. There was nothing I could do but smile and go grab my camera, of course.

Master Caleb is 6 months and 12 days. We just had his checkup and he weighs 18 pounds, 3 ounces and is 26 3/4 inches long. That translates into 75% for height and 60% for weight. I was pretty surprised at his weight percentile. He has some fabulous thunder thighs and I had high expectations about his ranking. But there must be some really fat babies out there. (I love fat babies!!)

He finally cut his first tooth 2 days before he turned 6 months. And the second one has now popped through. That has made a HUGE difference in his temperament. He is a major sweetie and absolutely adores his sister.

Eveley still loves to ride the bike with her daddy. He took her on an 8-mile trek over the weekend and she won't stop talking about it (literally). I tell her she can't ride it until daddy comes home from work. Since a toddler really can't understand time that well, she just says - "Daddy will come home from work in 2 seconds and then we'll ride bicycle." So, she stays ready.

I love these little munchkins!

Reality

I debated whether to include these pictures, but this is our life -- our reality.

When we near Robbie's birthday, I become stressed and confused about what we are "supposed" to do. As I have said before, there is no rule book on this stuff. So we are learning as we go. I wanted to go to the cemetery and take a new flower arrangement. I put this one together and included a bright yellow butterfly. Eveley loves butterflies, and I thought this would help Robbie's flowers stand out from the others.




It was an unusually cold and rainy day. We tried to keep Eveley from splashing in the puddles - impossible - but were glad that we could teach her about our Hope and Joy even at a morbid and sad place like a cemetery.

We told Eveley and Caleb about their big brother and that he is with Jesus. Eveley then stood proudly and sang "Happy Birthday" to Robbie. (She now thinks that every time you sing this song - no matter who it's to - you are supposed to say "Happy Birthday dear Robbie" but I think that's okay.)



These flowers may look like simple blue irises, but they have a special place in my heart.



For Robbie's 2nd birthday (a few months after he went to heaven), my sweet friend Bridget sent these to us. When I opened the box and saw them, I lost it (but in a good way). For Robbie's 1st birthday, we had stopped on the side of the road and picked some blue irises to use as a centerpiece for the table at his birthday party.



When I told Bridget how wonderful the flowers were and thanked her for being so thoughtful, she sounded a little confused. To make a long story short, she was intending to send a different flower and just changed her mind at the last minute. We decided this was a little hug from the Holy Spirit to both of us. I love the way God works -- and we CANNOT forget these things, even though they seem small. During the dark or difficult days, it is so important to look back and remember where God has brought us from and the ways He has whispered (or even yelled) to us, "I love you."

Bridget and her family have now moved away, but they continue to remember Robbie's birthday. Thank you!!

get away

We just returned from a mini vacation. This was planned at the very last minute when we realized my husband's work schedule had unexpectedly opened up. And this vacation was all about the kids!

My sister Carrianna has been staying with us for the past few weeks after graduating from college. This was the perfect time for a vacation...we had a nanny!

We stayed at a wonderful resort in Williamsburg and visited Busch Gardens two days. I can't believe we have never been to this park as we have lived nearby since law school. But this was our first visit and definitely not our last. They have just opened the Sesa*me Street Fore*st of Fun. Eveley thought she was at Disney World (minus the mouse).

We strapped the kids into the double stroller, and the adventures began!

**Warning: Lots of Pictures!!






It was the perfect day with a very small crowd. Eveley rode every ride that she was tall enough to ride and loved every minute of it!







Can you believe my little girl rode this?!




She had the time of her life!!







I can't believe she liked this ride. I almost threw up!












This was the picture by 2:00.



So we headed back to the resort for swimming and swinging!







And then we started all over again the next morning!





Caleb had a great time too. But this was the only ride he went on...



Eveley loves her Aunt Carrianna!



And then it was time for Elmo and friends! She was mesmerized!













Back to the rides!










And while they slept...





this is what I was doing!





We decided to give the 4-D movie a try, andI'm so glad we did. We ALL loved it!










As we were heading out of the park, we came across the big water ride. I'm sure you've seen these where you can stand on a bridge and get soaked. It was a very hot day. So Bob took Eveley to the bridge to stand. And then he left her there! She absolutely loved it!








No worries. This led to Eveley getting an Elmo shirt which she now wears all the time.

We had a fantastic time and were blessed to be able to get away for a few days of fun. And since we had our nanny, Bob and I were even able to go out to dinner one evening ALONE. Sorry, but I don't have any pictures of that to share.