Gus

All you need is love and a dog!  I am lucky to have both.  Reed was out of town, so I decided to take the dogs for a little walk down by the pasture.  However, when I opened the door to load them in the car,  Maybelle took off running! She comes back in her own time, and usually somehow lets herself into the backyard.   So, Gus and I continued on without her.

We took a little break at one of my favorite spots in the whole world!!  Gus was amazed by the turtles jumping off the logs.  I had to convince him that he really didn't want to jump in!

He spotted something off in the distance!

And off he goes!

Hey Mom, you coming?

At the end of our walk, we sat like this for quite awhile, because.................

This stinker found the only mud puddle around and army crawled through it. He turned around and dove right in before I knew what was happening!  I was screaming too loudly to get a picture!! Luckily, I had some wipes in the car, so he got a good rub down.  

I can't wait for Spring!!

Anybody Need a Roofer?

Pop made a quick trip by himself  to attend one of Maddie's basketball games.  While there, he got on their roof to check out a potential problem.  Before long, he had lots and lots of help!! Let me also say that Nana is extremely afraid of heights, so  I was just a little nervous when I saw these pictures.

Maddie stayed with Pop the entire time he was on the roof.  The two little ones just came up to check things out  when he was finished!

Pop's Big Helper!!

Pop didn't realize that there was a little whip and nae nae going on behind him, until he saw Lindsey's video!!

Heading to Maddie's ballgame - all representing Mossy Oak!!!

Pop's pictures were just a little blurry, so this is the best I have from the game! They did pull out another victory though!

I am headed that way for a couple of days this week!  I can't wait!

Gymnastics

Maddie and Lillian both love taking gymnastics, so Lindsey and I thought they would enjoy an Alabama gymnastics meet.  We rarely missed a meet when Lindsey was growing up, and I plan on taking the girls as often as possible, too.

 Maddie loved it, but Lillian wasn't quite as thrilled!  Her favorite part was Big  Al!  She is actually laying face down in her mom's lap eating popcorn!!

Everyone needs to know how to do YMCA!  This one is starting competitive gymnastics, and we can't wait for that journey!  

I loved this outing, and I  can't wait until our next one!!

And while this little one loves all of us, make no mistake about it- he's a momma's boy!!  

Flags and Valentines

Maddie had to make a flag for a school project, and they were going to be here the weekend before it's due.  So, I did what all Nana's do - I searched Pinterest and found an easy one using beadboard.  Pop and Maddie headed to the shop and cut it out!  I am pleased to say that she did most all of the painting herself.

Lillian also joined in on the fun!  She was super excited that she finished her flag first!

Lots of serious expressions and concentration!

Lillian actually did a great job!  She didn't stop until every stripe was complete! Maddie's took a little longer, so she took a couple of tv breaks!!

Soon, it was complete!  We were all quite pleased with this project!  She was a little worried until she pulled off the painters tape!

Her mom helped cut out the stars, but she proudly put them in place!  Uncle C said he thought it looked too good for a first grader, but I promise she did it!!!  God Bless America!

Lots of fun on Valentine's morning!!  

Who  in the world gave those sweet babies candy??

This one doesn't get a lot of candy, so it's safe to say he was a just a little wired!!  He loved it!!!  He also ran in a circle through the house for quite some time! Love this little one so much!!

Swoosh!!

Maddie has been involved in a local "pick up" basketball program for the past few weeks.  Basically,  a few of the local dads saw an opportunity to work with what I think is K-2 graders on basic skills.  After practicing for a few weeks, now they are dividing the kids up and playing games.  I was very impressed with their patience with the kids!  I was also thrilled with how much they have learned in a very short amount of time.  Don't get me wrong-at first glance  it looks a whole lot like organized chaos!!  But, if you look closely you will see that they are  learning to dribble, shoot, and play defense, all while having a good time!!!  This Nana thought it was well worth the 3 1/2 hour drive to watch her play!!

Lillian got in a little practice before the official warm ups began!  Big sis is always looking  out for her!

And Mr. Blue Eyes is always close by!

First, they opened with prayer, did a few exercises, ran a little (which Maddie normally hates, but didn't seem to mind with basketball),  socialized a little, and they practiced shooting!

Next, it was game time!  Hands up everybody!

Her team ended the game with a whopping 2 points!  And guess who scored them!??

This sweet  girl!!!  I missed the shot of the ball going in, but trust me it did!!!

I'm not sure who this coach is, but I like him!!  He was very positive and encouraging, as were the others!  That smile on Maddie's face tells it all!!

This game ended in a tie.  Her friend Marley scored for the other team!  So much fun!!  I can't wait to go back!  

Let's Go to the Hop

I was able to attend Lillian's Valentine Sock Hop, and it was a rocking good time!  You just can't beat 3 year olds in poodle skirts and leather jackets.  This sock hop was complete with a local DJ and television coverage!!

Her mom had her looking the part!  How precious is this??

The gang's all here!!

Lillian's Group

Lillian's teacher "Miss" Glenda is awesome!!  She helped them get into the swing of things!

She had a great time with her friends twisting and shouting!

Come on and do the locomotion with me!!

Lots of cute decorations!

Hanging out at the soda shop!  And checking out the 10 flakes of snow that fell!!

They enjoyed a little cruise with "Miss" Glenda!

Soon they headed over to the diner for a little snack!  Lillian enjoyed one french fry and a cup full of ketchup!

So much fun!!

Just a Hot Mess

If you live anywhere near Aliceville, you've probably  heard of trees coming down on Pine Hill Drive.  The clean up has begun.  I'm convinced that it's just going to take a few more days of raking, picking up sticks, doing a little dirt work, moving a shed, planting a little grass, and then it will be as good as new!  Sounds simple!  Actually, it's already looking better, and I think they will be very glad they did this when all is said and done!!

Picking up sticks and putting  them in a pile!!  Isn't that a song?

Pop was a big  help!  They would have gotten lots more done but the tractor chose to take a break!!  Thank goodness for Willie, too!

Taylor got in on the fun, too!!

Papa pops in quite often to make sure everything is going like it's suppose to!  Trust me, Caleb appreciated the break!

I hope to soon have an  update on the finished project!