Eggs

Lindsey, Josh and Maddie are not going to make it for Easter, so Pop and I went for a short pre-Easter visit.  We just happened to arrive right before they were going to dye Easter eggs.  We were so glad we got to share this with her.  Lindsey found some kind of spill proof containers that worked really well.  Fun was had by all!

 

What are you doing Mom?

 

Let me try.....

 

Really concentrating....

 

Not sure what I was doing here....

The finished product.......

Gobble Gobble!

Some women have friends that like sparkling diamonds, furs and shiny sportscars....Not me!  I have friends that like to get up before daylight and do crazy things like turkey hunt.  Marnetta started going with Tim a few years ago and has become quite the hunter.  It simply blows my mind!! Her recent trophy was taken before work one morning recently.....It had a 12 1/2 inch beard and one inch spurs-or something like that. I have been assured that this in quite impressive! 

You Go Girl!!

Maybe Next Year

Lindsey has this really beautiful flower.  (I have no idea what it is called.)  Last year, I found and planted one.  Well, I actually thought it had died, but was thrilled when I saw three beautiful blooms on it's teeny tiny little vines.......I want to show you mine-and then I am going to show you what it is suppose to look like.  Lindsey's is gorgeous.  I am going to love mine tenderly, and I know next year it will be just as big and pretty as hers!  One little problem, I have to dig mine up and move it due to some technical problems in my yard that I want go in to.  I am hoping it survives the move!

Mine did have 3 beautiful blooms, but my plant is only

about 8 inches high!

This is Lindsey's flower-And it still has

tons more to bloom!

Beautiful!

Keep your fingers crossed.  I just know mine is going to grow to be big and beautiful, too!

Storms

We have had some awful, scary weather here recently.  Aliceville received quite a bit of damage earlier in the week.  Reed was working in the yard as it hit.  He called me to the porch and we actually watched and listened as trees snapped and fell across our neighborhood.  ( I do not recommend this....We really didn't realize it was as bad as it turned out to be.)  The warning signals began about 10 minutes after the storm ended.  Later in the week, school actually dismissed early due to the forecast of more bad weather.  We were lucky here, but just a few miles south didn't fair so well.  It's heartbreaking to see all the devastation. Tornadoes are impossible to understand.  They seem to hop, skip and jump at will.  Houses would be totally destroyed and then you would see one next door completely untouched.  It's also amazing that everyone survived with no injuries.......

Aliceville Storm-

These pictures were taken right at dark and are not too clear....

Signs and power lines down

Damaged stores downtown

One of several large trees down in our neighborhood.

Geiger

My pictures do not do this storm justice.  The devastation was massive.  This small, rural community was demolished.  It was truly a heartbreaking sight.

Lots of mobile homes were destroyed

Former carwash

The picture above was a church.....

 This is the bottom of a mobile home that was thrown against an old house.

 Amazing that nobody was injured....There were many more like this one.

The old school.....


The sun is shining brightly today.  The weather is gorgeous.  What a difference 24 hours makes!  God bless these people as they rebuild.

Thomas the Train

We extended Maddie's birthday even further by going to see Thomas the Train the day after her party.  She loved it.  (And so did Nana and Pop.)   This was a very nice set up.  In addition to riding Thomas, there was an imagination station, bubbles, sand boxes, storytelling, a smaller train ride, singing, and a fantastic Petting Zoo.  We love spending time with Maddie and her mom and dad, and are always sad when this time ends.  It is so hard to believe she is two.  Time certainly flies when you're having fun!

Pop and Maddie

Another wonderful outing!  We can't wait for the next one!

Birthday Bash

Maddie simply had the perfect birthday party!  She loved every minute of it.  After everyone left, she pulled out every gift (including clothes) and played with them all!

Highlights of the day include-

• The precious cake and cupcakes her mom made
• Signs, balloons, hats, cups, plates, goodie bags and the trimmings
• Bubbles, pinata, jumpelene, basketball, the sprinkler, and swingset
• Family and friends
• Lots of really great presents
• Pony Rides
• Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

Some of the decorations

Lindsey made the cake and cupcakes.  They were adorable.  Mom is very impressed!!

 

This girl had a ball!!

The ponies Shotgun and Phyllis made a special appearance.  We weren't sure how she would like this,

but she loved it!!  She got on Phyllis first, but she was a little more active than Maddie wanted.  Shotgun was just a little more "mature" and proved to be the perfect horse for her.

We might have a future cowgirl on our hands!

Presents, bowling game, balls, and the sprinkler!

More highlights and playing dress-up right after the party....

Lindsey and Josh did such a great job hosting her party.  We were so glad to be a part of it.  She continues to grow and change each visit.  I can't imagine what she will be like next year on her 3rd birthday!

Sand Box Fun

We arrived a day early for Maddie's big birthday bash.  We were able to spend a little quality time playing with her on the wonderful new play area she has.  Her mom and dad have really worked hard to make this a special place for her.  Just  a little more info on this, Lindsey made Josh a "little list" of I think 16 things to do during his week off......Poor guy worked his fingers to the bone, but he got them all done.  The results are wonderful and Maddie is certainly having a ball!

 

Pop and I gave Maddie a Turtle sandbox. She seemed to enjoy it!

She loves her new swingset!

A few of the other things we did-ride the car and jeep, help set up

with our "do rag" on, and walk around in Mom's shoes. Never a dull moment!!

Next up-The Birthday Party