He is Risen

He is Risen.  Matthew 28:6


Easter is such a special time. For several years, we have begun the day with sunrise services across the river.  Even though it was foggy this morning, it was a beautiful service.  It has become one of my very favorite traditions, and I truly look forward to it every year. Caleb and Taylor joined us today, which was also a treat. We also always journey to Sandra & Tony's for lunch and family time.  If you don't have a sister in law that caters, you are really missing out.  It's always a treat! Josh, Lindsey and the kiddos spent the day with his grandmother and family.  We missed them, but did get to FaceTime several times. I am heading that way tomorrow for a soccer match!


These cuties were headed to church for Easter services.  They are growing up so very fast. Sadly, I have no pictures of their mom and dad today.



Flowering of the cross-so beautiful!!

 Love these two!!

Papa enjoyed his day!

Scott's sweet family.  I did not get a picture of the Pate family.  I've got to do better!!

 Cheese!!

These two are fixing to graduate!  So hard to believe!

Aunt Sandra, Uncle Tony and all of their grandbabies!! 

It was indeed a good day!

Airwalk

Maddie had birthday celebrations all weekend, and we all enjoyed each one!  Pop and I met their family and some of Maddie's friends at Airwalk.  Afterwards, we took the little ones home, while Josh, Lindsey and Maddie went back to Alex City to take her friends home.  They then headed across the state to join us for the weekend.  We continued celebrating all weekend!  It's just not every year that you turn 8!

This picture contains a very large part of my heart!  Lillian's birthday is in May and Reed's is in June, so we will be partying for a while!

Friends made the day even more fun!!  These girls are sweet, but tough!!

Josh and Maddie even managed to get in a little soccer practice!

This cutie had a ball!!

And this almost 5 year old was flying high!!

And so was the birthday girl!

We ended the day with cupcakes!

Sweet friends made the day super special!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!!  It was an awesome day!

Much more to come!!  Crawfish, a rodeo, presents, a play and more!!

Eight

How is it possible that eight years have already passed?  This sweet, sweet girl opened our world to a love that we didn't know was possible.  Maddie is the perfect combination-a little bit tomboy, sprinkled with a touch of princess.  She is quiet, but not really shy.  She loves all things adventurous! She was made to be the perfect big sister! We have made countless memories with this one that will hopefully last her a lifetime!  We have an entire weekend of celebrations planned-Airwalk with friends, a rodeo, family celebration, and ending with a play!

You are beautiful, brilliant and brave, and you are so very loved! Happy, Happy Birthday!!

Hammock, Sand and More

After a day of hard work around the house that included playing in the hammock and planting some flowers, we headed to the sand pile for a little fun. It was Spring Break this week, and they joined us for a long weekend.

Hammock time!  There are no words for how spoiled this puppy is!! 

Looking for goldfish!

 Well, I feel I must explain the picture below.  I suggested that the kids just strip down to play in the sand pile.  Pop said he didn't think this was a good idea........However, as soon as they got out of the truck, they did indeed strip down to their undies and took off for the sand!!  My pictures are limited due to that, but trust me-they had a ball!!

It's hard to find a spot on their bodies that isn't covered in sand!!

On this trip, we also found a frog and a turtle shell!  And they had a picnic lunch in the bucket of the front end loader!

 Cheese!!

I'm not sure who had the most fun-Beau or the kids!

Pop's sand piles are the best!!

This Thing Called Soccer

Well, Maddie threw us for a loop this year.  She decided to forgo softball for soccer.  I absolutely have no problem whatsoever with that.  The problem is that I know absolutely nothing about soccer.  I am a firm believer in the power of google though, so I have been checking it out.  Supposedly, it's the most popular sport in the world. It is known as football in most parts of the world, which cracks me up.  The rest of the world obviously doesn't know about the Crimson Tide! She had her first real game the other night.  I mostly learned that I still have lots and lots to learn about this sport.  I thoroughly enjoyed every second, but to be honest it looked a lot like organized chaos.  Or maybe, ants rushing to be first at a picnic!!

 The little ones were once again content and happy!  Toys, snacks and a little pile of sand go a really long way! It had been beautiful and sunny all day, but right before game time, it was suddenly freezing!

She began the game (or is it called a match) as goalie. I know that means that she is the only one that can use her hands, and she's not suppose to let the ball go by her!  This fellow is also a second grader at her school.  They are on opposing teams, but I think they are buddies!

You have to stay ready and alert!!

Every so often, she got to do some sort of kick.  Not sure why or what!  I'm working on that one!

The second half she changed positions.  I think I heard Josh say wing.  

I do know that this sport has lots and lots of running!

And every now and then, it really does resemble football!

Have I mentioned that her sweet dad is a huge soccer fan??  On the outside, he's been really laid back about her playing soccer. I just know he's smiling really big on the inside though!! 

 Keeping everyone happy!

I also must mention that even though I don't understand this sport, Maddie is loving it!!  And that is all that really matters!  We will be there cheering her on and doing our best to figure things out!!