Ten

I had heard for many years how wonderful it is being a grandparent.  But it wasn't until Madelyn Grace Smith was born 10 years ago that I realized just how amazing it really is.  Maddie is super smart, inquisitive, nurturing, patient and succeeds at everything she chooses to do. I love that she likes trying new things.  Right now, she's into martial arts and loves it. My grandmother and I had such a special bond, and I am so thankful to be so close to her, and all my grandchildren. There is no greater blessing!


A few recent pictures-

And a few from the past!  I literally could choose from thousands of pictures of her.  I will also admit that I got a little teary eyed going through the pictures. Time really does fly!

Oh my!  She's not the only one that's changed in 10 years!

I feel like we blinked and a decade passed! 

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!  You are very loved.

Grey Wolves

Pop and I traveled across the state yesterday to watch the Grey Wolves in action.  I am happy to say that they did not disappoint!  I know the word precious is not used often in sports-but maybe it should be!  They were just that-precious!  I have to say that it's a lot like herding cats at this age.  Maddie has the hardest job on the field.  She's the bench coach, and she definitely has her hands full!


So proud of these three!  The sun was super bright!



A little pre game warm up!

I think Reed's offering his dad a little free coaching advice!

This was actually the second of his three goals!  The first one I was jumping up and down, and totally missed it!  Pop got the third one on video.  He was simply awesome!  He has gotten the hang of it, and is having a ball!

Way to go Buddy!

After his game, we headed across town to catch a little of this cuties practice. 

We are heading back this weekend for a couple of Lillian's games, and to celebrate Maddie's 10th birthday.  More on that next!

Spring Fun

With Spring comes Spring sports!  With Spring sports comes lots of road trips across the state.  I actually traveled 6 hours to watch a 24 minute soccer game this week-and loved every second of it! Josh is the head coach, Maddie is his assistant, and Reed is the cutest little soccer player ever!! Lillian is loving softball!  She is on the team with many of the same players from last year, so that's lots of fun!  Maddie began martial arts a few weeks ago, and is loving it!  John Sawyer is just his cute, precious little self!

What's up with this little duck? You just never know what Pop is going to come up with...…..

I guess you call it "duck fishing!"

Way to go Maddie!

We are so proud of this sweet girl! She got a new belt.

I just can't believe this one is old enough to be participating in sports!  Time flies-and so does he!!  My favorite part of watching him is this sweet smile!

Josh truly has the patience of a saint!  He was made for this job!  His assistant coach is pretty awesome, too.

Cheese! (Check out that tooth of Lillian's.  It's been hanging sideways for quite a while now.)

This one is a framer...….

Warming up...……

For This!!! His first goal ever! And the crowd goes wild!  Well, at least his momma and Nana did!

This little one is doing awesome in softball.

 This so reminds me of her mom!  As soon as she crossed home, she looks over at us!

She had the pitcher circle locked up!  She also played short and second.

And last but not least, this one has us wrapped tightly around his finger.  He is growing and talking up a storm!  He was watching Pop work outside the window, and chattering non-stop!

Now that's some really good sleep!

Next up, more softball and soccer!

Barnyard Fun

The big kids were coming to spend a few days with us for Spring Break, so Lindsey suggested we meet at the Tuscaloosa Barnyard.  Taylor was able to take off and join us for a very special morning.  What's better than baby animals, a pony ride, and a wagon ride?  This was John Sawyer and Reed's first visit there, and I think they will all be ready for another visit soon!

The first stop was holding the baby chicks, ducks and bunnies!  Maddie and Lillian even held a rat!! Not this Nana!

My favorite part of the day was seeing all of the sweet smiles! 

 John Sawyer loved the super noisy and excited little pig!

This cutie actually laughed out loud on the pony ride!  Could there possibly be a pony is his future?

 This might just be Maddie's last time on the pony!  Her legs are getting just a little too long!

I could not possibly love them more!

Back to the animals!  Those goats are just a little greedy! That's Maddie and the pet rat on the bottom left.  No thank you!

On to the playground!

 This trampoline thing was also a very big hit!!  

It was the perfect place for a little leap frog!

A cow to milk, pictures to take, horses and cows to feed and so much more!

 The fasted cow train ride ever!  For real-I thought they might just fly out!

Lots of memories were made, and lots of smiles were shared!

We will be back!

Thirty Three

Following John Sawyer's birthday party, we were also able to celebrate Josh's birthday.  He is a hard working, fun-loving, easy going, awesome husband, father and son-in-law.  He has been a vital part of our family for over a decade now, and we couldn't love him more!  He is very easy to celebrate.

Happy Birthday to you!

May all of your wishes come true!

Steak, macaroni and cheese with a little applesauce for this one! Notice that little boo boo between his eyes.  He was playing with a paper bag over his head and ran into a bench.  That little game didn't end too well.

I love it when everyone is here!  

John Sawyer is a fan of apple sauce, too!

So glad we got to celebrate with you!

 March is the beginning of the birthday season for us - Josh and John Sawyer in March, Maddie in April, Lillian and Taylor in May, Reed (Little) in June, Caleb in July, Lindsey in August and Reed in September.  Lots of cake and ice cream in our future!!