Touring VA

We've been out and about in VA. First we went to Shenendoah Valley and later, Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home). Noah and Grace are posing for the "Nickel Shot." It's the view of the home found on the back of the nickel.

Talk Radio

So, most of you know how much I enjoy talk radio. I am a Rush Baby and I think I have one in the making! If the radio is on or if we all get to talking, Miss Grace makes herself known!

GIANTS

Noah's football team this year, the Giants, weren't as successful as in years past; however, he had a great time and really has improved as a player. The best part of the season was making a new buddy, Andrew. Can you spot Noah? In this one he is playing center and it's his arm on the ball.

Summer Highlights!

We have definitely had an eventful summer. I thought I'd share a few of our highlights. Grace (right) is sharing a blanket with cousin Olivia. Olivia is mobile now, while we call Grace "sugar lump." Noah had an OU themed party and is now 11! Anna and Dad were caught dancing with the Seasame Street show at Busch Gardens.

R&R

I don't know how much rest there was in Dad's visit, but we sure loved every minute of him. Everytime he sat down, there was another girl in his lap! It was great having you here and fun watching you spoil them rotten!!!

Roquet

Our new favorite pastime...croquet on the North Lawn (aka front yard). Anna has a few issues with the game, besides its tricky name, waiting for your turn is super hard and the really long mallet handles poke you in the face! Dad is the undisputed champion, closely followed by Noah. I'd prefer to stop the rankings with them.

Beach Babes

With the oil looming, we have been savoring our precious white sand. And the folks you run across at the beach sure are precious, too!

Cereal is Grrrea...OK, not so great.

Anna has been waiting...forever...to feed Grace (she's a no bottle baby, also). So, the doctor gave us the go ahead for cereal. Unfortunatly for Anna, Grace wan't as excited.

A day in the life of Virginia Grace.

It's really not easy being the baby. All day long, it's constant affection and praise. You've no idea how hard it is to sling around these cheeks!

Dinner Theater

Yup, every night. You'd think I'm doing something spectacular in the kitchen to draw this size of a crowd. Maybe I should try a Gallagher inspired dinner...

Easter

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed!

We've had a good time with our eggs and the yummies in our baskets, but Anna has been great to remind us that Easter is all about Jesus. We though a lot about Dad, too. He is the supreme Easter egg hunt egg hider!

Spring Time!

We have a couple of talented kids on our hands! They didn't get it from us!!!

Grace's Faces!

Just one thing missing...

We remember and speak often of mom, but our hearts break each time we consider that our Grace and Olivia (my niece) will not ever have known her here.

2 Corinthians 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Todd was appointed to Warrant Officer on February 1st. The next biggest news for him is that it's been snowing and snowing and snowing. So far he's done more snow shoveling than anything else! I assure you he's had to "shovel" much worse.

Big Jobs

Grace couldn't ask for better siblings. Noah is such a help with baby Grace (holding, burping, rocking...). He's got experience! And Anna is super great at holding her, too...just ask Grace!

Night Shift

Did you all know Todd is a real American Hero. No, not the Marine Corps part, but the up all night with the newborn type. This is our first morning home and what I woke up to...what a beautiful sight!

First few days...

Well, technically not an angel, but it's as close to perfect as we can get. I started having contractions on the 23rd, then stopped (thankfully) and I got a few hours of sleep...until 4 AM on the 24th when my water broke. We

waited for an hour or so to wake Noah and Anna then by 6AM I was at the hospital and at 9:33AM, Virginia Grace arrived! We went home Christmas Day and had a delicious Prime Rib dinner a la Dad. Cousin Angie came out to help. We baked and baked and baked, some 8 dozen kolaches! She proved best at putting Grace to sleep.