Random but Special stuff

Every Thursday we take lunch to Jeff at the office and the girls love this time with him.  When the weather is nice we take Daddy for a walk around the block after eating lunch.  Last week I thought to take this picture.  It turned out great (other than this angle making my hips look huge!!) and I love that the girls had their hair up in pigtails. 

Since the weather has been nice in the afternoons we go for long walks as often as we can.  These walks help us through the long afternoons now that the girls no longer take naps (If Samantha takes a long nap she is not able to fall asleep until close to 10pm).  Our compromise has been going on a walk and then she will fall asleep the last 10 minutes or so.  Then I get to snuggle her until it's time to start dinner.  She looks so big in this picture but I'm savoring each moment I get to hold my sleeping girl. 

Here is my big girl helping me with the dishes!  She is a little slow and still very much a beginner but I see much potential for her being a BIG help in the kitchen.  She loves to do dishes with me and feels like an important member of the household when she does things that she knows help Mom & Dad.  I've always believed that a family that works together stays close.  I look forward to the years ahead as our family enjoys working and playing together. Samantha is a helper, too.  She knows how to put away the clean silverware from the dishwasher, set the table and clear the table.  I'll take all the help I can get...and it's lots more fun that way. 

Here we are on one of our afternoon walks. 

Just For Grandpa

My dad is on a two-week trip to Costa Rica.  His new adventure is paragliding so he gets to spend some time paragliding there.  We have enjoyed seeing him/talking on Skype (which we are still beginners at).  The girls are hilarious on the webcam.  They make funny faces, put their finger over the camera, etc.  It's very cute when they blow kisses, though.  I think it is very special for Grandpa since he must be missing home a bit. 

Since my parents live across the street sometimes my dad will stop by in the morning to say "hi".  The last few months he says he is here for an "inspection".  He is checking to see if the girls' beds are made, room picked up, etc.  The girls have missed his inspections (and their bed-making is getting a little sloppy) but I didn't realize how much until I saw this post in note Danielle put on their door.  Very sweet. 

Thankfully Grandpa is having a good trip and will be back next weekend! 

Fun Stuff in February



A note I wrote to the girls at breakfast.
(I was doing this upside down)



What Danielle wrote back.

A story about a bunny.

Samantha drawing of herself with her soon-to-be-born cousin Tori.

A really GREAT Grandfather (Celebrating/Honoring his Life)

The girls thought the hotel was pretty cool!
(We spent the night in one hotel on our trip down.)

Visiting with Auntie Jen after Great-Grandpa's funeral service.
(when I took this picture Samantha said "My Mom ALWAYS takes pictures!!!)  :-)

Samantha kissing a picture of Great-Grandpa.

Wiped out from all the travels, visiting, etc.



Danielle's special card for Great-Grandma.
(The snowman has a tear under his right eye.)



Grandpa loved to golf so his kids put his putter in the flower arrangement they bought.



I could probably fill a book with all of the precious memories we shared on our trip to Jeff's Grandpa's funeral.  So many family members to hug, share stories with, etc.  Danielle sang Amazing Grace at the reception after the funeral, stories of Grandpa and how he always counted his blessings, and imagining Grandpa golfing in heaven with his 2 brothers, etc.

I only took pictures with my phone but it was special to have a few memories captured of the week we honored him and celebrated his life.

A really GREAT Grandpa. (Memories)

I love that this shot was captured...the joy that his great-granddaughters brought him shows in his smile.

Everyone snuggled on the couch for a family photo.
We were pretty sure this would be our last visit with Grandpa.

Memories....Christmas 2 years ago.
Their first Christmas with Samantha (nearly 1 year old).

Grandma & Grandpa with Danielle at 1 year old. 
(I just realized these are the same overalls Samantha was wearing in the above picture.) 

In October Jeff's grandfather was diagnosed with cancer and we knew he only had a few months to live.  We were blessed to be able to visit with him in November before he got really sick.  He lived 84 wonderful years but it was still very hard to lose him.  He left us an incredible legacy of faith, love, and thankfulness.