Seven Amazing Years.....

If I could stop time and keep her little forever, then I would do it in a heartbeat.  However, that is not possible, so I will embrace and enjoy every minute of her growing into a lovely young lady.  Eleanor is talented, beautiful and has a wonderful personality.  I love you sweet princess of mine!  Happy seventh Birthday to you!

A sweet moment

I've talked several times about the group of boys at church that are Xander's age.  This Sunday, we had to say good-bye to one of the families.  They are moving to Switzerland.
 Their children are about the same age as ours and we have loved getting to know them.  Great family and we will really miss them.
As we were waving tearful good-byes after church, Xander and a few of the other deacons were talking amongst themselves.  All of a sudden, they sprinted across the grass and through the parking lot and stood at the road entrance to the church.  They got there just in time for the van.  They waved and hooted and yelled and did a great job of sending their amazing friend, Jackson, off in style.
I just stood there and took in the moment.  They friendship I envisioned back in January when I started getting everyone together, has evolved and grown and my heart was so full.  They walked back, huge smiles on their faces, alive and full of the spirit and happy.  I will remember that moment forever.
True friendship is hard to find and I am grateful for the son I have and the way he shows his love for his friends.  That moment is what I had always envisioned when I felt impressed to make an effort to get the boys together and do activities once a month.  A sweet moment indeed.

Suzuki Flute Camp Week 2012

Last week we attended the Suzuki Flute Camp in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.  Even though Eleanor and Savannah don't play the flute, they attended the sibling program and got to attend some really fun music classes.  It was fun to spend the week with them and we got to stay at Grandpa and Grandma Day's house for the week.

 Monday after camp we went swimming with a friend and had a great time.  Tuesday, we decided to go and get a cupcake at a bakery owned by our friend.  So off we went, hand in hand down the brick sidewalks.  I love Old Town for that very reason.  There are still cobblestone streets and the buildings are amazing with their architecture!

 Stopping for a picture........

 About half way there, we saw cousin Catherine with a bunch of her friends.  She was not pleased that we came running up to her, yelling her name and "embarrassing" her!  

 The cupcake shop is darling!  

 As you can see, Buuveeii was really enjoying his cupcake!

 As was Zorig!

 And Auntie Alicia!

 I'm pretty sure Savannah liked hers too!

 They even sell gluten free cupcakes, so we got one for a friend.

 The next day was the fourth of July!  My favorite holiday!  We wore our best red,white and blue and celebrated in Grandpa and Grandma's cul de sac with friends and family.  All the kids decorated their bikes and had a bike parade.  Here is my beautiful Miss Independence, Eleanor......

 Oh, yes!  And sassy Savannah - my little firecracker!

 The new baby....

 Cute cousin Lauren getting ready for the bike parade.....

 Grandpa Johnnie serenaded us with patriotic songs on the recorder.....

 Uncle Jeff "enjoying" the heat.....

 Auntie Alicia watching the parade....

 It was really hot that day, can you tell?

Cousin Ashley keeping cool and looking even cooler!

 Snow cones helped to cool everyone down.....

 We gave Catherine blonde highlights.  They looked really good on her.....

 This is one of my favorite pictures of the evening....

 STUPEFY!

 Even Grandpa Day did some sparklers.....

 Cousins watching the fireworks.....

 The last day of camp, everyone wore their t-shirts.  This is Lily, a friend Eleanor made.  

 This is their Orff class.  Mrs. Crowley did an amazing job with them and they loved this class!

 At the last concert, they did a performance in the sanctuary.  It was a great week at camp and everyone had a great time!  Thanks Grandma Charlotte for having us!