President's Day Weekend at Nanas

Over President's Day weekend, Ashley, Laura & Grace had a fun time spending the night at Nana and Papa's.. It's nice that they have recently moved a little closer to us so we are able

to visit a little more often.

Ashley with Flora the 4 year old goldendoodle whom Ashley and Amanda raised from a puppy but who had a hernia which wouldn't allow for her to be placed in a family.. so they gifted her to Nana and Papa. She adores our girls.. I think she remembers that they were her first 'caregivers!'

Little Laura lost 3 teeth and got glasses all in the same week. Little sweetie!

Nana, Papa and Ashley took the little girls to the Polk County Museum where they were able to see 'Abraham Lincoln' give the Gettysburg address as well as a few other famous speeches. Grace, Laura and I are currently studying the civil war for school.. nice timing! 

Papa, Nana and the girls check out the rest of the museum

It was a fun weekend for all!

Sibling Time

The 4 olders, hanging out at A&W! These 4 are so kind to one another~ the boys are always such gentlemen and help their sisters and the girls love baking yummy desserts and helping them with projects. This is such a sweet season, these four as such great friends!

Best buddies!

Grant, Ashley and Amanda took the little girls to the park for more bike riding!

On this day Laura was re-reminded how to ride without training wheels! After moving to Belize she kind of lost her desire or ability to do so! :-) 

Mandy with Stella the Goldendoodle!

Ash with Miss Shirley

More park time! This time she is riding solo again! Yay Laura!

Gracie plays with Shirley

Having a blast! Spring is just around the corner, yay and yay!!!!

Grace's 10th Birthday!

When asked what she wanted to do for her birthday- Gracie chose going to the library! (another budding bookworm!) When asked what she wanted for her birthday dinner she chose lentils & rice. This girl would live on lentil and rice if we let her! We let the girls hang out for extra time at the library this day. They really enjoyed putting on a puppet show for us. Grace's favorite books right now are the Boxcar Children books, Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, the Secret Garden, the Little Princess and Pollyanna. We are so proud of how well this amazing little one reads!

Grace's friends from Belize sent her a photo of the birthday cake they baked her!

Such sweet friends! <3 p="">

Daddy presents Grace's birthday cake!

Happy Birthday *Dear Gracie!* Happy Birthday to you!

We are so proud of our little love. For who she is. For who God is making her into.. She has overcome so many fears and anxieties. She is loving life and learning how to trust God during her difficult times and trials. We are so, so proud of this little one who started her life with a lot to overcome. She is a blessing and a joy to us all. WE LOVE OUR GRACIE-BABY!!

Family Traditions

Ashley & Amanda helped the little girls make Christmas cookies for our neighbors and friends!

This has become a well-loved family tradition. It is so fun that our little girls are now becoming old enough to do quite a lot of the cookie-making on their own!

Grant helped a bit also!

So pretty ladies!

The made Stained Glass Bars, Peppermint Bark, Frosted Sugar Cookies, and Dipped Pretzels

It was so fun to see them go around and hand out a little Holiday Cheer!

Ashley & Amanda also enjoyed coloring some sweet Bible Verse cards for their friends

The frosty view out our window!

Hello Horsey!

Another McDonald tradition is heading up to the S*N*O*W on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day! I was unable to come this time due to being on bedrest! It was fun to see the fun pics afterwards though!!! :-)

Dad forgot his hat and so donned this lovely American Girl cap, complete with a little hand towel!

So pretty!

Ash & Shirley

Uh oh, an all out snowball fight!

Better watch out daddy!!

Ryan-the-Reserved, watches and enjoys- from a distance!

They had such a fun time! 

They are all growing up!!! We are so, so blessed!