Disney Report

One week ago, we were on our way home from Disney.  The week before was our spring break and next week is Evelyn's.  We had to adjust to squeeze in a family break so we took Evelyn out of school for two days of our break.  We had a really big surprise planned for the girls.  They knew we were going camping but the where was the big surprise.  We were able to keep it a secret until pulling in the gates of Disney.  Evelyn was quite excited.  She had already asked wasn't this the way to Disney.  We calmly answered that Disney was down that way.  When Emelia realized where we were, her response was, "but I wanted to go camping!"  She was quite happy to hear that we were doing both.  The campground there was very nice.  We did it in a whirlwind but still enjoyed it all.  The campground had lots to do and even had some critters.  Evie fed ducks and some turkeys strutted through.  The girls rode ponies, checked out the big horses that are used on Main Street, played on the playground, went to the Chip and Dale campfire sing a long and even got in the pool the last night which was a bit cold even though it was a heated pool.  There was also an outdoor movie on a big screen but we were not able to squeeze that one in.  We did one day from open to close at Magic Kingdom.  We hit the lines at good times and only missed a few things in that park.  The longest line was Splash Mountain at 45 minutes.  That ride was a first for the girls and they loved it. Emelia hit just over forty inches so we were able to take in a number of additional attractions together without doing the ride switch.  We were also able to take in things we missed last summer.  We then did a half day at Animal Kingdom and half at Epcot.  We had missed Soarin last trip and again, Emelia was tall enough for it now.  It was a definite hit will all of us.  When we got to Epcot the fast passes for that ride were gone but we got lucky when someone gave theirs to Scott.  Whew, the wait had shortened to 75 minutes at that time.  It was so nice to get those passes.  We also had some good visits with characters seeing some that we did not see last summer.  I think we are a little hooked on Disney for now.  The girls are at such a good age for it and seeing it through them is so fun.  Hope the pictures tell a little of the tale. Oh, and did I say the weather was fabulous.  Hey, at least I am only a week behind with this post better than a month.

Way Behind Again

There should be another name than blog for my little spot here, maybe blurb would be better.  I don't get anything here in a timely manner.  Don't even think it, that is not nice.  I'll try to put some photos and short descriptions since the last post.  We have had a lot happening.  Evelyn went to her first sleepover in Feb.  She only called about ten times but did stay the night and loved it.  She has also had two very good friends over(at different times) to spend the night with her.  Oh me, I don't know if I am ready for all of this.  We recently returned to the eye doctor and received a good report, wear the glasses and come back in a year.  Miss Emelia does well accepting all the things that big sister takes part in.  She has her moments but does have such an easy going personality.  We also had a Chinese New Year Celebration in mid February.  It turned out great.  The last weekend in February, the girls were in cousin Shelby's wedding.  It was a beautiful day and it all turned out really nice.  Last Saturday was our last day of Upward games.  It has been a very busy time but I think I will miss it.  The girls have enjoyed it.  Emelia will quickly tell you, "God is in the light and we should walk in the light too."  We have a special celebration this Thursday to end the event.  Hopefully, I will be back here soon.

A threesome

February Snow in South MS  :)

 That smile might catch you off guard

Emelia was quite proud of her Krewe of Fairies

Pretty girls

Shelby and Jackson

A Backlog of Blog

I have certainly failed at making any time for even a short blog.  I suppose I will try to post an abbreviated update of the last few months.  I left you somewhere back in November.  Thanksgiving was great.  We started the week going with our church to work the warehouse for Operation Christmas Child.  Wow, so neat to see the next step with the boxes, the number of boxes and care that goes in each.  We left after one shift heading on to North Carolina to meet Scott’s family for the rest of the week.  The girls and cousin Mason did really well together.  We did a little hiking, a little shopping but also spent time just being together when the cold weather kicked in.  We chased down where the snow stuck and played just a bit.  We also waited an hour and a half in the cold for Thanksgiving lunch at the Daniel Boone Inn.  The food was good and served in a manner like you would have at home.   We must have brought that weather back with us.  Within a week we had a light snow here.  It did not last long but was fun for a short while.  Christmas activities kicked in quickly.  The schedule was very full but fun.  The girls were at great ages for it all.  They also did well in keeping the real meaning of Christmas in focus.  They have continued to enjoy their scooter (Evelyn) and four wheeler (Emelia).  Oh, and I am now enjoying my Christmas just installed last week, new countertops.  We are now in the middle of Upward Basketball at our church.  We have had two Saturdays of games and it is going very well.  Evelyn and Emelia are both cheering.  I know there were lots of sweet things about the girls to share that I have missed.  Maybe I will do a better job with some quick updates.  Enjoy the few photos that follow.

Waiting in the cold for Thanksgiving lunch

North Carolina Snow

A visit with Santa

Bear Kimball and girls at the top

Snow in Mississippi

Cool Toys for Christmas

A sweet visit from an old friend

Still beautiful even though she has to wear glasses

Go Upward!

Wow, I hope to not wait this long again without a post.  

Pretty girls

The weather has been picture perfect. : ) So, I have had to grab the camera and take a few shots here and there of the girls.

Fall Fun

Well the last few days have been full but fun ones. Friday was fall field day at Evie's school, party (mini fall fest) and trick or treat for Emelia at school, merchant trick or treat and then a youth lock in (all nighter). Whew, I don't think one more thing could have been packed in on Friday. Oh, there was one other thing. We had a birthday breakfast at work for my boss who turned 50. We did get a few hours sleep Saturday morning. The girls spent the night with Grandma so we had a little recovery. Saturday, we were glad cousin Mason (aka Darth) was here to trick or treat and then go to our fall festival at church. The weather was just perfect and it was a very enjoyable evening. I think Emelia's favorite activity was the cake walk. She and Mamaw Flora won right behind each other.

Sweet Baby Girl

We had child dedication in our Sunday service. This was the first since Emelia joined our family and we definitely wanted to participate. She loves attention and had prepared herself for such. The sweetest thing was how she spent the rest of the service turning page by page in her new Bible. Rather than the typical gift Bible for a baby, she was presented with a children's study Bible, very nice. Emelia could not have been more proud of any gift. She is certainly a child that gives us a parenting workout and I guess God certainly knows those areas we need work on. We could not imagine our family without her. Her spice and spunk keep us going.

Just a little post to say we are vey proud of Evelyn. She got her first 1st grade report card and “A”ced it. This is her first report card with letter grades. Great job, Evelyn! Yesterday was celebration assembly at her school. The photos were taken there. She had a smile on her face in one photo because she got checked out early, went out to lunch with us and spent the afternoon at Grandma's.