A weekend at the river

We had a fun cousins weekend at the hunting camp this past weekend. Jason and Karem's family came, Joel and Cori's family came, and of course Madelyn and Thornton's family were there too! The kids had SO MUCH FUN! We cooked, made s'mores, played on the beach, rode the zip line, played on four wheelers, ran around like crazy, and had some great conversations! It could not have been a better few days with family. We stayed till Monday and felt like we had had a great mini vacay away from civilization! There is just something about that river breeze- it refreshes the soul!

Pizza and Pedicures

Grafton wanted to have a few girlfriends for a Pizza and Pedicures Party! She was so excited! She invited her 5 best girl friends, they got pedicures at the Nail Shop, and then we walked over to Pizza Den for pizza, cake and presents! It was a perfect little morning with lots of sweet girls!

Grafton turns SIX!

Oh my heart, my sweet precious Grafton is SIX years old! These six years have been the most amazing ones I've ever experienced. I remember each one with such a full heart- and I remember that first day that I laid eyes on my precious baby girl like it was yesterday. How amazing it was to see this little bundle of preciousness, to hold her for the first time, to stroke her brown hair, to kiss her perfectly pursed lips, and to count her little fingers and toes. The awesomeness cannot even been explained.  And in so many ways, the way she was way back in her first year of life, she is still the same. She still loves with her whole heart, she still laughs with a big giggle when you tickle her, she still sleeps hard but fights it, she still wants to cuddle and hear stories and sing songs late into the night, and she still can play hours by herself. In so many ways she is still my baby girl.

Grafton has had a great 6th year! She played soccer, learned to swim, was a flower girl, started Kindergarten, started weekly tennis lessons, went to the beach a few times, went to the Atlanta Aquarium, and visited cousins. Her heart continues to grow so much for the Lord- she sings worship songs, recites scriptures, and tells me stories of God speaking to her at different times. She has made so many new friends and has started to treasure her girl friends so much. She has learned how to work math problems, how to count money, and is reading so well.

Grafton is my smart, witty, thoughtful child. She is constantly thinking....constantly trying to figure things out. She has a servants heart, always wanting to help me, others, and her brother and sister. She will try anything and doesn't get nervous. She will eat new foods, try new sports, go on a scary ride, or meet a new friend and won't be afraid or scared.

I am thankful for her in so many ways. I'm thankful that she wears whatever clothes I put on her. I am thankful that she is not an anxious child. I'm thankful that she will go wherever I tell her to go, whether she knows anyone there or not. I am thankful that she has good manners. I am thankful that she loves her brother and sister with her whole heart. I'm thankful that she begs me to go to church. I am thankful that she has a positive attitude and looks for the bright side of things. I am thankful that she can stand up in a crowded room and speak without being nervous. I am thankful that is isn't afraid to share her opinions.

She is growing up so quickly, and I am trying to soak up every minute of her sweetness. I hope this 7th year brings her so much joy and love- I can't wait to see what is ahead for her!

A low key New Years

We had a very relaxing New Years Eve this year, with just family, food and fireworks. The kids dressed up and blew horns, Eric shot fireworks for us all to see, and DeeDee made some yummy food for us to enjoy. It was nice being home and celebrating as a family. It has been such a wonderful year and it seemed very appropriate to end it together in fellowship as a family. Oh how thankful I am for these people!