Jackson Family Visit

This past weekend we packed up (literally) and headed to Jackson, TN for a family visit --- it’s amazing how many bags, purses, baby dolls & blankets end up in our vehicle for such a short voyage. If ever questioned whether or not all this is necessary… Amelia will quickly say, “But I need it”.

Our South Carolina family had come to Tennessee for a visit and Aunt Cheryl was with them. We have not seen Aunt Cheryl since Amelia was an infant. So this was a special treat for everyone. Uncle Al & Aunt Carole entertained everyone in their beautiful home; which Ellie and Amelia love their spacious yard. They were eager to run outside with their cousins and get muddy. Why we wore white skirts that day, I’m not sure.

Isabelle with Aunt Grace & Uncle Cleo

Greeting Aunt Doris

Talking with Aunt Gayla

Granddaddy, Aunt Janet, Jacob, & Granny

All of Raymond & Mary Jackson’s great-grandchildren -- 15 total!

Giddy Up!

Today was “Western Day” for Ellie’s class at school. She was excited to wear a cowgirl outfit with braids and boots! The school staff had divided the gym up into stations with activities at each one. She even roped a cow!

Giddy up, cowgirl!

There's a new Sherif in town!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

From your three girls -- We love you!

Happy Spring!

Isabelle is such a highlight in our lives. She really enjoys being around Ellie & Amelia and interacting with them. This week while the three of them were playing in the floor together... Bill & I paused to catch a moment and just observe how sweet they were.

Another Tooth!

Thanks to Chuck Brown -- He discovered today Isabelle has a second tooth coming in. We had not noticed. It apparently is just breaking the bottom gum line and starting to show. How exciting! 2 teeth.

6 months old

Isabelle turned six months old while on our Florida trip. She is such a cutie! She has a contagious laugh that makes you giggle. Bill discovered this past week Isabelle has her first tooth coming in. Maybe this explains all the extra bibs we carry around. She enjoys sitting up and playing, surrounded by her toys. Isabelle is also doing very well on eating 1st baby foods. She takes eating very serious (like her Daddy). However Isabelle is very much a Mama's girl.

Florida Vacation

We took the girls to visit family during our Spring Break. All three girls did extremely well on the airplane. We flew into warmer temperatures and sunny skies – typical of Florida. Our first stop was in Orlando to see our good friends, Darrell & Tisa and their children, Bethany & Carson. We spent Saturday at Downtown Disney together. There was so much to look at and do. The girls have never seen anything like it. They especially enjoyed the Disney Store. We spent the remainder of the day and evening with the Marshes at their house. It was good to be with them and share memories.

On Sunday, we headed to Gainesville – home of the Gators. We were excited for our family to meet Isabelle. Everyone was at Uncle Bobby & Aunt Shirley’s house to welcome us. The girls have waited a long time to see their cousins. Isabelle was an angel over all the excitement.

Isabelle with Granddad

Ellie and Amelia instantly fell in love with Uncle Bobby & Aunt Shirley’s dogs. I believe they would have slept with them if allowed. We even found Amelia in one of the doghouses – literally. Uncle Bobby got the girls a pool for some extra splashes. Thanks, Matt.

We had the opportunity to visit all of Bill’s sisters and their families. It was good to see everyone. Each one catered to us and prepared meals during our stay. Friday morning before the sun was up, we were headed back to Orlando to catch our plane home. We were sad to leave again, but anxious to get back to Tennessee – home of the Volutneers!

Having fun with cousin Ashton

Isabelle with Aunt Wendy

Isabelle with cousin Micayla

Today being Sunday is rather unusual since our church service has been cancelled. It has snowed again... over several inches creating a winter wonderland. It was peaceful last night from our prayer room watching the snow fall in the moonlight, the girls in bed, the house quiet. This morning however was full of excitement as Bill dressed the girls to go outside. This time he was joining them, sled and all. They didn't last long though! "Too cold," Ellie said. The girls peeled out of their clothes and jumped in our bathtub full of bubbles. "Let's pretend this is snow," I heard Ellie say. Ellie has been sick this past week with a cold, so it was refreshing to see her personality back in full bloom.

Last night our church held it's annual "Reconnect" - a seminar for married couples. The special guest speakers were enlightening and shared good solid advice on building a marriage to last.

This week we will be getting ready for two trips -- my business trip to Atlanta and our Spring Break vacation to Florida. My business trip will be a quick overnight. This will leave Bill with the girls for one day and one night (grin). The Florida trip is long overdue. This will be Isabelle's first time to meet our Florida family. We are excited. Amelia continues to ask about the airplane ride. She has been looking forward to this ever since Bill told them we would be flying. In the meanwhile, I need to start packing for FIVE!

Happy 6th Birthday!

Yesterday we celebrated Ellie’s 6th birthday party. Can one believe it? She has been counting the days. We had family over to help celebrate with us. I had a friend tell me that at six years old they begin to grow up fast and lose the little girl desires. We’ve started to notice that with Ellie. I still love to tell her stories of when she was a baby and reminisce with her. Look at her now our big girl --

Ellie's first raincoat & boots from Aunt Janet

Aunt Janet, Isabelle, & Aunt Becky

Aunt Janet & Amelia

Eating cake! Umm..Chocolate!

Another Great Day

Most evenings, while sitting around the dinner table, we compare our day with one another. With the warmer temperatures the girls were excited to have the opporunity to play outdoors today. They’ve had several weeks of being pinned inside the school gym for recreation time. The sunshine was nice. Today was Amelia’s Show-n-Tell --- the letter P. She took a puzzle and a pencil to share with her classmates. Her class also discussed what they wanted to be when they grow up. A serious question proposed to 3 year olds. When I quizzed Amelia what her response was… she said she wanted to be a mermaid. A pink mermaid. In the meanwhile, she is learning to write her name.

Ellie continues to shine with her classwork. She and Bill were making a collage of “V” words last night for homework. Fun stuff cutting pictures out of magazines. You’d be amazed at how many words start with the letter V. She is now reading! Yes, that’s right… reading books to us. She learns approximately five new words a week and is doing excellent with phonics. Today she came home wearing a felt badge outlined in glitter with 1400 marked on it. A badge is awarded for each series of 100 they can write. We are extremely proud of her.

We are fascinated with Isabelle. Bill and I make comments all the time like, “Would you look at her?” Truth be – we’re all taken by Isabelle. She enjoys watching the girls. I wonder sometimes what she’s thinking. Ellie and Amelia argue over who is going to hold her first and compete for her attention. We are just amazed at how this little girl has changed all our lives.

Just us Girls

Happy Valentine's Day