Ball or Baby?

I'm constantly amazed at how fast Mason is growing up...and moving around! I will put him in the middle of his blanket and within 5 minutes he's rolled off the blanket and onto the carpet. I think he thinks it's a game: "How often can I get Mommy to stop what she's doing to come over and put me back on the blanket before I spit up on the carpet? Hehehe." It's hard to be upset with him when he's so cute and smiles as soon as I look at him. Why did God give me such a delightful son? Praise the Lord for His unspeakable goodness.

Marker Mishap

Jay came down tonight after dinner to find Madeline at the table with green marker all over her body. When he asked her what she was doing, Madeline replied, "I don't want to get sunburned." Apparently, she thought she was practicing preventative medicine! He took her outside to show some neighbors and we obviously had to keep from laughing as we reminded her that she is to keep her markers on the paper. She then enjoyed taking a bath in green water. Great memories. Thank you, Crayola, for making washable markers!

Swim lessons

Madeline started her swim lessons this week, and although we've had some rough moments, overall, she's doing great! She has a marvelous teacher, Miss Barb. Madeline doesn't like to go under the water (imagine that, Grammie), but she does a super job going under, turning, and reaching for the side of the pool. These lessons are teaching her the basics of water safety (ie. what to do if she falls in or can't touch the bottom). She is learning to float on her back and even jump in and keep her eyes open under the water so she can see the nearest step or rail. Pretty soon she'll be giving me lessons!

People time in Atlanta

We had so much fun with our friends Bob, Linda and Michelle! Michelle was wonderful with Madeline and Mason, especially at the Aquarium. She was a ready and willing helper whenever I needed extra hands with the kids. Thanks, Michelle! And Linda was an outstanding hostess. She not only cooked and provided all things beautiful and necessary, she was our tour guide and exercise partner (at times my "Coach"). She drove Jay and me to Stone Mountain for a "hike" (it was straight up, solid rock), which ended with a gorgeous top-view of Atlanta and the surrounding area. I love the picture of the 3 of us! Near the bottom we encountered a genuine gum tree, well, a post with every flavor of chewed gum you can imagine. Yum! You can also see the face of Stone Mountain with its amazing carving; a 6 ft. man can stand up inside the nostril of the horse. Thank you so much Bob and Linda for our amazing memories in Hotlanta!

Playtime in Atlanta

On our trip, we took a few hours to enjoy the splendor of God's creativity and majesty at the Aquarium in Atlanta. The size of some of the fish was remarkable, not to mention the tanks! And how beautiful the seadragons were (kin to the seahorse). In the picture above you can see how it disguises itself as a plant; it was just breathtaking. How creative is our God!

Pool Time in Atlanta

We just returned from an outstanding trip to Georgia. Our friends, Bob and Linda, hosted us in their beautiful home for almost a week. We played in their pool almost every day that it wasn't raining (yeah!) and enjoyed every minute with them. Mason just loved being in the water with Linda. He splashed and kicked and smiled; needless to say, he slept very well that night. And Madeline was ever our little fish with her floaties on, getting more confident every day.

2 Sweethearts

Grandma took this picture during our June visit. Mason will soon be too big to fit on the chair lying down like that on Madeline's lap. And it won't be too long before neither of them will care to have Mason that close to her! We'll enjoy it while we can, right?

Campbell gives good "soup"

Today Mason had a new view when he ate his "second breakfast". Our friend, Campbell, helped to feed him his rice cereal with applesauce. Of course, Mason was more fascinated with Campbell than he was with his food; but that didn't stop him from gulping it down. It was so nice to have a second pair of helping hands. Thanks, Campbell!

Boys and Their Toys

Today Mason tried out his new bouncy seat. He loves it! It has so many toys attached to it he doesn't know which one to look at! It plays 4 different tunes, makes all kinds of fun sounds, has several dangling toys and rings, and 2 mirrors, in case he forgets what he looks like. Madeline has been giving him lessons on which toys are the best to play with and which song he ought to play over and over...and over.

Independence Day Celebration

We added another year to our annual 4th of July celebration with the Ficketts. Bill and Kerry prepared a delicious meal, which we ate in the cool of their home, before going down to the park. We opposed the July heat by enjoying Kerry's renowned 7-layer fiesta jello and Jay's homemade vanilla ice cream. Mason cut his first tooth today, giving him one more step to freedom. And Madeline delighted in the beautiful "thunder" in the sky (aka. fireworks).

Poppy and Mimi's House

While we were in Texas, we spent time with Poppy and Mimi. They recently moved into a new house that backs up to Houston's bayou. Here are a few pictures which don't adequately capture their home's romance, size or beauty. We had a relaxing time, playing with toys, taking walks through the neighborhood and listening to the thunderstorms.

Packing the Stires

Kris, Chelle and the girls are moving to Albania in July to be missionaries. They will all be intensely learning the language for the first year or two, so most of their vocational duties will be put on hold until they get a firm grasp on the language. Kris will work at the seminary in Tiranah, while Chelle will manage the home and see the girls to and from school. To get to Albania, they had to sort, pack and load all of their belongings (with some other people's, too) into a container, which may arrive by cargo ship in 4 months. Until then, they'll be living out of their suitcases. It was a bittersweet visit for us all recalling delightful times while packing up remnants from those same visits. Of course we made new memories, which we are now documenting in order to enjoy over and over again.

Fun with Grammie

On our recent trip to Texas, we spent time with Grammie and the Stires. Grammie's signature is her "Surprise Suitcase", which she fills with prizes for good behavior, kind gestures and obedience. The kids LOVE reaching their hand in to grab a goody. Mason couldn't reach in to get a prize (although he was very obedient), so Grammie showered him with kisses and love. That's the best gift of all!

Christmas '06

Backtracking a bit, the Flowers family had their second reunion this past Christmas. Jay's brother, Jon, had all of his children there (including one of his sons-in-law), as well as his darling wife, Vicki. From oldest to youngest (not necessarily in order of height): Niccol, blue jean jacket (with husband Luke in Hawaiian shirt), Cyndi in black, Josh in black, Caleb in red and Asa in blue. Included in a couple of the pictures are Madeline and a cousin, Brandi. Madeline still loves her swing, although she always says, "Higher! I want to swing higher!"