The Nina and the Pinta

A few weeks back a floating museum docked at our marina and the we decided to take the kids out for a quick history lesson. They were exact replicas of the Nina and The Pinta that Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic in. Maddie had studied this this year in American History so she was pretty excited. Sam and Meg were just along for the ride, but they like boats so they thought it was pretty cool. 

They handed out informative pamphlets when you got there and then each ship had tour guides to answer questions. I found it interesting that most of the people who manned the ships (currently) were volunteers and didn't get paid. They were very sweet and probably told the kids more facts than they cared to hear :-) The most interesting things to me were how small the ships were ( I wouldn't even really feel comfortable cruising around in the bay in them) and the fact that the crew was never allowed below deck for the entire voyage! Only the captain and the first mate were allowed below deck- crazy! 

They had lots of facts about other voyages the ships took and the types of provision on the ships. They also showed the kids the stones they used below deck to balance the weight of the ship. It gave me alot of appreciation for Christopher and his crew. After seeing the ships I think it truly was a miracle that they made it across the ocean!

Hopefully the kids soaked up a few things from the trip :-) Troy and I definitely enjoyed seeing the ships and learned a few things too!

Mimi's Visit

My mom came in to visit last week and saved us alot of worry :-) She had been trying to make it down with my dad since Marla's birth and one thing after the other kept detaining them. On Thursday we found out why. She flew in right as I was being taken in for emergency surgery for a complication following Marla's birth. I wish I could say the surgery went fine, but it didn't. After the surgery there were more complications that resulted in me being hospitalized and having to receive a blood transfusion. We are very thankful that things are better now, and are thankful for all the Dr's and nurses who worked hard to save me :-) 

 It was very comforting to me that Mom had my kids and also that Troy was able to be by my side. Marla had to be put on formula and she did fine with all of her feedings until I could feed her again. Maddie and Sam showed mom around and were big helpers Mimi said. And all the fun that a Mimi brings was a great distraction from a pretty stressful situation! On the Saturday after she got here, all of the kids Christmas gifts arrived from her and my dad. The kids had a great time with that of course.

 They got some beautiful dresses,

 Cool action figures,

 Yummy candy,

And some homemade treasures! 

I'm sure I can never thank my mom enough for all the meals, laundry done, cleaning and the care she gave to the kids while I was recovering. We love you Mimi!!

1 Month

Sweet Marla Grace is one month old already!

 (Well she is actually 1 month, 1 week and 1 day, but I felt like I was actually doing pretty well with this post considering the week we had last week and the fact that she is the 4th child!)

 My sister-in-law Amy got me these cute "month onesie stickers" so it would be easy for me to photograph Marla each month. You just dress her in a white onesie, pop the sticker on and you are set!

(Such a great idea considering I tried to go back through pictures I had taken of Megan and fill her month by month frame and that just got really hard! BTW it is still in the closet with holes not filled.....)

 She wasn't up for all the attention at first, but soon calmed down. She is still a very good baby and rarely cries, so I guess this is a face she doesn't make very often.

 She is a great eater and continues to eat around every 3 hours during the day but will go for about 6 hours at night between feedings. Her cheeks are really starting to fill out  and she still reminds us alot of Sam's baby pictures.

This was the kids favorite photo since they thought it looked like she was going to punch someone! When you are 7 and 6 this must be hilarious. I think she weighs around 9-10 pounds now and is in 0-3 month old clothes. The kids were very excited to inherit the newborn size clothes for their baby dolls! She enjoy's bath time now (so my mother tells me) and is all around a very pleasant baby. We feel very blessed!

50 Years Together

 We were very excited to host a reception in honor of our friends and neighbors 50th wedding anniversary this past weekend. It was very well attended by their friends and we all had a great time.

 Troy, the kids and I all had fun working together to get the food, cake and decorations together. 

 A big "thank you" to my sister Melissa for her decorating ideas and punch recipe! 

 I wish I had had time to take more pictures of those in attendance. One of the older gentleman brought his harmonica and provided entertainment. Another lady shared some stories of what Don and Mary meant to her. Don gave a small speech which left everyone in tears. It was a sweet time to honor sweet people!

 50 years together- now that is a reason to celebrate!

A Smile for Daddy

Trampoline Time

 Every afternoon when Daddy comes home the kids think it's trampoline time!

 It's all about jumping high,

    Practicing your twirls,

 Jumping in front of the camera while mommy tries to take a picture of Maddie's flip,

and throwing your back out, again!

Doesn't that all sound like fun? We sure think so :-)

Sweet Face

3 weeks old