365Project.2015 Weeks 28–29

It has been a very full two weeks. Lots of time with extended family, and therefore lots of pictures. :)
Enjoy!

Day 186. I wasn't feeling particularly well today, so pictures weren't high on my priority list. However, I happened to capture this one just before bedtime, and I'm going with it--dark and fuzzy though it be. I'm so thankful for my husband and his leadership in establishing Bible time as a very consistent close to our days. It's not long or elaborate and nearly always punctuated by admonitions to "sit still" or "stop talking" or such like, but little seeds are being planted--with consistency being one of the most important. If you're a young family wondering where to start, it's not as hard as it might seem. I recommend picking up a children's Bible and begin reading one story a night. After reading, we ask the kids to share something they're thankful for from the day and then we close in prayer. That's it. Maybe five minutes. And if you happen to be in our home around bedtime, we'll let you participate. :)

Day 187. Love these munchkins! :) They're happy to hire themselves out for car detailing if you're in need of such. :)

 Day 188. Pool time at Great Grandma and Grandpa's! :)

Oh. my. word. Matthew with all his crazy flotation devices! At least he didn't sink. After watching the shenanigans though, I decided to get a Puddle Jumper life vest for future pool visits, and it was well worth the investment. 

So thankful that Aunt Denise was able to join us in the pool!

Even Abby had her first swim. Impressed she was not. No, I did not miss her smile. She tolerated the water, but she did not smile even one time while she was in there. 

 Once she got out? That's when she found her smile again. :)

 Day 189. More family time! This time with our cousins! :)

 Love this crew, ages 5 to 10, all sandwiched in between each other! :)

Day 190. And more family time! This time we headed out to Michigan for a long weekend with Chris's family. The kids were very helpful ... they brought out all of the luggage and placed it "behind the van" so that I could load it. ;) Next time we'll work on leaving a space for Mommy to stand while doing so. :)

We arrived in just under seven hours!! SO. MUCH. BETTER. than the 14-15 hours it used to take!

 Day 191. And then we proceeded to squeeze a week's worth of visiting into 2-1/2 days. :) With the support of Grandma and Grandpa's babysitting services, we were able to enjoy a lovely afternoon out with Bryan and Janie! Thanks so much for the lunch and the fellowship, B&J, and thanks for babysitting, G&G! ♥

 

 

And since we're at the stage of life where it's very rare to get a nice picture with our spouses sans children, we helped each other out. :)

 

Day 191. Aunt Judy hosted a get together for the entire clan on Saturday ... what a blessing! :)

 And yes, we took the opportunity for some family pictures. :)

 

 

 

 

Peter's 8-year-old heart was thrilled by the abundance of beautiful, brightly colored flowers available for the picking, and filled up a vase for Aunt Judy with his favorites ... all the colors of the rainbow! :)

 The ladies enjoyed some puzzling time ...

 Abby played with cousin Tammy ...

 Matthew gained proficiency in the game of "washers" ...

 

 And then Miss Cutie Pie discovered a paper cup which she thought was just the best. thing. ever. :)

 

 

 And ... she started taking steps with Aunt Janie!! ♥

 

 Ah. Fellowship is good. ♥

 We closed out our day with another evening of games. :)

 

 Day 192. We love you, Grandma & Grandpa! The visit was short, but sweet!!

 We were even able to finish the puzzle! :)

The kids were pretty excited to have a great view of Niagra Falls on the way home. :)

 Day 193. Hmmm. This is not exactly Mommy's definition of "helping" with the laundry ...

Day 194. More fellowship! My Aunt Ann brought her grandsons out from Illinois this week, so we were able to get together for more family fun! 

 My grandparents were blessed to have all nine great grandchildren together!!!

And we discovered that evening that our little explorer has learned to climb the stairs. Oy vey!

Day 195. Some days you just need to take a walk. Thankful to be able to do so on a quiet street right outside our front door.

Day 196. Nanny watched the kids for us while we had an appointment this morning, and she came bringing flowers ... aren't they beautiful!!?!?

And, she approved the kids' request to paint just shortly before we arrived home. ;) So she had all the fun of saying yes without any of the clean up. Hmmm. Smart grandma. ;)

 

 

 Day 197. Miss Trouble!

 Day 198. And more trouble! :) LOL! She's keeping us on our toes and is well on her way to walking a good bit earlier than any of her siblings. :)

 Today was a very. special. day. for Hannah and Grandpa!

 Guess who was finally tall enough to ride the bike?!?! :)

 ♥

 It was also another big family day ... a family reunion with my family, hosted by my grandparents. The kids definitely enjoyed the pool ... with many more enjoying its chilly temperatures before the day was done. ;) And yes, Matthew is there in the middle with a Puddle Jumper. If you're wondering if they work, let me just say ... they. are. amazing. $19 at Target and well worth every. penny.

 Badminton,

 Fellowship,

 Snuggles,

And lots of food made for a great day! :)

We are blessed. And we are so glad and thankful to be close to family.