No time to talk. Mickey is waiting for me.

We are having way too much fun at Disney World. More pictures and stories to come later.

Homeward Bound

Thanks to some friends who are very good at the game of Jenga, the truck is packed to the brim (Thank you Glittersmama) and ready to roll out as soon as I get everything turned in and turned over at work. I should be able to get home late tomorrow night, be home for Friday, and ready to roll out on Saturday for the House of Mouse. This has been a true blessing of an experience, but I am ready to go home. I am ready to pet my dog, to sleep in my bed, to mow my grass, to work in my basement, and of course, being with my family. "Lucy! I'm home!"

His Father's Son

This was the conversation we had earlier today:

C: Mom, I know what we can do tomorrow! Its a great idea.

Mom: What, C?

C: We can watch the race. Its on tomorrow.

M: Sorry, C, We don't have TV right now, remember?

C: Oh man!

Drew has taught him well.

Some funny things my kids say...

"Hello, um.. no, he's a little bit focused right now, Can I take a message?" - C says this with his hand up to his ear like hes talking on the phone. I think he means, "he's not available right now"



hostible - means hospital, both C and K say it this way



"Boom, Boom, Bananas" - can't ever be just plain 'banana'



"The Little Murder-maid" - K's favorite Disney Princess

His Image

We had a wonderful Sunday School lesson today. Not necessarily because of the presentation of the material (not that it was bad), but because of the spirit invoked by the material. We are studying in Alma 5 in the Book of Mormon. This has always been one of my favorite chapters of scripture. As a missionary in Spain, I had a note card taped to my vanity mirror with the words of Alma 5:14, “…Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received His image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this might change in your hearts?” There were days on my mission that I remember being able to “see” His image in my countenance staring back at me in that mirror, but there were also days that I did not. I think as time has passed, and as life has become “busy,” I have not done a lot of looking in the mirror. There have been days that I have definitely seen His image, but I fear that there have been many more that I have not. How often do we look upon our countenance and see our busy day, or pending deadlines, or worldly desires? It is only when we submit ourselves with a broken heart and a contrite spirit before the Lord, that we will be able to look in that mirror and see His countenance.

Speaking of seeing His image in your countenance, we were able to have a friend take some family pictures for us. She did an AMAZING job. It is the first time we have been able to do family portraits with a little flexibility of what we want. The pictures turned out great. I look at some of the pictures of the kids, and despite their expected “misbehaviors,” I am able to see His countenance. We are truly blessed with 3 great kids. They love each other, and they love us. They absorb everything we teach them and we try to teach them the gospel. It makes me proud to hear C tell me about what his lesson in primary was about or what we read about in the scriptures. I love to hear K tell me about her lesson in nursery and even tell us a little about what she understands the scriptures to say. E is just so close to our Heavenly Father that I can’t take my eyes off of him. We are truly blessed by our children.

Here are a few of the pics:

HOME

I have never really been a homebody. I love to go and do things. Even just a trip to the grocery store or Target. I like to be out doing. So, I never thought I would say this, but it is SO Good to be home. I missed my bed, my kitchen, my dog, pretty much everything about my house. Right down to the smell. I never knew my house had a smell. Walking in last night, I smelt my house, and boy did I like it!

Don't get me wrong. We had a wonderful time in Virginia. I am glad that I was able to spend the last few months with my husband. I am glad that we were able to do some of the fun, amazing things we did. I loved being able to go to the beach, and the pool. I loved taking advantage of everything that area has to offer. I loved seeing the sites, even the simple things like the concert in the park on Thursday nights.

But, I am glad to be home.

I think the kids are too. They missed their toys most, I think. Within a half hour of waking up this morning, every single toy was on the floor and had been touched, at least once. The excitement lasted all day. They missed the dog too. They were excited to see her. They were excited to run down the street to the neighbors house. They didn't want to get back in the car today to go to the grocery store. I can't say I blame them. I didn't want to get in the car either.

Now its back to reality. Back to doctors appointments, callings, errands, the gym.

It feels so good to be home.

Busch Gardens

Thanks to a program called "Salute to Our Heroes" and the Busch Family of theme parks, we were able to go to Busch Gardens. Drew had last Thursday off of work, so we took advantage and spent the day in Williamsburg, riding rides and having a really good time. Here are a few pictures from our fun-filled day.

C driving bumper cars.
K's first time behind the wheel. She couldn't hardly get the car to go. It was her favorite ride of the day, though.

This ride was a favorite too. I think they both enjoyed it because it was the only one they rode by themselves. No mom, no sister or brother, all by themselves.

We had a great time. Our day ended with fireworks in the park, and three really tired kids.

Lobsters

WARNING: This post contains A LOT of pictures. Don't say I didn't warn you!

We had a lot of fun yesterday celebrating Drew's birthday. His family came from Richmond to play at the beach and eat. We have really enjoyed having so much family so close. It has been nice to see everyone so frequently. We are really going to miss all of our cousins to play with!


All of the cousins eating BBQ and hot dogs after a full day at the beach.

Drew opening up presents.



Even E was able to enjoy some beach time.
K was so tired after the day in the sun she could barely hold her eyes open to eat cake and ice cream.
C and Ella enjoy some cake and ice cream together.


We had to take advantage of one more day at the beach before we head back to Ohio.

Here is everyone (well, almost all of the adults). We are so glad that everyone could come and enjoy the beach with us.
K, C, R, L, Amy and O cooling off in the water.
The girls building sand castles.

Drew and E walking toward the water.

It was a wonderful day. The worst part: we now have 4 lobsters in this house. Everyone but me got burned. Yes, even E got some sun. The rest of the family got some sun too. But, the kids all slept well last night and we have some wonderful memories of food, fun and family to take back with us.