A Little Step Back

I was about to share some pictures with you from Evan's Birthday party and our shopping trip with him, when it dawned on me that I hadn't shared the rest of Pressley's Birthday Celebration. Pressley's Birthday is exactly a month before Evan's( April 25th). I shared her Pre-Birthday photos, but failed to finish out the festivities! SO--- here we go! Above, Pressley is sitting on her brand new bike. Her Mommy, Daddy and Evan gave it to her--and she was so excited. She especially loved it when she realized it was a "Princess" bike!

Her party was held at "Monkey Joe's". It was originally supposed to be at the park, but due to torrential rains that were expected that weekend, Amy had to make last minute changes. Even though Pressley is very fearful of Monkey Joe, himself, the party turned out to be a huge success( thanks to those who were on the "lookout" for the guy dressed in the Monkey Joe costume!). Lots of kids came and lots of fun was had by all! All four cousins enjoyed posing in the "Birthday Chair".

Here's Pressley with her Princess Jasmine cake her Mommy made. Amy is getting to be quite the little cake decorator! Her cakes are pound cakes(made with Ralph's mother's recipe) and decorated with her own little special process. Not only are they pretty, but they are delicious, too!

Pressley's "Pre-Birthday"

Yesterday, Ralph and I had the priviledge of spending the afternoon with our "Precious Pressley". As I have shared with you before, we have started a tradition of taking each grandchild, by themselves, with us shopping for their birthday. We take them to lunch (or an ice cream shop of their choice)--and give them a certain amount to spend. Parents, nor siblings are allowed, and once the money is gone, that's it. This was Pressley's first year to do this, and considering her age, we thought she might not catch on to the concept. But, she was a "trooper". She saw a lot of things she liked, but when it came down to making a decision, she knew exactly what she wanted! She chose a Barbie cash register that has a microphone and scanner--and a Disney teapot full of tea party items. As you can see, she got busy playing with the cash register before we even left the store!

I thought this picture was so cute! Pressley has her Poppy wrapped around her little finger!!!

Earlier in the day, when we picked Pressley up and asked where she wanted to eat lunch, she decided that she just wanted to go to our house. We wanted to make the day extra-special for her, so we suggested several places we knew she liked. But to no avail! "I want to go to your house", she said. Well, that's what we did! But then, she was very receptive after lunch, when we suggested going to Rita's for ice cream!

Look at that happy face--and ALL those sprinkles! She loved it! (And her GranNan and Poppy loved being with her!)

We realize that, in a few short years, these four "grands" will not put us at the top of their list of favorite people to "hang out" with! But, for now, we are thoroughly enjoying them!!!!!!

Spring Break at the Beach

Well, Poppy and GranNan got to go to the beach for Spring Break this year! Since Corin couldn't take the time off from work, Amy asked if we'd like to go with her and the kids. Of course we did! We always jump at the chance to spend time with our children and "grands"! We stayed at High Point, in Rosemary Beach. Amy and Corin had been there before, but it was our first time. Except for the 47 step going down to the beach, we loved everything about it! I'm serious-- Ralph counted. There were 47 steps! Ugh, my knee will never be the same!

Evan and Pressley were SO good! They play really well together--and love the beach.

Pressley had a lot of fun burying Evan in the sand--and I really think Evan enjoyed it, too!

They each play quite well seperately, too. Pressley talks constantly--even if her performing is only for the ocean!

Do they look like they are ready for the Peachtree?

This is what we spotted in a gully close to the pool. He got a lot of attention!! So cute!

Evan was so protective of his sister at the pool--and she clung to him at first. Then, as she became more accustomed to the water, she was ready to be her independant self.

It was still pretty chilly while we were there, so the kids enjoyed wrapping up in their towels. Isn't Evan just "too cute"?

Our little princess.........

A rare treat at the Sugar Shack!

We all had so much fun--and were completely worn out by the end of the day!

Pie anyone????

We found lots of great places to eat. Here we are at Great Southern Cafe in Seaside. Ralph and I had the most awesome Shrimp and Grits there I have EVER tasted!

Our new "find" was George's, in Alys Beach. It is very small, but so cute.

Experiencing Easter

Spring is probably my most favorite season of the year. After a LONG cold winter, Spring reminds me of "new beginnings"! It always reminds me that the fun summertime is on the way. And Easter is always the highlight of Spring. Thanks to Beth and Amy, I have some pictures of our little cuties in their Easter outfits. By the time we all got together, they had all changed their clothes. But, here they are--all dressed up.

After a wonderful day of worship, our family got together at Amy and Corin's house. Our fairly new tradition is to all go down to the common area in their subdivision and let the kids hunt Easter eggs. There are huge rocks they like to climb on, and lots of grassy space for them to run. Below, the boys are perched on the top of the rocks.

And the rocks, of course, are a perfect place for Abby and Pressley to pose!

After David and Matthew hid the eggs, the kids were off to find all the colorful treasures.

Granny always loves to watch the kids do their hunt--and the kids love having her there, too!

Below, the kids are opening their goodie bags from GranNan and Poppy.

Matching night gowns for the girls--and matching PJ's for the boys. They love to dress alike at the beach in the summer!

Look at the yummy cake Beth made this year. It was so good!

Happy Easter everyone! We hope each of you had a special Easter!

Doughnuts, Eggs and All Things Good!

On a beautiful Saturday morning, the day before Easter Sunday, we all met in the gym at Briarlake for the annual community Easter Egg Hunt. Doughnuts, coffee and juice were served to everyone who arrived before the hunt began. If you look carefully in the front of the crowd, you'll see three of our grandchildren. What a wonderful day it was! I have never seen so many precious children under one roof! This little smiling face from the community was what it was all about!

After tummies were filled, the Easter story was presented through a brief animated video. For some, this was probably the first time they had ever heard the story of Jesus' sacrificial love for us all!--and the wonderful resurrection of God's Son!

After the video and a short message from the Pastor, the kids and their parents were ushered to the ballfield or yard where the kids would begin the hunt. Below, Evan and Pressley's age group are anxiously waiting to hear, "Ready, Set.........

GO!!!!!!

Pressley had a ball! ( with the help of Corin ).

Abby was determined to find that prize egg!

The hunt was for kids from Babies through 5th grade. This little cutie below is the granddaughter of Rodney and Susie Webb. Too Cute!!!

And, of course, here are three of ours! I don't know where Will was when this was taken, but knowing how competitive he is, I'm thinking he was in search of that one last egg!

What fun that was! They can't wait for next year!