Party!

 Over 30 friends and family gathered to celebrate Brenna's first birthday!  Here are a few pictures from the day:

 Not too sure about all the singing and a cake in front of her

 She had more fun playing with it than eating it!

Drew, thanking everyone for coming and for the influence they have had and will have on Brenna's life, noting that she will be surrounded by the gospel as she continues to grow and develop.  The grandfathers got to pray for her before she opened her presents. 

 Opening presents!

 Brenna and friends (Miriam on the left is a few weeks older and Liam on the right is a few days younger)

Birthday girl with 3 of her many uncles

 Balloons!

Is something in your eye, Pops?

 Happy First Birthday, Brenna Noelle!

Thanks for such a fun party!

We love you!

Birthday Girl!

One year ago today, I arranged for a sitter to stay with Ian after he was in bed so Tom and I could celebrate our 30th anniversary (which was 3 days away).  It turned out to be the best anniversary date ever and one we will never forget!  We picked up a Subway sandwich for the hungry, expectant father and headed to the hospital to pace the halls, awaiting the arrival of our grandaughter.  It seemed like forever but wasn't really too  long until she made her appearance and soon after, we got to hold her and look into those big, beautiful eyes that melted our hearts immediately.  Brenna Noelle joined our family that evening and what a joy she is, still melting our hearts with every flash of her smile!!! 

Happy First Birthday, Brenna!  We can't wait to celebrate with you!!!!

Much love,

Pops, Grammy, Uncle Ian, Uncle Jeremy, Uncle Lucas

Olivia Time

Grammy is reluctanly wrapping up a few days of an "Olivia fix."  Thanks to my wonderful husband and some amazing friends, I have been in Memphis since Monday evening and enjoying every minute with this beauty (and her parents.)

We had to go to the zoo, of course!  Memphis has an impressive zoo!

 Watching the penguins.....or the people - I'm not sure which

 Fascinated by the rooster in the barnyard

 Taking it all in

 Prettiest fall decoration there is!

We also went to the park.....

 She loves to swing!

 Walking the plank 

 Phoebe gets a hug

We also visited the most amazing botannical gardens with a children's play area that I can't even describe.  It is out of this world and we all had so much fun!!

 Getting ready for a voyage

 It even "rained" while the sky was blue and the sun was shining!

 Sweet face!

 Peeking out the window in one of the play houses

 Pretty profile

 Tickled

 Adorable flower amongst the beautiful flowers in one of the many gardens

 2 pretty ladies

 Grammy's favorite

 Hmmmmm.  How many pictures is this crazy lady going to snap?????

 Freedom!!!

Oh wait.....perhaps this is my favorite!  :-)

I'm beyond thankful for a husband who took over all the home duties on top of his busy work/church schedule and for all the friends who helped watch the boys after school to give me the time to be a grammy!!!  What a joy to spend uninterrupted time with this sweet little blessing.  God is good!

Pep Session

When Ian changed schools this year, one of my biggest concerns was that he wouldn't be with "typically developing" kids very much because he is in a self contained classroom.  The kids at Cole had been so good to him, treating him like a celebrity.  Maybe I didn't need to worry:

Long Overdue

I can't seem to ever muster the patience to blog when I know it will take hours to load the pictures, so yes, this is old news.  However, pictures of the grandaughters are never old news!  Lindsay and Olivia came to visit recently and we were so busy being entertained by Olivia (and Brenna when they were together) that I didn't take too many pictures but here are a few.

 Learning to share :-)

 Fascinated by the ducks at the Indy Zoo

 Brenna and Mommy watching some amazing animal (with Olivia and Mommy in the background)

 There isn't a dog in the world that is a stranger to Olivia (this dog is actually a native of Thailand!)

 Having a very serious, private conversation at the zoo

 Jeremy and Lucas at the zoo

 Checking out the treadmill

 Olivia loves goldfish (or in this case, gold sharks)

 Sweet Girl!

 Lindsay and the little brothers

This was a great visit for Jeremy and Lucas to get to know their sister and niece better.  Almost every day since they left, Lucas has asked when Windsay and Owivia are coming back and just can't grasp that the 9 hour drive makes it a bit difficult to come very often.

 More sharing

 Olivia loved playing with Jeremy and Lucas!

 Brenna was fascinated by birds on a sign ...

 so fascinated that we all were watching the birds

Lindsay and Olivia

It was wonderful having them here and it sure was sad and quiet when they left (well.....only quiet while the boys were at school!)