A look back at Pearson's visit

    So it's been a couple of months since Pearson came to stay but I couldn't let the visit go un-recorded. We had much fun while he was here! Besides all of the riding we did (which you saw on the horsing around blog), we also swam, bowled, had lots of nerf gun wars, and hung out here at the house.

 Riding his pal CJ with his pal Cooper

The little boys entertained themselves with the stroller and grass.

 We went swimming at the Country Club one evening. They showed off their best tricks.

Group shot! 

Of course there was work involved too. They cut corn stalks to feed to the goats. 

But they were rewarded with a trip to the library and Pizza!

Plenty of play day practice and it paid off when Pearson won third in the goat tying.

Tucker could have one first if there was an event called cat chasing. 

More work hauling off pieces of broken cement. They were good workers (as long as the manager was watching them ;) And afterwards we went bowling.

Then Friday Rachel, Parker, Paige and Grandma Theo came in to watch the play day.  

One last evening of practice.

The big event! He did so well and we were excited for him. 

 

 Next summer he'll have to come back for all of the play days in the series. 

 

 The cheering section!

    Great visit. Not only was it nice to have an older child around to help with the boys, but having that kid be Pearson was even better. 

"Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!" Psalm 67:3-5

A Sunday Evening

    We were out a week or two ago and it was just too pretty not to snap a few pictures. Dalton had the yard looking very green and freshly mowed. The kids were content playing in the grass and dirt, and the animals were providing entertainment for us all.

"Here Tucker, chew on this?" Whatever 'this' was, I hope it didn't make it into his mouth!

Posed smile by Ace and Tucker crawling towards some fun. 

  

Cooper was dreaming of construction sites while loading dirt.  

"What's that sound? Oh, just a chicken." 

"All the promises of God find their yes in Him (Jesus Christ). That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory." 2 Cor 1:20

*What a great verse by the way. I've always said, "in Christ's name" but haven't really studied this verse. But now I'll say that with more meaning. It's in Christ's name because all was done through Him. And all the glory of God shone through Him and by Him. Love the Word!!

Summertime at GG and Papa's

In addition to all of the fun we've had here in Graham, we were also able to spend some time at GG and Papa's house this summer. Here's a look at what we did there (hint: there was lots of water involved).

Of course you can't talk about time at GG and Papa's without mentioning the road trips. So long….loss of patience at least once….crying babies at different intervals….thankful for naps….constantly spotting construction equipment…..so glad when we reached our destination! At one point I was at my wits end with Cooper chatting constantly. I told him that he could not talk to me for 10 minutes. So he instead sang what he wanted to say to me to the tune of the kids' song that was playing. Another time I pointed out a piece of equipment and Ace didn't see it in time, so he got crazy upset and I turned around to ease the pain. There's usually always an errand to do on the way to or from, and I use it as a stop point to stretch our legs. Somehow that one errand always seems to take an hour at least, but we're usually rewarded with some Chic-Fil-A afterwards (my go to spot on the road). And of course there's usually a plea to stop and potty while I'm on the Interstate or in traffic. 

 

Family swim time during one visit

Papa was baling hay during one of our visits so we joined in (or at least watched). 

Tucker's pondering his thoughts about being on top of a bale 

(*in case you were worried about my child's safety, don't be. Mom was squatting behind the bale holding him) 

Couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a shot of all three. Why haven't I framed this yet? 

 

 Practicing their dismounts…Ace preferred sliding to jumping.

 

Dalton counted the bales for Papa. Working with Papa is hard work 

so Ace needed a big drink of cold water. 

 Back to the pool for more fun!

We played "cross the crocodile river" and Papa was the crocodile. Ace would get so worried that he'd knock us off with his fidgeting. He's not into games like that in the water. 

 During our first trip the county fair was going on.  We bought the boys some tickets and they rode several rides, even the roller coaster. Cooper we expected to hop right on, but Ace did good too (with GG beside him.)

Sunning poolside and Cooper showing off his swimming skills with no floaties. 

 Mom and I took Cooper, Hank and Pearson to the movies to see Planes 2. I'll tell you it was exciting for me. Not the movie, but knowing that this would be my future….if I survive the toddler years! It was fun taking older kids somewhere. 

Our last swim at GG and Papa's. It's so fun to stay at a house with a pool. There was always entertainment, we felt clean after every swim, and the boys slept really well (the older two anyway)!

 Happy boy in the pool.

"Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’” John 4:13-14