Random

Today we went to Silver Beach - and stayed a loooong time. We had a great time playing in the sand and water. A lot of what M and I did was chasing J up and down the beach. It is windy, has waves, and has sand just like the ocean. Now if only that place smelled like the ocean it would be perfect! I got this great shot of M playing on a sculpture. The other pics are J playing around with my phone camera. He is fascinated being able to see himself in the screen! I just love my babies! I truly am so very blessed to stay home with them-that's not a blessing I take for granted.

Busy Day

Today has been a full one. We started with some bowling. (In the morning is my one-on-one time with J before M wakes us). Then later we had to go to the post office. After we finally found i t (ten minutes of driving around and we pretty much found everything!) we took care of business and then explored downtown for quite some time. After lunch when J has his nap is my one -on-one time with M so while we were playing Dr. Office we had two knocks on the door and received some very exciting packages! Grandmomma sent clothes and toys! Yay! After that we had to play doll house and expanded the house so we could set up all the rooms at the same time. You can't see in the pic but all the dolls are busy and in their places-even the boys are out on a golf trip! What you can see in the pic is the lipstick M sneaked on.... Once J got up we decided to walk to the park we had discovered earlier today. It's about a five minute walk from our house and it is awesome! I know we will be spending lots of time there. We are really loving it here, but we do miss everyone dearly. As M was falling asleep tonight she listed everyone she is missing. We ended our night singing "make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold." While it is comforting, we need a song to help us cope with missing our family.

Activities

So far this week we have been exploring and getting things done. For example, we spent a long morning shopping for a bank and getting bank accounts. We also went to the library and got our library cards. I was very impressed with the programs and activities hosted there, not sure about the book selection yet. Yesterday, we discovered we live on a beautiful and hilly road going the opposite direction of town. M loved that on her bike! And, the other day the kids played beautifully together (with no fighting) pretending to be superheroes and saving the world. They played it for hours-not even stopping when we went to the store. Mind you, I made her put a shirt on under the cape for the store. I should note here that Johnny had the monkey leash and the back pack and yes, he is holding a pair of his undies! We also walked to school today (which took a little over 8 minutes with M on her bike) and played on one of the playgrounds there. Then this afternoon we played in the complex sandbox and made some new friends there. So far we really like it here!

Silver Beach

Today we went to St. Joseph and played at Silver Beach. It was so beautiful! Clear skies, clear water, warm, but not sweltering, nice sandy beach. The trip was a little short, so I promised the kids we would spend a day there this week-why not, it's free! Also, I didn't get any really great pics but here are a few.

Getting Settled

We have not done much except unpack this week (still have a few boxes left to go). So we wanted to do something fun with the kids so they wouldn't hate it here! We went to a big mall and did a few fun things. It was nice to get out!

Day 2

Today went so well. I am so thankful! It was extremely long and we are all sick of driving but we are safe. One time I looked back and the kids were holding hands. This is the only pic I managed to get today-it's nice to see how far we have come.

Day 1

<p>Lots of tears (of gratitude and love), 18 adults, 7 kids, six hours of moving stuff around, and seven hours on the road has brought us to Bowling Green, Kentucky. We are so truly thankful for everyone who has helped us on our journey, and for dear friends and family who have touched our hearts. Here are a few pics! Notice my passenger and Jared's passenger :stuff-cuz we crammed stuff in every Nook and cranny!

More Lasts...

<p>Well, we have had a lot more "lasts" but I haven't taken any pictures because there is just so much going on! I have tried to really enjoy our activities so I think that's why I have not pulled the phone out to shoot the events. Ok so Tuesday we went to Tupelo to see Tori and Hannah one last time. We spent time at the mall and then headed to Amory. We had a nice relaxing night and a nice morning and yummy lunch at Nibble Nook. Then we went home for naps! Wednesday night we went to dinner with Mark, Jared's cousin and had good food and good conversation! After that I attended a wonderful going away gathering at a friend's house. We chatted and snacked and it was so fun to catch up with old friends. Today I had kind of a stressful morning just trying to get stuff done. Then I met some of the RS sisters at Little Dooeys for lunch and said MORE goodbyes! Then tonight my brother and his lovely family and Jared's brother and his lovely girlfriend, Kristen came to dinner at my parents ' house. It was a very enjoyable evening until it came time to say more goodbyes! I received some very beautiful and thoughtful gifts today which I will cherish. I truly have the best friends and family I could ever ask for. I know Heavenly Father specifically blessed me with these people because he knows I need them! I did manage to take a shot of the sign M persuaded Kristen to help her make to welcome Izzy. I don't think anyone gets it, that's M' s creative little world! (she watched some episodes of Shake it up, I think that's where she got the Chicago thing...)

Oh, and here is M and J eating at Nibble Nook. M actually ate chicken livers!

All the Lasts

<p>&lt;p&gt;Since it's our last week here in the blessed South with our friends and family, we are doing all of our favorite things for the last time! (We will be back at Christmas but it's just not the same). So to commence our week mom and dad threw us a goodbye party for the the branch (our church family) last night. I really meant to take pics but I was so busy enjoying myself I forgot! We had a good turn out though and didn't even tear up the house too much! Today sweet Grandpa made his famous RHP's. In my old age I can only eat four but man they are "dewicous" as Johnny says! Maile loves to help Grandpa flip the rolled hots. (For those who don't  know rolled hot pancakes are a long time family tradition started by my Grandma Reed. They are a German, better version of crepes.) He even dawned his special RHP apron for the occasion! Thanks Grandpa!
P. S. This is a little house Maile and Grandpa surprised us with after a secretive afternoon in the garage last week.

Spray Grounds

Yesterday we went to the spray Grounds to beat the heat. Our little friend Cameron came with us. First we played in the sand while M played on the playground. The boys had so much fun with their shovels and cars they didn't even play on the equipment at all! Then we played in the water and had a lot of fun running and sitting on the water. We also had a picnic lunch and played more in the water before we left. Later that day we had a fashion show with Eva. And yes, every one participated!

Baseball

Johnny loves baseball! And while it's not my favorite sport, I would love for him to play pro and make mommy some money! Here is Grandaddy helping with his stance (or whatever it's called).

Three boys and a girl in a tippey canoe...

Today we went canoeing! Dad loaded the canoe on his truck by himself and we drove down to Lake Lowndes State Park.  It was a lot of fun. The kids loved it and Johnny even sat still! We took turns on the canoe and we got to play at the playground while we waited. Afterwards, Dad treated us to lunch. Great day and great time spent with "Grumpy " and cousins ! When Grandma asked Maile what her favorite part of our outing was she replied, "Gavin , Izzy, and Milla !" PS I rode in the canoe with Dad, Gavin, and Johnny...