Touch An Animal

Today we went to the Savannah River Ecology Lab where they sponsored "Touch An Animal" day. The kids got to check out lots of different bugs, reptiles, and other animals. The rule was to only touch the animals using two fingers. As you can see if you look closely, Jack was a firm follower of that rule! None of them wanted to touch the rattle snake, which was pretty creepy with that crazy tail rattling in our faces, so I don't blame them. They also were somewhat afraid of the duck, which makes no sense to me, but they seemed to have fun with everything else.

Looking at bugs and spiders.

This is as close as Anna got to the rattlesnake.

That's a tortoise in the bucket and the girl who's not a child of mine is holding a turtle.

This is a very teeny, tiny alligator.

Scarlet King Snake

There was a hawk, but they were only allowed to look at him. Jack did get to hold one of these feet, which I think it pretty gross seeing as it's not attached to an animal!

Today

She Sits

Just over the past couple of days Lucy has really improved her sitting skills. She had a great time sitting up and playing with her Leapfrog table today. I can actually walk away and feel confident that she will still be sitting up when I get back.

In other news, she has SIX teeth trying to come in all at once. She ran a low grade fever for a couple days and has been a bit fussier than usual, but she seemed to be in a much better mood today. The top middle tooth on the left has broken through, as well as the one right below it on the bottom (never have I had a child with this crazy tooth pattern before). She has the other bottom middle tooth starting to break through, as well as three more on the top. I guess if she gets them all in at once it will be a blessing once it's all over.

Here's my happy sitter.

8 Years

That was then...

This is now...

These past eight years have truly been more than I could have ever imagined.
I love you, Marshall!

random bits from our week

At some point while Jack and Anna were gone last week, Sam wanted to nap on the couch so he got everything set up just the right way. He was so proud of his little nest! (He still had to nap in his bed, though - Mama's rules.)

Sam and Lucy also had a good time hanging out with each other while the big kids were gone.

Ninny and Grandy brought the kids home last Thursday and we tried to get a good picture.

Grammy bought these adorable matching dresses for the girls so we tried to get a picture for her today before church. We bribed them with candy and this is still the best we could get!

She's a Mover

The other day I put Lucy on a quilt in the bonus room and then was in and out of the room putting things away. I was in a bedroom and heard a clicking noise over and over again. This is what I found when I walked back into the room. She had rolled off the quilt and was opening and closing doors on the animal hospital!

North Carolina

The second major leg of our vacation week consisted of a stop in the mountains of NC to visit with Papa, Gail, and Sandy. We enjoyed a hot dog lunch (hence the ketchup on their faces) and then the kids had a great time playing in the creek. The biggest highlight of the trip, though, ended up being the walnut races. The kids would stand at the top of Papa's very steep driveway and throw the walnuts, watching to see who's nut stayed on the driveway the longest. I can't even explain how much fun they had doing this - great memories!

Lucy with Aunt Sandy

Papa showing the kids the opossum he caught in a squirrel trap.

Watching the walnuts roll.

They had to go down to the creek to get the walnuts and here they are racing back up to the top of the hill to throw them.

"Watch!"

Hanging out with Papa and Gail.

Posing with Aunt Sandy.

It was great seeing everyone and we enjoyed our visit!

Alabama

Last week we took our family on a whirlwind trip through several states to visit family. We had a great time on our first leg of the trip, visiting lots of Marshall's extended family in Alabama. We spent most our time at the Hogue's house, so thank you for hosting! My pictures didn't turn out that great, but this is what I got.

Anna and Lincoln playing with Lucy.

Marshall and Jack jumping.

Susan and her sweet son, Lucas.

Jack, Lincoln, and Anna chillin' out watching tv.

Aubrey with two of her nephews, Lucas and Quinn.

Lucy hanging out by the pool.

Debating if he's brave enough to jump (he wasn't).

Flag football.

This crew is drafting for their Fantasy Football League.

Exhausted brothers after a fun visit with family.