Disney 2011

Came to Orlando to visit Mickey, some good friends and for Craig and Bradley to run the Goofy Challenge. I always call it the Dumbo challenge. They run a 1/2 marathon on one day and a full marathon on the next. Craig is always sore afterward but that doesn't stop him from being superdad and hitting the roller coasters that afternoon.

While the boys were on Space Mountain, Ellie and I shared some pastries and plotted out our day.

The two loco amigos.While the boys all headed to Arizona to watch Auburn play, Ellie and I went to the Magic Kingdom all by ourselves. It was so fun! Alice said, "Have a golden afternoon!"

We met up with LeighAnn and her two girls, Julia and Charlotte for a character breakfast and a few rides.

Christmas 2010

Those who live in darkness have seen a great light......

Christmas Eve service at church.

One of my all time favorite ornaments. Sully made this when he was 3. It's a matchbox with a tongue-depressor Baby Jesus and a little bit of hay. Teary every time I hang it up.

Big brother resistant.

Changed her mind!

Tucker and Drew Preston got the ultimate Star Wars lego set.

You explain this one.

Ellie and Laura in their matching jammies. Laura is Ellie's new American Girl friend.

Christmas Productions

Our family has hosted a live nativity in our front yard a few days before Christmas for the past two years. What a blessing! We put out a couple hundred fliers in our neighborhood and invited all the kids from church. It's called a Pick-up-Pageant, which means there are no rehearsals, we just "pick up and go". We have a few of the key characters in place, music and a narrator and the shepherds, angels and kings act out as the story is read. This year we had a live Baby Jesus! Some sweet friends allowed their 2 month old baby boy play the part. He was precious. His Daddy was our narrator, and when he began the story the baby settled right down and lay so sweet in the manger until Mary and Joseph came. We read from the book called, appropriately, The Christmas Pageant by Jacqueline Rogers. It's straight from the Bible, with carols placed at intervals. This year Sullivan joined in with his guitar. Tucker, as Joseph, comforting Baby Jesus. Notice the "sheep" in the bottom right corner, played well by our neighbor, Poodle Sassy.

Ellie danced in Miss Anna's production of "The Manger Way". We were out of town during auditions for the play part of the production and there was much groaning and gnashing of teeth because of it from the boys. We all enjoyed watching though and Ellie was a sweet dancer. Here she is with flowers from her Daddy.

With "big Sister" Katie in "This Baby" by Steven Curtis Chapman.

Love these Christmas productions! Makes me feel all Christmassy, glowy, grateful, sparkly, humble, loved, peaceful. To God be the Glory!!

July 2010

The Whole Crew!

Even Craig got in the production, as a carrier of the Ark of the Covenant. (Robyn was photographer.

Su.llivan and Ellie's family group

Drew Preston's family group.

Tucker the guard.

Sullivan as Eli.

Salmon and Eli in the "tunic" scene.

Drew Preston placing his "remembrance rock".

Tucker and Jesse with Rachael (Rahab).

I love this one.

This summer we were once again involved in one of "Miss Anna's Plays" as they have come to be known. Anna is Elllie's ballet teacher and she also writes and directs productions, which have been a huge blessing, to us and anyone who sees them and is involved in them. This summer the play was "The Cord of Courage", a story of Rahab and the walls of Jericho. Sully had one of the major roles, playing Eli, one of the spies sent to investigate the city. Tucker played one of the Jericho guards and Drew Preston and Ellie were Israelite family members. We all had so much fun rehearsing, hanging out with friends and working really hard. I'll never forget looking out into the backyard watching Sully bounce around on the trampoline practicing his lines.

The play was written by Anna. The music was all composed by a 17 year old young man who was also in the play. It was fun and funny and touching and totally inspiring. Here are some pictures: whoops. I meant, there were some pictures. It's been awhile since I blogged. Trying to catch up!