Springtime Memories

Even though we don't have children in our home anymore, Spring Break is a time where Jeff can take a break each year and get away since our church doesn't have it's usual Sunday evening or Wednesday evening activities.  Thanks to my sister, Kaye and brother-in-law, Rob, we were able to enjoy one of their lakehouses in Bella Vista last week.  The first couple of days were just days to chill out and rest.  Unfortunately, since writing my last posting, Jeff has once again been experiencing a lot of problems with his Meniere's Disease.  After a 4 month break of no spells, this been very disappointing but we must trust God that there is a plan in all things!

This picture was actually taken late in the week but I put it first as this was the sweet "medicine" during our time away that helped Jeff to relax and truly enjoy some time off -- and he didn't have a single dizzy spell while there! 

 The first night we were there, the grandchildren and their parents came out for pizza and a visit, but all returned home before bedtime.

 It wasn't until Tuesday night, that the grandkids returned to stay with us. 

Wednesday morning, we had some photo sessions :-)

 It was Copeland's 10 month birthday, so I was trying to get a picture of him to post in my FB Album:

 These two sure love each other.  Copeland is playing with his Spiderman and Ellie is feeding her baby doll a bottle

 Then changing her diaper :-)

 Copeland crawls and climbs up on everything.  He'll be walking soon.

 Wednesday afternoon was a little chilly, but we still got out and enjoyed the deck

 Laine taking our picture

 Back inside.....wearing Papa's shoes

 Sitting in Copeland's chair

 Jonathan and Rachel have taken daily pics of Copeland since birth with a number board.  Someday they will compile them for his first year book.  So on this day, he was 305 days old!  Growing too fast!

 On Thursday, it was such a beautiful day, we went down to the dock and had some fun

 Again, Laine taking pic (with thumb over lens) - ha!

 That day for lunch, we got really brave and loaded them all up and went to the Dairy Queen in Bella Vista for lunch.  Whew!

 Thursday afternoon, Rachel came out to pack Copeland up to take him home.

 She took some pics of both Jeff and I with the kids before she left.  It is nearly impossible to get all 5 of us looking at the camera and smiling at the same time.

 Andy & Carman have some good friends in Texas that had received some devastating health news early in the week.  Since Jeff and I were able to watch the girls, they decided to make a quick trip to Texas to visit this family and to encourage them.  So on Friday morning, the girls headed to Kansas with Jeff and I.

 Friday afternoon, we took them to the Galena City Park (they both love to slide and swing!)

 Papa and Ellie pondering something?

 Sunday morning before church (and Ellie really didn't want her picture taken)

 Laine got her to smile for this one

Andy & Carman came and got the girls Sunday afternoon.  Everyone was glad to see each other!

 

 The picture below wasn't taken during the week, but I wanted to include it on my blog for memory sake.  I think it is such a cute picture.  In fact, I had a reprint made at Wal-mart and the photo guy wasn't going to let me have it without a copyright release....I told him it was just taken by my son-in-law in the bedroom of their house.  Not sure he believed me, but he finally let me have the picture!

And then to close this out, I'm including these multiple action shots that Picasa does now when you upload a bunch of similiar pictures.  They make me smile :-)

(if the pictures aren't moving for you, it's probably something to do with not having the right program on your computer).

I love making memories with these precious kiddos!  And so thankful that their parents allow us much time to do just that!!

It was a sweet Spring Break!

 

Jeff has had several spells this week.  His ENT feels it's time to have surgery but does want him to get a second opinion.  The surgery is concerning in the fact he will totally lose the hearing in that ear, it is not 100% positively effective and he will have a 4-6 week recovery time.  So we are praying diligently for wisdom and also checking with our insurance to see if they will cover it.  We appreciate your prayers for that as well.