WE love the Kennedys!!!

A few weekends ago, we were sooooooooo blessed to have our dear friends, Nick and Angela Kennedy and their son, Will, come for a visit. "Nick 'n' Ang" were some of our very best friends in college. We were in a young married's group together that met for almost two years. We built a closeness and depth that still continues in our relationship today. Because of life circumstances, we weren't able to see each other as often as we wanted to, but we are now trying to catch up for lost time. You girls and Will had a wonderful time playing, playing, playing while the adults talked, talked and talked. Fun time on a cold and rainy Friday at Pump it Up!!!!!

We did get outside as much as possible, despite the cold. Mr. Nick wasn't too thrilled about Will's borrowed jacket, but Will didn't seem to mind one bit!

"Miss" Angela is an amazing cook. She helped us make home made pasta--the three of you loved rolling the dough and playing in the flour. It turned out soooooooo delicious.

Caroline, this was you the last night they were here........you had used up all your energy.

Time spent in the Kennedy's presence is such a gift. They have this unique way of making everyone they know feel so special and they also challenge us to live with passion and focus.

Girls, we are so thankful they will be apart of your lives as you grow and mature.

It's done!!!!!!!!

The outdoor project is complete!!! What fun memories we will make for years to come!

Helping Hands

We are ready to put down the mulch. You girls were so excited to help Daddy. Shoveling

Spreading it out

What good helpers you can be when you want to!!!!

Making progress

Here are the men from HopsFactory putting together the playset. We are getting closer, girls!!!

Pickles for Breakfast!

Caitlyn, you developed a new love a few months ago when Daddy let you have a bite of his pickle one day at lunch. Over the last few weeks it has turned into somewhat of an obsession (Aunt Amy would be so proud!!) After a few days of eating three to four in one day, we decided on a new rule. You may have one pickle a day...you may choose it whenever you want-- but you may only have one. This morning at 6:30 I hear some noise in the kitchen and decide to see what you are getting into. There you were, pickle juice dripping down your arm and smiling from ear to ear. To each their own, I suppose.

Outdoor changes

Last October, for my birthday, "Aunt" Bela gave me tulip bulbs. She knew tulips were a favorite flower of mine. So........in mid November, the two of you, Daddy and I found a great place to plant the bulbs. We kept our eyes out beginning in March for a sign of life.... here is a recent picture of the tulips. It has been a great way to talk about God's timing in making things beautiful. Here is the result of all the "dirt moving" a few weeks ago with Mr. Jim's and his grandson. Here is the site where your playset will go! We will have a great view of the tulips from here.

Easter Weekend--Full of Family and Friends

What a way to end our Spring Break week---a visit from Rhonda and Sam!!! Rhonda Bell was a teacher and friend of Daddy and Momma's when we were in college at Harding. Her home became a second home to us......her listening ear, advice and amazing food were treasures to us and they still are to this day. We still try and see her and her sons, Sam and Tim, at least once a year. They have known both of you since you were infants and you look so forward to being with them. Caroline, this year, you hugged Rhonda and said, "I wish you lived next door!!!" Wouldn't that be great?! What a treat to share Easter weekend with them this year! Rhonda and the girls at our church's Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. It was another cold Easter weekend........we talk often about how Winter and Spring are fighting right now. I believe Winter won out this time!

Getting ready to race and find the eggs............

Displaying the "loot" with Carter and Ashlyn Milom

Ready for the second Easter Egg Hunt of the day at Mammi and Big Daddy's house--posing with Tucker and Mariana.

We also celebrated Mariana's second birthday. It is so hard to believe she is two. The three of you cousins love each other so much. You both say she is one of your very best friends. It is so fun to watch you grow up together--I pray you always stay close.

Easter morning--excited about your chocolate bunnies!!!!!!!!

Your beautiful dresses were made with sooooooo much love by Mimi. Here you are with Mimi and Papa at Easter lunch. What a blessing that we get to see grandparents so often!!!

Caroline, you and Caitlyn LOVED hanging out with Sam. He is 15 this year and was a real trooper with the two of you!!!! Here you are trying to sneak a kiss..........

We always try and get some of Rhonda's other "adopted Harding kids" together when she is in town. This year the Laytons and the Hoppes were able to join us for a cookout. What fun you had with Paisley and Xander!!!

All curled up at the end of the weekend--tired, but so thankful to have made such great memories. Thank you, God, for blessing us with this season to celebrate our victory in Jesus and for giving us such special people to celebrate with!!!