Great Grandad, Grandad & Gramsey: Part I

This week we had a great visit with Great Grandad, Grandad and Gramsey! They stayed for a whole week and we had a lot of fun together! Unfortunately, there are a lot of forest fires going on right now around us, so the smoke in the air was pretty bad. We ended up spending a lot of time inside, but it just meant for more snuggling and playing with babes. But on the days it was nice out, we headed to the beach and the zoo! Enjoy the pictures!

Elle holding on to her Grandad's finger.
Paul and his Dad relaxing after a nice day and a delicious dinner!
Debby went out for a nice long bike ride!
We were heading out to the beach on a day when it wasn't smokey outside!
Like always, baby girl took a nap at the beach...there is just something about the fresh air by the ocean that puts her right to sleep. :)
Landon had fun playing with his sand toys on the beach.
Gramsey wanted a quick pic with the little man!
Landon is getting more and more adventurous and really enjoyed hanging out in the water with Grandad!
He insisted on holding both of their hands...so sweet.
Cute little man wearing his new favorite swim shorts that Uncle Hayes and Aunt Katie gave him.
Wondering up to the dunes..Grandad was close behind. :)
We all headed to Genarro's for dinner. It has become a tradition when they come visit!
It's a delicious Italian restaurant! Paul was playing a game with Landon. Whatever Daddy did, Landon did. It was really sweet.
This is his new "funny face".
Giving my baby girl a smooch.
Well it's not hard to believe that we headed to the fudge shop for some ice cream after dinner. It's our favorite thing to do these days downtown!
Silly face...
Happy Face!!!
Paul with his Dad and Grandad, and his little man Landon. 4 Generations...very cool.
We walked around downtown for a bit and spent some great time together. We had to rush home though because a big storm was headed our way!
We had to stop at Landon's favorite place where the 'fishies' swim. :) It's routine.
Check out Part II!

Great Grandad, Grandad & Gramsey Visit: Part II

Like I said in the last post, we spent a lot of time indoors with the kids because the smoke was too heavy in the air for them to be breathing in. So, Grandad played the guitar for them all the time and we played inside a lot! Our cars were squeaky clean thanks to Paul's Dad and Gramsey helped out a lot with the indoor tasks. :) On the last full day they were here, we all hopped in the cars and headed to the Jacksonville Zoo. We got to see almost every animal there and even got up close and personal with a few animals. It was so hot, so we took advantage of all of the indoor exhibits with A/C...which meant for spending time with a lot of snakes. Not my favorite place to be haha, but at least it was cool and the kids could cool down. We saw this GIGANTIC anaconda! No joke, I was holding Elle at the time and literally the snake was looking at her like mmmm yummy. haha This thing could have eaten me! But, they were neat to look at (I guess haha). My favorites were the elephants, the lions and the great apes.

Uncle Lee and Aunt Shelby gave this sweet little dress to Elle and I had to get a picture of it from the back...so sweet. And I just love these chunky little legs!

Tummy Time!
Hi there!
Elle was smiling so big when her Grandad was playing his guitar for her! She LOVED it!
Having fun with the kiddos!
We went to the zoo and had so much fun!
Checking out the rhinos!
There he is!
Curious little monkey. :)
Elephants! They are still my favorite!

We all loved the elephants!

I just love this picture. She is just chillin' with her Grandad. :)
This is at the giraffe overlook...
Landon loved this!
At the petting zoo. Landon had to make sure the goat was not sleeping (it was). But, Landon insisted that it was awake and wanted to pet it, haha!
Great Grandad with baby Elle...
and then with Landon. It was really special to have him be with both Landon and Elle.
Thank you Great Grandad, Grandad and Gramsey for a great visit!

Father's Day & Elle's Dedication

This weekend we had the privilege of dedicating Elle at our AMAZING Church! It was a great service and it was also a special day! It was Father's Day! And we had a lot of Dad's to spend it with: Paul's Dad, his Grandad and my Dad! We were missing our awesome Step-Dad's, Lee and Ray so much though! We love all of our Dad's and are so thankful for them! I am also so very thankful for my wonderful husband who is an incredible Daddy to Landon and Elle (and Beyah and Bohdi of course). :) During the dedication Paul and I stood up in front of the entire Church and agreed to 3 principles in raising our sweet baby girl. Last year we dedicated Landon and it was just as special!

First Principle: Paul held Elle as we vowed to have Daddy be the spiritual leader in the household, so that Elle may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, provide a Christian home of love and peace, and to raise her in truth of our Lord's discipline and instruction. Second Principle: To live the life God has called for us as parents, so that our children may see it being lived out and learn by example. Third Principle: To uphold her in prayer and encourage her to one day trust Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord.

We believe that because children belong to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God. It was a beautiful service and we are so thankful to have been able to do this with both of our children. Deuteronomy 6-7 says, "Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up".

It was a great day. Enjoy the pictures!

Up on stage when the called Elle's name! It was a great moment!

They flashed her picture up on the large screen as they presented us with her very first Bible with her name engraved in it...very special.

Over 30 families dedicated their children to God! Our Church does this once a year and always on Father's Day!

Paul and Elle taking a picture with Gramsey!

Great picture with Grandad and Gramsey!

My Dad and Paul's Grandad were chatting away and I interupted them for a quick pic! :)

4 Generations! Just like last year...but this time Elle was able to be in it!

Grandad and Landon playing out in the parking lot after Church.

Landon passed out on Grandad's shoulder while we were waiting for a table for our 'traditional' Father's Day lunch at The Brett's Waterway Cafe.

Great picture of Great Grandad, Gramsey, Grandad and the kiddos after Landon was waking up!

Gramsey looking over Elle. Such a sweet moment.

Still waiting for a table, but it made for some great quality time together outside overlooking the marina.

Grandad found the best way to hold Landon...sit him on the ledge and let his weight rest on that vs. holding him haha. Genious!

Me and my Daddy!

Sweet sweet face.