Disney World Trip Day #1

Life has been full of good things and it's been hard to stay awake at night in order to keep up with pictures.  Our old computer died, too, so I had a hard time getting motivated to move all the pictures over to the new computer.  My friend, Kristi, and I took this weekend off to get together and catch up on our projects..so here it goes!

We got up very early on Saturday, April 26 and drove to the airport for our flight to Orlando.  We had been looking forward to this trip for awhile which made it a little easier to get up when the alarm went off around 4:00 that morning.

Henry and Walter have grown up so much since our last Disney trip that they could take care of their own luggage (which was pretty exciting to them).

We got through the security checks with only a few tears - the man checking our documents looked at Walter's ticket, back at Walter again and said, "So you're the trouble maker!"  To which Walter promptly replied, "It was Henry's fault!" and then buried his head in my arms and cried...I don't know if I was completely successful in convincing him that the man was teasing.

Watching the planes...

 Finally on the way!  

Nate has his all-important cup of coffee and the boys worked out a window seat agreement where they switched seats halfway through the flight.

 After we landed and picked up the rentals cars, we stopped for a delicious lunch at Chick-Fil-A.  Vacation was off to a great start!  The first night we stayed at the Floridays.  They let us check in early and use the pool.  It felt wonderful to be in the heat and sun again!  Henry and Walter were beat (and maybe the rest of us, too) after spending the afternoon swimming in the pool.  We made our game plan for the next day over Papa John's Pizza and the headed to bed.

Grandparents Day 2014

It was a busy week (23rd the Spring Fling, 24th Spring Concert) and April 25th was Grandparents Day at school for Henry.  He got to spend part of the day with Grandpa Will and Grandma Jo, showing them his art projects and eating lunch with them and Mimi Lauren.  He didn't get to go out to do something with them after lunch because we were getting ready for our trip to Florida - so he's looking forward to their special outing. 

 

"My favorite thing to do with my grandma and grandpa is to bake chocolate chip cookies."

I like to go bowling with my grandparents.

And Walter said, "I like to play cars with them."

 

Grandparents are a special gift.  It means so much to have grandpas and grandmas who love the Lord and show it in their everyday lives.  We're thankful for the special relationships Henry and Walter have with each one of them.

K-4 Spring Concert

April 24th was Henry's K-4 Spring Concert.  We went shopping with Mimi Erin the weekend before and Henry selected this very bright, springy combo to wear for the concert.  We got there a little (or maybe "a lot") early so we could good seats and ran into Walter's classmate and one of Henry's bus friends, Will.  They had fun talking up a storm together while we waited. 

Looking so grown up...

The concert theme was "My God Is So Big!"  Henry didn't give us any hints ahead of time, so we had no idea what they were going to be singing.  I believe they are singing, "Philippians 4:13" here.

 

Being silly with his friend, Garret.

"Don't Be Afraid"  I loved this song and watching them sing it.  They were very intentional with their actions as they sang and it was sweet.

"My God is So Big"

And a picture by Walter:

 

They finished off the program with the songs, "I Am His Lamb" and "God Calls Us."  Once again, I can't believe how much Henry has learned this year.  It is a real joy to see him at school when I am there - he loves being there.  He seems to take it all in and appreciate it.

 

Click here to watch Henry in the Spring Concert.  You will need to "view all" events and then look for "CMCS K-4 Spring Concert" from April 24th.  It shouldn't be too hard to spot Henry in the crowd.  :)   

 

 

Spring Fling 2014

April 23 was Walter's class "Spring Fling."  They sang a few songs and we heard about some of the things they learned this year.  Walter was very worried about the Spring Fling and didn't want to go to school that morning, so we were very proud of him for staying to participate and sing.  Since this growing up thing is happening at warp speed, I'm posting all the pictures so I don't forget any of his mannerisms and sweet facial expressions.

 

Waiting to begin - he was pretty nervous. 

We were in the first row, so here's the other part of his class...

Singing

"Five little fishes swimming in the sea..."

...and now "One little fishy swimming in the sea..."



ABC Farewell

More singing

Showing the grandparents his desk.

With Grandpa Will, Grandma Jo,

Gramps L (trying to steal Walter's chocolate chip cookie) and Grandma L



 

Walter made sure we knew that his teacher had paid for the whole school and also made all of the chocolate chip cookies from scratch for the Spring Fling.  As you can see, he thinks very highly of his teacher!  Afterwards, we joined Gramps and Grandma L for lunch at Jimmy John's and then stopped by to visit Grandma Josie on the way home.  It's exciting to see how much Walter has grown and learned this year.  We're thankful for wonderful, caring teachers and praying, loving grandparents.

And then...Easter

And then, three days later...it snowed...again.  I think we got around 8 inches.

 

Our backyard covered in snow.

 

The church yard next door to us.

And when we celebrated Easter four days later, the snow was gone and we had a beautiful day.  Henry and Walter couldn't wait to find the eggs hidden around Uncle Merle and Aunt Jane's yard and spent the afternoon hanging out with their cousins.

The older cousins helped out during the egg hunt, too.  

Palm Sunday

When our Sunday School celebrated Palm Sunday in April, Henry has his first opportunity to do some bell ringing.  He was very serious about it but also thought it was fun and "a piece of cake."  You can see him in action by watching the video at the bottom.  

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First Park Visit

Okay, we have been to the parks near our house but this was the first visit where we didn't have to wear coats and it was above 20 degrees.  It was wonderful!  The boys and I came in for a day (or two - I can't quite remember) and visited with Gramps and Grandma and the Mimis.  The boys loved playing and exploring along the creek at the park.  

 Pretending to fish.