Ah...lovely spring

This week, we had a warm sunny day that, within minutes, turned into a hail storm like I've never seen! Here, the kids are checking it out...as you can see, we're dressed for spring!

We're putting hail stones in a cup in the freezer to show grandparents! They'll be impressed!

Amazing how perfectly round they are!

Nature or Nurture?

Botanical Gardens

On the morning we left Cleveland, we went to the Botanical Gardens with Grandma, Aunt Mindy, and Isaac.

It was So nice to be in the warmth admist the bower!

The kids were given magnifying glasses to inspect the flora and fauna.

They made full use of them!

Some more wildlife, still in its cocoon.

There were butterflys flitting everywhere!

oh boy

Today, the kids were snacking in the car. I heard Caden say "Aw, Liss, now look what you've done to your shirt!"
Normal 4 year old boy behavior? Anyone? No?

After the baby shower

Alyssa and Grandma play a duet
Caden turns into a cowboy

Alyssa gets fancy, and

the cowboy is upset about something.

Ready

Caden: "Dad, when are we going to heaven?"
Shann: "I don't know, bud. We might live to be very old, and die a long time from now, or Jesus could come for us tomorrow."
Caden: "Well, whenever Jesus comes for me, I'm ready. I'm curious about what heaven will be like, so I want to go."

My mom has said that I felt this way when I was a little girl. I talked about heaven, and said I wanted to go. I remember her saying it was a bit unnerving as she wasn't ready to give me up yet! Now I know the feeling.

New member

Isaac is admired by Great Grandma Nancy. Looks like she is being admired by him, too.
Another Grandma Nancy.

Mark and Mindy telling some of their adoption journey at the shower. Not a dry eye in the house...

Long-awaited little man

Once he was Mark, and now he's...

My brother, Mark, and my sister-in-law, Mindy, have entered into the wonderful world of parenthood. And we're so excited.

Today

Today we bowled. There were highs (when even 1 pin was knocked down by the 2 mph ball) and lows (waiting for one's turn).

Alyssa's bowling technique...being studied around the world by professionals.

Caden just went for speed...however he could get the ball down the lane...even if it meant throwing his entire body!

Grandma and kiddos!
THEN we met our new nephew and cousin, Isaac! He liked the bear we made for him!
New cool sunglasses! Don't think he loves them.
Then we helped open a few presents for Isaac tonight. Both Uncle Mark and Grandpa were convinced to read How A Dinosaur Says Goodnight, one of Isaac's new books.

A child's view, by Caden Davis

1.What is something mommy always says to you? I love you

2.What makes mommy happy? that I'm her son

3.What makes mommy sad? When I disobey

4.How does your mommy make you laugh? You do silly things

5.What was your mommy like as a child? Like me

6.How old is your mommy? 14 (no, he wasn't paid.)

7.How tall is your mommy? 14 inches

8.What is her favorite thing to do? have fun with us

9.What does your mommy do when you're not around? go on vacation

10.If your mommy becomes famous, what will it be for? because of me

11.What is your mommy really good at? teaching me about school

12.What is your mommy not very good at? jumping jacks (huh..guess I'll need to practice)

13.What does your mommy do for a job? keep us safe, makes sure we have seatbelts on, sort things out, make sure things are in place, make me better when I'm scared, give me a bandaid when I'm hurt

14.What is your mommy's favorite food? sweet potatos (if only I was so righteous)

15.What makes you proud of your mommy? that you take care of me

16.If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? sleeping beauty, cause you're a girl, and girls are Jesus' princesses

17.What do you and your mommy do together? read my Reading book to make me read books to my children when they grow up; go on trips

18.How are you and your mommy the same? we both have blue eyes

19.How are you and your mommy different? different hair colors

20.How do you know your mommy loves you? cause you're my mama

21.What does your mommy like most about your daddy? he's your wife...I mean the boy word.

22.Where is your mommy's favorite place to go? the Poconos (wow, I'm not too exciting.)

Vacation #2

For pictures of Willimasburg, check out Jay and Amy in the side bar. I'll post a few, but I'm sure not as many as them!

Massanutten, vacation #1

I've been lagging a bit lately on the blog. Partly, because we've been away alot! At the end of February, we went to Massanutten, VA, for 4 days. Here is our cozy living room. I had her set up in the tub for a cozy nap, but she didn't end up sleeping in here, as the skylight was directly above her, so it was very bright, and a little too much fun.

Boy's nap. We'd gotten Caden up from his nap, and brought him out by us in the living room...it was so cozy with Daddy, he fell back to sleep. This doesn't happen too often, as Caden rarely naps! So cute.

The not-to-pretty yet landcape...behind us is just part of this enormous resort.
We had a great time, swimming, playing tennis, playing basketball, going to a waterpark, and just relaxing together!


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First born failures

Yesterday, Caden went out the front door to play. I saw him run around the side of the house to the backyard, and he was soon knocking on the back door. I opened it, and he said - "Mom, could you open the garage door?" (we have outside toys in the garage.) I told him I already had.
He walked down off the steps to go around to get some toys, shaking his head and muttering
"I am a forgetful man."

Picture this

Caden asked me if worms migrate.

Earth worms, inching south in a long line..."Mexico, here we come!"

Sqwlurch...sqwlurch...sqwlurch.