Daddy's Home

Mini-Vacation

We had a wonderful visit to see Daddy. Elise and Rebekah both took their first plane ride and did great! Elise's favorite thing about the airport wasn't all of the planes, it was the trucks that take the baggage and supplies to the plane. Elise got a little nervous during take-off and landing, but when I asked her who we were going to see, she perked right up and said "Daddy!" She also loved that she got her own bag of mini pretzels. Rebekah just had a nice time smiling with the man sitting next to us and touching his arm.

We spent two days with our dear friends the Devers. Elise and Makayla really hit it off. They played in the kiddie pool together, read books, made smoothies in the play kitchen, sat next to each other at lunch, and even took naps together. Typical girls, they didn't go to sleep right away, but rather, they talked and made a little bit of mischief before settling down- yes, that's Elise asleep on the floor.

Ray and Josh hung out and did man things, while Kim and I talked (surprise surprise!) and got caught up with family happenings. Elena and Rebekah just did their own things, but we hope they'll become great friends like their big sisters. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends. Everytime we get to visit with the Devers' we feel refreshed and encouraged. They are a great example of a covenant family, and we hope our friendship continues for years to come. We're already talking about another visit so we can check out the beach... maybe camping in their backyard! Thank you so much for your hospitality!

We spent Monday morning at Colonial Williamsburg. It was so nice to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather and experiencing the history. We definitely plan on going back when we can spend more time and the girls can appreciate it a little bit more.

Monday afternoon we went to the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. It was like a small zoo/ aquarium combo. It was very interesting and educational. Everything was related to the various geographic areas of Virginia. We all had a nice time. Elise loves animals that aren't up close and personal, and so does Mommy. Rebekah liked her nap in the carrier, and Ray like seeing all of the animals and talking to Elise about them. Too bad we didn't have more time there. If you're ever in Newport News, you should check it out.

Yesterday we had a relaxing day while Ray went to work. He was back at the hotel by 3, so we went to a petting zoo and then out to dinner. In our typical family vacation fashion, we ate almost all of our meals al fresco. It was great! We're looking forward to our big vacation in a week and a half. The flight will be longer, but thankfully both Ray and I will be flying with the girls. What could be better than spending time at the beach with family and attending a wedding!?

Hold Her

So Elise is really, really missing Daddy. He's the first thing she talks about in the morning and the last thing at night. When I got her out of bed this morning, she wanted to cut the grass with Daddy while riding in the back pack when he got home. Throughout the day I randomly hear- "Daddy. Home. Pack Pack (backpack). Gas (grass)!" After her snack this afternoon, I asked Elise what she wanted to do, and she said, "Pack Pack. Gas!" She's going to have to wait for Daddy on that one. While Ray was packing up the car on Sunday, Elise asked if she could go in the car with him. I told her she couldn't go this time, but we would see Daddy on Saturday. She promptly said, "I follow Daddy." Today's newest, and I think dearest, sentiment for Daddy came after her nap. I had just told Elise for the 27th time that yes, she could ride in the backpack and help Daddy cut the grass when he got home from Virginia. She then told me in a bit of a pathetic voice, "Daddy. Hold her. Ees (Elise)." I asked, "You want Daddy to hold you?" And Elise replied, "Yeah. Daddy hold her. Hold her, Daddy." I think Ray is going to have some very tired arms after our visit. It's a good thing he took the "pack pack!"

November 2008- Elise helping to cut the grass.

Library

I just love the library. Not only are there the books and movies you can check out, but they also have various programs for children. The best thing is that it's all FREE! One of my favorite words and something's that's very important to a stay at home mom. I love reading (when I have the time), and I hope to encourage this hobby in Elise and Rebekah. If you saw our house, you wouldn't think we needed to visit the library to get books for Elise, but we visit more for my sanity in reading to her. I have at least 10 of her books memorized, and I like to change up the reading list every once in a while. OK, so we go to the library just about every week! We go for story time, and I just think it's the cutest thing to see Elise sitting with the other kids by the librarian's feet as she reads stories. Elise really likes to play in the children's area, and the theme this month is dinosaurs. Today, she was putting on a little puppet show for me- we were the only ones there. She would pick up the puppet, say its color, and then roar. I've also learned that if I'm pressed for time, if I get the books that are displayed on the top of the shelves, they are usually all pretty good. So we have three new books for this week. So far I think I like Lentil by Robert McCloskey the best.

A little note on Rebekah. The last couple of weeks, she has been reaching for toys as I hand them to her. Yesterday, she just started reaching and playing with "Buddyfly" on her car seat. She tries to grab it but can't quite get it. When I put her in the car and move the handle back, she follows her little friend and then gives me a "where'd he go?" look. The funniest thing is when I am getting her out of the car, Rebekah gets so happy and excited and she reaches for my face, and I get a little wet slap on my cheek. I'd say it's a love tap. She's such a little sweetie.

For Daddy

The Week Ahead

Ray left this evening for his two week Naval Reserve duty in Newport News, VA. So this week, I'll probably have a number of posts and pictures so Ray can check in and really see what we've been up to. I'm not sure if Elise realizes that she won't see Daddy until we fly down on Saturday morning to meet him. I told her that Daddy had to go away for work for a few days. When I put her to bed tonight, I told her I would come get her in the morning, and she said, "Daddy!" That's because Ray always reminds Elise that he'll get her in the morning, and he always does. We'll see what happens in the morning. Rebekah's pretty clueless that Daddy's not home-as long as Mommy's around for the food, she's content! I'm definitely missing Ray. Nights alone are the hardest for me, but I have my Bible handy for prayer and meditation when I get anxious, and I also have a number of projects to keep me busy.

A quick story about our sweet, helpful Elise. Elise is always on the boogie (or boo-dee as she pronounces it) patrol. Whenever Rebekah sneezes or cousin Julia has a runny nose, Elise runs to the bathroom for a tissue. Now, the tissue usually ends up being a piece of toilet paper that is about an inch square. Last week, Julia sneezed and had a runny nose. Immediately, Elise yelled, "TISSUE!" and sprinted to the bathroom. It seemed to be taking Elise longer than usual to get the tissue, and as I was about to go see what she was doing, she runs around the corner with the biggest tissue I have ever seen- streaming behing her and all! She proceded to run up to Julia and wipe her nose, and Julia diasappeared behind the massive tissue. How I love little Miss Elise!

Updated pictures of the girls:

Elise the bathing beauty

Rebekah is the happiest baby

This picture just cracks me up. Bek puts up with a lot from big sis.

Joining

So I've decided to join the world of blogging. Mostly our family site will be about just that- our family. A place to post pictures of our happenings and to record what's going on in our lives. Our life is pretty simple, but with two little girls, there will be plenty to share about their world. We hope you enjoy!