In the Spotlight

 Griff in the spotlight!!

It was so fun to watch Griffin (and Charlie) at their karate graduation. They were so serious and so proud of their hard work. Ryan and I were proud parents watching our little man be part of something so big and so cool. He is sticking to this karate thing (almost 6 months now--twice a week) and we are thankful and excited to see him grow. Way to go buddy.

Grief's first time on skates. He had me hold hands with him for the first 15 minutes and then just "skated" all around the rest of the evening. What a riot. The kid had no fear. 

Moments with my sweet boy--these days where the girls are in school all day and I have a day alone with Griff...it is truly indescribable how much I have treasured this year. I cannot put into words how excited I am to see his face everyday and not one ounce of me takes advantage of these hours, days, and weeks and the Griff/Mom time that we have.

Easter program at Olivet!!

It's been fun to watch this little friendship blossom. Griffin and Eli are truly best friends. They adore each other. :)

 Nana in the spotlight!!!

Sweet moments at the lake with Nana (and Papa too, of course). A chilly March weekend, but a cozy one. Nana loves her grandkids so much. She says YES to them (so does Papa) and she listens so well. My kids are forever influenced by this amazing woman.

 Emma had her sleepover at Nana and Papa's house this month. When I picked her up for school the next morning, these two silly girls came out like this. I love it!!

Emma in the spotlight!!!

Emma on skates was too much fun. She was hesitant for maybe 10 minutes and then showed such courage and confidence. It is always fun to see her courageous and independent parts show their face. And ice skating was one of them. I don't think Miss Emsies stopped smiling the whole night!

The most amazing big sister. She sacrifices again and again for Griffin. She serves him and plays with him and laughs with him and goes crazy with him...and she cuddles with him. Ryan and I are thankful to the ENTH degree that Emma is one of the people that Griff has as a role model in his life. She is precious and she is tender hearted.

Lunch date out on a school day, with my sweet Rosie. We chit chatted about important things: recess, birthday parties, what was on the TV screens behind us...;)
And we also talked about family and siblings and vacation. Good times!!

Ellie in the spotlight!!

So Ellie had a speaking/dramatic role in the 4th/5th grade spring music program this year. Bar none it was the highlight of the night. Ellie knocked everyone's socks off with her accent and confidence. She stole the show and everyone approached her and told her how amazing she was. WOW---we have a little actress on our hands. So so proud. :)

Working hard and working diligently this month on her guitar. Taking weekly lessons and making huge strides! It is fun to listen to her plug into her new amp and MAKE MUSIC. She shocks us with her ability and talent. She is one of the hardest workers I know. 

FIRST SMILE

Oh man. The moment we all saw this kid's "first smile." Holy cow---about melted us to the floor. Grady, we are in love with your heart, soul, spirit and cheeks...we can't wait to meet you handsome son and brother!

Not only did we get pictures of our boy today, but this also is the day we found out that a preliminary hearing that happened yesterday (3-10-15) was successful and productive for Grady's case to move forward. We are happy today as we canNOT wait to receive the phone call that it's time to book a flight.

Perfect March Wknd

It was amazing weather this wknd: the first sign that spring is around the corner. We played outside a ton, we had company for dinner, we hiked out at Oak Openings, did a media fast Saturday and Sunday (gotta love siblings fights that cause this 😕) and celebrated Uncle Dave's 32 birthday!!! Such fun times. Love this crew.

quick visit to KALAHARI!!

Valentine's Day Celebrations

Although Ryan would rather that NO ONE ever know he got a "pedicure," it sure was a fun midday date. He got his nasty feet cleaned up and I enjoyed the massage factor, and a painting on my Toes. So relaxing and so fun to sit next to my hubs and do this!!

Griff had his first preschool Vday program and cookie decorating with Uncle Dave. Griff talked for DAYS about uncle DVD coming to school. Maybe that's because Dave told him he would dress as a red power ranger. 😉

Ryan and I had the best Valentine's Day date we've had thus far as old married folk. 😍 And, it was in our home. Ellie took over as the babysitter, set the table, and kept Ems and Griff upstairs with her the entire evening. We never heard a peep until 8:45 when we kissed everyone goodnight. Wow. Perfect.

Best Valentine's Day gift of all---updated pics of our sweet Grady boy.
Current weight: 11 kg---which is 24.2 lbs!!
Current height: 81 cm-- 2.6 feet tall!!

Musk melon

He sat on the counter and went to town on the musk melon. Afterwards, "man, that was awesome." 

10 year old in the house!!

It sure was a fun weekend celebrating Miss Ellie. Officially 10. What in the world? Ryan and I both remember the day we hit our double digits. So cool!!! I literally remember where I was standing when I put my "ten" candle on my cake. For Ellie---she has been SO excited to get her ears pierced. And that we did...What a champ. Barely batted an eye.

She loved having her two buddies come to dinner and sleep over as well. And of course--ending the weekend with a joint family party with her Nana. Such a treasure.

Ellie, we are so thankful that you being a part of our family makes us THE SNOWS. You are a joy. You cause us to think before we speak and you challenge us to be patient--a lot ;)...but you bring wisdom and fun and laughter and depth into our home. We love how you are growing as a basketball player and guitar player--and as a friend. You make us happy sweet pea. We love you so so much.