And the rest of the crew arrives!!!

A unique few days in Hilton Head---nothing but sunshine. 70-80 degrees everyday. Many many moments to just SIT, or WALK, or DIG, or RIDE. Other than that, these days couldn't have been much better. Vacation is a beautiful time to escape from routine and from cooking/cleaning--and to just BE. Thankful for these days and the family we have to live life with. Thankful for the stories of Jesus amidst us all and thankful for His grace on us as we plug on together...

First few days in HH with nana and papa

Mom and Dad, the Snow kids and I drove down to Hilton Head a few days before everyone else this year. We stopped in Charlotte for a night and then took our time and headed to HH on Saturday. These days were SO fun. SO easy and always provide great memories. I'm so thankful for how my kids travel in the car and even more than that, so thankful for my parents and their sacrifice, patience, and desire to love and serve their grandchildren. 

The pool was literally freezing. Tough boy Griff was the only one swimming 

on day 1---he cracked us up! 

First hour at the beach--day 1 in Hilton Head. What a beautiful boardwalk and place to smell, see, and listen to. The ocean is an incredible part of God.

Easter morning--watched the sun rise all alone. Not a soul in sight, either direction. The ocean was so loud and so amazing. I stood there and thanked God for the victories He has won in my life and continues to win. Thankful for Jesus. Thankful that there is no greater victory in our life next to Jesus and his resurrection on this day.

Easter morning breakfast. What sweet faces and smiles.

A great few days to enjoy my kids, to play and slow down and rest and sleep and run. Thankful for silly moments and that Ellie likes RIBS. Thankful to be here in Hilton Head.

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.