Last Grand Visit?

It has been months since my in-laws were able to come down to visit again, so we were all excited to see them!  Upon a couple of minutes of their arrival, Donna exclaimed that they were moving down and putting their house on the market the following week.  Therefore, it would be their last visit as they would be moving to Columbia.

Zoe loved showing off her matching new bob haircut.

Presents always seem to come first...and Shiloh was excited to give hers away.

You never quite know what she will come up with!

Then presents for the rest of us...

A box full of their Great Grandma's (who had recently passed) ornaments.

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Donna and I went out to lunch and were able to check out a new local spot at the Lil Duck's Treehouse Cafe.  Food was awesome!

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Another day with dinner out with the family, and Zoe was all about making silly faces...

And persisted....

Until I begged for a smile.

But she was not wanting one with Shiloh in it....oh sisters!

Beach and I got a picture as well, as it was our 17th wedding anniversary.

Being goofty till I make him smile!

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Had to capture a picture of the traditional cookie making time!

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On a beautiful night, we took them to see a Fireflies baseball game.

Such a nice time!

When a pop fly landed near us the recipient graciously handed Shiloh the baseball.

They were honoring the veterans that game and had them stand up!

We were happy to cheer our veteran on!

Somebody was done by the time I wanted a selfie with him.

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Little piece of heaven for Beach right there....almost the size of his face!

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Another day another outing with this adorable crew!

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Grandpa had given the kids bird feeders that they were to put together, and helped them get them all set up!

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Getting a little rest in and Ezra wanted to join me...

he is so cute, though, that I had to capture that adorable face!

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Visiting the cafe...

And we had Beach's uncle and family come into town as well!

Always a sweet time to have extra family around!

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It was such a joy to get together later that Saturday with so many of Beach's extended family!

Another beautiful day and the kids found things to amuse themselves.

Including exploring the garage for Shiloh to decorate Harris.

He didn't seem to mind too much and was a good sport about it!

Then a little more time with the aunt and uncle back at our house.

Beach whipped up a drink for his cousin, Nathaniel.

So god to see him as he now lives in California.

The girls rallied the ladies to a game of Uno.

It was such a sweet visit indeed!

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A couple of last photos before they head back to Michigan for the final time.  The three generations of Loveland guys.

And one cute Grandma.

Boarding Pass for Middle School

I'm not going to lie, I have had some trepidation about this upcoming season: MIDDLE SCHOOL.  This stems from my own struggles at this age, and all the challenges this social media world brings.  However, I'm thankful that Zoe is excited about this new era in her life.

Her future middle school had a drive through for them to get excited and love on them a bit already.  It had a flight theme, complete with her boarding pass.

While it mostly involved driving through their parking lot, my heart was just so filled at all the efforts her future teachers and staff had made to be out in the hot sun long after their school day had ended.

Zoe may have been just a tad embarrassed but handled it like a pro.  She did hand me my sunglasses, at one point, explaining that she wouldn't want the staff to see me crying.

They got an adorable box that had a t-shirt for their new school!

 

And a chance to hop out and take a picture with the mascot. 

Ready (Zoe) or not (me), we are heading to a new stage in the near future!

Mother's Day and the Sweetest Cards

While I tend to want to focus on the good in the days, I, also want to be authinic to reality.  This particular Mother's day was so very hard for me.  However, it did start out on an amazing note with the best breakfast!

With some of the best kind of treasures from the littles.

From Ezra:

I love the poem that he made that I know he worked so very hard on!

This paper was, also, quite funny (and perhaps a little less accurate in parts).  I suppose he views me as very strong, considering all the weight I lift with one hand compared to his one pound weight.  (He views himself as strong as well in life.)

"My mom is 41 years old.  Her favorite thing to do is go shopping.  She is really good at reading.  Her favorite food is beans.  I make her laugh the most when I fart.  The best thing about my mom is she gives good hugs."

Zoe made up an interesting and kind poem for me.  "MY MOM  My mom is pretty.  My mom is nice.  My mom smells like sugar and spice. My mom is neat.  My mom is kind.  She kind of looks like a porcupine.  My mom is strong.  She doesn't like being wrong.  My mom is fair. Although, she doesn't like the cotton candy there.  My mom likes coffee.  Yes, it's true.  I love my mom, yes I do."

When given a blank book at school, Shiloh used it to make the sweetest book for me.  

"I dedicate this special book to my mom on this Mothers Day!  I love you very much!  Shiloh May 9, 2021.  

I love it when you read a book.

The best thing you cook for me is hot dogs and mac and cheese.  I want to thank you for snuggling with me when I am sad.

I love it when you cook cupcakes!  I love it when you take me to the park.

I love it when you give me candy!

I love you because you are my mom! I love you!!"

Along with a card as well.

They had a photo station set up at church that we snagged a picture at afterwards.

There were a lot of hormones and some tears most of the rest of the day, yet months later in actually writing this I cannot tell you what they were even about.  I can say that I just adore these little children of mine that made me a momma!