Sally

I have to tell you about Jenna's dearest friend, Sally. Jenna talks about her frequently - she talks about playing at Sally's house, she tells us about Sally's dogs, and she has mentioned many times that when she's at Sally's, she gets to play on the puter. The puter part is mentioned frequently ... I'm not sure why it's such an important part of the story, because Jenna has never used (or asked to use) the computer at our house - but she seems to love it at Sally's. If you ask her what Sally looks like, you'll get a description that sounds an awful lot like Jenna - blond hair and brown eyes. She will also tell you that she is three, just like Jenna. Have I mentioned that Sally's dogs are Kadie and BJ?? You've probably guessed by now, but Sally is Jenna's imaginary friend. None of our other children have had imaginary friends, so this is new at our house. I have to say, it is just so fun to talk with Jenna about her dear friend! She just goes on and on, and loves to tell us all about Sally. I guess one day we'll have to discuss the fact that Sally isn't real, but for now it's just so doggone cute to hear her tell the stories; I think I probably fuel the fire. Did I mention that Sally is in her preschool class and she's coming over with other friends for a sleepover??

Deck Photos for Papa

The Princess

The Princess ... it's hard to find a picture of her when she's not posing and acting like one. I should take a picture of her getting into mischief - that has been her main activity for the last week or so! She has been so busy - it's like having a 2 year old again. When she's missing from our sight, the kids and I all let out a panicked "WHERE'S JENNA???" She had a busy week of putting on Erica's make-up, using my nail polish (on her legs and the carpet!), "cleaning" the toilet, drawing (on things she shouldn't draw on), changing clothes, jumping on beds ... I could go on and on. It's not like her to be quite so active, so while I'm frustrated (and tired of trying to keep up with her!), I also have to laugh. We have said quite a few times in this last week that it's a good thing she's so cute ...

I want to be a Marine!

Liam loves to dress up ... it's been a favorite pastime for many years. There was a time when he wanted to be a police officer, so he wore that costume for days straight - even at bedtime. For the past few months, he has wanted camouflage to be a part of every outfit - I thought it was just part of being a boy. Grady will wear an entire outfit of camouflage if I let him ... shirt, sweatshirt, vest, pants, flip-flops, hat. I thought Liam just wanted to emulate his big brother - until last weekend. Dave took Liam with him up to work on Saturday - he had duty and Liam was "helping" him. During that time, Liam told his dad "I want to be a Marine."

Still smiling!

This is what Grady looks like in the Spring ... it would be worse, but he'd had Claritin and Benadryl already! His eyes water continuously, and they burn, but he is usually still smiling and laughing. He has had a few times when he felt and looked even worse, and on those occasions, he actually complained - that's how we know it's time to go to the doctor! He loves to play baseball, and he does hate that this always happens during baseball season ... but it doesn't keep him from playing. He's been doing better the last few days, thanks to the rain, so seeing this picture makes him laugh. He does look pretty rough!

Erica has braces!

Here are a few pictures of Erica...finally! The first one is from the morning she got her braces; the other 2 are from the next day. Her braces are so much cuter than mine ever were - she gets to pick new colors for them each time she goes. She was going for a Spring theme with the green and pink. I have encouraged her to cheer on the Hokies in the fall and go with orange and maroon ... I may get my wish, but probably only because they are fall colors!

Technical difficulties

Hi everyone,
Sorry it has been so long since we've posted ... I know there are a few grandparents hoping to see pictures of recent events. I have been promising to post a new picture of Erica - she got braces last week! But I have been unable to download all the pictures of the pink and green braces. I call it technical difficulties, but the real truth is that I don't really know how to do it if the computer doesn't make it easy, and Dave has been too busy working on the deck to help me figure it out! I also have some GREAT pictures of Grady in the midst of an allergy flare-up ... they're funny now that he's doing a bit better. I will try to get Dave to help me as soon as possible - don't give up on me yet!:-)