Younger Weekend Get Away

My dad has been the pastor of Osage Baptist Church for 20 years.  Yep ... they just can't get rid of him.  They like him and he likes them.  For his anniversary they decided to send his whole family to a weekend get away at a lodge in Ponca, AR.

This is the Riverwind lodge near the Buffalo River.  It was really nice.  Let me take you on a tour.

Back Deck

 Looking up at the loft

 Looking toward the deck

 A table that would seat about 20.

Mom did a lot of cooking.  You just don't jump in your car and get fast food when you are in Ponca.

 The family did a lot of eating.

 This was the view from the back deck Saturday morning.

 S'mores are always good.  Let's just say I didn't count calories this weekend.

 Ti has a great time being the center of everyone's attention.

A lot of Wii was played

 Aunt Suzanne bribes Ti with letting him play with her iPhone.

 We took a hike Saturday morning.  Tim and Noah had to go to a football scrimmage, so they missed out on the fun.  Just to let you know a two year old will not walk even part of the way on a three mile hike.  We all took turns carrying him.

 I had Elizabeth take this picture just so I could prove that I took my turn carrying Ti.

 There was even a hot tub out back.  Yes, the nephews are acting like goobers. They think they are so cool.

I think I might have some more pics but it is getting late and I will have to look for them.  Maybe there will be a second post about the Younger weekend to remember.... 

Thanks to Osage Baptist for providing our whole family with such a great weekend.

PS..Thanks for all the prayers for my family.  My dad's back is doing really good.  God has chosen to heal his body.  He did not take the hike with us just because he is not quiet ready for that long of a hike.

Ti - Potty Training

Ti is doing a great job at potty training.  The one exception is pooping.  He seems to like to go on the carpet.  GAG  Lets just say I have been tempted to rub his nose in it and throw him out the door.  It seemed to work with the dogs. 

Anyway.....I am hoping soon we will be diaper free.  Just think of all the money I will be saving.  Hopefully, we will be completely done long before we turn three.  Any tips and tricks you would like to share on potty training will be appreciated.  It has been awhile, actually it has been 5 years.  I probably have forgotten some things.

Really how could someone stay mad at this cutie.  Even if he poops on the carpet.

Andrew is 7

Andrew,

I can't believe you are already seven.  It seems just like yesterday that you were playing with your men under my desk in my office.  Of course you still like to play with men you just don't require that I am in the same room. 

You will try almost anything.  Especially if your brother does it, you don't want to be outdone.  You are so very brave.

You rode powder keg twice at Silver Dollar City.  You were so very proud of yourself for riding each ride that you were tall enough for.

I love your smile which you do a lot of.  You are a "go with the flow" kind of kid. 

You are very compassionate to everyone (exception to this is your older brother). You and Noah fight constantly. Most of the time it is because Noah is picking at you but now that you have learned from the best you are dealing it out also. You are very protective of Titus and never want to see him cry. You give in to all his wants just so he will be happy. Even to the point of letting him use your Ipod. Titus loves you right back. I love to see how he comes up and hugs on you. He knows how much you love him. 

Andrew I am so proud to be your mom.  I love your compassion and the way you are always ready to please.  I love that you sometimes will still get in bed with me on Saturday morning or how when we watch a movie you want to lay beside me.  I know that others, most of the time, are not able to see this side of you but how it makes me smile when you reserve your hugs for your momma.

I am praying for you daily to listen to God's voice, so you will hear him when he calls you.    I know that God will be able to use you in a mighty way for his kingdom.  Your ability to talk to anyone and the love you have for people will help you lead others to Jesus.  Andrew I love you so much and am so glad God allowed me to be your mom.

Crabs, Crabs, Crabs Everywhere

Our last night of vacation we took Noah and Andrew crab hunting on the beach. It was a lot of fun. I would highly recommend this activity.  The parents job was to shine the flashlights on the sand until you saw something really white or moving and then the boys would run in with a net.

This was the biggest crab we caught.  Lets just say their might have been a little screaming going on while trying to catch this viscous animal. lol

We didn't try this until the last night and after we were done I was wishing we had done this every evening.   What great memories.