Heading South - Arkansas Bound!

Right after Christmas I came on down to Arkansas by myself until the boys arrived five days later.  I needed to be at orientation on December 29th but the boys finished out the year with Nathan's parents.  I worked really hard to get a lot of the rooms set up and ready to go before they got there.  I was exhausted by the end of the week but it was worth it when I saw their faces.  Welcome to our home for the next 13 weeks!  (The pictures are out of order, but you'll get the idea.)

Orientation Complete! 

The boys immediately found the trampoline in the back.  They are in HEAVEN!

My first night...not sure why I have that grey mark in my hair!!  Wait, maybe it is real!  :)

 The play room or "center room." 

Tennessee Randoms

As I wrap up the posts on Tennessee, I couldn't leave out some candid shots from the weeks spent back home!

Tyler learning to shave!

December Birthdays

December is always a crazy time of year with the holidays, but we also have TONS of birthdays to celebrate as well.  So after the Christmas parties and lunch, we move on to the birthday extravaganza!  Since we didn't get to have an individual birthday party for Zachary this year, he got to join in on the big party.  I cannot believe that he turned 10 this year - it seems unreal.  Especially given that I can so vividly remember the day he was born.  We are so blessed by all of our children and Zachary is no exception.  He is smart, funny, witty and a joy to be around.  People have joked for years that when you talk to him it's like you are talking to a little man, and this is true.  (If you can ever get a word in!)  Zachary is a great big brother and good christian boy.  So for this year, he got a special gift.  His last present from us was a packet of BBs.  When he looked up confused about the gift is when Nathan pulled out a BB gun from behind the chair.  Zachary's look was priceless!  So this year he got to participate in antoher family tradition - the shooting of everyone's guns!  It was a great day!  So...

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday dear Ashleigh, Milah (who was sick), Thom, Daddy, Zachary, Sloan, Ben C, Ben S and our late Grampa,

Happy Birthday to you!!