Time

Well, no photos this time, but I did want to share something.  Tonight I was tucking in the older kids and they both wanted me to lie down with them for a little bit.  Christian especially, and he seemed so tired and upset that I wasn't going to (because I really wanted to get started on some other things) that I actually decided to get in between the two of them at least until he went on to sleep.  I was lying there and I said to myself something to the effect of thinking how I could otherwise be spending my time, more productively.  And then I said to myself, as Michaela's arm was tucked in mine and Christian's hands held mine, how could I spend my time any more productively than that?  And I smiled and decided to cherish the moment.  One day I'll wish with all my heart that they want to snuggle like that.  Or maybe I won't have to wish, maybe they still will.

Visiting with Grandma and Grandpa

My (Christina) parents came to visit in the beginning of August and we had a lot of fun in the week that they were here. Michaela welcomed them to Dallas with a sign that she made. There were projects to do, and Olympics to watch. We celebrated Eliana's first birthday while they were here and just plain enjoyed them being around. It's always hard to say goodbye, but we look forward to our next visit whenever it may be (Thanksgiving this time). See you soon, Grandma and Grandpa!

Fireworks on the 4th of July

Michaela and her grandma stayed up late tonight watching the fireworks show over the beach: It was pretty cool for an "amateur show" (i.e. ten guys running around trying to prove their own South-Carolina-highway-fireworks were better than anybody else's): Priceless quote of the night, from Michaela: "I wish I could be a kid forever.  That way, I could always sit in a grown up's lap and watch fireworks."

At the Beach in Florida....

We're at the beach in FL with Michael's mom and "Mr. Bob" (Michael's step-dad). And, of course, we've been firing off rounds on the digital camera like there's no tomorrow. Here's Eliana, bruisin' and cruisin' inside the beach condo: And more photos: In the pool:

Playing at Home

Here's a bunch of photos of the kiddos, turning the "school room" into "party central," playing the new set of tinker toys, etc.