Ellie's 4th Birthday!

Ellie had a very special birthday! She had a firefighter party because she has always said that she wants to be a firefigher when she grows up. Pawpaw and Grammie came from Virginia to help celebrate. Ellie's friends, Claire, Jay, Sarah Grace, Haylee, Hannah, Nate, Carter,and Brantly all came for the celebration. We had a special guest, "Firefighter Daddy". He taught all of us some fire safety tips.
It was a wonderful day of fun and family and friends. I can't believe our baby is 4!

Lunch in North Carolina

 

Leah and Ellie enjoyed being spoiled by Nones and Grandma Nones for a few hours. We were so excited when they called to meet us on the road home from Virginia. Nones had just gotten back from a mission trip to Peru. It was great to see them.

More September/Virginia Pics

Shannon and Brad (Aka Unkie Brad)








Grandma Martin and Shannon


Mom, Brad, Aunt Bobbie, Dad, Shannon and Grandma Martin


Cousin Alex (the groom) and Shannon

September Trip to Virginia

OK, I know I am terribly behind! We were able to go to Virginia the middle of September and FINALLY meet our niece (and cousin) Olivia! As you can see here, the girls were thrilled! They were soooo good with her. Unkie Brad and Auntie Leigh were very gracious and allowed the girls to hold Olivia a lot. Leah is a natural with babies. She held Olivia like a pro. Ellie was good with her as well. She hovered over her and worried about what she might need. It was wonderful meeting the family's new addition.

While we were there, we also saw cousin Alex marry Kristen. The girls stayed the night with cousins, Matt and Meg. Stan and I had breakfast with God-friends, Patrick and Kristin. Then, Stan and the girls and I headed over to a day at Colonial Williamsburg. We stayed the night and spent the next day at Jamestown Settlement. It was a fun, adventure packed long weekend! On the way back to Georgia, Nones and Grandma called and met us in North Carolina for lunch! Blessings, blessings!

Compliments to the Chefs!

 

Leah is studying "Countries and Cultures" this year. One of her assignments was to bake a cake and decorate it with the 7 continents. Right up her alley!!! She loves to cook and bake. Ellie does too, as you can see. They did a super job with NO help from Mom. They are becoming quite the chefs!

SCHOOL IS IN!

 

We are so proud of our newest teacher in the family, Ellie! She is taking after her big sister and teaching whenever she gets the chance. We are also proud of how intently her student, Baxter, is listening. Being with our children each day is such a blessing! There is pure joy in the little moments such as these.

Matt and Meg Visit!

 

Matt and Meg, cousins from Virginia, visited with us the end of July. Leah and Ellie enjoyed them so much! We have always said they would pass for triplets! (Matt and Meg are twins 4 months younger than Leah.) We took them to Ceramics by You, the pool, Mayfield Dairy, the park and, of course, the Varsity. It was great to have them here to give the girls some good "cousin time"! We miss you, Matt and Meg! We had fun!