Dad's Ordination Service

My dad was ordained as a deacon this past Sunday morning. Brant and I had already scheduled our trip when they set the date for the ordination service. We decided to come back a little early and surprise my dad for his ordination. It was a really neat service. I am so proud of my dad and the other 2 men that were ordained. They will do a great service for the Lord.

My dad is giving his testimony while my mom stands by for moral support.

The men were honored by giving a Bible.

This is the "laying on of the hands". It is a process where the other deacons and pastors come by individually and say a prayer over each man. It is a very touching process to watch.

Anniversary Trip

Brant and I left last Thursday for a much-needed getaway. We were celebrating our 10th Anniversary a little early. It is so hard to believe that we will have been married 10 years this Friday. I certainly do not feel old enough to have been married that long.

We took our camper to Mountain View. We stayed at a beautiful/quiet place near the White River. We love our little home away from home and we feel so fortunate that we have it. We bought it from my aunt and uncle who used it on the mission field. They are really special to me and that makes the camper even that more special. We have already created so many great memories in it. The girls absolutely love camping and were jealous that we were going without them this time.
This was the view we had from our camper. This is Sylamore Creek that runs directly into the White River just about 300 yards from this pic. I just loved the way the rocks looked up the mountain.

We visited Blanchard Springs Caverns on Friday. We took a 1 hour tour called the Dripstone Tour. We really enjoyed it - very interesting. I have been there before, but it was when I was young. We want to go back and take the girls.

Getting Stronger!

Brant and I recently started a diet program at our church. We have been working really hard. Along with the dieting has come a lot of exercising. We are enjoying becoming more healthy, but I think we are beginning to rub off on Kennadi. She will now get in the floor and exercise with us. It is so cute to watch!

These are her sit-ups.

This is her version of a push-up.

We are not sure what this exercise is - a butt lift maybe?

Swimming Lessons

Halle started swimming lessons this past week at the YMCA in Hot Springs. She has never taken formal lessons before. She knows how to "doggy paddle", but that is about it. So far she is really enjoying it. She is working so hard at it. She wants to learn so bad.

Track and Field Day

Today was Halle's Track and Field Day at school. We were lucky that the rain held off for it. Brant and I both went with her and she had a fabulous day. She was got lots of ribbons and was very proud of herself.

What field day would be complete without the sack race?

This was the softball throw. She did well at this event too.

The scooter race.

Halle in the "cone" race.

Break time! The girls sure were glad I brought this beach towel. Heaven forbid they get dirty!

The long jump. My baby took 2nd place in this event. She may be the shortest in her class, but her long legs come in handy.

This was called the kangaroo race. They had to hop holding teddy bears between their knees.

Disney On Ice

Friday Halle got to skip school and I took the girls to see Disney On Ice. They were so excited to go. When they woke up that morning, I made them Mickey Mouse pancakes. Then they dressed in their Mickey attire, gathered their Mickey gear, and we hit the road.

A quick photo with Emmi, of course, before we left. They couldn't wait to head for the show!

We took these Mickey and Minnie dolls as well as a tinker bell light/spinning toy to remind us that we didn't need to purchase any of the tempting toys at the show b/c we already had some. It worked really well. They did not ask for one thing, which is very unusual - especially for Halle.

The show was entertaining, as it always is. We say "The Lion King", "The Little Mermaid", "Lilo and Stitch", and "Peter Pan."

Outside of Disney World, this was the first live show Kennadi had ever been to. She really soaked it all in. She would wave at the characters as they skated by. Once, Tinkerbell skated by and Kennadi waved. She looked at me and said, "Her won't wave at me!"

Ariel and her "Prince Charming"

Mickey, Minnie, and Daisy sporting their safari wear.

Timone and Pumba.

A little intermission smile :)

The grand finale with no other than Ms. Tinkerbell herself.

We had a great time with all of my dear friends and there kids. I think all the kids were mesmerized the entire time (even baby Grant).

This kind of resembles a police line up - don't you think? I kind of wanted to look at them and say, "Okay now, everyone turn to the right!"

Easter Sunday 2009

This morning the girls happily awoke for the surprised the Easter bunny had left. They were so excited to see that the bunny had left them each a bathing suit, goggles, swing ring, chocolate bunny, a kite, color wonders, and a few other little things. Kennadi was sad b/c she thought the bunny was actually going to be at our house to see her. She said, "But I wanted to hug him."

We had a great, soggy Easter. The electricity went out at church right during the sermon. Our preacher never skipped a beat and just kept on going. Kennadi fell asleep in her chair at children's church. This is how I found her when I went to pick her up. I couldn't resist snapping a pic before I woke her up.

The kids enjoying their indoor egg hunt on a yucky, raining, Easter Sunday.



I hope everyone had a great day!