Easter Sunday

Sophie likes her new Gigi book and Abbie's checking out her basket

Mimi, Paw-paw Tom and Aunt Leia with the girls

Nana & Paw-paw with our crew

Sophie hunts for eggs in Nana & Paw-paw's yard

Just before Easter, we were able to get together with the Grisso's and the Walker's for a playdate at the playground. The kids enjoyed playing outside even though it got pretty warm that day. We also had a picnic lunch. The kids had a great time being silly together. I was glad that we could get together because our schedules don't usually match!

Over Easter weekend, Matt's parents and his sister, Leia, were able to come in and visit us. His mom is off for Spring Break this week. On Sunday after church, we went over to Nana & Paw-paw's house for an egg hunt, then a little treasure hunt to find their Easter surprises (from Nana & Paw-paw), and then we had a wonderful lunch. Thanks to Nana for an awesome lunch! Abbie was so funny hunting eggs because as she found each one, she stopped to eat the candy before going on. Sophie really enjoyed the treasure hunt where Nana had drawn pictures telling her where to go next.

Sophie was still in school this week but Matt was able to pick her up before naptime on Monday so that he, Paw-paw Tom, and Aunt Leia could go and visit the zoo with Sophie. We also did a few little projects around the yard while they were in town. Sophie got a new bike with training wheels and she is so proud that she's learning to ride it. I'll try to include a picture soon! We went back to one of our favorite places, Chuy's, for dinner on Monday night. We're trying to make sure that everyone in the family tries it (really we just like having an excuse to go back). I love the creamy jalapeno dip among other things there. =)

A Childlike Faith

One morning, Paula was about to change Sophie's dirty diaper. We've been wanting to get her potty trained for a while and we keep working on it but it hasn't happened yet. Anyway, on this particular day, Sophie's diaper was very stinky. Paula was making faces showing that the diaper smelled bad and being dramatic about it. Paula said, "Sophie this diaper smells really bad" and she backs up stalling from changing the diaper. "You need to learn to use the potty." Sophie says, "It's OK, Mama. God is with you." Paula just started cracking up. Recently we've talked to Sophie about how God is always watching over you and you can pray to him anytime, etc. He's always with you, etc. It was just too funny!

Another time last week while Sophie was riding with Nana down the interstate, Nana saw someone working up on top of a tall building. Nana said, "Sophie do you see that man up there? I wouldn't want to work up on top of the building like that man." Sophie said, "Why not?" Nana said, "because I'd be scared that I would fall." Sophie said, "You not need to be scared Nana. God is watching over you." Oh, if we all had such a precious childlike faith and would entrust our lives to God like that! I believe this is why God wanted us to have a childlike faith.

Fractured Fairy Tale

Last week, one of my friends came and visited. She brought Sophie a new fairy tale book that includes several popular fairy tales. Sophie has enjoyed hearing the story of Cinderella recently and watching the movie. So, one day as my mom is driving down the road with Sophie my mom asks her about her book. She asks Sophie if there's a queen in the book. Sophie says, "yes, she's mean. The fairy godmother is too." My mom says, "she is? Why is she mean? I thought she was nice." Sophie says, "No, she's mean. She tore the girl's clothes all up and turned the dog into a couch." Obviously Sophie was a little confused. I think she meant a coach. Ha, ha, ha!

Nana visits

Nana came to visit us on Monday and she has spent the week with us. We've had fun going shopping, hanging out, etc. We went to the beach one day. It's been a little cooler than normal though so it was almost too cool to go swimming. We've also had a lot of rain. Sophie has really enjoyed spending time with Nana. She was so excited before Nana came and talking about how the things that she wanted to show Nana.

Easter weekend

Paula's dad's siblings-Uncle Mike with Sophie, Paw-paw, Uncle Bobby,
Aunt Patti (front), Aunt Mary Tom, Uncle JoWie at Mary Tom's party

Sophie with her Easter goodies

Paula & Sophie-Easter Sunday

Sophie with Uncle Phil and Aunt Martha

There was a lot going on over Easter weekend this year. My great aunt, Mary Tom, turned 100 on April 7. Almost all of my 1st cousins (Paula's) and their families were able to come and celebrate her birthday and we had a big party for Mary Tom. Many of her old friends, relatives, neighbors, etc were able to come and celebrate with Mary Tom. She was well remembered because her church also held a large party in her honor and the assisted living facility where she lives honored her. We were glad that we could be with her to celebrate! I wish that one of us had taken more pictures of us cousins together but maybe someone got some pictures.

Sophie enjoyed spending time with her cousins. On Sunday, many of them had to head for home but we stayed in Nashville and went to church with Paula's family. On Saturday, even though it was very cold we had an Easter egg hunt for all of the kids. We had lunch together, we all went to the party for Mary Tom that afternoon and then that night we got together. Needless to say, by Sunday after church, Sophie was exhausted and took a 3 hour nap.

Aunt Martha visits

Sophie enjoyed a visit from her Aunt Martha and Nana this week. Sophie showed them all of her new tricks and new words. One reason that we haven't posted in a while is that we all had a stomach bug. Unfortunately, Aunt Martha got it too when she came.

Sophie has started trying to sing her "ABC's" and it is so cute. That's what we usually sing as she brushes her teeth so she has picked it up pretty well!

Christmas in Nashville

Sophie and Paula were able to visit Nashville for a week in mid December. They attended Martha's (Paula's sister) graduation from Freed Hardeman University (about 2 hours from Nashville) and celebrated an early Christmas. Matt was able to get away for a long weekend and enjoy the festivities too. Paula was so proud of her little sister who earned a degree in elementary education. Sophie enjoyed spending time with Nana (shown above), Paw paw, Uncle Phil, Aunt Martha, and many extended family members and friends.

Since Sophie already had some baby dolls and typical girl toys, Uncle Phil decided to branch out and give Sophie a little track tower where you can race three cars at a time. Uncle Phil also taught her other useful tricks such as growling like a lion. =) Sophie enjoyed all of the attention.