More of Onslow

What are the kids to do when Mommy's running?  How about drive race cars?

Can't get enough of this smile!

Really, there is NOTHING more motivating to finish strong at mile 13 than your precious children running with you, cheering you on.  I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it.  I can't wait for the day that we are running races together!

The Wounded Warriors Half-Marathon 2012.

Ever wonder what you might want to do after running 13 miles?  A carnival perhaps?  That's what we did.  The first ride the kids went on was a HUGE slide.  We loved the difference in reaction between Madeline and Ryan--it's written all over their faces.

Again, the difference in facial expression is noticeable.  Ryan can't wait to be dropped from high up in the hair, while Madeline is skeptical that this ride is worth the fear that is bubbling up in her.

The Ferris Wheel. . .who knows who the boy in the middle is.

Look how small our boy looks.

Let's Fly!

A Lazy Morning at Onslow

Here we are chilling in the cabin that first morning.

Onslow May 2012

What a wonderful trip to the beach we had!  Unbeknownst to us, we picked a fabulous long weekend to be there.  The first night we were there, they had a family game night.  On Saturday they had a half-marathon, carnival, and outdoor movie.  It was amazing.  And we love being in the midst of all the marines and seeing what life is like on the base.  It makes us so grateful for the sacrifice these men and women make so that we can have freedom.

Our littlest princess LOVED the beach.  In fact, as soon as she spotted the water, she ran for it and let the waves knock her down.  She then loved sitting in the sand, letting the waves splash over her.  It was precious to watch.  And she also ate her fair share of sand.

As usual, Ry could not get enough of the waves.  He loves the beach, especially the water.  When he was not enjoying the waves, he was searching for sharks teeth.  They found over 600 of them this year!

Our beautiful girl.

Madeline also LOVES the water and taking a boogie board to the waves.

Lilly Grace adores her brother, and her brother is pretty smitten with her.

My babies!!!!!!  Love their big smiles, and Lilly Graces expression.

Our boy looks so grown up here.

Grandma!  What a joy to have Grandma retired.  We called her last minute to join us on our beach trip and she came.  We were so blessed by her company.

Buried. . .

My princess.

Breaking free!

Mother's Day 2012

2012 was a special Mother's Day indeed.  Madeline and Ryan decorated a cookie cake for me and presented it to me on Mother's Day morning.  It says, "Madeline + (plus) Ryan heart Mom.  What a precious gift.  It was the most delicious cookie cake I have ever tasted.

Me and my babies.

Lilly Grace at Family Night

Lilly Grace did not quite make it on stage for SEEK Family Night, but she was a joy to watch as she toddled around and explored.

Here she is clapping for her brother and sister.  She ADORES Madeline and Ryan.  When they walk into a room, she begins to squeal and she loves coming up to them and throwing her arms around them and placing her head on their shoulders.  We are beyond blessed.

SEEK Family Night 2012

As usual, seeing Madeline and Ryan up on stage for SEEK Family Night made us so proud!  They boldly sang and waved their flags.  Ry was so close to the microphone that his voice was heard above all others.  This was their THUMB class, where they learned about all the people groups who have yet to hear the gospel window.  I loved having Madeline explain the 10/40 Window to me.  They are so precious, and it was a JOY for us to watch them.  Their smiles are always so contagious.