Feeding the Ducks

We went to Nielsons Grove park on Memorial Day to feed ducks and play with Laura, Bobby and the boys.  The baby ducks were darling and they liked the corn we brought to feed them.

 Laura brought bubble blowers for the kids to play with.  The kids loved them!

 Ashley and Little Ryan

 Shawn, Ashley and Ryan

 Bobby and Ashley

Tender Heart

My family is such a miracle to me.  This song by Katherine Nelson touches my heart in many ways, the mother, the birthmother, a loving Heavenly Father.  I am so very, very blessed.
http://youtu.be/dhMfQVBpoSY

Sledding with the Kinsers

We made the impromptu decision to have the Kinsers come down to sled with us on New Years Day.  It was quite chilly but the kids (men included) had a marvelous time playing in the snow.  After a bit Laura and I went back home and got lunch ready (thanks Papa Johns!).  Everyone came back and warmed up with some cocoa and pizza.  Then the kids played and played and played while we visited.  It's wonderful to have great friends and loved ones.

 Bobby took over the driving so Scott could throw some snowballs.

 Ryan made good use of Grandpa's new snowball thrower (courtesy of the Beutlers)

 I never got a picture of Eric's face, but he was having a grand time.

 Shawn patiently waited for his turn on the back sled which was way more exciting.

 My beautiful girls

 Most of the cold crew

 Ashley and Shawn

 Izzy being dragged and the faceless Eric again.

 Scott and Tommy

Ashley's beautiful blanket

We had a wonderful visit with Ashley's birthmother and her family this week.  She brought a special gift for Ashley from her sister-in-law.  She made a beautiful quilt complete with her name and hearts quilted all over it and a mini one for her dolls.  It's wonderful.  She brought it in this adorable Christmas box.  I'm not sure what to do with the box, it's so fantastic.  For now it's storing the blanket in between play sessions.

 Funny sidenote:  At one point I walked past the box and saw something nasty looking on the top and guessed it was poop (I'm kind of experienced in detecting this).  I reacted by asking (no one in particular) how poop got on the top and quickly checked Tommy's hands and feet.  Then Ashley said, "I think it was from his cheeky bum when he sat on it."  Don't worry, I cleaned it off and sanitized, all is well, but I'll try to keep Tommy and his "cheeky bum" off the top of the box, especially when he needs a new diaper.