Happy 15th Anniversary (oh, and Helene!)

James and I didn't have any big plans to celebrate our 15 year anniversary since we had just gotten away (into Savannah) for his birthday the week before AND we had a mountain of work and kid stuff going on.  We were fortunate to steal away for a quick afternoon date before the after school craziness.

We had been watching a tropical storm that quickly turned into a hurricane, and by mid-day it looked like we may be in the path.  The schools quickly called for early dismissal and cancelled school for the next day. All afterschool activities were cancelled and we quickly found ourselves at home and - not very well, I may add - "prepping" for the storm.

Good grief, this hurricane hit us hard!!  Savannah/Richmond Hill were hit by the eastern bands, and we spent all of the night huddled in the living room, listening to the wind, branches and trees fall around us.  We lost power around 3 am and barely got any sleep. At daybreak we went outside and realized the MESS that Hurricane Helene had made. And realized we still had no power...

Friday was a bit of blur. The whole neighborhood moved around in shock, trying to process the damage (which included very little to structures, thank God!) and figure out what to do about fridges and freezers. James had a little generator that powered the Keurig, and we quickly became a go-to stop for everyone to get some coffee. Right away - because there was very little else to do inside -we started to gather up sticks and clean up what we could.

When it became apparent that we would not get power (or internet, or cell service) back anytime soon, we made the decision to head to the Farm where we have a generator.  Only then did we realize the true devastation that Helene left on the Middle GA community, including Dublin.  So much damage, so many trees down!  It took us over 5 hours to get to Dublin as we navigated I-16 with huge pines strewn across the road.

So, 15 year anniversary was one for the books! But thankful we faced more inconvenience than anything, and that we're together through all the craziness of life. Love you, babe! (You were a real peach, Helene...)

Wishing Wesley a Spectacular 7th Birthday!

He's not a baby, y'all. Wesley Robert is growing up so quickly and now SEVEN years old.  This is the busiest kid who is all about GOING and PLAYING. His ideal day is to round up his crew of other blonde boys in the neighborhood and just play all day.  He loves to build forts, make weapons out of sticks and "battle", search out amphibians and reptiles, and generally get filthy dirty. I pray to God everyday that he's protected from snakes, as he drags yet another pile of sticks and brush to build his forts.

Wesley is also very smart and exceling at math and reading.  But he's very "ho hum" about his school achievements and we don't push him on it too much. He generally loves school and is happy to go each day. He's also very into karate and drums and loves to golf with his Daddy when he can.  If there is music playing, he's dancing. And he is developing a very funny wit about him, coming up with lots of one liners and appropriately delivered sarcasm.

Wesley looks for (and finds!) treasure wherever he goes. He takes his metal detector up to the car wash and comes away with all sorts of stuff. And if we're walking on the street, he's the first to find a penny, a ring, or just about anything!  

We celebrated with Wesley's friends at the karate studio. Wesley had a blast playing games, showing off his skills, and slicing the cake with a large ninja sword.

Ms. Therlon came down for the weekend so she could spend time with Wesley for his birthday. They have such a sweet relationship!

On his actual birthday we had a scavenger hunt for his presents and he tore into them before school. They also sang to him in his class, his Daddy got to eat with him at lunch, and we celebrated him that night at hibachi - at his request!

Wesley Robert, you bring so much joy and happiness to our lives!  We are so grateful for your life and that God gave you to our family. 

Wishing Miss M the Happiest 9th Birthday!

Our little girl - our little SWIFTIE - is 9 years old!  Oh my goodness, Maryn is growing up so fast and now closing out her first decade of life.  How is that possible?!

For her birthday she wanted a close group of her friends to come over and swim, listen to TS, and enjoy all the fun girl things. She did NOT want a cake and insisted on donuts.  She also wanted the Mamas to dress up, which we did :)

We had a wonderful time celebrating this girl. Maryn loves fiercely and is fiercely loved by her friends and family.  She can be crazy, silly, goofy, and is so sweet and affectionate. She adores 1:1 time with people and prefers not to be alone. She doesn't put up with much, stands up for herself and is quick to point out right vs wrong. However, if she's hurt or upset, she moves on quickly and rarely holds a grudge.  She's crazy good in math, would rather do anything than sit down and read a book, and can create the biggest mess you've ever seen.  BUT, she's also very creative and colorful and easy going. She's just the best. 

For her actual birthday, she went through an elaborate scavenger hunt for her presents, finding them all in the bathtub! She didn't have school on her birthday, so she got lots of love and snuggles and family/friends time.

Maryn Elizabeth, we love you SO MUCH!  We're so proud of you and so grateful that God entrusted us to take care of you and raise you into a young woman. I can't wait to see what you do in this world.