Our Love For Pennsylvania

We started out for the beautiful state of PA last Friday with 6 adults and 2 babies in 2 vans.  I already know what you're thinking...these people are nuts.  And you're absolutely right.  Nuts, but somehow our babies surprised us all!  They were perfect and I'm not simply bragging.  They did great!  Ansley and Jansen just rode along without much fuss at all.
I don't know if I've talked about my love for Pennsylvania yet, but I would love to live there!  There's something wonderful about it...the land is gorgeous!  And it does help that my dad and his family grew up here.  I feel like I belong here, like my roots are here in a way.  Not to mention, my grandparent's house is something out of a country home magazine with all the beautiful wildlife outside and the house that my grandpa built with his own two hands.  It just feels like a second home. 

This is my Grammy's house

Her little spring fed pond

The scenery down the road from her house

My beautiful Grammy!

Laura and Jansen

Ansley walking the entire lawn!

 The only thing that's missing on this trip is my grandpa.  He is greatly missed...he could always make us laugh.  Either with his hilarious little jigs(I can still see him dancing) or his ear swipe(I can't really explain this...he did it for different reasons, we still immitate him when we get together).  Again, we all really miss him.  This week was my first time to visit his gravesite and it became quite an emotional time.  We had been to visit him a couple weeks before he passed away and I didn't make it back for the funeral.  I still regret it, but seeing his gravesite gave me some closure. 

 A nice Memorial Day sight

 Because we were all coming to Pennsylvania, my Grammy decided to have a family reunion.  My Aunt Sarah and Uncle Eric hosted the get-together at their house with all my cousins, aunts, and uncles in attendance.  It was so fun to reconnect with them all!  There were many that I have met before, but couldn't really remember some of my great aunts and uncles, so it was good to get reaquainted.

 

Maddie and Grammy

My brother and Jason lounging

Ansley in BB's coffee cup!

While visiting Pennsylvania, we always do a trip to another place (in years past, we've been to Atlantic City, Wash. D.C., New York City, Harper's Ferry in West Virginia), the list goes on. This year was no different, so we decided on the big city of Philidelphia where my cousins live. I'm so glad we did! We were able to visit with my cousins Danielle, Krista, Bob, and Addison, as well as, see the city. While we were there we visited several historical places including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross' house, the first post office, Ben Franklin's house, and we also traveled to Valley Forge (we are lovers of history if you can't tell!). We also ate at Geno's which is the Travel Channel's best place to get a philly.

Best Philly Cheesesteak

Outside Independence Hall

First post office

Betsy Ross' house

Chickies and Pete's restaurant. Yummy!

Saying goodbye to Addison

Kisses for Krista

The next day at Valley Forge

Has anyone seen my musket?

When we got back to Hughesville we lounged at my Grammy's house and then went to see some of the sites close by. 

Yes, Ansley got to drive

My dad and his brothers

My gram's church

My dad's one room schoolhouse

This is where my dad lived until he was 5.

I love all the big, beautiful barns!

The covered bridge down the road from Grammys and yes, we had a secure hold on the kiddos!

Whew...that's a wrap!  We had a great time as always in PA!

Anything else to CELEBRATE?

Whew!  This weekend was a busy one!  Get ready to hear about some serious parties! 
Friday, we went to Sarah and Ty's wedding reception in Sikeston...which was absolutely gorgeous!  The reception was at Ty's parent's lake that had a cool underwater patio, a hillbilly yacht, 300 scattered roses, amazing bride/groom images draped everywhere, glowing lanterns, yummy food, and a smores table that was scrumptious!  I didn't bring my camera (what was I thinking!), but I will try to get some pictures from Sheri soon.  It was so fun!

Saturday, my day started when Jason left to run with Bro. Mark about 6:30 a.m.  I planned a surprise party for his 30th birthday and our friends were going to be arriving at our house at noon.  I needed to get a few things done before Ansley got up, so I drug myself out of bed.  I'm glad I did!  There was quite a bit to get ready, but it was all worth it!  It turns out Jason was not on to us until he saw Uncle Dave's truck, Agatha's van, and Alex's truck, all parked at our neighbor's house....he quickly caught on.  UGH!  I can never surprise him fully!  But it was still a good time!  It was nice to celebrate his 30 years of life with our closest family and friends over a delicious lunch.  Then, it was off to Blodgett for laser tag with Ryan and Whitney and the Ewasko's.  Now, that was fun (even if we were the only adults in the entire place)!  We can't wait to go back!  Next time we won't let Ryan scare the little kids :). 

Ryan and Whit

The Pinkels

Jansen was out!

Tickling Ansley

Lounging on the deck

The Bakers

(Unfortunately, I missed getting everyone's picture that was in attendance)

Saturday evening after the party and laser tag, Jason, Ansley, and I went to Devon and Jodi's wedding reception in Marble Hill.  It was also a beautiful reception and more yummy food...the chocolate fountain was my favorite!

Sunday, we had a great church service (Mrs. Cathy sang) and we heard the second installment of a wonderful sermon series on marriage by Bro. Mark.  Afterwards, we ate lunch at O'Charley's with the Bandermanns(R & W), Ewaskos, and Pinkels.  Then, we went home for a short nap and then headed out to Matt's graduation party. 

WOW!  Can we squeeze anymore stuff in one weekend...uhh, probably not! 

Hope you all had a good one!
  

Guess Who's Walking?!

That's right....we have a walker!  Little Miss Thang is slowly but surely walking herself around this big world, one small, wobbly, step at a time.  She isn't completely in love with the idea of walking by herself all of the time, but she knows that she can.  And the hilarious part is that she likes to clap for herself with every step!  She grins from ear to ear and squeals with excitement at her new accomplishment!  Her first deliberate steps were taken on May 16th, with our friends in attendance (Ryan, Whit, Kristi, and Matt).  Here's the video of the big steps!

Amy's Wedded Bliss!

My co-worker, Amy got married on Saturday!  Woo Hoo!  Amy and Jesse's day was beautiful and you could definitely feel the love they have for one another...they are so cute!  They also had many things for the kids to do, which was very nice considering there was close to 20 little ones running around.  Ansley took full advantage!

Nichole helping the kiddos

Stacy and Owen!

The beautiful bride, Kelley, and Ansley

Kate trying to figure out how to blow bubbles...so sweet!

Ansley loved the party favors, this necklace is our new accessory!

Jason tellling Ansley about the ducks

I don't like this trick.

 Congrats to Amy and Jesse!

The Tale of Two Turkey Hunters

Well, Jason finally persuaded me to go turkey hunting with him this year and it was definitely worth all of his begging!  No, I did not kill a turkey.  I actually missed a HOG, as Jason would put it!  Regardless, the excitement of all my hunts and the time spent with Jason was incredible!  I am hooked!  I went three times this season (in a "luxury" blind) and I can't wait for next year!  I know...it's odd.    I now understand Jason and my family's love for the hunt! 

1st hunt: Missed a BIG turkey at 15 yds.  Ugh!
2nd hunt: Heard absolutely nothing, but loved the sound of the wind in the trees!
3rd hunt: Heard several gobblers, but no luck.  A hen flew right in front of us and went straight to the gobbler.  We missed out on the action, if you know what I mean!
Here is a picture of our 4 a.m. hunt.  I know...crazy!

Ugh..awful picture.  We only took it for proof.

When I was browsing through pictures I found this gem.  This is my brother, Jason, my dad and our dog, Alleigh.  I love this picture...I want to frame it somewhere!  They love being in freezing cold water when it's 15 degrees out.  They are obsessed with the hunt...this one is for ducks. 

Happy Saturday!

A Wonderful 1st Mother's Day!

My first Mother's day was a great one!  I was able to spend it with my two favorite people...Jason and Ansley.  It was also nice to be able to spend the day with my own mom and Jason's mom...two people that mean the world to both Jason and I.   It was an all around good day with our families.

Our day started with a good study in Revelations (John's vision and God's sovereignty....wow) and then we left early from church to make it to Marble Hill for lunch (I've learned in order to not be stressed, leave plenty of time for departure).  We ate lunch at my cousin's cabin with my family at noon and then over to Jason's aunt's house with his family for dinner.  It was a full day, but so fun!

And my Mother's Day present from Jason?  A computer!!  Yay!!  He gave it to me early, but it was a complete shock that he would even THINK of getting me one!  He knows just how much I love to scrapbook our family life on this blog, so he felt it was important I had a laptop!  I know...he's a good little hubby!

So sweet!

And the rest of our day in pictures:

It was chilly AND sunny!

Jen and Taylor

Uncle Jim and sleepy Ansley

The family lounging on the dock

Jason's grandma (G.G.)

Cousin Matt and Ansley

She loves dogs!

And Pappaw

Riding on Uncle Ryan

 Aunt Whit

My new shades

Hope everyone had a happy Mother's Day!!

Ansley Harper: 10 Months!

Another month of fun with our sweet little girl, Ansley Harper!  She is getting more and more personality everyday and it's so exciting to see the changes in her!

This is what's going on this month:

*You are clapping on your own!  You love your new skill and think it's so fun!

*We are finally keeping shoes on your feet...whew!  We thought we'd never be able to keep those feet covered!

*You love to walk!  With help that is....and you giggle the entire time!  However, you have officially worn all of us out with your love for walking!

*You have 6.5 teeth!  They seem to be coming in daily!

*We are still nursing...however, the end is near!

*You are liking baby food more and more these days.  And we are slowly introducing table food...you seem to like it!

*We celebrated Uncle Kyle's birthday at Texas Roadhouse.  You and Jansen entertained the whole evening!

*You are very agile...your sitting and standing is top-notch.  You are also very cautious and we think you are starting to understand the word "no".

*You are so flexible!  Mommy is hoping this continues for all your future skating endeavors.

*You like to use your hands...you always look like you're trying to get us to understand something really important.

*You like to click your tongue. 

*Your newest trick is done on your booty.  You like to scoot in circles.  It's hilarious!

*You love to sit on your knees!  This is your favorite toy playing position.

Ansley, when we think of you our hearts are filled with joy!  You are one of our most favorite earthly prizes!  We are so thankful for the sweet little spirit that you already are and can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for you!