Two Hippies and a Soldier

One of my friends commented on Howie's camo photo that he is ready for Iraq - this simple statement got me thinking all week....no one has ever said that about my girls. It is a possibility that any one of them may decide to join the military (I would actually bet my money on little Cindy -she has an adventurous spirit like her daddy), but for some reason it seems more real with Howie. Strange how society molds us. The kids are growing ever so fast. Howie's first smile was yesterday! Me and the girls were singing, "Under the Sea," from The Little Mermaid. His little smile is so sweet to see.

The girls blowing wish balls - they love this activity. They can spot a wish ball 1000 miles away. Whatever their wishes are, mine for them is that they always feel loved.

Beth the tree climber. After church, she runs for these small trees. Perfect climbing for her height.

Cindy found the wish balls first, while Beth was climbing. She was very content to find her own, sit down next to her box of raisins and make wishes. Hope all your dreams come true Cindy.

My little man in his camo - wow gender stereotypes sure do start early. No worries bud, there will be plenty of wish balls and tree climbing in your future. I know your sisters are so excited to teach you all their tricks! Everyday Beth asks if we get to keep Howie forever - I think she is afraid he is just visiting like her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Nostalgia

We love that when any of the Craven's come for a visit, they inevitably notice Grandma & Grandpa Cravens rattan couch set. It is one of our favorite pieces of furniture, and reminds us of loved ones and simpler times. We arranged for a photo op of Matt & Jeff with all their children, and just one of all the cousins. Such fun times!

Kids in a candy store!

Cindy put her baby next to Howie.

Grand Canyon Trek

Matt & Jeff - Two brothers quickly grabbing their squirrely kids for a photo-op.

4 of the crazy Craven cousins posing for a photo - Uncle Jeff was acting like a monkey behind me to get the attention. Pretty impressive if I do say so myself - all 4 looking at the camera, and sitting down. (Not attempting to run towards the "giant hole." )

Forced march - constant head counts! Made for very tired parents at the end of the day.

The three girls taking a break - eating raisins. Notice Sean's absence.....he was on time out for not sharing

raisins :-)...Apparently, raisins were the snack de jour.

Posing for a picture - notice Cindy's absence...She was being held by daddy. The giant hole scared her.

Even Howie made it! I told him people wait their whole lives to see this natural wonder, and he saw it when he was 11 days old. What a little trooper!

The end of the day - headed back to the car - Although tired, overall I would say a very successful trip. 9 people headed out to see this wondrous and dangerous landmark, 5 of which were under the age of 5, and at the end of the day 9 returned! Happy times and great memories were made!

Bouncing Off The Walls