Birthday Adventure to see Mr. Potato Head

We were so excited to celebrate our big day with our friends Marley Rose and Stella Jane! We had a wonderful time at our first trip to the McWayne Center!

A quick picture of the birthday group by the "big fish" in the aquarium area

I wish my windows were as clean to see a reflection like this!

The boys loved splashing at the water table.

Elizabeth and Thomas were amazed with Mr. Potato Head and John William was not a fan.

I wish this was a close-up of Thomas' face, he was mesmerized!

The largest Lite Brite toy I have ever seen...and the only one the Powell crew has laid eyes on!!!

John William was so proud of himself. Every time he put a color in he would make sure I was watching and say "ook, ook!!!" His way of saying Look!

Captain Marley reporting I am having FUN with the Powells! When will my littler sister, Stella be this much fun?

Riding in the Jeep was fun, but it started to get a little crowded.

Just like his Daddy, Thomas always wants to be in the drivers seat!

We really spent five straight hours at the McWayne center and the kids had a blast! I have plenty of snacks to keep everyone going.

Would you believe John William feel asleep in the BOB eating a banana??

Thanks Nicole, Stella and Marley Rose for making our birthday adventure special!

Happy 3rd Birthday!!!

We spent a few weeks in Birmingham and it just so happened to be Elizabeth's and Thomas Birthday. I made a special birthday breakfast for my precious little ones...and sang happy birthday and blew out some candles too!

Here's Elizabeth in her favorite Princess PJs After a long day of fun times (next post is all about the events), it was time for our typical birthday dinner at La Paz...just this time it was in Crestline, rather than Atlanta! Elizabeth was a little tired before dinner, but some Mexican and presents had her fired up!

Family picture under the clock tower in the village, waiting on our table.

One of her favorites....

Elizabeth loves sparkly things and insisted putting her (way too big) pink sparkle shoes on immediately!

John William is serious about eating and posing for a picture gets in the way of eating...

Now he is smiling because we are holding some chicken by the camera

Please pass me another Dos Equis, with a lime

Birthday celebration with the Graffeos, thanks Mom for taking the picture!

VJ is wondering if Thomas has ANY idea how much icing is on his face.

John William and I share one of the pink birthday cupcakes

Mia gives the birthday boy big kisses!

Here's the Powell family outside of La Paz after dinner - it was yummy!

Having fun at the Graffeos, playing with some new birthday toys.

The apple computer game is fun for everyone.

Papa shows Elizabeth how to draw a fish on her new easel.

How cute is he?? ...and so serious

Elizabeth is admiring herself in the mirror with her first pair of earrings...and yes, they are pink Sapphire clip-ons, with diamonds of course!

Check out Thomas' soccer skills

Random Pictures

In July, my sweet friend Erin and her precious daughter, Rebekah came to visit for a few days. We had a great time visiting and Erin actually drove Elizabeth over to Birmingham. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, but this was Elizabeth's first trip riding with someone other than Mom, Dad, Jo Jo, Papa or Mia. Elizabeth enjoyed the trip - thanks Erin!!! I admit I was teary eyed when they pulled out of the driveway - seriously, she is turning into a big girl before my eyes!

I made it to Birmingham the next day and made it in time to watch VJ play kickball. Check out Tom sleeping in the Bob. This little guy loves the pool and cannot imagine what things will be like next year at the pool!

Guess who can jump in the pool all by herself!

Thomas loves Daddy so much!!

John William is growing up too fast!

This is the Post I Have Been Dreading

According to my blog I am supposed to be posting the end of the summer pictures. You know the time of year when you are tan and starting to think about a new school year, UA football and Elizabeth and Thomas' third birthday. Unfortunately, the luau themed 3rd birthday bash was put on the back burner as we mourned a miscarriage. I know this happens to wonderful women everyday and it is God's way of telling us something was just not right - but you know what - it is still miserable, unfortunate, devastating, disappointing, life-changing, unbelievable, horrible, overwhelming, shocking, upsetting, disheartening and flat out not good. God blessed me with a great husband, beautiful children and I realize I am so lucky to have Tom, Elizabeth, Thomas and John William. But looking at them was / is a constant reminder there is not another amazing tiny creature growing in my belly. I am blessed to have a compassionate family that understand and completely took over watching the kiddos for awhile, while I tried to heal my body and my broken heart. Tom actually took Thomas to the lake for a few days with the Whitfields - a family trip we were planning all summer. Thanks to Andy, Lauren and little Beau - they successfully managed to keep both Toms entertained and safe all weekend! We were grateful Mom and Dad rushed to Atlanta to be with us and quickly scooped up Elizabeth and John William for some time in Birmingham; I did not want our children to see me so devastated. I find slight comfort knowing others have lived through this, and that gives me hope because I now completely understand their hurt and pain. Finding the "good" in this situation is difficult and I have a much greater appreciate for the little things and really life in general. The love, joy, excitement, energy and pure bliss I have for Elizabeth, Thomas and John William is multipled daily and I love watching them interact but most of all their random tight hugs, sloppy wet kisses and curious eyes melt my heart and ensure me no matter what, the sun will rise again tomorrow; I am surround by love. For those of you that have experienced a loss, find comfort knowing I pray for you daily. If you have any suggestions on moving forward, I am eager to hear your wisdom.