Chestnut Hill

This morning we began our drive to Pennsylvania for the long holiday weekend.

We stopped off at Chincoteague Island to visit the horses and eat lunch at Famous Pizza.

After spending most of the day in the car, we were happy when we made it to the Chestnut Hill Inn just outside of Philadelphia.

Then we headed to the Morris Arboretum to let the kids run around and play. Madison loved pretending that she was the mommy bird sitting on her eggs in the HUGE bird's nest.

They loved climbing the ropes.

Playing with Daddy is the BEST!

We enjoyed walking around and looking at the beautiful gardens.

Madison wanted to take a picture of us with the Love Pavilion. Unfortunately, she didn't get much of the Love Pavilion in the picture. ;)

Visiting Philadelphia (Again)

Clay and I took Madison to Philadelphia when she was just a baby. It was a quick trip last time, so we are excited to be heading back to Philadelphia for the long holiday weekend this time.

Madison is looking forward to seeing the Liberty Bell and Constance the Constitution Cow again.

It is hard to believe that our little 6 month old is now 6 years old.

Vacation Bible School

The girls have been going to Vacation Bible School for the first time all week long at the Langley AFB Chapel. It started on Sunday and is from 5 pm to 8 pm each night until Thursday. They are loving it!

They each got to make a little keychain buddy the first night. Every night that they go to VBS they get to add a new buddy to their keychain.

They both got these cute backpacks to color and take back and forth to VBS.

They each got a CD with all of the worship songs that they are learning this week.

Every night they play some really fun games. Madison was so proud of her 1st place ribbon.

They are both enjoying making the fun crafts every night and learning more about God.

God Provides...

a car for...

Shayla!

Shayla is so excited about her first car! This car is definitely an answer to prayers. She will now be able to drive back and forth to college in the Fall. She is a bright young lady with an amazing future ahead of her. May God continue to bless her and guide her.

Happy Birthday Pop!

Although we are sad that we don't get to spend your real birthday with you, we are happy that we got to see you last week and celebrate it early with you. We love you lots and want to wish you a very happy birthday and amazing upcoming year! We are sending you lots of birthday hugs and kisses on your special day!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Norfolk Zoo with Friends!

This morning Clay went golfing with Lance and Drew, so the other moms and I took the kids to the zoo.

The girls had fun at the zoo with their friends Jude and Amelia.

We enjoyed seeing the new tiger exhibit that just opened.

Greeting the new tigers.

Orangutan Jocelyn!

Just Jocelyn!

We love seeing the Red Panda!

Striking a pose!

Riding the Rhino!

Caged Animals! ;)

Turtle Girls!

Turtle Jocelyn!

After we left the zoo, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Taste Unlimited before heading home to spend the afternoon with Daddy.

Happy 6th Birthday Madison!

It is hard to believe that Madison is 6 years old today!

Jocelyn couldn't wait to show Sissy her birthday banner. Madison loved the birthday hat that Nana and Pop brought for her.

We are so happy that we get to celebrate Madison's birthday together as a family this year. Daddy missed Madison's birthday last year when he was deployed.

Madison got to invite one friend to join us for her birthday celebration and she choose Miss Shayla. She has definitely become part of our family.

Madison got to plan her special day, so after eating a chocolate frosted doughnut from Krispy Kreme, we headed to Build-a-Bear. She got a gift card for there from Uncle Guy, Aunt Nelda, Mia and Blayke. Madison loved making her new lamb that she named Snuggly. Nana and Pop bought Snuggly a cute pair of pajamas.

Jocelyn used her birthday gift card to make this cute kitty cat that she named Lisa. Nana and Pop bought Lisa her cute little pink and purple fancy dress.

Shayla made a graduation bear to celebrate her recent high school graduation.

We had so much fun at Build-a-bear!

Madison chose Boston Market meatloaf, mac n cheese, and corn for her birthday lunch.

Then we headed to Love in a Cup for her birthday dessert. She got Mango yogurt with fresh strawberries on top. Our girl loves Mango!

Time to head to the rooftop pool at the Crown Plaza hotel.

We all had fun in the pool even though the water was a little cold.

We got cleaned up in Nana and Pop's hotel room and headed to Quaker Steak for dinner before going back to our house to open Madison's gifts.

Madison got a Target gift card from Mimi.

Her favorite gift was her American Girl doll from Nana and Pop. She got Julie the one that she has been circling in all of the catalogs. She loves that they look alike with their long blonde hair and brown eyes.

Jocelyn couldn't wait to give Madison her gift.

Madison loved the Barbie bell for her bike that Jocelyn got her.

Mommy and Daddy got Madison a Julie DS game and...

several matching outfits for Madison and Julie.