Dancing Queen

Claire has actually gotten much better at strumming since I took this video...

A Day with Good Friends

We had an extra special treat this weekend when some of our good friends from seminary came to visit! Steve, Beth, and their precious little boy Caleb were vacationing nearby and took the time to visit with us on Saturday afternoon. It was so good to catch up with them and to meet their precious son!


Look at this little heart-breaker!


Claire loved her new friend immediately...


This is what happened when we told Claire to say hello to Caleb...the gentle head-bump...


Claire and Caleb chatted like old friends...


They played in the tunnel...


Enjoyed the swings...





And had fun on the slide!





I'm so grateful to the Lord for good friends. No matter how much time passes between when we see each other, it is always encouraging to see our brothers and sisters in Christ, and it feels like no time has passed at all! What a blessing to be a part of the body of Christ! We love you Steve, Beth, and Caleb!

Bible Time

Just a picture to start your week off right...


Claire and Daddy enjoying some time in the Word. May we all enjoy time in the Word this week!

Biltmore

Well, it seems like we just have one great weekend after another these days. This time Gran got to come visit for a couple of days! She got here on Friday and immediately sent Spencer and myself out on a date! Yay! We don't get out by ourselves very often at all, so it was great to spend time together out to eat for a Valentine's treat. The next day we woke up, got ready, and went on a field trip to the Biltmore Estate. I had never been there before, and I loved it. It was beautiful and so full of history. A sweet friend from church had given us two free tickets, and Spencer wheeled and dealed to get a third ticket for only $19.00!

Here is Gran with our little Valentine, getting ready to explore the estate!


Claire's first view of the Biltmore House...




It's amazing to think about the fact that this was actually someone's home! I'd hate to have to keep this one clean!


Miss Independent...



We enjoyed a tour of the house that lasted for two hours! Claire did great, riding on Daddy's back in the pack. Here we are after the tour, enjoying a banana break. Claire does not know how to take ladylike bites of food!

Exploring the shopping/food center...


Family pictures...



Please take note of the ginormous gloves Claire is wearing in the next few pictures.



Claire did so great! It was a long day, but she seemed to enjoy the sights and sounds. I kept her satisfied with a steady supply of snacks throughout the day, and of course, I'm sure it helped to have Gran along for the trip!



Lovin' on Gran...


And finally, a picture with my Valentine...

A Wonderful Saturday

What a wonderful Saturday we had! But before we get to Saturday, here's a cuddle-time picture with Daddy from Friday...


This morning our good friend Amanda hosted a Valentine Party for moms and daughters at her house. Here's Claire with "Mrs. Mando"...


The girls dressed up in their Princess dresses and got to hear a story about the greatest love that was shown when Jesus died for us...


They got to eat Valentine muffins...

...and make Valentines for their daddies!



Here is the Valentine we made for Spencer. I had to get a picture of it before Claire proceeded to tear it into pieces :)










Then this afternoon we took a little hike to enjoy the semi-warm weather. When we got to the trail, we spent a few minutes playing ball before we started our hike...



Here is Spencer trying to figure out...



...how to get over this!!!


Water break!



Before we got back to the car, we let Claire get down and explore a little. She loved exploring...



...but hated having her gloves dirty!



Mommy/Daughter Valentine Party + Family Hike = A Perfect Saturday!