The Silver Linings

Even though our trip home was not under the best circumstances, there were some silver linings. Conor & Jude turned 3 on July 8th and Chapel was 7 on July 18th and because all of our family was near, we were able to celebrate with them.

Here are Conor and Jude the day they turned 3 - they love playing at Aunt Crystal's house because she has cool toys, like this wagon...

We were supposed to travel to FL to see the shuttle launch on C & J's bday, so we watched it on the tele and were just as excited as if we had been there in person!

Then for Chapel's birthday, my wonderful mom and dad hosted a full on 36 people plus party at their home - cooking up some delicious hot dogs, hamburgers, blueberry cobbler, baked beans, potato salad..... and on and on. Perfect birthday party.

Our present to Chap was this enormous slide, which also provided hours of entertainment for all the kids.

Of course she received lots of other gifts as well.

Even Cousin Caroline enjoyed the Harry Potter festivities...

Seating was incredibly limited, so GiGi improvised.

Yummmm. Cake.....

So happy that my dear friend from Charleston came to the party with her sweet kids. It was nice to see someone from home....

And, of course, a party just isn't a party without a pinata.

And here is the oldest and youngest members of our family. Granny and sweet little John Redden.

As if you haven't seen enough.... The next day I took Chapel to the new Skywheel Ferris Wheel. It was amazing!

And then we wrapped up her birthday celebration with a trip to Ripley's Believe It or Not....

Where Eli was a little frightened....

So there are always silver linings - even in the darkest moments....Believe it or not.