Aaron the Elder

Aaron was installed as a ruling elder at our church this past Sunday.  The ladies put together a strawberry and champagne reception for the two new elders.

Backyard pool, marshmallows and a campfire

Summer arrived in Texas a few weeks ago, so it was time to get out Hannah's pool.  She loved playing in the pool and the sprinkler.  She played with her balls and climbed in and out, in and out.

When she grew tired of the pool, Hannah walked over and said, "I need marshmallow.  And campfire." What?  Where did that come from?  Oh yeah- she had been reading Curious George Goes Camping earlier that day and they roast marshmallows.  So what does Hannah's wonderful father do?  He fulfills his daughter's wish!  Aaron got out some marshmallows, toothpicks and a lighter.  Hannah's reaction: she thought the experience was very fun but one sticky mess was enough for her.

Swim lessons 2012

Hannah and I are enjoying a Mommy & Me swim class this summer.  Last week we mostly just played in the pool, practiced kicks and scoops, and even jumped off the side of the pool- super fun!  Yesterday I had to dunk Hannah's head under the water- I even did it with her- but she was NOT a FAN!!  However, today she went off the diving board! 
Well, more like dropped off and caught immediately.  Hannah had so much fun that she did it again. 

The verdict: swimming and jumping- Yes!  Blowing bubbles and head wet- No!

Happy Birthday Burke!

Today is Burkey Boy's 4th birthday!  I don't know where the time has gone- how did he grow up so fast?  I remember anxiously waiting for news of the birth of "baby G."  Aaron and I were teaching Sunday School to the 2 & 3 year olds in Roanoke when Evette called to announce Burke James' arrival!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures of that crazy boy:

 Meeting Burke at Thanksgiving 08

 Reading with Burke in 2009

 I got lots of books for Christmas in 2009- and Burke thought they should belong to him!

 Burke loved Hannah from the very beginning :)

Trouble!  Hannah, Piper Jane and Burke just can't pose for a picture at the same time!

Happy Birthday Evette!

Happy Birthday to Nana! 
Here are a few of my favorite pictures of her:

 The very young Gentrys!

 Finding friends wherever she goes: meeting up with Karen on our tour of D.C. in 2006

 Evette loves to match with her grandkids

Even if she doesn't match- she coordinates :) 

 Matching all the grandkids!

 Nana and Hannah in green :)

All the girls at Grace and Todd's wedding rehersal dinner

It's been 2 years. . . remembering Mark

It has been two years since Mark passed away from this life and into heaven.  We still miss him so much.  But here are some of my favorite memories of him:

Mark and Evette flew into Jackson to surprise Aaron on his 21st birthday.

Mark and Evette visited Jackson and celebrated my birthday.  I think this was the first year we were married.

Together again in Virginia- at Jamestown- in 2006.

Mark and Aaron in Lake City in 2009.  Mark was so patient while trying to teach me to fly fish :)

This was in March 2010- we drove to Colorado to introduce Hannah to her Papa Mark and all the rest of the Gentrys.

Today I am a little teary-eyed thinking about all the love and joy that Hannah will miss out on from her Papa.  But Mark will be forever in our hearts and lives.  Hannah can now pick him out in pictures and that makes things pretty special.

Happy Birthday Robyn!

Today is my sister-in-law's birthday.  Robyn is such a kind and gentle person.  She is an encouragement to me and a role model as a mother.  She loves our family!  I can not even begin to tell you how EXCITED she was when I called her with the news: "We were going to Memphis to adopt a baby girl. . . and by the way, could we borrow all your baby stuff?!"

The day Robyn joined our family :)

Thanksgiving- with her wonderful family

I love how much Robyn loves Hannah!  I have some super wonderful aunts in my life and I am so thankful that Hannah does too.  We will just have to work on getting a picture of you two together :)

Thank you, Robyn, for everything.  I am so happy that we are family!

Life is not easy when you have to obey

Our life is not perfect, not even close.  And Hannah's life is particulary hard when she is really hungry and won't obey :(

Climbing the wall

Climbing on the retaining wall in the front yard is one of Hannah's favorite outdoor activities.  It is even better now that the flowers are blooming and she can play in the dirt :)

Jumping in puddles

Here are a few shots of Hannah jumping in the rain puddles we had a few weeks ago.  She had a blast!  I think we both had to change into dry clothes after this adventure, but it sure was fun :)