Annual VA Pictures

When we head to Virginia, we plan it so that not only do we get to be with our friends but so that we also can hopefully see the fall leaves. We got some really cute pictures of Jack last year in the leaves. We knew that we were heading there a little early for them, but we were hoping.

As you can see, they were JUST beginning to change colors so it wasn't meant to be this time. We still decided to have fun taking pictures though.

 They got a new porch swing that Jack enjoyed.

 Then we headed to a little "park" right down the road.

 He was running in circles laughing up a storm.

 Calling for the squirrels!

Baltimore Aquarium

While we were in Virginia, the Marshalls took us to the Baltimore Aquarium which was AMAZING! We also met my old college friends, The Hanna's, there. I haven't been to too many aquariums, but this was one of the coolest places. It was huge. It even had a dolphin exhibit :) I had so much fun that I forgot to take many pictures.

 

 

 Waiting for the dolphins to start their show!

 I couldn't find the boys so I called John - they were busy climbing stairs!

 Thank you Sara Catherine & James for always finding cool places to go!

The Children's Museum at National Harbor

We recently took our annual trip to visit our good friends, The Marshalls, in Virginia. The weather was really rainy so we decided to stay indoors at the Children's Museum in National Harbor. .

Jack's favorite part was dressing like the fireman and hitting the emergency button

We had a lot of fun, and we stayed dry :)

Wildlife Park

I found this Groupon for an Exotic Wildlife Park not too far from us so we tried it out. It wasn't what we were expecting, but we had fun. There were many different animals that we were able to see, but the neatest thing was being able to pet this kangaroo. They also brought out an anteater for us to see and pet.

 Our groupon came with pumpkin painting! Jack was super cute painting his two mini pumpkins and he loves to carry them all over the yard now.

 Daddy was a good sport while I stood behind the camera!

 Next, we ran around the pumpkin patch. Jack liked to relocate the pumpkins :)

 

 

Houston Zoo!

A few weeks ago, we headed out to the zoo with Aunt Sharla and Uncle Travis. I had picked the day a few weeks in advance when the cold front was supposed to come in giving us nice cool weather, but when the time came, we were a day too early!! It was a bit toasty out, but we had a blast and Jack did awesome. He did make sure that we knew when it was time to leave, though.

 We fed the giraffes, and it as really neat. It is now a MUST when we go.

 Jack had fun "brushing" the goats.

 I love this picture for some reason. Jack was looking up at Uncle Travis.

Good thing we liked it because we bought a season pass :)

My Daddy

Just one short year ago, almost to the day, I was hopping on a plane to Illinois, leaving my 8 month old son behind, to be with my dad in the hospital with blood clots. Little did I, or anyone else, know that would be the beginning to one of the hardest years to date fighting an evil disease.

Over the last year, I have shed more tears, been more confused, prayed and relied on God more, spent more time in my car,hospitals,doctor's appointments, and nursing homes, become a pretty good hygiene nurse (not so much medicine wise), and most of all, become closer to my dad. My life/relatonship with my dad has never been easy or understandable, but God allowed us to come full circle. Through this horrendous battle with cancer, I have done those small things with him that I had never done before like show him the clothes/shoes I bought at the store, just sit by his side and talk, really talk, pray with him, read him the Bible, learn about his childhood, and interact on a new level. I will never be able to understand why he had to go through all of this, but I can confidently say God works for the good, and this past year was horrible but amazing at the same time. I grew so close to my dad knowing that the end was always one day closer.

I didn't make it in time to be with him when he passed, but my dad knew I was okay with him leaving simply because I knew I'd see him again. I made that clear when I was with him the weekend before. This was not always the case, though. Many tears were shed while telling this stubborn man about the grace of God. It definitely becomes more urgent for your loved ones when death is at their doorstep. One of the best days of my life was when I got the phone call on Good Friday letting me know that he accepted Christ!

Daddy, your little girl misses you and might tear up everytime Jack asks to call his Papa, but I know you're up there smiling down. You are walking without pain, playing tennis again, eating food and gaining weight, watching movies, playing dominos, and cheering on your sports' teams.

Thank you Dad for the memories over the last year. Some of them aren't pretty, but I am so thankful for each and every day that we had.

I love you.

 This was the last kiss I got from my dad. If I knew it was the last, I would have asked for ten thousand more.