Duck, duck, goose...and a birthday!

I always try to get the babies out and about on a regular basis, either for a walk around the neighborhood, a drive, a trip to the mall or maybe to swing in the back yard. On Monday I decided I was bored with the same old afternoon excursions and decided to take the babies to the duck pond at the Brody School of Medicine, right outside of where I used to work. I walked by this pond nearly everyday during my nearly 4 years with Peds Hem/Onc and always imagined bringing my kids out to enjoy the sights of the ducks and geese. For a double treat, Steven got off work early and was able to go with us! We had a great time feeding the baby ducks. Berkley and Meredith weren't really sure what was going on at first but once this little flock of baby ducks came up they really started paying attention.





We have to take every opportunity to take a family portrait. It seems there's always one of us behind the camera, so it's rare to see all 4 of us.


And you know I can't resist a close-up to show you all how much my babies have grown!


And today I took the babies to Farm Life to celebrate my daddy's 64th birthday, which is actually Friday but we thought we'd celebrate early. As I'm sure most of you know, my dad has been sick for many years and honestly, every year I feel like it may be the last birthday celebration we get to have. Thus, every additional year we have him here to celebrate is a gift from the Lord. I took the babies in first thing to wish their Granddaddy a happy birthday, we sang and my daddy looked intently at the twins; he actually cried a couple of tears (happy tears of course). I found the most PERFECT card for my dad, it said, "If these walls could talk they would speak of a man who worked with great heart to accomplish his plan. They would speak of the times that he's prayed in the night for the strength to go on and to do what is right. They would speak of great moments of laughter and fun, the times with his children, his love for each one. Oh, if they could talk it would just be the start of a story of love, a great man... and his heart." That's my daddy people, a man who is known as Big Joe, I always say because he has such a big heart that cares deeply for his family and his community, which ultimately stems from his love for Christ. Burpy Happy Day to my wonderful Daddy! I'm so thankful that the Lord gave me you as a father. You taught me so much and you continue to teach me even without words.