Visiting my precious children

Bob finally convinced me I was going to see the children without him. A year was too long--he was probably tired of my crying and moping! I had a fabulous time! This was a perfect Sunday afternoon that was deemed my "Mother's Day" although this was March! I have the most wonderful daughter in law, and I am so blessed.

My first child and me!

My precious grandchildren---Ruthie who was 3 years, 3 mo. and Elliot, all 18 months of him in this picture.

The only time he slept in my arms I think during this trip. He is usually just a barrel of energy.

More of the day!

Kate and her friend, Anne. Snow bunnies.

We walked to 7-11 and bought some supplies and a NEWSPAPER! Bob and his faithful follower, Raleigh.

What a great day!

And our little four-legged snow bunny.

Christmas Eve, 2010

We were invited to the Smiths for Christmas Eve brunch. What fun. Our family picture.....with MOST of our family!

Kate and me....

and again.

Ally Smith, a freshman at UGA (Go DAWGS) and me!

Kate's New Sewing Machine!

After MUCH thought and discussion, Kate decided she would like a sewing machine for her 21st birthday! So, we bought her a Bernina 56. She came up in July, and we had such a fun week shopping for stuff and SEWING together!

She made her first project---a pillowcase to send to Ruthie!! It was SO CUTE!!! She selected the fabric and everything.

While she was busy sewing at her table, I was sewing "humbug" bags. Does life get any better than spending a week with someone very special teaching her something I love? Absolutely not!

Easy days on the marsh

In this sweltering heat we have had here lately, a cool May morning seems a very distant memory. My hydrangeas which were just beginning to bloom here are now gasping for breath even with an irrigation system.

Ruthie's First and Last Visit to the Apt!

When Bob and I brought Ruthie back to Raleigh, I stopped by the apt. before meeting everyone for dinner. Ruthie thoroughly tested out the accomodations......

the bed seemed to be agreeable....

but the best things were still the cosmetic items

and shower cap in my toiletry bag!

Our visit with the Kids in Richmond

This is one of the last visits we had with the kids in Richmond. We were at Short Pump Mall for a delicious Thai meal. Ruthie and her Poppy....

Nana too....

and our little Elliot!

Jim Lanning's Wedding

Jim is waiting for Tracy at the ARCH at UGA. This is a school tradition where the bride and groom meet before the wedding! She was so tricky and sneaked up on him and then made him wait to see her!

The gorgeous bride preparing to get in the car without crushing the dress!

Love those Bulldog Red shoes!

Our much-loved handsome groom!

Graduation Weekend 2007

Kelly and Aunt Linda.

Spencer was our missing family member in our big group picture.

More graduation pictures!

My graduate and me!

Kate and Aunt Christie with her beloved quilt!

Family Additions

Since Kate's graduation picture was taken in May, 2007, we have added sweet little Raleigh which Kate adopted at Christmas--a beautiful little Golden Retriever.
In September, 2009, along came Elliot---and what a charmer he is. All big blue eyes and constant smiles.
And then there is our Ruthie, who was in our graduation picture but disguised. She was our Christmas babe of 2007. This past Christmas, these were some of her favorite toys: a bowl of corks and a tea cozy! How she has worked her magic around our hearts.

While our family is changing yet again!

While our family is dealing with yet another major transistion, it is heart-warming and comforting to me to look back on some of our best moments and some of my favorite pictures! this is Kate with Kelly, and his best friends from high school, Brady and Brandon.
These were taken at Kate's high school graduation in 2007--before I was blogging. This is my all time favorite group shot!

Unfortunately, my cpu blew up a few months back, and I am still putting the pieces together. I have other shots I will be adding as my IT skills increase! ha!

July 4th Pictures

July 4th was a beautiful day---very cool and dry for our typical July. What a gift. Chris, Kristen, and Ruthie came up on the 2nd. We took them to the subdivision beside us for their annual July 4th Parade. It is just so much fun--very small town with ALL the kids participating.

John and Carol's granddaughter had decorated her wagon, and Carol pulled her in the parade. Carol was all decked out in red, white and blue down to her toes! Too fun.

We finally were able to persuade Ruthie to get in the wagon.

It was after the parade, but so what?

She had a good time, and we were able to pull her around in the wagon for a spell. It was a fun beginning to a lovely day.

Ruthie Takes to Boating!!

After a spell of sitting on my lap and watching all the activity, she then moved to Poppy's lap and helped steer!

Ooops! Watch that engine hatch switch!

Her favorite spot on the boat!

She could look out and yet still hold on. She is still a little iffy on the "one hand on the boat, one hand eating rule."

After two hours when we came on in, she was so comfortable on the boat that when Bob and I both jumped out of the boat to grab lines, she just laughed at us from the other side of the Eisenglass. Unfortunately, I could not get a picture of that!

The Ida Lewis Comes to Our Waters

Saturday, we took off in the Formula to go see the girls ourselves.....we took Bob along to drive the boat!

All week long, Ruthie and I have watched the Ida Lewis Regatta going on in front of our home. I have told her all about her Aunt Kate sailing in it in 2003.

New York City!!!

Saturday, Lisa and I took the train to New York. It was such fun. The weather was just perfect and we were able to really spend some time looking around Bloomingsdale's. Walking to meet the guys, we happened upon this great street fair which just lined Lexington for serveral blocks. Then we met up with the guys and walked to Rockerfeller Center. It was just as if I were looking at it through the eyes of the Today show! Ha!!
Lisa and Bob

Bob and me

Lisa, Ralph and Spencer