April 18th -- a special day

Today is a special day for me. It is my dear husband's 58th birthday. It is also my dear mother's birthday. I have always found it ironic that Mom and Joe share the same day. I wish he could have met her. But I do feel that she does know him and looks over us all every day.

It is a beautiful day outside. I am contemplating driving to town for some annuals. I am anxious to see the colors of spring/summer in my whiskey barrels. I am waiting for Amy to call so we can visit with the Ohio grandkids via computer. In the meantime here are the pictures of Mia and Aubrella playing after eating at Rise & Shine.































Goodness these girls love the slides!



Mia first



Then Aubrella



Look at Auby marching up those steps



The gal is on a mission





The sunglasses gang













Yes, the slides were fun but what the girls were patiently waiting for was the swings. There weren't very many at this park and everyone had to wait their turn. The time finally came for Mia & Auby









Auby was finally able to swing too









What do you think? Are they having fun or what



























I have to say....they sure made the most of the time they had to swing. Amy noticed that a couple of more kids were waiting their turn so it was time to give it up.

Emmeline had been watching from Papa Joe's arms



Apparently she told him that she wanted to slide



"Do you mean like this Emmeline?"



There it is people. Remember how I told you that every time Joe knows he is having his picture taken he opens his arms. It's just weird I tell ya

We finally managed to get Joe off of the kiddie slide so the 8 month old could have her turn.







Jeremy tried his best but at 6' 4" it was a bit difficult to get his legs out of the way!





Steph and Joe being silly.



Now this is a happy man



Something has changed in Joe since the grandkids have been born. Something wonderful. It has changed his (and my) life. It's true what I had been told. Being a grandmother is one of the best things I have ever experienced in my entire life. It truly is a blessing, and I am forever grateful for it.