Aidan's First Trip To The Beach

I just love to experience the firsts with these kids! It really is so exciting each time. I actually missed Aidan's first time actually seeing the ocean and feeling the sand. He and Adam went for a walk yesterday morning with just the boys. They had a great time collecting sea shells and walking along the sand. Imogene was only 13 months old the first time she went to the beach, so this was really the first time she got to walk in the sand and really play. They both love the beach! Imogene loves to "make stuff," so sand castle building is the perfect activity for her. Aidan is a bit more destructive and has collecting tendencies, so he really loves digging in the sand and finding sea shells. Even though it was 70 yesterday, the wind was blowing so strong. It did leave us feeling a bit chilly. That kept the kids out of the water, for the most part, and in the sand. But really, that is where toddlers end up anyway. The condo here is nice. It is great to have room for the kids to run around and let us spread out a little more. Imogene has asked to take a bath 5 times a day because there is a large jacuzzi tub. She thinks she is swimming. I am really excited that we have a whole new bag of firsts coming up in just a few short months! - Lindsey

The Jackson Zoo

While we were visiting Mimaw and Papaw this week, we went to the Jackson Zoo! I liked it. I absolutely HAD to ride the carousel! It was necessary! I even squealed and whined through the penguin exhibit because I really wanted to ride the carousel! (Daddy was buying me tickets while we looked at the penguins, but he wasn't moving fast enough for me.) We had a lot of fun with all the animals! I did ask for a few of them, but was told that zoo animals are not pets. Drat! I think Imogene had fun, too. The monkeys really wanted us to share our raisins with them, but Mommy wouldn't let us. Poor monkeys. I hope we go back soon! - Aidan

Park Fun

Introducing.... Me!

That's me... right there in Mommy's tummy! I am getting bigger and bigger and will be out to see you all in no time. Well, I guess it will take some time. I have some more growing to do. At our last doctor's visit, I weighed 1 pound and 4 ounces. I am kicking around in here more and more. Daddy finally got to feel a kick yesterday! Imogene felt me kick, too. She is always singing to me. Aidan says "hey" and kisses Mommy's belly. I'll be out in about 16 weeks or so. I look forward to meeting you all in person. Until then, hello from Mommy's tummy! - Emery Silas

I Know About Easter

I'm really trying to figure out this whole Easter thing this year. I'll tell you, it is a lot for an almost three year old girl to understand. I've been asking a lot of questions about it and getting clarification on some of the more difficult points. Aidan doesn't seem to understand what we were celebrating. He did enjoy his Peeps and his Peter Rabbit chocolate bunny. He also looked very handsome at church on Easter Sunday. But, he doesn't know why we celebrate. I am learning. I'm no pro, yet. Here are some of the conversations I had with Mommy and Daddy about Easter...

Mommy: Imogene, do you know what we celebrate on Easter?
Imogene: Jesus died for us.
Mommy: Jesus did die for us. Why did he die for us?
Imogene: Jesus saved me! And he saved Mommy! And Daddy! And Aidan! And everybody!
Mommy: That is right. What did he save us from?
Imogene: For going down with the dead.
Mommy: Well, what happens now?
Imogene: We get to go to the other world like Narnia!

Imogene: What happen to Jesus hand?
Mommy: They put nails in his hands to put him up on the cross.
Imogene: What happen to Jesus feets?
Mommy: They put nails in his feet to put him on the cross.
Imogene: What happen to his blood?
Mommy: It ran down the cross.

Imogene: Daddy, they bam! bam! bam! Jesus on a cross.
Daddy: What?
Imogene: They bam! bam! bam! Jesus hand and feetses to a cross. And the blood went down, down, down.
Daddy: What?
(Then Mommy explains the situation to Daddy. He can be slow.)

Daddy: Imogene, what happened on Easter morning?
Imogene: The lady went a see Jesus and he gone! He rise from a dead.
Daddy: That's right.
Imogene: Jesus hands nail and feets and together and nail. And Jesus down with the dead! And He rise! He alive! And I'm alive. And you alive.

Imogene: Jesus had a headache.
Daddy: What?
Imogene: Uh, Jesus a cross and he a headache.
Daddy: Yeah, I'm sure his head probably did hurt.

See, I am learning a lot about Easter. I still ask a lot of questions about it. But I am getting it. I think we all looked lovely on Easter Sunday. I did learn a few new words. I think Aidan looked handsome. Daddy looked dapper. Mommy was beautiful. And I am gorgeous. I need to go potty now! - Imogene