Panhandle or bust!

It's been so long since I've posted on my blog.  I guess I win the delinquent blogger award for the month.  Oh well.  I suppose that means we've been really busy.  Well, yes we have!  :)

Mamaw, Grandaddy, and girls

We were able to go to the Texas Panhandle to spend a week with my family.  It was awesome to be "home".  My two sisters live there too, so I get to see them when we go.  We are so blessed, as my nieces all love kids and flock over our brood like mother hens.  Since Jad and I were "late bloomers" in starting our family, my nieces and nephews are quite a bit older than our kids.  My kids grew up thinking they were meant to be the center of attention at Mamaw and Grandaddy's house, and get toted around on hips, backs, and wagons.  If things ever change, they will be some sad, sappy children.  Ha!  As for the 10 hour drive, Kinnley got car sick one time on each trip.  In the overall scheme of things, that is a great improvement.

Tangle check!

While there, we made the usual trip to Wonderland Park in Amarillo.  This is a pretty good sized amusement park, full of roller coasters, ferris wheel, little train, water rides, and the like.  The girls showed Kinnley the park via the internet before we left.  She made is clear that her intent was to keep her feet on the ground.  :)  I did give her a Meclizine tablet before we went, to calm her stomach.  She did really well.  She loved the bumper cars and a little water ride that pushed her "boat" down a 20 foot horizontal chute.  We even tried a really small coaster.  She was all too ready to get OFF the ride and said it was "too scary!".

We also got to visit with some dear friends who we've known for over 25 years.  We don't get to see each other often, but it is the kind of friendship that endures through time.  Their kids are just like nieces to Jad and I, and they feel the same about our kids.  In fact, Jad performed one of their marriage ceremonies two years ago! Although Kinnley didn't know them, we talked about our upcoming visit and told her they were like family.  When she met them, she threw up her arms and gave each a big hug.  Wow.  :)

When we got home, Jad told us he found not one, but TWO toads in the cage.  It seems Kailee slipped another one in while we were not looking.  Sneaky young lady!  No wonder our cricket bill increased!  That brings our critter count up to 8.  For those keeping count, the critters now outnumber the humans.

Fun on Grandaddy's tractor

Another big event for today...Kinnley is at a play date with a friend from church.  She is so excited to be like her sisters, having friends to spend time with one on one.  She had a great time.  When she got home, she pointed at her bed and said "Allie sleep here".  Evidently, she has big plans for a sleep over!

Tomorrow, we had to Shriner's Hospital in Houston for Kinnley's first visit.  We hope to find out more about her orthopedic issues and devise a plan for treatment.  Jad and I are very hopeful that they have the skills to treat our little pumpkin.  But of course, this is all in God's hands.  All prayers appreciated!

Kinnley's language skills are great!  This may seem like an odd gauge of her progress, but when she talks in her sleep, it is now in English!  Before, she would babble on in Mandarin.  Then it was a mix of Mandarin and English.  Now it is all in English!  She spouts out "Kailee!  I need the help please!"  So cute.  :)

Today, Lainie got a surprise award at church.  Her Sunday School teacher gave her a necklace for memorizing the books of the Bible, Psalm 23, and the Ten Commandments.  Our pastor called her to the front of the church to present the necklace.  The look on Lainie's face was priceless.  :)  Very proud of her - go Lainie!

On other fronts, Jaci and Lainie get to change their earrings out this week.  I'm sure we have earring shopping trips coming up.  :)