Easter Weekend

What could be important enough to interrupt my blog series on Malta? 

Nothing but these two sweet

little ones!

So hang on, here we go--this Gigi has to share!

We had a family-packed weekend with an Easter egg hunt at our church

as the kick-off. Who could imagine getting so excited over a couple of animal crackers hidden inside an egg?

The Easter bunny came and was so much better received than

Santa Claus just a few short months before!

Jackson was flying high after a bit of sugar,

and teasing us just for grins!

And what do little boys do if sticks are to be found?

Well, a sword fight, of course!

Perfect way to end an Easter Egg hunt.

Sunday brought with it a stirring worship service at our church with family and friends, then lunch at Gigi's house

with family. 

We were missing my son Jason and his wife Cristen, but excited that they will be moving back home to Houston from London this summer and will join us next year.

When the doorbell rang, it wasn't long before the kids discovered the Easter bunny had made a special delivery right on the front doorstep

with all sorts of surprises

and treats!

An "eggstra" special day all the way around!

Hope your weekend was just as joy-filled!

Say Cheese?

What's a good blog without a few family photos thrown in from time to time for good measure? Indulge me, please, it's been awhile. Late fall, my son and his family spent a day at the park where a friend accompanied them to shoot some photos.

Jordan gave Jackson some good tips about best angles and winning smiles.

They got some great family shots that will go down in time as family keepsakes.

The day started off in grand style,

and even though there were a few melt-downs along the way,

the kids had a great time

laughing,

and posing for the camera.

And since half of our family is still living in London, I'll include a Christmas family photo (yes, no need for coats at Christmas time in Houston, folks) including my other son and his wife.

Their big news is that they'll be moving back to Houston this summer, after 3 years of adventures in London. Jordan and Jackson are over the moon at the thought of them being here full time to join in the fun.

Thankful every day for the joy we share....

Pumpkin Hunt

Back in Houston again for the annual Pumpkin Hunt and Photo Shoot with the grand-kids. It's always more challenging to do it in 90 degree weather, but off we went for a bit of fun.

First changing Jackson into something photo-worthy,

then we were off as Jordan pointed us in the right direction.

Pre photo shoot,  a lot of pumpkin analysis,

hugging of trees,

and making new friends with the scarecrows.

Meanwhile, Jackson played a little hide and seek,

and spent a whole ton of energy moving pumpkins

and filling wagons to their brim.

Time for a photo shoot.

It's really tough work for a big sister, holding the perfect smile till a little brother looks into the camera with a charming smile of his own.

Sometimes a sister has to do a lot of bribing,

tickling,

peek-a-boo playing,

stare downs,

and even some threatening to get a little brother to cooperate!

Uh, oh! I think she means business!

Now the kissin' starts,

Help me somebody!

She's torturing me!

Guess I better give them what they want! How's this for a smile?

And this one?

Finally, the stars align for a great shot,

and when they do,

there's some sweet music

playing...

Happy Pumpkin Hunting everyone!

Special Visitors in London

We had some very special visitors this summer to London--my son and his wife, along with their two sweet children. It's a nine and a half hour overnight flight from Houston, so we were all a little concerned about how the little ones would handle the flight. 

Jordan slept all night like a trooper, but Jackson, well... that's a different story. I think from what my son said, he only slept about an hour and a half. He wasn't fussy--it's just that he couldn't lie down in his bed like one is supposed to do, so he just stayed awake for the fun.

So, this is the face of jet lag!

Action Jackson, as we call him, was as limp as a dish rag after just a one hour nap at our house. So while the others were sleeping, we just laid around.

Until he got his second wind,

and found the 4 flights of stairs at our house! That was the extent of his jet lag, and remarkably he went right onto a regular schedule after that.

Of course, a lot of Starbucks along the way helped out!

Just kidding!

The kids were awesome travelers, but that didn't mean they couldn't sneak in a nap on a bench when we stopped for lunch.

And this is how we rolled for the week...

On foot,

in double decker buses--on the top, of course,

in the tube, where Jackson tried to make friends with everyone,

and couldn't understand why the Brits were so reserved. 

I mean, how could you not smile and chat with a kid that cute?

He loved the boats on the Thames,

riding the cannons at the Tower of London,

and trying to figure out just what kind of music that guy in the skirt was making!

Playing in the park was a big hit,

especially when he made goo-goo eyes at the cute little French girl in the little plane with him!

A little phone stop on the way home,

and a lot of time with Uncle Jason made Jackson one happy boy!

Jordan was delighted to hang out with her mommy and Kiss-Kiss, her aunt,

who was a great shopping buddy at 

Spitalfields Market.

Having a pretend tea party at Anthropologie, where Kiss-Kiss works, was great fun,

as well as trying on scarves that were on sale.

Her favorite activities were going to see The Wizard of Oz musical, and tea at Fortnum and Mason, which I'll blog about later.

And every little girl's dream--seeing a few castles 

and palaces along the way.

It was one of those "mountain-top" experiences for all of us,

with memories we will cherish forever.

Come back soon, ya' hear?!