Natalie, Ethan, and Ella Come to Visit!

We were so excited when we heard that Natalie was flying to Florida with Ethan and Ella for a visit. Now the past nine days are over, and they went way too fast! Natalie was such a great help in assisting Amy with decorating little Lola's room and taking newborn pictures. Natalie has so many talents, and photography and designing are definitely two of her strong ones.

While they were here, we tried to pack in as many fun times as possible which included:

Visiting the MOSH in downtown Jacksonville--so educational and fun for the kids. Jeff and Amy and their family, as well as Craig and Cassie all went. We had lunch at the Jacksonville Landing on the river.

One of the helpers shows the kids how a possum hangs by his tail. Watching the box turtles.


Papa George tells one of his blue jay stories which happened when he was a kid.

On a rainy day, we visited the mall and did a little shopping while we took turns watching the kids play in the kid court.
Even though Isaac had a great time playing in the courtyard, you can just give him some tissue paper and he will play for hours!

We visited the Green Cove Springs old jail and caboose. That has been a favorite place of Ethan's since he was two years old--now it is a favorite of all the grandkids. Garrett and Issac love it, too! Anyway, it was very fitting that Ethan learned to ride a two-wheeler there. Look at that smile!

One of the "must-do" activities that we almost ended up not doing because it looked like it was going to be a downpour, was go to the zoo. Ethan and I used to go several times a year, and it was our favorite place to go. When it looked like we might not be able to go, the tears started flowing from Ethan. Right there, I said, "We're going no matter what!" Well, it was amazing--we hardly had one drop on us and had a fantastic time. This might become Ella's favorite place, too! When we got home, we went to a Relief Society program at the church which Amy was in charge of. Amy and the other sisters on her committee had worked so hard, and we really enjoyed ourselves.







We also had to go to two of our favorite restaurants: O'Charley's in Orange Park and Sonny's in Starke where we met up with Craig and Cassie.

Ella teaching Papa George a nursery song.

On Wednesday, we all said "Good-bye." Ethan was crying saying he just didn't want to go yet. George drove them to the airport at 5:00 a.m., and we were sad that the time had come and gone so quickly. Well, after being in the airport for 4 1/2 hours, low and behold, I ended up going to get them because their plane had been cancelled and with so many airline problems and finger pointing that another airline was at fault, they couldn't get Natalie and the kids out that day at all. So, Ethan got his wish and we ended up going to Chuck-e-Cheese. It was another great day in Florida!

Ethan was a "dare devil" and ended up winning 80 tickets on "Deal or No Deal!" He wanted to match his Uncle Craig when he had played it.

When we came home, Ethan asked if we could make cinnamon rolls--I thought I might not be up to the rising dough, etc., so we opted for sugar cookies. Ethan and Ella seemed fine about that.

The next morning, George took them to the airport at 3:00 a.m. Wow! I slept about 45 minutes and then got up to get ready for work. George got no sleep before work, but we didn't care. We were so happy that Natalie was brave enough to come clear across the country with two little kids for the visit, and we so appreciated Kent making it possible for them to come. Thanks so much to both of you! We loved having Natalie and the kids come! We hope Kent can come next time, too!