the zoo!

I have really been wanting to take the girls up to the zoo and today we finally made it...I don't know who was more excited, them or me! We went with a group of moms and kids from church and had a great day of it. We took our time and made several stops for us pregnant ones in the bunch, which made it really nice. After a picnic lunch, we all enjoyed the splash ground, which I thought was really cool because of how different it was to others I've been to. Overall, I was really impressed with everything and we'll definitely have to go back since we didn't make it around to all the exhibits...there was just too much to do! I must say though, that when we do make it back, we'll have Chloe with us and it will be a much cooler time of year! Arden's definitely ready to go back, as she asked us to go to the zoo again at least 20 times before going to bed tonight!

part of our crew hanging out by the elephants...


checking out the baby giraffe (only two weeks old!), wish I'd had my zoom lens to get a good pic, oh well.



a capybara...I didn't take a whole lot of pics of the animals, but had never seen a capybara before and thought he was pretty interesting.



the cool splash ground...

family in town

Last week my whole family was able to come down to the beach. We enjoyed a few days together with everyone and then Woody and I left to be with his family in Watkinsville for Bill's service. The girls stayed behind with my family at the condo they had for the week and had an absolute blast. I think we missed them more than they missed us, if they even missed us at all! They went to the beach and/or pool everyday, which was a treat...since we live here, we just try and go once a week...but to go day after day was so much fun for them. Not to mention the constant attention from Papa and G.G., two aunts, an uncle and cousins that they got! Thanks everyone for keeping the girls for us and documenting it with pictures!

The family shot for July 2009...the Groovers, Deals and Baughers...


Aunt Martha sent dance costumes for the girls to play dress up in...Arden has put at least one on everyday since we've been home.


Harrison holding his own as the only boy in the mix!


Hannah and Christi gave the girls manicures and pedicures!






Arden "helping" Uncle Curt build a sand castle.




Papa and Esther



Aunt Christi with the kiddos.


Fun with Uncle Curt...just glad I wasn't there to see this in person...apparently she LOVED it. Everyone started calling her Esther Williams!

going home

Bill, Woody's grandfather, went home to be with the Lord last Tuesday afternoon. He lived an extraordinary life and fought the good fight, even in his last few months. Bill surpassed the 4-6 weeks he was given to live by the doctors and lived 8 months after being diagnosed with leukemia. A foe he battled 13 years earlier. We'll always remember his love for Jean (Gram), his wife of almost 59 years, his love for the Bulldogs and the smiles the generations in his wake (3 children, 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren) brought to his face.

30 weeks

In some ways it's hard to believe that I'm already 30 weeks...the 2nd trimester flew by...in other ways though, it seems like this has been the never ending pregnancy with everything that has gone on! But alas, I'm in the 3rd and final trimester and it has hit with a vengeance! The last couple of weeks I seem to stay exhausted and I've been pretty emotional, which is just lovely for everyone! :) I don't remember my other 3rd trimesters being like this at all, but then again, I guess I wasn't chasing around 2 little ones. Other than being tired all the time and somewhat emotional, I really am feeling well and glad things are moving along. And speaking of moving, she's running out of room in my tummy...she's constantly poking or jabbing me lately, which makes my belly all contorted at times. It doesn't always feel great, but at the same time it's such a sweet and blessed time during pregnancy and I am really cherishing it this time around.

I'm also happy to announce we have finally decided on a name and so no longer have to refer to our third little girl as "baby." Drum roll please...we've decided to name her Chloe, which means verdant and blooming...new life, which we thought was appropriate for this pregnancy. I'd love to tell you her middle name, but decided it best not to share her entire name with the entire world (although I'm very sure there are only a handful of you who actually read our little blog!) If you really want to know you can email me. And so we eagerly await the arrival of our little Chloe!

And finally, today is G.G.'s birthday...so Happy Birthday Mama/G.G.! We love you and look forward to seeing you very soon!!

a happy 4th

Nonie (Woody's Mom) came down to visit and help out over the weekend and we've really enjoyed having her in town! For the fourth of July we all went to Rohde for a church cookout and then the whole group walked over to the fort/waterfront to claim a spot of grass for the fireworks. We had a great time hanging out with everyone and the girls did really terrific while we waited several hours for the fireworks to begin!! I didn't know how well they would do b/c last year we left early, but they did great and Arden REALLY liked the fireworks and kept clapping and saying "Wow...that was a big one...did you see that one?" Esther was a little frightened at first, but never cried...she stayed in Woody's lap and actually almost fell asleep in spite of the loud booming and then popped up wide awake during the finale. It was a really fun evening and a beautiful day to celebrate! I posted a lot of pictures, so bear with me...there were just too many to choose from!

Nonie and the girls...


Woody and Andy playing with the girls' bubbles.


Alex and Esther playing with the parachute (thanks for bringing it Allison!).



This is sort of a group shot before it got really crowded.






Nonie and Arden as the fireworks began.



It's a little hard to see, but Arden's in the bottom middle of this pic...in awe of the whole production...I just loved watching her!