Summer Recap: Nana's visit, VBS#1

Summer recap: June 15-26

Nana was here the week before Gianna was born, on her birth day, and the week after.  She did so much to help us.  

She took the big kids to the pool for pre-team practice. Pre-team was a new concept to me, so I'll explain it. It is similar to swim lessons, with the goal to actually prepare the kids for swim team one day.  The kids did kickboard practice and some other stuff. I wish I really remembered, but I had the baby that week!!!!

The second week, the baby was born on Monday. The kids went to Vacation Bible School #1 at St. Peter's in Olney, Md.  The had a good time. The theme was Son Sparks Labs. They did some sort of Jesus/Science hybrid that I didn't understand from the crafts they brought home.  They learned some fun songs that they got on a CD about being a part of God's forever family. They also learned that sin separates us from God. I call it a win. Nana took them to VBS in the morning and swimming in the afternoon.  

Nana and new baby Gianna

VBS singing

Nana and Gianna matching hands 

more matching

 I had a fun time hanging out with her.  She let me fix her hair. She's been growing it out, so we tried some styles. This is the only one that looked good. I don't really know how to do my hair beyond a braid or ponytail, so I was probably the wrong person to be trying poofs and french twists, but we had fun... or at least I did.  I love female bonding over hair brushing. I really do.

Nana and a squishy baby 

 We baked a cake and celebrated Gianna's birthday, on her 5th day of life.  Good thing we had a 5 year old at one point!

Celebrating Gianna's 5th day. 

Her visit was really wonderful.  I should also add that Bob was here for a few days early in the week.  While he was in town, they stayed at a nearby hotel. Then Bob went to his conference, Orientale Lumen. I dont have any photos from his section of the visit. I think I mostly napped, because I was super pregnant then. He missed meeting Gianna. We hope they both come back to snuggle her soon! 

How to make an awesome holiday...

STEP 1: High 5 on an airplane,

Step 2: Have tons of fun on the airport playground during a layover.

 Step 3: find Cozy Coupe in California. Play in it constantly.

 Step 4: Run around with cousins! Act as crazy and insane as possible (or as your parents allow before asking you to be quiet or calm down).

Step 5: Mimosas!

 Step 6: Open presents with Daddy!

Step 7: Open presents with mommy!

Step 8: Enjoy thyself with thine family.

Step 9: Enjoy thy presents! 

 

Step 10: Find that Cozy Coupe and PLAY!

or a scooter

or a skateboard with no wheels! Whatever, just have fun!

Step 11: Go to the beach. Dig to China.

Step 12: Go to Wild Animal Park and admire animals.

giraffe tongues!

but don't become one yourself,

Grrrrrrr!

 

enjoy your family

give lots of hugs,

and explore

Step 13: Enjoy local parks and visitors centers. Here's Clark at Mission Trail Visitor Center making a leaf drawing!

and adding a hand leaf to the tree!

Step 14 = SEA WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Step 15: Celebrate life, like Iris' First Birthday!

 Step 16: Visit with Friends, like our NFP teachers Dave and Cheryl.

 Step 17: Love your sister

 and your Nana!

 and Nana's dog ALLIE!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Step 18: Enjoy the Cozy Coupe... did I say that already? Make sure no one is in it though... Ben drove around on Iris' lap for a while before Tom rescued her!

 Step 19: If you have a holiday goal, I recommend pursuing it....

and achieving it! 

 Step 20: Smile

 enjoy family and down time,

Cozy Coupe!!!!!!

 and finally.... enjoy life's little

Surprises!!!!!!!!!!

There was more beach and friend visits, and some surfing too! Maybe we'll post photos of those things, or maybe we won't. But it was a great holiday and we had lots of fun with our little nieces and nephews. Clark loved his cousins, and Iris loved nana's dog! We are glad we went, and we are really glad to be back in our time zone in our own beds. We hope you had a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a great time in between! Love, the Greenwells!