Visiting Grandma Higgins

While we were in New York dealing with the funeral, we took an afternoon to visit Grandma Higgins while we were nearby.  She was kind enough to attend the funeral and to drive us down to her place for a nice visit.

We also took some pictures of the Q's and Sammy and I while we were dressed up.

Girls!

Sammy enjoying the pool at the hotel

Nanny all dressed up and lookin' good!

While the occasion was sad, it was good to get all 4 generations of girls together!

The Most Sammy-tastic Boots, Ever

Never in the history of fashion has a pair of boots been made that were more perfect for Sammy!

Goodbye Grampy

Today my Grampy passed away at the ripe old age of 88.  He was still able to work on his cars and do the things he enjoyed until just a few days before he left us, which we are grateful for.  It was a good, long, life!

The Fox Harp

Sammy had to do a school project to create an instrument that made sound through vibration.  She worked hard and made this exquisite harp.  She drew the fox, painted it, varnished it and then helped to string the guitar strings.  It was beautiful and it sounded great too:

Sammy Mowing!!

My big girl has learned to mow the lawn!

Perhaps not the classic mowing pattern...

But in the end she got it finished.  Job well done!

Spring Break Day

Sammy playing Minecraft:

Owen and Barbara playing in the pool:

Aw, Sleepy Time Snuggles

Owen Starts Gymnastics!

In the past Owen would watch his sister out on the gym floor and sign "want, want" and would reach out toward the kids playing out there.  I knew that they had a special needs class, but he wasn't strong enough to be able to take part.  This year, however, he has gained in strength and his health has improved vastly.  So one night, when he was signing "want", I asked the teacher of the special needs class if Owen would be able to join the class.  Geoffrey is really amazing with the youngest kids and he has known Owen since he was a baby through Sammy being at the gym.  He welcomed Owen with open arms and said he would love to have Owen in his class.  So the next week when Owen signed "want", I said "OK" and brought him out onto the floor.  Owen was thrilled!  He was beside himself with happiness when he got to go through the little door that leads out on to the floor.  

There are about 9 kids in the class on any given night.  Owen loves the trampoline, hanging on the rings and just being out there with the other kids.  They let me go out to help with him, because he is the most "special" of the special kids, but the teachers are kind and understanding and are happy to take him through the courses.

Wagon Rides!

The kids enjoying a beautiful spring day:

Hiking!

Laney's Mom was kind enough to send this picture of the girls when she took them hiking.