Bathing Beauties

Thanks for a super fun day, friends!

The Williams Take Atlanta ~ 2011

I have no idea how to write this post!

We spent most of last week in Atlanta -- Eric was at a conference, so the girls and I tagged along for a little fun! I took way too many pictures, so I'll present them here in collage form.  If you aren't aware, you can click on a picture to make it larger!

Here we go!

We spent the first day at the Georgia Aquarium!  It was perfect for our crew!  Their favorites were the dolphins, penguins and the albino alligator.

Our hotel was close to Centennial Olympic Park, so we walked there a few times:

And, because there is a reason Atlanta is affectionately referred to as 'Hotlanta,' we spent some time trying to keep cool!

My most favorite picture of the entire trip ~ It deserves to stand alone!

Mostly, we just enjoyed being together!  I loved the freedom of being able to enjoy my girls without the pressures of a house to clean, laundry to wash, meals to cook, places to go, etc.  It was overdue.  I loved that we were all forced to go to bed early since we were all sleeping in the same room (and, since we left Peanut with another foster family, we got to sleep through the night for the first time in a while); I came home rested.  I loved unexpected moments of praying with them and witnessing their delight at watching God's rainstorm from the 38th floor window!

They loved:  the pool.  the MARTA (Atlanta's public transportation system).  the times when Daddy joined our adventures.  the fountains.  being together.  sleeping in a hotel.  the aquarium.  the view from our room.  trying to find our room from the street (we never could).  watching the window washer wash the windows on our hotel.  watching 19 kids & counting (for the first time).  the dolphin show.  the American Girl store.  pizza in the hotel room.  counting the floors as we rode the elevator and guessing which of the many elevators would open first so we could get on (the winner got kisses).  sweet memories!

They are already planning a trip back!

But, as our summers usually go, we have more travels ahead.  We leave this week for a trip to Michigan!  Hoping to have time to post daily (here's to hoping -- we are taking all five!!)!  

Zoo Day!

The girls and I took advantage of the slightly cooler temps today and enjoyed the zoo!

Though it took some bravery (as one other zoo visitor put it) and though I "had my hands full" (as multiple others) put it, we had a great time marveling at God's unique creation!

(You can click on the image to make it larger)

#7

Spent some time this week celebrating another birthday at our house! I know I say it every year on every birthday, but I can't believe I have a 7 year old! How can I be old enough to have a 7 year old =)!???? Seriously, 7 seems so much older than 6. All little girl she is now -- no more baby to hold onto -- none.

Ella Grace, my oldest darling, you are growing into such a sweet young lady. Here are 7 things that I love about you:

7. I love that you love to learn. You love reading and learning new things and there are times your brain seems too big for your head =)!

6. I love that you love your sisters. They are your best friends and you guys say it best -- "Williams' Sisters ROCK!"

5. I love that you love the foster kids that come to stay at our house. I know that sometimes it's hard, but your heart is big enough to understand God's plan for our family and I am amazed at your willingness to embrace that plan!

4. I love that you are a daddy's girl. Your daddy is one of your biggest fans and you adore him! Remember what I always tell you (find a man like him and marry him!!)!

3. I love your creativity! You are becoming quite the artist and creator of beautiful things!

2. I love that you love being with your mommy! I love spending time with you too!

1. I love that your heart is so sensitive to the Lord! I'm praying for the day that He'll win his pursuit of your heart and you'll step into His story!


Happy Birthday, Ella Grace!!! Can't wait to see what year #7 brings for us!

PS~~The amazing birthday shirt was made here!

Another Week Gone By

For Mother's Day this year, my mom got a gift card for she and Ella Grace to go to afternoon tea at a local bakery. They donned their hats and headed to the thrift store where they got white gloves and costume jewelry to complete the look!

Ella Grace had a ball spending time with her Nana!

Katie spent some time this week reading to our new little peanut. She is gaining weight (up a pound at last weigh in) and getting longer (some of the clothes she came wearing are already too short)!

We celebrated Memorial Day Weekend with our small group buds, as always! The kids had fun on the water slide and s'mores were a big hit!

We also took the girls balloon chasing on Sunday! There is a big hot air balloon festival locally every Memorial Day Weekend, so we watched them launch and then chased them and got to see one up close and then deflate. The girls loved the entire experience! I loved watching them since I remember doing the same thing as a kid with my family!

Bustin' A Move

Katie & Luke watching The Backyardigans.

Our Week @ a Glance

So . . . things have been busy around here. I've wanted to sit down and write several times this week, but, honestly, sleep won out!

It's been an exciting week, none-the-less with a few things worth remembering:

Annabelle celebrated her fifth birthday! As with every birthday, I am amazed that time has passed so quickly and that my baby is growing into such a young lady.

Annabelle, your ability to make us smile is one of my favorite things about you! We love you beyond belief!


Soccer season finished up this week. Ella Grace became more and more aggressive as the season went on, but really gained confidence playing goal keeper.


Annabelle scored two goals this season and had a blast playing every week!


Finally, Annabelle's preschool class participated in their Spring Program on Friday night. Annabelle was asked to read a prayer and she did beautifully!! We are so proud of you, our graduate!

Kindergarten, here we come!