Nashville - Day Three

Day three we chose to visit the Adventure Science Center. This proved to be loads of fun for all of my kiddos. Maddox enjoyed driving the ambulance, MK was taken with the laser shooting game, and the boys would most likely have a hard time deciding exactly what their favorite exhibit was....so much to choose from. They maneuvered their way on a flight simulator; they went on a moon walk - twice; they constructed a bloodstream using barriers in a water exhibit; they loved the laser game; they went on a star gaze; all was fun, all proved educational.

Following our day at the science center, we were pleased to go and visit some friends we made in China while adopting Maddox.

While we were in Guangzhou, the boys spoke to Amy and Michael during breakfast one morning - commenting on Lily's cuteness, no doubt :) Again, I love the people that have been carefully placed in our paths by Him during our adoption journeys.

Nashville - Day Two

The Parthenon

The children were speechless when they saw the replica for the Parthenon in Nashville....

then, it was time for a photo op.....

what started out as one child getting a photo taken.....

turned into all three posing for a pic.....

and this little one was not going to be left out either!

The rest of our day was spent touring the local Cheekwood Gardens. The children, one of whom anticipated NOT enjoying the train exhibit, ALL loved the exhibit as well as the well manicured gardens on the property. Only once did I have to pull a particular little bit from the newly planted flowers :) The children were more than excited that I opted to leave the camera in the car! Our daily routine is setting in.....we get up, do school, explore a bit, rest a bit, have a candy snack - a real treat :) - and then it is out to dinner followed by watching football until lights out! The real treat has been having Ryan with us for breakfast - he is always well into his day of work when the rest of us awaken. And, he isn't wearing his traditional work attire, a company shirt and jeans. Instead, he is able to wear a button up shirt and khakis.....the children have all asked why he isn't wearing his "work clothes." Creatures of habit, that is for sure!

Nashville - Day One

The children and I are studying American History. We were so excited to visit the Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson.

Though it is hard to tell from the pic, MK was all dazzled up with her headset for the tour. She impressed me by walking up to each station and typing in her number to hear the next bit of info.

We took a little wagon ride which shared a good bit of info in reference to life on the plantation.

And have I mentioned here how beautiful Nashville is???? The colors are breathtaking and I have done more than my share of photographing :)

The children were allowed to pick cotton to take home as a keepsake. Maddox was taken with the softness.

She picked enough for all of us to take home!

And then I tried my best to get a GREAT photo of the kiddos.....

and this is how it turned out! Maybe next time.

As we were meandering our way through the trails preparing to leave, I suddenly caught a glimpse of this guy in front of us! YIKES! We were literally two steps away from stepping on him! Needless to say, we took the scenic route and detoured around so as to avoid any conflict with this creature!

Ruby Falls

It is road trip time for our family! First stop, Ruby Falls.

The falls were beautiful - we loved taking the walk in front of and behind the water.

The natural formations were quite impressive.

Watch your head! The tour guide warned us going in to watch our head. He stated that there was a rock in the cave for all ages to hit their head on and he was right!

I must say that the older I get, the more questionable things become when it comes to an adventure of sorts. Meaning, this year our family has done two sightseeing tours that I was relieved when they were over. One was in China - the cable car we took over the South China Sea. My children kept saying, "Wow, what happens if this thing falls?!" Ugh, not the thing to ask me when I am wondering the same thing yet I know the answer :) Two was Ruby Falls. There is one way into the cave and one way out - an elevator. It was just creepy and I couldn't help thinking about miners and how they do this everyday for a living! It was dark and the room to walk was narrow - so glad to have the experience and so glad it is behind us :)

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for new job opportunities....

I am thankful for carpooling.....

I am thankful for speech and occupational therapists.....

I am thankful for two boys who rarely complain of their workload.....

I am thankful for a daughter who is the best cheerleader ever when it comes to her baby sister....

I am thankful for Fall.....

and, lately, I am thankful for the occasional afternoon nap!

Halloween 2011

The annual pumpkin carving.....

Maddox was impressed by all of the goo....

the sweet children.....

and the "lets act crazy" kiddos.....

For us, Halloween this year brought a new tradition.....the Boo Bucket. I am all about a tradition....

the children were elated with their surprises, even the toothbrushes that were included, and we all began our day accordingly - with CANDY.

later came the big fun, dressing up - this little pumpkin did not miss a beat, she was all ago for putting on her costume and even begged for the hat....all four of our children have worn the pumpkin costume....

and then there was the diva....MK just knew she was going to be a princess for Halloween and she insisted on wearing the Happy Birthday crown that my grandmother wore on her 90th birthday celebration last year! (and, on a side note, the princess insisted on the high heal shoes for trick or treating AND no coat - bad mother for letting her go as she was! Meanwhile, I had on a sweater as well as a jacket and I was STILL cold.)

and the boys....they speak for themselves.....this year, I decided to give them a day of rest for Halloween, no school - they, of course, loved this idea!

our crew.....we did our traditional chili cooking, adults mingle, Halloween festivities this year and then we were off to find some treats for the kiddos.....our two bigs were all about going as far as they could go in the neighborhood....I am pretty sure they would still be going door to door this minute if it were allowed.....

Thankful!

Today I am thankful for a loving, thoughtful and caring husband - he always puts others first.

I am thankful for the child that makes me laugh especially when I hear him tell a friend that he has a very important appointment with his doctor tomorrow - "Dr. Couch and his nurse, Miss TV."

I am thankful for the child who strives to see the good in people, the child who always wants to help those in need.

I am thankful for the child who says thank you to me for the little things.

And, I am especially thankful today for our church nursery staff. They have been so supportive of us and so kind to Maddox in the midst of her desperate cries for us. Today, Maddox stayed for the very first time in the nursery all by herself, no tears (except at drop-off), she played, she had snack and she was all smiles when we went to pick her up!