Date with my favorite 7 year old!

Last week, Isaac went to spend a couple days with Nana and Pops so I jumped on the opportunity to have a date with James (aka Bubs). He was so precious. He had a hard time deciding where to eat but finally decided on Panera bread. We enjoyed tomato soup and a bakery treat for dinner and then went to his favorite store, Dicks Sporting Goods. We were not in a hurry and we stayed as long as he wanted. He looked at everything from guns to hunting/fishing gear, goggles, weights, bikes ect. and then he wanted to go punch on all the punching bags. 

Pretending to shoot! He will definitely want some kind of gun once we
get out on land. 

He has been our most energetic boy so far. He loves to run and punch
things! Lately we have been letting him run through the neighbors
backyards and back everyday. 

He loved the hunting tents and even talked me into
getting into one with him (See below). We had so much fun!

This boy will only be 7 once, praying that God will help me to redeem
the time and enjoy every moment with him in addition to training
him up to be a mighty man of God! 

I love you with all my heart James Daniel Rich and can't wait to see what God has in store for your precious life!

Roanoke Swim Meet

Isaac and James had a great time swimming today. They have now been swimming for almost 3 years! This is their 3rd season for the H2okies.

HOKI brothers!

8 and under Hoki boys!

Birthday Party Fun

The kids went to a birthday party tonight at the gymnastics center located just up the road from us. They had such a great time! Little Kyleigh Barker turned 5 years old.

Mercy 

A kids dreamland!

Grace listening to the instructors.

The party room!

My friend Keri Beth (Kyleigh's mom)
 was raised  by parents who own a cake decorating
 shop. She makes the most incredible cakes
I have ever seen! 

Friday Fun... Play date!

Yesterday, we drove out to Giles to spend some time with the Hash family. We had a great time! I love Giles County. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful county in VA and I would love to live there if Daniel's job would permit it.

James is crazy about Caleb (almost 12). Caleb is so sweet to always
play with James even though he has 5 years on him:-). 

Molly and I both had baby girls just 4 months apart and both
experienced a horrible pregnancy. We also both homeschool.
We have plenty to talk about! 

Caleb and Mercy

Sadie Hope and Susanna Faith... they will make great friends!

Our Winter Visit To GA!

We don't make it to GA nearly as often as we would like but as some people say, quality is better than quantity! I had been saving money that I had received for my birthday to do a homeschool field trip to the GA aquarium in Atlanta and that was super fun! We studied Apologia's Zoology 2 textbook about ocean animals this year and this field trip was just perfect. My parents were able to go with us and because Margaret was in between mission trips, she also got to come! It was so fun having her with us and getting to spend some time with her. She enjoyed getting a taste of southern culture in Georgia and noted how much more laid back people live their lives. It is amazing how different the culture can be between states!  

Of course I couldn't go to Atlanta without making
a stop at the Cheesecake Factory! 

The whole gang in front of one of the beautiful tanks! 

The aquarium was so cool! 

My Dad gave us all a shooting lesson. He is a huge
gun freak and almost always carries one.

Me shooting a 9mm.

My older brother Josh and my sister-in-love Paola loving
on Susanna,  I think they made their daughter Julia
jealous!

The 3 brothers, Daniel loves having brothers close in age. these 3
always have fun together. 

Beautiful Margaret!

Grandma slaved hard ib this huge platter
of pancakes, they were delicious!

Margaret helped us make a dirt cake, yum!

The excitement of going to GA always wears these boys
out. They always play so hard on my parents land!

Our adorable niece, Taylor Bailey.

Our cute nephew Joseph who thinks
Isaac and James are the greatest:-). He
is also fond of uncle Daniel. 

Grandpa and Mercy