Thursday, July 5, 2012

Camp Hammer


We recently enjoyed the first of hopefully many future weeks of "Camp Hammer"! Sullivan, Harrison, and Sheridan spent the week with Margaret Alice and me (Meredith) while our parents drove down to Miami and went on a cruise to the Bahamas.

We had such a fun time together! Our days were filled with swimming, playing at parks, bowling, baking and shopping during "Sister Dates" with Sheridan, several favorite meals, and a whole lot of smoothies, milkshakes, and ice cream! I planned many activities for my sweet campers and we stayed very busy.

We strolled to the neighborhood pool nearly every day and had several picnics:

Margaret loved having such a full and active house and was so exhausted every time I would lay her down for her naps!
Sullivan, Harrison, and Sheridan all wanted to take turns feeding Margaret:

In addition to strolling to the pool and park, we would walk together to the store and even went to a restaurant as a special treat one night. 

We also toured the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Stephen and I went to the museum together before he deployed, so I was able to pass on all of the interesting facts and history that he previously shared during our visit.

We went to a drop zone on two different days to watch paratroopers jump from airplanes, but unfortunately both times the jumps had been rescheduled. Next time I hope to take them to watch Stephen jump!


They all agreed that bowling was their favorite activity of the week. They had never been before, but insisted that they did not want a lane with a guarded gutter because "that would make it too easy". They were hilarious to observe as they tried to figure out their perfect techniques and each thought that they were doing quite well by the end. Final score: Sullivan 54, Harrison 44, Sheridan 34:

Harrison has a special touch with Margaret and just adored holding her and playing with her!


Right before putting Sheridan to bed, we would have a reading lesson together. She was able to sound out the words for two full sentences and will undoubtedly join her big brothers as a voracious reader very soon!


On our final day of camp, we celebrated Harrison's 11th birthday! We were so thrilled to have our parents join us in the evening. Harrison received a camcorder for his present:

He requested that I make a carrot cake for his birthday cake:
Blowing out the candles:

We eagerly look forward to our next "Camp Hammer"!

Daddy, Margaret, and Sheridan before everyone left

Saturday, March 31, 2012

The First Signs of Spring

We love it when the weather turns just warm enough to enjoy the first day of short sleeves and bare feet fun!

When we first moved to the farm, the older boys began hanging ropes, with tires and sticks attached, from every sturdy tree limb remotely accessible.  I thought they were unsightly, not knowing this is the stuff that real fun and memories are made of.  I'm always surprised by the hours of fun the kids have playing on all the different types of swings and ropes.

Some of the children got guns for Christmas and have enjoyed practicing shooting.

Even Sheridan enjoys the challenge to improve her marksmanship.

We can't wait till summer when we can play outside in the warm weather every day!
 

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Introducing Ivy Anna Classic Children's Collection


Meredith has just launched an online store featuring traditional handmade, monogrammed, seersucker dresses and rompers for babies and young children. Ivy Anna Classic Children's Collection revisits the timeless summertime clothing of generations past.


It would mean so much to Meredith if you would "like" the store's Facebook page and consider sharing it with others who may be interested in high quality, classic seersucker apparel for young children!