Thursday, April 13, 2023

Family Photo Hodgepodge

 

 

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. ~Psalm 33:21


There's never a dull moment when the whole family is here with us.  Savannah and Alexandra take such joy in our collection of "Little Animals" and the simple fun of popping packing bubbles.



And when Danny retrieves a long-forgotten tub of toys from the garage, you'd think the girls had found manna from heaven!





Of course, there are also many opportunities for quiet time together that we all enjoy.






And there's always room for chocolate cake!  See Virginia's?



I have to admit, we also experience our fair share of sugar highs, especially with the two youngest.  Between other confections, ice cream and chocolate milk are in abundance, thanks to the Papa who specializes in spoiling the grandchildren.  And it's so gratifying to see Sarah and John relaxing with an evening glass of wine.


They, of all people, deserve this vacation much more than anyone else as they both work so hard and tirelessly.

We're simply grateful that they chose to take their vacation time and spend it with us.  The moments together are nothing but precious, and the memories will last a lifetime!

Amen! 

(Next installment:  Finn goes to the dog park!)

50 comments:

  1. Strange ... I posted here this morning. It's gone!

    God bless.

    Victor S E Moubarak

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is strange, Victor! I'll check in the spam folder, though I don't know why in the world it would go there.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
    2. Odd things are happening. I commented with my name as now, and even mentioned the blue fan in the photos.

      I've had a lot of comments going to SPAM. Your comment on my blog today was in the SPAM folder.

      God bless.

      Delete
    3. I have no idea what could be going on, Victor. I checked my spam, but your comment wasn't there. Hope you'll keep trying!

      Delete
  2. Nothing like being with family (and grandchildren).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I must agree, Glynn - there's nothing like it.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  3. Some shops sell special packing bubble sheet which was developed for people to crush and ease their stress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? That's a new one on me, Crane.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  4. Such a happy post! Love popping the packing bubbles!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually enjoy popping those packing bubbles, too, Barbara, and it was so much fun to watch the girls indulging in this simple pleasure.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  5. The best of times shared with family and grandkids. Have a wonderful weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Bill! Yes, a wonderful time was had by all.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  6. Enjoyed all of the photos you shared. You have a lovely family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Debby! I'm glad you enjoyed the family photos today.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  7. Such a beautiful family, Martha. I know you'd agree, their beauty isn't just skin deep. Thank you for sharing these heartwarming moments.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's one of the things I'm most grateful for, Myra, that the girls know what it means to be beautiful from the inside out. Glad you enjoyed the photos!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  8. thecontemplativecat here. Those toys on the floor bring back great memories. Sweet sweet girls. Spoil them, by golly. We will be going to Illinois (from CA) to see our son and family, ages 5, 3, 18 months. Looking forward to seeing their toys on the floor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, what a wonderful trip that will be for you, Susan! Those ages are so much fun (well, they all are, if truth be told). Enjoy each and every moment with them!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  9. It is always nice to have our families with us, even for a short time. I enjoyed seeing the pictures. Peace and blessing to you and yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, indeed, it is, Cecelia. The time was truly too short, but we are hoping to see them all again this summer.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  10. What a lovely family you have Martha. The chocolate cake looks good too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Christine! And yes, the cake was delicious.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  11. Martha, the photos of all those happy faces are beyond precious! I am so happy for all of you that the 'vacation' was relaxing and fun for all. Thank you for sharing and I'm looking forward to reading about the dog park!! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you enjoyed these photos, Terri, and appreciated all those smiles and happy faces. Best vacation ever!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  12. Dearest Sarah Jane,
    And by playing and acting like that the time spent together does FLY... That always is the sad part!
    Your daughter Sarah looks so young!
    The picture with the wine glasses must be taken during those very warm days before Easter, we had 86°F and on Easter Saturday it was so nippy and even cold. I was freezing. Funny though that John is wearing his three layers...😉
    The blue fan was obviously not connected as it could be a little hazard for long hair and other toys being snagged.
    Big hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We only run that fan in the summertime when one of us is on the treadmill so it can help us cool off. We never have it going any other time. Yes, Sarah does look young, although she is in her mid-thirties. Must be in the genes!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  13. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful family with us, Martha. This high tech age brought a lot of problems with it, but one of the things I'm so grateful for is the incredible blessing of digital photography. Being able to share moments like you did in this post allows us to expand our "family" and include those who would normally be left out. Once again, you've allowed us special access to rejoice with you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so grateful for digital photos, too, Ron, and for the ability to FaceTime with this precious family at least once a week. It helps ameliorate the strong feelings of missing one another in the day-to-day of life. Yes, there are lots of drawbacks in this age of instant communication, but I choose to dwell on the positive aspects. So glad to know you are rejoicing with me!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  14. Aw, Martha! What a great time you must have had together! God is so good to allow such precious moments with our loved ones. May He continue to bless you and Danny and your family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Cheryl! Yes, I'm so grateful to God for these moments He graced us with.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  15. Your pictures made me smile, Martha. We too SO revel in family times when we can be together. Also, had to smile about what your husband brings into the house. The Papa in this family also spoils his granddaughters with treats!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It must be a universal trait of grandfathers everywhere, Nancy. :) They give them the sugar, and we are left to deal with it. But I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  16. Martha, I love these photos and glad the Danny found manna from heaven for the girls. :-) Looks like such a good vacation and visit for them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was the perfect time for all of us, Karen. I'm looking forward to sharing more with everybody in the coming week.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  17. I'm so glad you all had a wonderful visit! I can see the love and joy in everyone's faces. These are the best of times for all of you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The best of times, indeed, Lisa! My only wish it that we could do it all over again sooner than later.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  18. Love the pictures Martha. I noticed that Virginia wasn't playing with the animals and popping peanuts. Wonderful watching her grow from the one who would have been to watching her sisters. Wonderful family you have and I am so glad you had that extended time with them. I'm jealous. :) We are unable to spend that amount of time with our daughter and grandson and it has been since before COVID that have been here to visit us (Christmas 2019 I believe).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Bill, that's such a long time to wait between visits! I know you all have seen them, but not at your home for an extended time. Hope that changes in the near future for Jo and you. I'll bet your grandson has grown a mile!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  19. I have heard that a bubble sheet maker developed the special sheet which could be popped by adults to ease their stress in daily life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, you mentioned that above, and that was a surprising comment, but well understood.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  20. Such awesome photos! Wishing you a beautiful week ahead, smiles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Linda! May your week ahead be a wonderful one, too.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  21. We find so much enjoyment (usually) when family gets together, but we also have our share of drama. I think most families do. I can't wait for the day when we are reunited as a heavenly family, with all drama gone! It'll be like visiting with you, Danny, and the kids.

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a beautiful family. So good to have kids over and hear their laughter. Though this makes me crave for cake!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lux! I do miss the girls' laughter so much now that they've gone back home.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  23. So beautiful. Regine

    ReplyDelete

Kittie Cat Christmas

  For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. ~Romans 8:22 Rocky and Riley are the two fortun...