From Chattanooga's mountains and valleys to South Jersey's farms and pine trees

Visits down South come and go so quickly. Eventful but never long enough... The highlight this time came with the dawn on Friday, May 11 as Sophia Elisabeth Riley joined our family. We were all so proud of Aimee who endured labor and birth completely naturally. Scott supported her all the way and was able to "catch" the baby, cut the cord, etc. We thank God for our healthy, beautiful new little baby girl. Aimee's first Mother's Day as a mother was so special as she was home with her precious two-day-old daughter. Scott is such a proud and happy daddy who can't seem to take his eyes off his baby or let her out of his arms. Saturday night I was so tempted to "stay one more day" (this is beginning to sound familiar!) just to drop in and study her dear little face once more and hold her close to my heart one more time...And Linda's brood gets harder and harder to leave. Naya is the sweetest baby in the world and so delightful to watch as she smiles and responds and loves to be talked to. What a cutie. And my cute-as-a-button Ella is so affectionate and happy. Still craving that special book as she finds it and backs me up to the green chair whenever I come downstairs or step in the door. Her little voice crying, "Go, go, go, Mayee!" when the horse race scene comes on in Mary Poppins (and at other odd times of the day--wonder who taught her that.) Juden and little friend Lulu (and Ella tagging along) marching through the house singing, "Tep in time, tep in time!". (Also Mary Poppins. Humm, how soon can I get him adicted to Sound of Music which will delight Josh to no end.) I loved watching extremely active Juden intensely working on his puzzles everyday. He does at least half a dozen rather hard puzzles (some 35 pieces) without help, patiently checking the pieces ("Yeah! That's right!") and leaving them completed all over the floor...And my pleasant hours on a certain peaceful hill in Wildwood, Georgia looking at Lookout Mountain not very far away, listening to birds, enjoying the breeze, but most importantly being with Oak, Meadow, and Dove. Dove is great fun, a bundle of energy, into everything, enjoying life in general. She is a picture with her light blonde hair and bright blue eyes. (I feel so bad when I leave as she and Ella don't understand where I've gone and why I don't come back to be with them.) Meadow got an adorable haircut which she loves. I was able to catch two ballet performances. One was her little class's recital. They really are learning more each time I see them. Meadow is a natural. She was chosen (out of 5 pre-ballet classes) to be in a production at UTC's Fine Arts Center. Her hair was very long, with a ribbon. Her costume was a Victorian dress. She looked adorable and carried her part very, very well. Was a very good production and wonderful to see Meadow in it (the littlest one of all). She is still interested in art and has a whole series of bird drawings. I got to see one of Oak's baseball games. He got two home runs and made a double play! Also went to Coolidge Park with Amy and Meadow and Dove to see Oak's school have its Field Day. Sitting in an open area by the Tennessee River, watching sack races, parachute play. having a hot dog lunch with them all. To the carousel and fountains. A really neat time. Oak can be very serious at times and then just have a great fun-time at others. Amy and I took the kids on the Chattanooga Ducks. We rode along the streets, down a steep ramp, right into and along the Tennessee River. Captain Oak actually got to steer our "boat" quite a long way. A perfect afternoon and we all really enjoyed the adventure...So now I'm home and missing all my little loves down there, but back with my little loves here-- Caleb, Addie, Eden, Lily. God is so very good to me.