Happy News...Our Family Grows Again

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children's of one's youth.
Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5

 It just keeps getting better! How could it not with the safe and speedy arrival of our fourth grandchild! In case you haven't noticed, we love, love, love babies around here. In fact, there is nothing sweeter in my book than holding a precious new life in your arms, especially if that little one belongs to someone you love.
   On Sunday, August 25, our middle son and his lovely wife welcomed their second child and first son into the world. The baby is named for both of his grandfathers which means that little James Edward Thomas White (to be known henceforth as JET)  has the wonderful heritage of two godly men who each feel so honored to have this little one carrying on a part of their name.
    One of the sweetest things we witnessed was getting to see Jet's Big Sister meet him for the first time. Her love and joy ooze out and spill over. If this doesn't warm your heart, nothing will!

Here we are in the Family Waiting Room at the hospital waiting for our son to come and get us.

Big Sister is nearly beside herself!

 Big Sister's first look: "What are they doing to him?"

 Daddy and his boy...

 "Can I hold him? Can I hold him? Can I hold him?" 

Mommy and Daddy patiently explain about how helpless little brother is and 

why Big Sister has to be so very careful with him. 

 "That's my baby brother...."

 My daughter-in-law's sister (Aunt B) came up from Birmingham to meet the little guy!

 The proud grandfathers with their namesake!

 This little girl loves her Mommy so much!

 Big Sister is just sure her baby brother is talking to her...

 Drum roll please...

Introducing the beautiful family of four!

 Baby Sister will always be a Daddy's girl!

 Camper and her Mimi

 One more hug...

" Is he here to stay?"

You betcha, Big Sister, and he will grow up thinking that you are the cat's meow. Just

promise not to paint his fingernails pink and you all will get along just fine!

Thank you Lord for Ducks and Ice Cream

    We have a little pond on the bayside of our condo. It was a lifesaver this past week. We also went through two loaves of Wonder Bread keeping our finely feathered friends happy. I, for one, am very thankful for the momma and daddy ducks who came calling each day...much to the delight of Little One and Little Two. It was great entertainment during a cold and rainy week.

 As soon as the ducks heard the squeal of little voices, they would come running. 

Did you know that turtles also like to eat bread crumbs?

 Check out Little Two's throwing stance.

 Our former Vanderbilt baseball pitcher (Pappy) says that she is a natural!

Can I just tell you how much I love little toddler legs?

 More bread, please?!

 Next up was a visit to the ice cream parlor. Messy and delicious. 

 Brother wants to know if he can get some...

Little Beach Bums

   We love the beach. It's in our blood. Here's a photo of yours truly hanging out at Cinco Bayo when I was but a wee babe. No swim diapers then.

     All kidding aside, we were incredibly blessed as children to have a great-grandmother with her own house on Yacht Club Drive. Her property adjoined that of her sisters who in turn had their own houses. Thus it was that I grew up kissin' cousins with not only my first cousins, but my second, third and fourth cousins and with the aunts: that is: aunts, great aunts, and great-great aunts (and a few uncles, too).  I never knew how many generations separated us, nor did I care, I just knew that we were part of a large, wonderful, fun, and funny family.
    The original property on Cinco Bayou has now passed into other hands, but my family and I are striving to develop a similar closeness among the generations. It's why we traveled to the beach en masse last week and then all made the trek to my hometown, DeFuniak Springs, to attend a celebratory wedding and erstwhile family reunion. It was worth the hours we spent moving lots of people, big and small, from Nashville to the beach then to DeFuniak and back. It was oh so worth it, but then again, the love of family is always worth the sacrifice to keep the ties close.
     Here are some favorite photos of our time at the beach last week. The weather did not cooperate at all. It was rainy, cloudy, windy and chilly, but it did not deter Little One and Little Two's ability to enjoy the wonder. See for yourself.

Brrr...are you sure that this is not Antarctica? Nope, it's the Gulf of Mexico. Or so they say.

Run, run, don't let the waves catch you!

When all else fails, let the castle building begin...

Don't you know that you have to get messy, wet, and sandy if you are going to build a good castle?!

Ugh, this is really really heavy!

My teeth are chattering, my knees are knocking, my lips are turning blue,
but I have a job to do.

I have to get that water. Ice water, that is...

Here you go, more water mixed with sand. Let's stir it up to get it just right.

Oops, I bet she does not realize that I am dumping it out as fast as she brings it to me. 

        Uh oh, something about that face tells me that she has figured out my scheme.

I hope I did not see what I think I did...

Time for another project. I am up for some sand burying!

I'll go first. Whee...this is fun!

Even the Mommas are getting in on the act!

This is what cousins are for!

It's a family affair! 

Free at last!

Now it's my turn!