Shrimps on the Barbie

G'Day! Our mates had Shrimps on the Barbie this evening.

St. George, Pray for Us!

A day of two great events--St. George's Feast Day and Emma Claire's birthday!

The kids really enjoy stories of St. George because they involve stories of heroism, conquering evil, and more importantly right now, dragon-slaying. To celebrate, Cindy made a dragon cake, and I must say, an AMAZING dragon cake! Here are some pics...We had the Dupuy's over to "slay" the dragon in Emma Claire's honor. Happy 4th Birthday, Emma Claire!

Next Stop: Tour de France

So Cindy calls me at work last week to say "Gracie has a surprise for you when you get home." I thought of a bunch of things--she drew me a picture, she has a loose tooth, she has a new dance routine she wants to show me. Even better. I came home to see this...

Cindy tells me that she asked Gracie out of the blue if she wanted to try riding her bike without training wheels. She responded, like she always does with great, fearless enthusiasm, "OK!" Cindy took off her training wheels and said she was going back inside to change James' diaper but would come back to help her in just a few minutes. Our brave little soul Gracie got on her bike and was riding up and down the driveway. Cindy was very impressed that she had no reservations about doing it all by herself--little Miss Independent! Our boys would have NEVER tried to get on their bikes without training wheels for the first time without us holding them. And there she went--fearless and confident.

A few days later I asked Gracie if she wanted to ride her bike all the way to the pond. Same fearless response--"OK!" I was so proud of how well she rode up and down the hills and stayed, for the most part, on the side of the road. The final test was the fast track of the Alabama downhill. This is the street on the other side of the pond that the kids like to go down because it's really fast, especially on scooters. I really didn't think she was ready for it so I started to turn around and she said, "Come on, Dad. Let's go down the hill!" My response was "Baby, I think that might be a little too dangerous." Gracie boldly said, "But I can do it!" And before I knew it she was speeding down the hill. When most people ride down the hill they stop pedaling because they're going down so fast the pedaling can't keep up with the speed. Not Gracie--she was pedaling harder and shooting down the hill like a bullet out of a gun. I'm thinking the worst--no helmet, she doesn't know how to brake, etc. And just as she gets to the end of the road she brakes her bike like she's been doing it for 20 years. What a daredevil! I wonder how Amelia Earhart's parents must have felt when they realized just how fearless their daughter was.

I guess it would be foolish of us to try and break her spirit. You go, girl!

The Greatest Show on Earth

The Chopins made it to the greatest show on earth tonight--the Ringling Bros. Circus! Before the show started, the kids were allowed to go on to the floor level and meet and greet some of the performers. They got to see the elephants up close and personal and even got to try on some of the costumes. During the show we were entertained by acrobats, magic tricks, amazing animals, and of course, the clowns. Gus's favorite was the motorcycle, tightwire trick. Beedle was impressed with the acrobatic cats. Gracie enjoyed the girls spinning by their own hair. And James was enamored with the elephants. It was a great treat to be at the circus. Mom and I were reminded of the times we went to the circus as children (and young adults). We are never numb to the amazing abilities of the human body and spirit. We look forward to the next time the circus stops in town.

King for a Day!

With his crown, cape and sceptor (a golf club), Beedle was kind for a day!

Communion

A special boy had a special day today. Gus made his first communion this afternoon and took one step closer in his relationship with Jesus. Gus has worked very hard in his preparation, with the help of his mother, and today he received his third sacrament--Holy Communion.Gus looked very handsome in his suit. He was so very reverent as he approached the altar and received the Body of Christ. Msgr. Keith said a beautiful mass--one that not only touched the communicants but their family and friends as well.His family and friends were there to help him celebrate his special day. After the Mass, we came home to continue the celebration. One of Gus' favorite foods is boiled crawfish, so we treated him to a crawfish boil in his honor. He also had a beautiful cake and treats, like Bible Fig Newtons, made with love by his mother. After eating, the kids played in the sprinkler, while the adults visited and shared fond memories of how our little man has grown up so well and so fast. Gus, we are very proud of you and we thank you for saying yes to Christ's love. You are a great example to your brothers and sister and you make Jesus smile. Welcome to the Communion!

Happy Easter!

A Five-Year Old and a Camera

Gracie picked up the camera and took some of her own pictures. I must say she did a good job. Here are some pics from a five-year old...And Dad couldn't help but take a picture of the angelic photographer...

Less is More

Around the yard, the kids embraced the joys of nature. We turned off the TV and spent quiet time outside. On Good Friday we tried to do with less, but it turns out, we got more. How metaphoric!