Date with my favorite 7 year old!

Last week, Isaac went to spend a couple days with Nana and Pops so I jumped on the opportunity to have a date with James (aka Bubs). He was so precious. He had a hard time deciding where to eat but finally decided on Panera bread. We enjoyed tomato soup and a bakery treat for dinner and then went to his favorite store, Dicks Sporting Goods. We were not in a hurry and we stayed as long as he wanted. He looked at everything from guns to hunting/fishing gear, goggles, weights, bikes ect. and then he wanted to go punch on all the punching bags. 

Pretending to shoot! He will definitely want some kind of gun once we
get out on land. 

He has been our most energetic boy so far. He loves to run and punch
things! Lately we have been letting him run through the neighbors
backyards and back everyday. 

He loved the hunting tents and even talked me into
getting into one with him (See below). We had so much fun!

This boy will only be 7 once, praying that God will help me to redeem
the time and enjoy every moment with him in addition to training
him up to be a mighty man of God! 

I love you with all my heart James Daniel Rich and can't wait to see what God has in store for your precious life!

Roanoke Swim Meet

Isaac and James had a great time swimming today. They have now been swimming for almost 3 years! This is their 3rd season for the H2okies.

HOKI brothers!

8 and under Hoki boys!

Birthday Party Fun

The kids went to a birthday party tonight at the gymnastics center located just up the road from us. They had such a great time! Little Kyleigh Barker turned 5 years old.

Mercy 

A kids dreamland!

Grace listening to the instructors.

The party room!

My friend Keri Beth (Kyleigh's mom)
 was raised  by parents who own a cake decorating
 shop. She makes the most incredible cakes
I have ever seen! 

Friday Fun... Play date!

Yesterday, we drove out to Giles to spend some time with the Hash family. We had a great time! I love Giles County. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful county in VA and I would love to live there if Daniel's job would permit it.

James is crazy about Caleb (almost 12). Caleb is so sweet to always
play with James even though he has 5 years on him:-). 

Molly and I both had baby girls just 4 months apart and both
experienced a horrible pregnancy. We also both homeschool.
We have plenty to talk about! 

Caleb and Mercy

Sadie Hope and Susanna Faith... they will make great friends!

James' Big Cookie

After nearly 3 years as a regular attender of the Awana Sparks Program, James finally guessed the amount of chocolate chips needed to win the big cookie made by Ms. Shannon. He had always wanted to win that big cookie and this year was his last chance. He was so excited to bring it home and share it with his family. We were all so happy for him! 

One Happy 7 year old! 

2012 Christmas Family Photo Shoot

Once a year we make the huge effort to get family pictures made. We always dread this day! It is so hard to get everyone coordinated and ready but later we are always glad we made the effort. The kids were obedient and did great for the shoot, Praise God! We always do our family photos this time of year so that we can also get a decent photo to use for a Christmas card.  It's amazing to see how much our family changes in just one year!

This one ended up being our Christmas card photo this year. 

*photos by Laura Swift

Roanoke Christmas Parade

We decided to take our kids to downtown Roanoke to watch the Christmas parade this year. It was super cold but they got good curbside seats where they could see really well and it was very entertaining for them.

I Love this picture of Mercy sitting on
her Daddy's shoulders:-).

Miss Susanna stayed warm and snug!

In front of the huge Christmas tree downtown