Whirlwind Week!

What a month this week has been!!  The Arledges had lots going on this week!  We began the week with the usual trip to church and then lunch afterwards.  This week we just had sandwiches at Gretchen's house for lunch because we were planning a big dinner for her birthday (which was Monday).  We ate together at Longhorn for the celebration dinner and had so much fun.  We opened gifts and Lee got a little crazy with the wrapping...

On the way to church

Lee's new 'do

Being silly with Mama

On Tuesday evening Lee found out that he was going to have to go out of town unexpectedly on Wednesday morning.  Well, we were having a new roof put on beginning Wednesday.  What timing!  So, Claire and I were left to hold down the fort.  What did we do?  We packed up and went to stay with Grandmommy, Papa, and Auntie G!!  Since the noise of the roofers was unbearable, we decided to spend the couple of work days at Casa de Bell in Canton.  We even brought Annabelle so she could visit with cousin Woody.  While staying at the luxurious Casa de Bell, we had lots of adventures.  Claire got to swing at the playground for the first time, sat in a Claire-sized rocker at Cracker Barrel, and played and played with Papa.  What fun!!

At the neighborhood playground

Being silly with Papa and Auntie G

It's just the right size!!

"Mama, put this on my Christmas list!"

We finished up the week with lunch and dinner with friends.  Today we went to Duluth to see Lee's Grandaddy and so we stopped in to see the Gilliams.  Today is the day that their little girl, Michayla is due.  She didn't make an appearance, but we're hoping for that phone call very soon!  

 We ended the evening at Bahama Breeze with our great friends Damon and Kathy.  Of course I took my camera, but forgot to take any pictures :(  So, you'll just have to take my word for it! 

Lee and I had a productive week and wonderful weekend together.  I am so blessed and happy!

Praise the Lord!

Claire's doctor's appointment went well!  Claire got a glowing report from the doctor and is the picture of health!  He was not concerned that she isn't walking and gave us some good advice about getting her back into her crib.  Here are her new 'stats':  30" tall (25%ile), 21 lbs. 14 oz. (25%ile).  Although I was anxious about her vaccines, God sent a great nurse to calm my fears.  She took a lot of time talking with me about my concerns and answering my questions.  She was very gentle with Claire and gave the shots quickly.  Claire was such a trooper!  She cried for a few seconds and then smiled at the nurse.  Thank you Lord!  She has done fine since the appointment and, I'm happy to report, has spent the last 2 nights in her crib by herself!!!  I am so proud of my little goose.  She is remarkable and amazes me every day.  I love watching her grow and discover new abilities.  She is truly a miracle of God! 

Please Pray!!

This Wednesday, July 15, Claire will be going to the doctor for her 15 month well check-up.  Normally I look forward to these appointments so that I can see all the progress she's making, how big she's getting, and have all my questions answered.  Unfortunately I am dreading this appointment.  This is the appointment where she receives the MMR vaccine, the most controversial of them all.  Lee and I have discussed immunizations at length and have both decided that she will receive all of her shots according to the CDC recommended time table.  However, I can't help but be a little nervous.  That's why I'm asking for your prayers--more for me than for her!!  I KNOW that God is in control and that He will protect my baby.  After all, she belongs to Him, not me.  But it is my job to do everything in my power to keep her healthy and happy and leave the rest up to Him.  So, I covet your prayers for my peace of mind and for her comfort.  I will certainly update the blog again with all the details of my little goose's progress and milestones.  Thank you for all of your support!

Happy 4th of July!!

We had a fun weekend celebrating the 4th of July.  We spent Friday picking up our new furniture--that is a plural, because Lee managed to talk me into getting his ultimate recliner that he'd had his eye on for months.  I thought he'd come home with our new couch, but ended up making a second trip for the chair.  Oh, well--whatever makes him happy :)  Saturday we were pretty lazy until time for our cookout!  Mom, Dad, and Gretchen came over and we grilled steaks.  Yum!  Lee is really getting good at grilling.  After we stuffed ourselves we met the Mathews' at Big Lots for the annual Woodstock fireworks show.  It was a little disappointing this year, but fun nonetheless.  Claire seemed to really enjoy the bright flashes and sparkles and was not scared by the loud noises.  Hooray for small miracles!!  The weekend came to a close with a trip to OK Cafe and Ikea on Sunday.  What a great way to spend a holiday!!

Papa and the tickle finger!

Hanging out in front of Big Lots--do we look rednceck, or what??

Enjoying the show!

Lunch at OK Cafe.  Claire loved being in a booster instead of a highchair

Hanging with Auntie G at Ikea

Father's Day

Here are a couple of shots from one of our Father's Day luncheons.  Claire had a fun time visiting with her daddy and Papa.  She made Daddy the sweetest handprint picture in the nursery at church.  What a fun day to celebrate our wonderful daddies!!

JACKSONVILLE

Last week was our trip to Jacksonville!!  We visited with Lee's Aunt Janice and Uncle Tommy.  They have a beautiful home that has just been completely remodeled--it was like staying at a beach resort!  We even had a pool just out the back door.  It was wonderful!  

We spent the week lazing around the pool, eating delicious food, and visiting the beach.  The girls also had a great day of shopping.  Claire especially loved the fitting rooms at The Loft--I wonder where she gets that from ??!!??  She LOVED the beach.  She is braver than her mama and got way out with Grandaddy Bill.  Her float kept her floating above the waves (well, most of the time) and she loved the movement of the water.  She also enjoyed the pool.  Her float is perfect for us, but sometimes she wanted more freedom in the water.  SO, we decided to try something else.  She sported a life vest when she wanted to be her own little fish--and loved it.  She even sat back and floated on her own!  

Another highlight of the trip was having dinner with my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Michael.  They took us to a neat restaurant on the beach called Ragtime.  The food was delicious and so was the company!  We wish we could see them more often, but enjoyed hearing all about their good news and visiting with them while we could.  What a treat!!

There are lots of pictures to share, but I picked some of my favorites.  Chances are I'll add some more later.  Enjoy!!

Aunt Debbie and Uncle Michael with Claire

The girls after dinner

Getting ready to hit the beach!!

"Daddy, I don't like all this sunscreen!"

Look at me riding the waves!

Claire was laughing while the adults kept an eye out for big waves.....

Oops!!  Maybe we should have watched closer!  Claire is in the middle of that wave somewhere--but she came out in one piece and wanted to go again!!

Practicing walking in my squeaky shoes and new socks

Hooray for the pool!

Look what Daddy caught :)

Kicking away

Yogaberry during the girls' shopping trip--Claire was much more interested in the yogurt than the picture

"I know my mama is in there!!"

"Ahhhhhh...I love this place!"

Getting ready to go home

What a fun trip!!