Good to Be Out

We love to serve those around us, but with all of the moving around and Covid we felt like we were having trouble finding ways to serve. This opportunity came up for us to serve as a family, and it was great! I hope we have more opportunities to do this kind of thing again.

We helped pack meals that were going to be distributed to local food pantries, churches, and the Red Cross.

Not only did we pack food, but we met many people and many internationals in the process.

Benjamin was asked to use his muscles often, since the refill bags were 50 pounds each.

I love that all the kids were allowed and encouraged to help. Hudson was putting on the stickers for this part.

Here the kids are weighing the noodles to make sure that the right tam out has been added to the bag before being sealed. If it's too light, they had a small amount to add or take away if too heavy.

Katherine and Jonathan filling the macaroni bags

Sealling it up

Selfie before we left (some already took the hair nets off...didn't take long)

Ms. Edna asked if all the kids could draw her a picture. This is the one from Lauren.

WE were at Emily's and I looked over and see Hudson just writing away wearing his daddy's shoes. I couldn't resist the picture! Too sweet!

My cousin wanted to surprise the kids with some things to keep their interests alive during all of the transition. He asked what kinds of things they liked and completely surprised them! Benjamin got this book on Exotic Animal Medicine.

watercolors for Regan

Black paper and pens for Lauren

Linus and Emily

An art set for Katherine

A drawing book and crafts supplies for Hudson

He pulled this one out and said, "Look, Mom! It Covid-19" Sign of the times.

They wasted no time in stating their creations!

An he's been studying hard...for fun!

She borrowed Hudson's book to draw in her black book.

Linus thought he was going home with us. He was not about to budge.

Regan and Taylor playing Cornhole (Taylor and I won...he's quite good at the game) 

Hudson's friend, Drew

Lauren's friend, Emily

Hudson painted his first painting.

Regan started her first taekwondo class in America.

It was different, but she still really enjoyed it.

Katherine decided to make a birdhouse out of popsicle sticks. It's adorable.
 

Knoxville Days

Girls Night Out :) We went out to eat with Emily and then on to Painting with a Twist. It was a lot of fun to paint together. The biggest thing for each of us was keeping up with the pace of the teacher. 

We all survived and have pretty mountains hanging up everywhere.

Mr. Gary planned a cookout for the kids and a big slip n slide outside for a fun farewell. WE actually aren't moving that far away, but they know that we will not see them as often.

I had a phonemail from a friend overseas. She asked if we wanted to see our cat, Gracie. She looked so happy...crown and all (thanks to her girls) haha! Sweet kitty.

I have no idea what Hudson is so tickled about (mostly because I am so behind again on the blog) but it's a good picture with his Auntie Em.

We stopped by to see Miss Edna. She works in the office of the church and the kids have enjoyed going and saying hi. 

Sitting on the swing video chatting with Mamaw and Papaw

Ready for a plant transplant ;)

The 2 girls went swimming with some friends

We've enjoyed daily beautiful sunsets.

Lauren spent the night with her good friend, Hadassah. It made her day when her little sister, Ruth, wanted to be carried by her.

So thankful that they are good friends 

Grace's mom sent me this picture and it made my day. Grace hosted a party at her house to meet some new friends. Her mom asked her how she new how to bake cookies. "Kelly taught me" Miss her so much

Regan and Katherine came with me to my aunt's house. We saw two of my cousins, Jeff and Robbie.

Robbie wanted a selfie. I had never noticed family resemblances before, but I think you can tell we are relatives in this picture.

My Aunt Sandra met us in Market Square for lunch. I love the "Windows of the Smokies" mural on the wall.

We were some of the only ones there.

It was interesting that all the stores said "DOGS ALWAYS WELCOME" That's fun. 

Soccer Taco

Sandra and Mom

The boys did not like the incidental wind shopping on the way back to the car! haha!

Well, not all windows shopping...how can you pass up this painting by a local artist. It looks just like Shadow!

Hudson is so happy to play Monopoly again!

Sandra had birthday presents for mom. What a cute dog puzzle!

We were going to pick up Lauren from dance class and mom saw the "Hot Now" sign :) She said it was her birthday donuts.

We ended up matching!

I love family dinners. I love them even more with the plates! Everyone has their own color, and I now know who is not washing their plate well ;)

Benjamin getting a little online cousin time with Tyler playing a video game together.

We have a groundhog living in the backyard. We've seen him twice now.