The little cousins...

My cousin, Matthew, is a doctor in Iowa and he and his wife, Athena, have three children. They are huge Cub fans and are such precious parents. We love watching their children grow and be loved by Matthew and Athena. Athena and I have had fun encouraging the relationship between our kids, who are second cousins. We send birthday and Christmas presents and get the kids together when we are in Iowa. This coming fall we might even have them here in Georgia for a visit!!

Doster, Addison and Caroline watching the horses.

My handsome youngest.

Playing on the "GRADY" rock at the farm.
(Addison, Caroline, and Lucas)

Just the other day I told Jason that I really hope my son does not show an interest in playing football.

The five hour visitation was exhausting for the adults, much less the kids. They made it through like champs and played so well together.

Responses to seeing Grandpa in the casket:

Caroline: She was very quiet and thoughtful. After some time she wanted to see him again but didn't express much. Later she told Athena, when I wasn't around, when she didn't want to play yet - "I am still hurting because my Mommy's Grandpa passed away." Very grown up in my estimation.

Doster: I told him very simply that Grandpa died and is in heaven with Jesus and Doster just wanted to close Grandpa's door. (on the casket) :-) Grandpa was buried in stripped bib overalls and had the Four Spiritual Laws in his shirt pocket. In honor of Grandpa, Doster wore his Osh Kosh stripped overalls and no shirt to the visitation. Cute as could be!

Cousins - Doster, Lucas, and Jameson
These three were all born within 3 months of one another.