Time with Grandparents

This past week Erin and I were in Orlando with Anna so my parents got to spend the week with Reed & Meredith. They got here the Saturday before we left and were here for Anna's baptism. They also got to go fishing (a great pastime of Reed & GG).

More fun pics

Here are the kids with the neighbor (Jillia) hanging out in the back yard earlier this week. It is fun to have friends for the kids in the neighborhood. They had a blast being goofs together. And of course--we must include a photo of Anna as well--notice the socks!

Why do we buy toys??

When kids can be so entertained by the simplest of things and great imaginations...why do we buy toys? Reed is now a photographer...his new thing is to be the picture taker--especially when he takes pictures of himself.

These first two are actually taken by Reed himself.

Welcome Anna

On December 29th, at 8:57 AM we welcomed Anna Katherine Grindstaff to our family. She was 7 lbs. 4 oz. and 20 in. long. She is a beautiful, and generally relaxed baby. Both Reed and Meredith love her dearly and want to hold her often.

Sibling Love

Just simply thought this video was cute...

Christmas trees and singing

Just thought I would combine posts and put up some pics of the kids helping with the Christmas tree, but then also some video of them performing quite well in the living room. Enjoy.

Fishing Day

This morning we went as a family to the UF ponds and had some fishing. Basically everyone caught something--at least it was a family affair. And, at least we caught one of the big channel cats.

ABC's & Jesus Loves Me

The other day both Mer and Reed wanted to show off their ABC ability, and even "Jesus Loves Me"--and for some reason the word Hippopotamus keeps showing up...enjoy.

Pancakes and talking

This morning was my first of what I hope to be many Father-Son breakfast dates. I decided to take Reed to 43rd St. Deli on 13th and just hang out as father & son. We had a great time, but the best part was after we ordered Reed's blueberry pancake (one of his favorites) I asked him a question I wasn't sure what the response would be. I asked, "Reed, what kind of man do you want to be?" His response warmed my heart more than you know...he said, "A man who walks with God." What more could a father want?!

What a long strange trip...

At the beginning of July we took a trip to Indianapolis, Cleveland and Pennsylvania. We did the grandparent tour as well as visiting friends. It was a good time and we're glad we did it, but it was also pretty tiring. It was good to be home.





Reed proudly posing in front of "Benny" at Ball State


Meredith having fun at the park in Rocky River

The kids had a blast with family and friends...and even got to visit a kiddie park and the zoo.






Reed even climbed a tree.

Who needs a trampoline or a giant...

When you've got dad? We actually got into a good rhythm, but dad got pretty tired.

It ended up beautiful...

When we started out about 8:30 this morning for Jacksonville to go to the zoo with friends from church I wasn't too sure we would actually spend much time at the zoo. The sky was foreboding and not too promising. But we made it there and then when we were getting our tickets we found out over 1200 school kids were there...great! But the day was great. I have not seen animals that active as long as I can remember. It only sprinkled once (when the kids were at the splash park getting wet anyway). It really was a precious gift from God for which I am thankful. It is great to have fun with the family!

Poe Springs

Today the family ventured out to one of the many springs here in north central Florida for the first time. We went to Poe Springs, and luckily there was some sand because the kids still don't like the water all that well (that's an understatement--swimming lessons need to go better for Reed). Chad got in, before the snake was swimming loose, but we did find out it's a harmless watersnake that is very prevalent in this area.
After getting home, Reed wanted to run through the sprinkler in the backyard--he had fun before he got too cold.