Back to School!

Right after Christmas break, I returned to work as Librarian at Highland Park and Washington schools ... it wasn't easy leaving Adelyn the first day, but knowing she and Jackson are safe and loved at daycare sure helps! Back at school, I was welcomed by lots of sweet coworkers and kiddos (I even got a special 'Hooray, Mrs. Matthews is back' dance from some third graders). My pals at Highland threw a baby shower for me and another colleague who is about to have a baby.

Addie's Christening

Adelyn was baptized on December 23rd (her three month birthday) at our church in Craddockville, Virginia. She wore the gown that my great grandmother Webbie made for my baptism. Beautiful girl!

Jackson was baptized here in 2009 (and I was in 1982!).

A sweet family.

Addie's Nana ordered a pretty (and yummy) cake.

Proud parents!

Christmas 2012

This year, Christmas was all the more fun with a little girl in our family. Jackson had a ball leaning songs and making crafts at daycare and school ... his Christmas program was the sweetest thing we'd ever seen. We all flew out to Virginia, which was an adventure as always ... we only ran through two airports and missed one flight. Fun! On one plane, Jackson was invited into the cockpit to visit with the captain before we took off ... we heard him say "Hi Mom and Dad" over the speaker.

In Virginia, Adelyn finally met the Mills and Sterling families and all the neighbors on the Neck. We had lots of great visits, ate way too many sweets, enjoyed lots of pajama time, and of course gave thanks for our many blessings ... all around a great Christmas.

Let Me Shine Preschool Christmas program. Jackson told the audience he'd give baby Jesus a green robot. 

Adelyn meeting Great Nana and Great Granddaddy!

Barrie in his element.

Jackson and his best pal, Uncle Bret, cuddling on the couch. 

Addie and Nana

Addie and Granddaddy

Our sweet boy poses for a picture.

Four generations of girls!

Jackson cruising with cousin Hannah. They went on a 'date!'

Red sky at night ... 

hunter's delight!

MILLS

MATTHEWS

We Love You Grandma!

This Christmas season was a difficult one, as I had to say goodbye to my Grandma. We arrived in Virginia late on December 19th and on the 20th, Adelyn saw her Great Grandma for the first and last time. Addie and Grandma held hands and we told Grandma what a darling her great granddaughter is and how we love her so. Later that night, Grandma received the ultimate healing ... it is hard to say goodbye but wonderful knowing that she is now safe in our Savior's arms.We love you Grandma!

Four Generations of Mills Family in Summer 2011 ... Bret, Jackson, Anna, Grandma, Dad

Christmas 2011. Grandma with her treasured plaque ... recognition for her many years of service as a nursing assistant.

Jackson's last visit with his Great Grandma. Her 93rd birthday. July 2012.

Adelyn on her Christening day ... in the cradle her Great Grandma slept in as a baby more than 90 years ago.