After Easter

Trey looked at our sad little blog this week and said "Easter, really Rachael, Easter?!" So I guess now that it is July I should probably get moving on some updates. So here is a quick overview of some of the Spring happenings Oswald style.
The children and I flew back into Edinburgh just in time to enjoy some amazing spring weather and celebrate Trey's birthday. The joy of our family reunion was quick as I boarded a plane for Atlanta less than a week after our return. My mom (aka Nana) and I did a quick switchero as I went to Atlanta for a work trip and she flew here to spend the week helping out around the house and most importantly with Emerson and Ward. For those of you who know my mom, you will not be surprised that in her week here she not only maintained the daily schedule but managed to squeeze in loads of sight seeing and outings with the kids. Their day at East Links farm is pictured below.
I am also very happy to report that the Scottish Spring was sunny and mild and provided us with so many opportunities to be outside enjoying friends and good weather. We had several barbeques with friends, unfortunately a few of them were farewells to North American families who have finished their work here. We wish them all well and a huge congratulations for finishing their time here, but will miss our friends.

Emerson in Princes Street Gardens.

2 little kiddos very happy to be home and playing with Daddy.

Ward and Mommy in Princes Street Gardens.

Celebrating Trey's birthday.

This photo was taken at East Links Farm with Nana & Trey while Rachael was in Atlanta for work. Please notice the cute little baby bunny on the left....she will reappear.

That's right- the familiar little bunny, only now she is on my kitchen floor! Her name is Isabel and Nana bought her for Emerson and Ward.

Nana with Ward and Emerson at the farm.

The day I flew in from Atlanta Emerson welcomed me home with a head injury. She crashed her scooter (without a helmet on) so we headed to the Children's hospital for a clean up and steri-strips.

One of Ward's favorite things- football. Portobello Beach in the background.

Love this shot of the kids at Portobello Beach. Emerson and Ward on a grey Scottish day.

Enjoying the time to play in the sand even though that water was freezing.

The view from our kitchen window after a Spring rain shower.

Emerson with her friend Hannah a few weeks before her family moved away.

Ward with two of his pals, Hannah and Titus. While this was a goodbye party, we are so grateful Wardie's little friends are sticking around.

Easter

We had such a beautiful Easter this year. Amazing weather, great service at a chapel in the woods, beautiful Easter clothes from MyLu, egg hunt with the cousins, food, family, and fun. The only thing that would have made it perfect is if Trey could have been with us.

Papa followed in the footsteps of his own father (my Papaw) and dyed dozens of Easter eggs with the kids. Beautiful dark colors. We were very pleased with our end result. And Nana was particularly pleased that it was warm enough outside for us to take our project out on the patio instead of in her kitchen.

Dad was preaching at the chapel up in the mountains at the Cliffs of Glassy. We went to the service and Ward called to Papa (from the back) through the whole service - he wasn't quite sure why Papa was up front and unable to talk to him. As soon as the service was over, both children joined Papa at the door to shake hands and Emerson told everyone as the left "Thanks for coming, have a Happy Easter" as if she was the host of this little party. Following church we had a beautiful brunch complete with Vanilla French toast , blueberry scones, real American bacon, and loads of other choices- but I could have stopped with the French toast and been perfectly happy.

After a little nap our afternoon was filled with food, family, and fun. We invited all of the cousins that live in the Greenville area over for an Easter egg hunt, cook out, and marshmallow roast. It was a great treat to have my Aunt Dot and Uncle Bill drive down from North Carolina for the day. We don't have opportunities to see them very often so it was wonderful to have them with us. Such a beautiful and fun-filled day.

Spring Wrap up

I have a huge collection of pictures from our Spring Break in South Carolina, but as you know if you have been checking the blog- it has taken me ages to post them. So here is a random sampling so that you can catch a glimpse of our fun and I can move on to more current happenings in the Oswald house.

Emerson driving the golf cart on her outing.

This is one happy little girl- a day with BOTH grandfathers all to herself!

My cousin Sarah who took care of Em and Ward while I was working. This is Emerson's sad farwell.

Little Wardie can always make Papa laugh.

Swimming with Nana and Papa.

The swingset at Nana & Papa's broke and we had to replace it. Emerson and Ward pitched in to help build the new swings.

Emerson showing off the new and improved swing set.

So sweet.

Ward helping Papa wash his "fast car".

Emerson cuddling with Aunt Kylie.

MyLu taking Ward and Beckett for a ride in the wagon.

Emerson and Oliver playing.

My favorite picture of my adorable blue eyed boy.

My sisters and I used to ride on my dad's feet like this. It was pretty fun to see my little ones doing it too.

Blowing bubbles in Granny's garden with Nathan and Mallory.

Soaking in Nana's giant bath tub.

Ward loves a good bubble bath.

The jets in the bathtub made the bubbles go a little crazy. It got so deep they could barely keep their heads out of the water.

Giving PopO some love.