Movies, Picnics, and Babies, Oh My!

We have made it a tradition in our familiy to have a movie outing just before a new baby is born into our family. Before Sarah Grace was born, Lon and I went to see The Chronicles of Narnia; before Abby was born, we took the girls to see Horton Hears a Who; before Lainey was born was too long past and I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure we saw something. So, in keeping with tradition, we took all of the girls out to see Up today. In hindsight, it would have been better to have let Abby sit this little tradition out because she was not up for sitting, walking, rocking, standing, or being quiet throughout the show and Lon ended up just walking around the mall with her. At any rate, and in spite of a few scary parts for the girls, Lainey, Sarah Grace, and I did enjoy the movie. Given that this is likely the last baby born in the Graham family (never say never, I suppose) and given that it cost us all over $30 to go to a matinee (!), this will likely be the last movie we see in the theatre ever. Okay, maybe not, but given the price to get us all there, it's definitely a rare occurrence. The movie was quite cute and I hate that Lon missed most of it because now I can't share funny lines from it without having to explain too much. During one scence, the two main characters, an old man named Carl and a little boy named Russell, are walking along and Russell is talking non-stop. Carl says, "I've got an idea; let's play the quiet game to see who can be quiet the longest." Lainey leaned over to me and said, "I'd bet you'd love that game, Mom. Especially when you're on the phone!" I think she knows her mother well!

We also went to a picnic today for Lainey's school. The weather was fabulous, the park was beautiful and the girls had a great time playing. Lainey got to be in a sack race and while she didn't win, she still had a good time. Sometime later, the lady who organized it came to Lainey and said, "You know, I think you left too early; I think if you had stayed, you would have won this medal." She then gave Lainey a little medal to wear around her neck. That was great, but the biggest prize for me was the ten mile wide grin Lainey wore on her face. I told Lon, "Oh, I'd do anything to see that smile."

So, we're now down to the single digits before little boy Graham makes his appearnce in the world. I'm ready to be unpregnant and just a have a baby to hold. My heart is very full as I ponder the blessings the Lord has given me and I am very grateful. Grandparents begin their travels today and will be arriving next week. We are anxious to see everyone and are grateful that they are able to be a part of this time in our lives. What a blessing that we live in a day and age when travel is so easy and families can be so quickly connected! I am very grateful for the help they offer and couldn't imagine doing this without them!