Happy Birthday Auntie Peta, Uncle Tommy & Poppy! And Another Sad Good-Bye

I have been a little slack in posting about birthdays, but since the boys are super excited to say "happy birthday" or at least the "happy" part, I figured it was a good time to post.  Today is Poppy's birthday in Australia.  The boys just called him to wish him a great day.  Raleigh was very excited, talked all about his birthday, and his dinner of rice and beans, and then kindly said "buh-bye" and closed the phone on him.  We have been cooped up much of the day inside, except a quick trip to Grandpa Pickles for breakfast with him and Uncle Jer-Jer, so I cannot fault his need to keep moving and say a quick bye-bye!  We are excited to catch up with Auntie Peta this weekend via Skype, and cannot wait to hear all about her big day.  Just to be safe, I am wishing Uncle Tommy - or "Bama" as Raleigh says - a very happy early birthday as well!!!

Unfortunately, another day with a sad passing.  My Grandma's husband Elmer passed away this morning.  He died peacefully and that is really all you can ask for when you have lived a very full and long life.  We are sad for the entire family, especially for my Grandma and Elmer's children and all the grandchildren.  I know he will be truly missed.

This weekend we have no big plans, just to get ready for the boys big day coming up.  We have lots of preparations to make for their second birthday party. Grandpa Pickles will miss the boys birthday party this year, but it is important for him to be there for his Mom!  We will sure miss him:( Of course, we'll miss all the Hamiltons and other family members who live too far away to make it, as well. Lucky for Matt, the boys amd me, we have made really great friends here!  Here are a few cute pics of the boys today at Pickles. He read the boys "Twinkle, Twinkle" and when Grandpa got to the part about a diamond in the sky, both boys made their diamonds with their hands.  Precious!

A Sad Goodbye

This morning we were awoken by sad news that Matthew's grandfather, better known as Pa, had passed away.  Despite a valiant, and long fight against prostate cancer he sadly lost it with all his children and beautiful wife by his side.  We unfortunately, will not be able to say goodbye in person.  Our thoughts and strength is being sent all the way to Australia to help his family though this difficult time.  We were planning on visiting him this summer, but hopefully we'll still make the trip with the boys to see both of their Aussie great-Nans.  The only solace is that Pa was at peace with meeting his Maker and we have to seek some comfort in that.  I can say that Pa was seriously the most genuinely kind man.  He was also the epitome of a true Christian.  We know he will be missed, and just want to send all of our strength to Nan in particular.  She is also an amazing woman, strong and beautiful inside and out.

Despite the sad news, the boys had a wonderful week.  They were able to spend time with some fire fighters and dress up like pirates at a parade, so who wouldn't have fun.  Here are a few pictures of them enjoying both.  Augustus was hilarious in the fire truck; especially when one of the fire fighters tried to help him out.  He would not let go of the steering wheel.  He also had 12 month sized shorts on, which kept falling down, so he looks hilarious in them!

Yesterday, we spent a few hours at the Gasparilla kid's parade.  The boys had fun, but I think they were a bit overwhelmed when we first arrived.  By the end of the parade they were having a ball, mostly because of all the attention they received and the beads.  Oh, how they loved the beads.  They were even kind enough to put some beads on Amigo the dog's neck.