More from Charleston...

While in Charleston, we were able to visit with my dad. We saw him several times throughout the week. On Tuesday, we met up with him at the Chick-fil-a on Folly Road. It was a good place to meet...almost the same driving time for us and him, and of course, a playground for the boys. On Thursday, we went over to his place in North Charleston and then headed to Chuckie Cheese~a real treat for the boys. I had a coupon for double the amount of coupons...so we got 80 tokens for $10.00. They played for a while, and then we headed to Target for some shopping. We ate lunch at Andolini's, which was GREAT! We met my dad at the Aquarium downtown on Saturday. Last time I went to the Aquarium it was sooooooo crowded (like bus loads of kids), so I was a little hesitant in going there. It wasn't crowded at all, though, this time!!!! YAY!!!! Again, we ate lunch at Chick-fil-a, and Aedan got to dance with the cow! Josiah stayed as far away as he could get from the cow while Aedan was pulling his tail:)

At my Dad's place

Dad and Mercy

At Chuckie Cheese...playing the Jurassic Park game

Sweet Mercy...wearing her dress from Francie D

more games

another dino game

At the Aquarium

snakes!

on the play boat

an alligator!!

Dad and I in one of the outside exhibits

The O'Brien Family Reunion 2010

Press the play button, and then pause again to allow it to download...

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

gifts from abroad

Ryan brought us home gifts from the DR:

The boys got wooden drums. (Aedan is a little groggy in this picture...he just woke up from a nap.)

Mercy got a doll:)

Ryan got me this bracelet. The stone is one you can only get in the DR.

Welcome home, Ryan...we are happy you are back:)

We survived!

As most of you know, Ryan recentlly got back from the Dominican Republic on the EOE (ends of the earth) mission trip. This is the final year of a three year cycle based on Acts 1:8. (First we have the Judea Project, then the Samaria, and next EOE) It is always a big accomplishment to finish a cycle, especially for the teenagers that were able to do all three years. Ryan was gone for 9 days! It was a long time to be here with just myself and the kids...three kids under 5. I tried to stay busy as much as I could with the kids, although trying to tote a baby places isn't easy. Here's the lowdown on what we did:

Thursday~swimming in the morning, dinner at Karen's with some youth girls at night
Friday~boys went to play with Vivian and Emma in the morning while Mercy and I did some errands
Saturday~stayed at home all day (boys played in the yard)
Sunday~church in the morning
Monday~stayed at home and in the evening our neighbors watched the boys while I made a Walmart run
Tuesday~movies in the morning with Cathy and her boys...Ice Age 2 played for a dollar at the theater...not to mention $1 popcorn and drinks
Wednesday~swimming with Cathy and her boys in the morning and church at night
Thursday~boys went to play with Vivian and Emma and I had some freedom
Friday~went to Tera's in the morning

There it is...how we spent our 9 days while Ryan was gone. Thanks for everyone who was praying for me, and also Ryan and the youth whom went to the DR. Special thanks to Vivian and Emma for watching the boys:)

yesterday's quote of the day:

Aedan: "Can God tickle me?"

picture taking...

I realized the other day that I haven't been taking as many pictures of Mercy as I should! With the boys, especially Josiah, I took pictures every day in every outfit...and also sitting up, laying down, and any other way I could postion a baby. I took a lot with Aedan, as well...and while I don't think I've been a complete slacker in the area of picture taking...I need to do a photo shoot soon of this cute baby girl:) Here's a picture I took yesterday:

Mercy, please stop growing...you are just about 3 months, already!

another good quote

Josiah: "I think when Mercy grows up, she's going to be a cowgirl!"