Carol

Oh Carol don't let them steal your heart away
I'm gonna learn to dance if it takes me all night and day.
                                       -- THE ROLLING STONES

Happy Birthday, Grandmama!! (or GrandmaMA as Cari says).  Thank you so very much for spending your birthday the way all of your grandkids would want to spend it.  You constantly amaze us with your selflessness and how you lay everything down for the sake of your children and grandchildren. You are the ultimate definition of sacrificing.  And yet, you do it with a smile on your face. And the joy in your heart all the while shines through, lighting up through the air and reflecting on each grandchild's face.

We had a blast ice skating on Sunday. Cari had never even seen an ice rink before Sunday and we weren't really sure what to expect.  We arrived to find out the smallest skate they carry is a size 10 and she is just a tiny size 5.  We took our chances and strapped the boots onto her little teeny feet, criss-crossing the lace halfway up her little calf, it seemed. And they held tight.  She stepped out onto the ice to find Grandaddy waiting for her.

After just a couple of minutes, she was over this experience and wanted off.  But there's no going against the current here. Once you're on, you skate until you see an exit.  Which to two little feet, seems like a far, far away place.

Through many tears and grunts, she made it back to safety onto the bleachers. Meanwhile, the boys showed off their skills.  I think this is definitely the "coolest" place to be on a HotLanta Sunday!

When Cari saw Aaron zooming around the rink, she decided to race him on foot.  It was a tough competition!

Chad had a good time just relaxing and enjoying the company. He even let Grandmama hold him for a while before he got fussy. He must have known it was her birthday.

Cari watched the boys skate long enough and finally decided she wanted to try again. She talked Grandaddy out of his rest and pulled him back onto the ice.

This time, she seemed very excited to be on the ice.  I think watching Ethan, Aaron and Matthew zoom around and around and around proved to her the fun of it all.

Daddy joined them on the ice and with each hand locked into theirs, she rest assured that she was safe. She relaxed, laughed, squealed. She even pushed them away, certain she could do this all by herself.



She definitely gave them no rest. And as Grandaddy said, "It's only a half hour. I can do anything for half an hour."

She did very well standing by herself. She was steady on her feet, and then learned the fun of squealing so hard and raising her hands to say she did it that forced her to fall forward and be caught by four strong hands. Always there to catch her. Over and over and over.

Happy, Happy Birthday, Grandmama. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being in our lives. Thank you for loving us as you do.

Love, your skaters.