Cypress Gardens Trip

Since I'm off work this week we always spend it doing fun family stuff around the Charleston area. Today's trip was to Cypress Gardens - this is always a favorite for the boys and it was today too, despite the fact that most of the attractions were closed for remodeling. Here are a few pictures of the trip - it was just me and the boys this time.

Monitor Lizard, one of Tradd's Favorites

Tradd spotted this frog in the green muck.

Rich Man's Problem For Sure!

Where do we put all these new toys? This is a rich man's problem indeed! May all who read this be blessed with an overflowing storehouse (physically, spiritually and emotionally) in the coming new year!

Merry Christmas

Just a quick prayer that everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a blessed 2009. We thank God for our family, friends, health and so much much more. Looking forward to where God leads us in 2009 - stay tuned to the post for updates on the children and God's blessings on our lives.

Much Love,

The Kinney Six

New Shoes and pictures of the princesses

It was new shoe day in the Kinney House - Tradd got some sneakers and Cooper got some cowboy boots.

Life with four!

Just some random thoughts here. Yesterday as I ate my cold oatmeal again, I thought "I'm starting to like cold oatmeal for breakfast." It's been years (I exaggerate of course) since I've eaten a warm breakfast. HAHA! Another random thought, I've been meaning to write down something that Tradd said to me a few weeks ago. I've been telling everybody but have failed to write it down. Tradd, looking at Drayton, said "She's not as pretty as Coleman, is she a boy?" I reassured Tradd that when Coleman was first born she kind of looked the same way and that in fact Drayton was a girl! Then Tradd asked, "does Drayton have Down Syndrome?" When I said "no," Tradd said, "awwww but I want her to be just like Coleman because I love Coleman!" Oh the things that warm a mother's heart!! How sweet that was!

Well, I'm sure there's tons more random thoughts but the boys are showing me their drawings and I've lost all concentration! Life with four is, well, crazy!!! I've been on several outings by myself with them and honestly the best part is being where ever we are but getting there is the hardship. Oh my!! The one beauty in it all is that I've finally worked out the kinks of nursing so I'm not having to worry about bottles etc on these outings!! I tend to just wear the same clothes everywhere I go because of the ease of nursing in those clothes and not having to figure out another outfit.

The kids are loving all the special events we've been attending. If Tradd were really honest, he's having fun tasting all the cookies. Pretty sure he's had about every kind of cookie ever dreamed up.

I'm going to have to post some other time. I just can't focus with all that's going on. Think that will change in the next 18 years? HA HA!

Quick Kinney Update

Took a trip to Ohio for thanksgiving! Kids traveled well but daddy didn't like driving to and from Ohio in the snow. But it was worth it, we had a lot of fun. The boys loved the snow.

We took the kids to the Cleveland Zoo! Everyone had a blast and it wasn't too cold, only 40 degrees while we were there and most things were indoors.

Coleman turned two while we were there so we had a little party. Unfortunately Nanny, Aunt Karen and Nicole were not able to join us because of bad weather.

Mommy's childhood friend Staci came over to visit! Tradd loved Ms. Staci and commented on how much he will miss her when she left and the first thing he did when he got home was to write a note (with hearts) to Ms. Staci.

We are now back in Charleston getting settled back into our routines, decorating for Christmas and participating in lots of Holiday festivities around Charleston. When daddy returned to work his office looked like a children's toy and clothing store. We were blessed with seven bins of clothing for the girls and bunches of toys for the kids.

We pray everyone has a save and blessed Christmas season.

And then there was four

We are so blessed with our new princess, she has been wonderful. She is at her first doctors appointment right now with mommy and I have taken time off this morning to stay home with numbers 1-3. (I can't seem to get the right name with the right child so I have converted to calling them by numbers).

Here are a few more pictures of number 4 - enjoy.

More Pictures of Drayton

Nana and Drayton

Sleeping Princess

Sorry I haven't been updating, we lost wireless at the hospital last night.

Drayton Elizabeth Kinney has arrived!

Drayton showed up today at 2:01 pm - she is 8lbs 10oz and 20.5 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great (so is dad) Thanks for all the prayers and enjoy the pictures.

I actually laid on the bed watching some Oprah today. Her show is not usually my favorite thing to watch. But, what a neat show it was. They talked about and with these children and their families who have overcome incredible situations or medical issues. It was a real celebration of life!! This show really emphasized the significance of each life and just how cherished life is. Strangely, I couldn't walk away from that show without feeling so much grief over the issue of abortion. How do we celebrate life in one instance and destroy it in another? I really wish I could be on Oprah's after-show and make this statement. I just don't think that people see these issues as the same or even related but they are!! What if the parents that had the conjoined twins aborted them when they found out they were conjoined? These parents certainly wouldn't have been sharing an awe-inspiring story with the nation on Oprah's show! I know that part of the abortion issue comes down to the argument about "when does life start?" Well, I'm sorry to say that I think it ignorance that some don't believe it's a life until completely out of the womb and breathing on it's own. This little girl inside me would argue that as well as she's trying to kick her way straight out my belly button as I type this!

Well, I keep thinking about this election and unfortunately I can't get past this one issue, especially when it seems that this genocide we call abortion will get waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy worse if the nation votes one way and probably somewhat better if the nation votes the other way. (I've been doing my homework and I have educated myself on what each candidate's stance on this topic is so please don't think I'm being partisan!!) For a wonderfully well-written document that reveals exactly why abortion would get worse given the election of one of the candidates, go to http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000008450.cfm.

Thanks Oprah, for reminding us how cherished and significant life is! (Here's a link to an inspiration message regarding life; http://www.catholicvote.com/)

No baby yet!

Drayton should make an appearance next week; I hope!! I've started to dilate so that's exciting but I can't sleep or walk very well. All I want to do is eat and sleep but I certainly don't want to prepare the food. So, the kids are eating quite interesting foods these days. Actually Scott cooks most evenings and when he doesn't, I usually make eggs and toast!! HA!HA!

A week ago, Scott's team threw a shower for us after service on Saturday night. We had a blast and were really overwhelmed by the number of people and gifts!! We need an addition to have room for everything! (You know God promises your storehouse will overflow when you make Him first! We're not perfect at making Him first but He has so been faithful in his provisions anyway!!) Scott's team worked sooooooo hard that night during the service and then to have the party for us with such great food etc. We are sooooooo blessed to have such wonderful friends/extended family in our lives. Thanks to you all who came and also especially to those who put on the wonderful party. We are so grateful for you all!!!!!

Kids are great! So funny and soooooo cute. Coleman is still trying to walk and getting better everyday. She's doing great with sign language and she just makes the most precious faces. She waves at everybody and says "hi" with her most southern accent. Cooper is saying the cutest things with his little 3 y. o speech, he's of course very independent and loves to wake us in the am with big smiles and hugs and kisses. I think his favorite topics are poo poo and gas. Go figure! Tradd is a veracious learner, especially his memory verses and he just doesn't stop talking about anything and nothing at all. He's doing great with reading and writing and he's learning about being a good leader especially for his siblings. Both Tradd and Cooper have jobs that help mommy manage life (ie. feed the dog, feed fish, Tradd buckles Cooper and himself so I don't have to reach in the back of the van! Whew!) I just can't say enough what a blessing it is to have these children and Scott in my life! God must really love me!

Buddy Walk

For those of you here in the Charleston area the Kinney family will be doing the buddy walk this Sunday at the park on Daniel Island. Festivities start at 12:30 pm and the One Mile Fun Walk starts at 3:00 pm. If you would like to join us reply to this post!
Hope to see you there!

Pictures!!!!

Scott, Meghan and Drayton Elizabeth

Super Model Coleman

Cooper and Tradd being natural

The Kinney Family!

For those of you in the Charleston Area - these photos were taken by Chelle Fazal - she is a wonderful photographer and you can set up an appointment here.