Dancing grand daughters

As life goes, often there are two great things on the same day. This year, both Layne and Evie had their dancing recitals on the same day! John was already in Winston because of his mom, so we decided that he would go to Layne's and I'd go to Evie's.

Papa and his little dancer.

I loved seeing Evie on the stage. Her mom had given her strict instructions on what not to do while on stage. She danced and was as cute as could be. When she got out and was getting congratulatory hugs, she blurted out, "Mama, I didn't pull at my 'gina!" Apparently in dress rehearsal, the tights were riding up and annoying her private area. But, she withstood the urge and did beautifully during the actual recital.

Me and my little dancer.

Both John and I felt like we were missing half of our hearts, but at least we got to support our little dancers!

Memorial Day The beginning of the end...

Two weeks before Memorial Day, John's cousin told him that he thought John's mom was getting ready to die. The next weekend, we went to see her and indeed, she made it known that she felt she would not last much longer. We went to visit with Anna and see Lib. Abbey, John and I went to her house. Indeed, she basically said she was on her couch and had no intention of leaving it alive. We all said our goodbyes. I told her how thankful I was for the gift of her son. How he was the best gift I had ever been given. She got teary eyed, and John has said that she told several people how much that meant to her. I didn't do it for that reason, it is completely true. I know it wasn't easy for her to let go of John. As a mom, I totally get it! But, I'm so very glad that she did and that she allowed him to emotionally leave his parents and cleve to me! I'm also grateful that I had the opportunity to let her know!

Lib took Abbey aside and told her that she loved her and that she was just as much her grand daughter as any of the other grandchildren. Abbey had tears in her eyes. I hope she never forgets that her Grandma loved her! (Elijah chose not to go with us, he stayed with Anna).

We left home wondering if this was indeed the end of a 91 yr old life. John arranged for hospice to check in once a day, so he was relieved that she was taken care of.

For the Memorial holiday we went to the beach. Beth, Greg and Evie came with us.

Lady Godiva....

We had only been there one day, when John's uncle called and said his mom was freaking out, unable to breathe.  John called hospice and the nurse, after checking her,  said that Lib was "actively dying". John promptly left the beach to head to Winston Salem. He stayed until Sunday then came back to the beach, but his mind and heart were still in Winston, so much so that he left the beach and went straight to Winston. I stayed with the kids and we came home without John.

Elijah's friend, Cameron, was visiting his grandparents and Elijah got to spend some time with him.

Abbey spent time surfing and hanging out with her friend, Lily.

John stayed with his mom until the end. Beth and Anna spent some time with her before she went to heaven. John was with her when she drew her last breath, on June 1st. Such a hard time, which was intensified with in fighting among some family members.

There was a small graveside service to honor Elizabeth "Lib" Roberson Dixon Dozier,  AKA Grandma--10/25/26-06/1/2018.

When Waverly got out of the car at the church graveyard, she said, "This not heaven! Grandma went to heaven. Why is she here?"

Part Panda?

Is he a dog or a panda?

Waverly's 3rd birthday

The next birthday in our family to celebrate was Miss Waverly. She asked for an Oncho cake (the unicorn from Mia and Me).

For her party, they went to a horse stable...

She loves her uncle, and the feeling is mutual!

 it was stifling hot inside the horse arena

 My sweet Lyra

Elijah's first time on a horse.

 Abbey is Layne's hero.

There's a smile!

That's my Wave...eating from the serving spoon.

Waverly is an amazing little person. She so reminds us all of her mom when she was her age. She looks like Anna and acts as she did as a little one. She makes up songs and plays endlessly by herself.  She's a pistol! She has no inhibitions and goes for whatever she wants.  This little dynamo is so much fun! John and I enjoy her immensely!