Celebrating Walker and Eli's Birthday

Saturday we went to a pool party for Walker and the boys had a great time. Last night we joined many of Jessie and Jodie's family and friends at the cemetery to celebrate Walker and Eli's first birthday. It was the hottest day in 10 years here in Arkansas and when the gathering began at 7pm it was still at least 100 degrees. That didn't matter - there was a great turnout and we were so happy to be there.

(Click any of the pictures for a larger view)

Birthday cake for the twin boys - one here on earth and one in heaven


Walker eating his birthday cupcake


One day he will understand how special this day was


Even Eli received presents: beaded necklace from Hawaii, sand from Florida, a note from Disney World, Mickey Ears from someone else at Disney World, a starfish from Aruba, flowers from his Mimi, and a birdhouse from his Momma & Daddy


Another view of Eli's house


Balloon release for Eli

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Walker finishing his cupcake

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Birthday message from Eli


Thanks to Jodie and Team Eli for some of these pictures!
The McGinley Family blog
Team E.LI. - today I dance with angels

Pictures from the past two weeks

Last weekend was our 6th anniversary and the grandparents took care of the boys Saturday and Sunday for us. We just did dinner and a movie - something we haven't done in almost two years. It was so nice to have a full day and night away from the boys - we missed them a lot and talked about them, but it was great to be alone. We started with dinner at Macaroni Grill. Then we went to see the newest Twilight movie. I had no interest at all in seeing it, but Rachel loves all the books and I knew she would enjoy it. I did a little research and made up a "Twilight Survival Kit" that Rachel opened before we left the house. Each item had its own label with a longer explanation on the pack. She was very surprised.

Here's a picture of the goodies - and no, we didn't take it all with us to the theater (just some "blood straws")


Jack likes being on his belly a lot more now and holds himself up pretty well


This weekend we had some new friends over for dinner - Rachel made a mexican feast and Jack wanted to help cut up the avacados


Luke still does not like bath time very much but Jack sure does!


Rachel loves messing with Jack's hair whenever she can


Can't leave Luke out! He is still a tiny little man - almost 11 pounds, but consistently gaining weight (just very slowly)

Meeting More Family

Here are the boys meeting Aunt Pat and Uncle Doug who came to S.C. from New Jersey.


Our sister-in-law Cailey had an exer-saucer that we borrowed while we were there. It was the same one we have at home, so Luke knew exactly what to do and where everything was!


Four generation picture

Some pictures from the trip

When we arrived at mom and dad's house, my grandparents were there along with my brother and sister and their families. Mom and Dad come to see the boys every few months, but this was the first time anyone else had seen them. Even though we did not get in until around 8pm, they wanted to be there and did not want to wait until morning to meet them.

Luke is playing with his cousin Zach


Dylan playing with a duck while Jack, Luke and Zach play together


The next morning we took the boys to the adult day care center where Mom works. Her coworkers and clients hear about the boys all the time and they were excited to meet them!


That afternoon, Uncle Jack (Mom's brother) arrived from Virginia. Here's a picture of Jack and Jack together for the first time.

BBQ With The Grandparents

We have many pictures from Jack and Luke's first vacation over the 4th of July weekend. I've picked out the best and will post more later this week. Last night I had the privilege of sharing about miracles with the men's group, M.A.F.I.A. (Men After Faith, Integrity and Action), at our church. I told the story of the boys and everything Rachel and I have been through since we first started trying to start a family. Preparing for that has taken most of my free time since our trip, and it went very well. I also showed some pictures to allow everyone to see how small the boys were, how much they have been through, and how great they are doing now.

Until the rest of the pictures get posted, here are a few from the end of my parent's trip to the Grand Canyon. They stopped to see us at the beginning and end of their trip. Before leaving to head home, we met them at their favorite Arkansas BBQ place, the Whole Hog Cafe.

Jack and Luke with both sets of grandparents


Luke really wanted to try some sauce


Jack was hungry and wanted some real food

Fun with the family

We are having a great week spending time with family and friends in South Carolina. Jack and Luke have done very well and been their normal happy selves most of the time. Thursday was a busy day with lots of visitors and the boys had a hard time settling down to go to sleep. Yesterday they went to bed great and they have been sleeping through the night great - just like they do at home.

Wednesday night we had family over to meet the boys when we got home from the airport. Grandma and Grandpa Barnes came over for a bit. Rob and Cailey were here with the boys' cousins, Dylan and Zach. Laura and Sean also came over and brought us food.

Thursday morning our friend Kevin stopped by for a quick visit. By the afternoon, Uncle Jack had arrived from Virginia and Aunt Ginny stopped by to meet the boys. That night, Uncle Doug, Aunt Pat, Jeff, Jen and Kevin arrived from New Jersey. It was Jeff's birthday and we celebrated late with ice cream cake.

Yesterday our friend Ashley stopped by and brought her twin boys Ryan and Gabe. They were crazy and into everything - now I know what to prepare for in a few years. Last night the cousins got together for dinner at Laura and Sean's house. The only one missing was Kyle, but we will see him Sunday when all of the family gets together to take pictures and celebrate Grandpa's 85th birthday

Boys first visit to South Carolina

The boys had their first trip on an airplane yesterday and did very well! We are in South Carolina for their first visit to the Barnes grandparents' house.

This will be their first time to see their great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends.