Evelyn's Ball Face

Kevin had Evelyn making some pretty crazy faces as they played catch the other day.

A visit from some old friends

The S family came to see us a few weekends ago and it was a visit long overdue. They have three boys and we have three girls, but the kids are pretty close in age so they all played great together and our laughs and talks picked up pretty much right where they left off almost two years ago. I knew I had missed Karla, but I did not realize how much I had missed her until they were here for the weekend. Kevin and I agree we should not wait this long again before getting together with them.

I could write so much about the weekend, but I figure folks like pictures better so here you go...

Even though we did not go anywhere really, we had a fun filled weekend.

We played tickle fights and giggled a lot!

We adored the little babies because they don't stay this small very long. This is Samuel and he will soon be 1. I can not believe that Isabelle will look this big in just 8 months. Wow - the first year goes by way too fast!


The kids taught each other life essential skills like how to fit a whole 'Little People' in your mouth.


The Dad's taught the kids the game of throw the ball on the house and wait for it to come down. Oh the anticipation...


The kids gave each other baths in the yard with the water sprinkler. Isaac washed pretty much everything in our yard with that sprinkler. Thank you Isaac because our toys are all much cleaner now.


And I possibly saved the best for last...the kids rubbed lotion on one another. They were pretending it was sunscreen - I think they will be protected.


Although I was not there, I'm pretty sure it was just Josie that rubbed 'sunscreen' on Seth and probably came up with this entire idea.


Thank you again Karla and Jeromy - we can not wait to do it all again!

Vacation Bible School 2010

Josie had her first Vacation Bible School this year and loved it. She still talks about it and we listen to the CD almost every time we get in the car. Even Evelyn has gotten to where she cries for 'bast' (which means, 'Baobab Blast') when we are going somewhere. Evelyn has also learned a lot of the hand motions so anytime the CD is playing, I can look in my rear-view mirror and see synchronized dance moves coming from the back seat. And yes, I may have joined in with the dance moves a time or two as well. :)

Josie and Lane were in the same class and they were each other's rock during the week. The first day, Lane got there first and when we arrived, he was not ready to go in the room. Josie was very brave and just went on in and sat at the table and Lane then followed. The second day went the same way. But on the third day, we were the first to arrive and Josie became the shy one and when Lane arrived second, he was the brave one and helped get Josie to stay. Day four went much like the previous day as we were the first to arrive again and Lane helped her cope. Jessica and I just laughed about their friendship and how they truly were there for each other.

Polka Dance

Isn't the Polka groovy? That very line comes out of one of our favorite books, "My Name is Bert," who if you did not know loves a good polka. Who doesn't? I know two men who do for sure - that would be Kevin and my Daddy. We try to make the Polka dances back home when we can. We dance, the girls dance, we eat snacks and just have good 'ol fun.

Josie is her Daddy's dancing partner when she is not eating snacks.


Popo and Isabelle


Aunt Jennifer and Josie


Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Marcus. Don't be mad at me Jennifer.

Grandma and Popo

Do What you Love!

In case you wonder what we do all day - here are a few of our favorite activities...




The girls LOVE to wear their jewelry and just can not seem to put enough on. As you can see, Evelyn is more of a necklace girl and Josie likes the bracelets. Do notice the coordinating Supergirl ring with her Supergirl shirt. Josie LOVES this shirt and would wear it everyday if I let her.


Josie loves to wear her Mommy and Daddy's shoes. However, this was the first time she put the socks on too. They look really funny with the heel of his sock sticking out.


Evelyn running - always running.


She was so quiet and good for me while I got dressed one morning. Yes, I should have known.

And after I take away the marker and give her a crayon, she still tries to color herself. We are working on this - paper, only on paper!

A lot of Love for Isabelle

Isabelle has been getting a lot of attention lately. Evelyn has finally started wanting to hold her so we now have to take turns to hold the baby. These girls just get sweeter every day.

My Little Farmers

Who says city kids don't play in the dirt?

I was nursing Isabelle inside and heard a lot of screaming. Then I heard nothing. I told Kevin on the phone that I was debating whether or not I should check on them because of the silence. I said they either worked it out and are doing something they are not supposed to be doing or they smothered one another. :) Here is what I saw...

The source of the dirt came from this flower pot. I thought I should tell them to quit, but they were having so much fun and besides, these flowers were not just doing outstanding.


Josie loading up her 'tractor'




Evelyn was piling hers up in the grass.


A farmer on the move with her load of dirt.


Just in case Isabelle wanted to play...

Isabelle's Baptism

Isabelle was baptized July 18 and we were so blessed to have a lot of our family there as well as her Godparents who were in Texas all the way from Idaho. It was a beautiful day!

As the ceremony is starting, my sister got this picture of us stealing a quick glimpse at Isabelle.


Isabelle receiving the sign of the cross from Josie


Josie, Uncle Marcus, Evelyn and Grandpapa watching the ceremony.


A sweet moment shared with Uncle Marcus caught on camera


Her Baptism


Deacon Dan accidentally poured the water on her face some and she let out a big scream. I love the look of laughter on Jill and my face and the true look of concern on Deacon Dan and Kevin's face.


Isabelle calmed down pretty quick, but I love the look she is giving her Daddy - "please don't let that happen again."


Our new little Christian


Lighting the baptism candle


Smiles of joy!


Our nephew Clayton got to help Deacon Dan with the ceremony. Deacon Dan was my teacher in seventh grade and is newly ordained so Isabelle was his first Baptism. It was very special to have him perform the ceremony and he did an amazing job. He brought tears to my eyes during his homily.


The daddy's stealing a moment to introduce their girls.


Isabelle with her Mommy and Daddy and her Godparents. I learned a neat concept this weekend from some good friends - this is Isabelle's God Family and Abigail is her God sister. I love that thought and plan to use it for all my girls.


Isabelle and her Godparents


Isabelle with both sets of grandparents.


Josie holding newly baptized Isabelle. I wanted Evelyn in this picture, but she would not cooperate.


Family photo that turned out really great! Thanks Beth!


Let the celebrating begin. Daddy and Evelyn walking around the farm.


Allie holding Baby Isabelle


Josie and Emily


Josie posing by the chickens. Frankly, I am surprised she got this close. The girl does not like the farm animals or any animal for that matter.


Feeding the chickens with Aunt Beth


Mommy with Isabelle and Jill with Abigail. Jill is one of my best friends who I really think of more like a sister than a friend. It was so neat to be pregnant at the same time and now we are raising these little girls together. We joke they will be college roommates someday and I sure do hope that happens. Heck, we will force them to be friends. :)


Jill and I laughing about something - imagine that!


Evelyn trying on shoes that do not belong to her - its one of her favorite things to do.

Sweet, sweet Isabelle.
God's blessings to you always!