Chicago

With the upcoming 10 year anniversary approaching, Jason and I knew we better celebrate our special day before the busy summer activities began. During the last week in May our parents came up to watch all the kiddos and we had fun on a getaway - destination Chicago. We had such a great time and enjoyed some of the best food I have ever tasted in my entire life. The warm Doubletree Hotel cookies topped each night like a cherry on a banana split.

Fishin' Fun

Saturday, after tee ball practice, Jason stopped by the local bait shop and purchased some worms. The kids had the time of their lives fishing in the neighborhood lakes. They each received fishing poles as a Christmas present and were eager to put them to use. William and Caroline caught fish that were of substantial size. William also learned the correct way to hold a fish. As you can see, it was real fun. Who knew a tub of worms would bring so much excitement?

Mommy Day

Mother's Day 2009 was a sweet day like every Sunday. We had baby dedication for Elizabeth at church that morning and then had a fun afternoon together. I know...these pictures are really funny, especially Elizabeth, poor baby.

Little Graduates

During May we celebrated two graduation ceremonies. Caroline graduated from Preschool and Anne-Marie completed Kindergarten. We are so proud of our girls and their love for learning. Here are some pics from their special night.

A Mother's Favorite Pictures

Every mom loves pictures of her kiddos. However, there are always certain pictures that I find myself looking at repeatedly. For many different and various reasons, these are some of my favorite pictures. Some for the complete amazement of how the camera caught the child's personality leaping off the print, and others that contain sweet memories, these all are included in some of "my favorite things."

The handy iphone (that my sweet husband gave me for Christmas) has captured all of these spontaneous moments that otherwise I would not be able to repeatedly cherish.

Resurrection Sunday

Holidays, especially Christian holidays, are becoming increasingly special with each passing year as our children get older. Resurrection Sunday has been the focal point of family worship for some weeks and the children are now coming to understand the importance of this holiday to our Christian faith. As a parent, I never get tired of my three year old stuttering to tell me, "He, he, he, not there.... Be-jus (Jesus) not there anymore... HE'S ALIVE. He moved that BIG ROCK!" Our girls are big fans of Getty music. We often hear them singing in their bedroom, "Christ is risen from the dead" sometimes getting the stanzas completely confused, but never missing a beat of the rhythm. Here are some pictures of baking, decorating, and of course, all dressed up on Easter morning.

Baby its Cold Outside

We have had our share of cold weather. The kids had a great time enjoying the snow. We lost power for about 12 hours, which William never understood. He kept flicking the light switch on and asking me about "wewelicity." The last picture was taken at Boyce College. Before this picture was taken Karen and Caroline sledded behind the seminary and almost killed themselves. While this picture is being taken, Jason is waiting beside the Suburban for the fire truck to come and unlock our doors. Alden and Elizabeth were locked inside, still buckled in their car seats. Making lots of memories in one day. Oh the joys of parenting!