Annabelle's Blessing

Westward Ho! I've had really good intentions of blogging all along our month-long trip out west, but here we are with only one week left and just now posting! Oh well, I guess it is just a good sign that we've been busy and that we've been having a great time! Our second stop along our way was Utah to bless our cute little baby girl (first stop was Indy to visit our wonderful friends, DeOliveiras)! It was really nice to be able to have so many from both mine and Bryce's families there. Annabelle is beautiful and Bryce was able to give her a beautiful blessing.

Blueberry Picking

This was 2 days before Annabelle was born, but I had to post it because this is one of our family's favorite traditions! We tried out a new patch this year and we loved it! I think I might have eaten more than I picked, but that's half the fun in going, right?

Welcome Baby Annabelle!

We are so blessed to have Annabelle finally in our family! She arrived July 2 at 5:25pm. She was 7 lbs 1/2 oz. and 20 inches long. Once she decided it was time, she came quickly!! She loves looking around and listening to her loving brothers and sister dote on her. We are all home now and enjoying our own beds (at least I am!). We will try to get more pictures up soon!

Quilt - done.

Here you have it! My completed quilt for Lucy. I had this bright idea several months ago (ok, maybe it was like 6 months ago) that I was going to learn how to hand quilt a blanket for Lucy's bed. I had no idea what this involved, but I was eager and ready to learn! After taking in advice and much needed tips from friends and family, I undertook this endeavor with as much gusto and bravery that I could muster! It took a ton of time, and I really did learn a lot. I must say, that as I stitched that last row of stitches this morning, I felt an overwelming sense of accomplishment! When I tried it out on Lucy's bed today she said, "Mom, this is my favorite thing that you've ever made!" Not like I've really "made" that many things in the past, but it was a wonderful compliment nonetheless. Now for the next project . . .

Hole-e-Cow!

Yes, this is for real, folks. Bryce became fascinated to know that the Dairy Science Dept. at Tech created "pouches" in some of the cows for researching their digestive system. He talked to the kids for weeks about "going to Daddy's school to stick their hand in a cow!" I think the kids were a little scared about the idea. The day before we had scheduled to go up to the dairy with one of Bryce's friends, Lucy (in tears, mind you) pleaded with me, "Mommy, do I REALLY have to stick my hand in a cow?!" We went anyway, and the kids really liked watching the cows eat and learning about "dry" dairy cows and cows that were giving milk (quite the discussion on the drive home with Caleb). Despite Bryce's hand stinking like partially digested alfalfa all day, I think he really enjoyed the experience! (I was getting a little sick to my stomach!)

Circus Ole!

Our children have inherited some sort of monkey gene which causes them to feel the need to climb everything! Poles, walls, rocks - doesn't matter how high or how dangerous. So, here are Lucy and Caleb climbing some poles and doing circus tricks for us last week. I must say, it was quite the performance! I think even James is thinking about becoming a circus star someday VERY soon!

Caleb is 6!

Happy 6th Birthday Caleb! I can't believe that its been 6 years since Caleb was born! He had a fun birthday last Saturday. He had a couple of friends over and we made wood projects, a picture scavanger hunt, pinata, water balloons, and cake and presents! Don't know how we managed to not get a picture of the requested carrot cake! Oh well. We love you Caleb!!!