Thunder and Lightening

Tonight Kinley came to me and asked if it was raining. "What? No Kinley. We were just outside and it was really nice." She proceeded to tell me that she thought she saw lightening (not sure how she could identify it) and heard a "noise" so we peeked out of the blinds. Sure enough, it went from nice and clear to a thunder and lightening rain storm! Our first one since being here. The kids all got out of bed and watched for a while...but school starts tomorrow so they needed to get to bed.

Strange and Obscure Item #5

So he's kind of cute, but not something I would purchase for my lawn. Or my front porch. Beary is now at the dump.

Working Hard, or Hardly Working...

Okay, so it's an over-used phrase, but very fitting. You be the judge of which way it applies. These are some pictures from one of the big moving days- I promise, these are all from the same day. It was certainly a ton of fun, and we did actually get some work done. Some of us. Oscar, are you scrubbing your pits with my daughter's horsey ride toy??

Vanessa looking a bit "wet". It was a hot day so we all ended up in the backyard on the slip and slide. Most of the grown ups even gave it a shot. It didn't feel very nice for most of us, but it was worth the thrill (sort-of).

Aha! This is how we actually got some work done... these girls were awesome!

Dolly and Shenell had tons of fun with the little girls. They were all soaked by the end of it.Ayemi giving a "how to" seminar on wrapping and packing. I actually have a sequence of four pictures of her step-by-step showing us how to wrap the pitcher, and for some reason, she thinks it's helpful to wrap with her mouth open. She did a great job. The pitcher made it here safe and sound.

All teasing aside, we are SO grateful for all of the help we received at the house before we moved. It would be impossible to post pics of all of the people that helped us, but please know that we were so blessed to receive your kindness. We couldn't have done it without everyone's help. And, as you can see from the pictures, it wouldn't have been nearly as fun!!

Strange and Obscure Item #5

Strange and Obscure Item #4

I mean, my kids were so excited to finally have a dog!! Okay, so not really. But this gem is a life-sized drool-less replica of a really ugly dog! I think it would be humorous for anyone who feels led to leave a comment to tell us what you think went on in the previous owner's head when he was purchasing this piece. Have fun!

4th of July at Mission Springs

Camdyn and my cousin (sort of) Kelsey.
Kinley and Katie (Kelsey's sister).
Grandpa holding Kinley while barbecuing...hmmmmm I'm glad I didn't see that while it was happening.
The annual "un-birthday party" hosted by Aunty Earlene and (my cousin) Kristen. Lots of sugar.
What is there to say about this one? Once again, Camdyn is "the Nut". So much fun.
Shea and Ashlyn sang in the talent show. It was a show stopper. Can't you feel the energy?
Kinley enjoying a melted Reese's Peanut Butter Cup "out" of the pool. No snacks allowed "in" the pool.
Grandpa and Macy splashing away.
The Grandmas -my mom is on the right holding Dax as he gives a "shout out" to all his peeps.
Macy-Boo sporting the Mets colors and that sparkling smile.
Can you guess what day this was?
A beloved tradition of our family's! We love spending the 4th of July week at Mission Springs, the family conference center that I grew up going to regularly. It's always fun to spend time with old friends and extended family. This year seemed to be especially unique with extended family members. My mom's cousin Carol has been battling cancer for over a year, and the Lord brought her home the week of the conference. We all spent some time with her before she left us (she lived a couple of miles from the conference center). She got to hold baby Dax and really seemed to enjoy it. She smooched his little head and snuggled him. It was a touching moment for us all- the beginning of life and the end- all in one frame. I think it brought a unique unity to our family. It was a special week! Special thanks to grandma and grandpa for hosting the entire munch bunch in the cabin. We love you!

DAX ATTAX

It's been a while since we've posted pics of the little man. He is doing so well! He is smiling all the time now and cooing so sweetly! He loves his brothers and sissies and is such a charmer. We love baby Dax! Please pray that we would quickly find a great pediatrician. He will be needing to see one soon!