Ten Little Toes....One Button Nose

Today was a fun day for Jerry and I. We had a 3D ultrasound done for Brody. He is looking healthy and growing just right. He moved around a lot and was trying to get his hands in his mouth. He kept opening and closing his mouth and moving his hands all around his mouth. He takes after his brothers. We also counted his 10 little toes and could see his one cute little button nose. It reminds us of Laynee's nose. This is a fun time for us and we hope you can enjoy a few cute pictures too. The first one is a side view with his mouth open and arm up to his mouth. The second one is more of a front view like he is laying on his tummy with head to the side and arm under his head. The last one is of his two feet and 10 little toes. We have about 10 weeks to go and are getting excited. We will get to pick a delivery date at our next appointment so hopefully we can start planning for the big event. We are getting excited!!

First Day of School.....Freedom

So here I sit....tick tock tick tock....that is what I here. Today ALL of my munchkins loaded on the bus for their first day of school. Maycee, Clay and Tyler were excited to get back to the classroom and Laynee proceeded like she was an old pro. The only melt down we had this morning was because Laynee's hair was not fixed to her liking and she was not going if I did not fix it right! I only broke down for a few tears during our morning prayer as I realized I was leaving my little angel in the hands of Angels. I wish I could be a fly on the wall today. The school seemed so big and the day seems like it will be so long. It is hard to believe that I have been home for 9 years and waiting for this day to come. Now that it is here I wonder where the years have gone and even struggle to remember all that we did during that time. I have not forgotten it all but it sure has gone fast. It seems we are opening a new chapter in our life and I am excited to see and be a part of all the life experiences that our children will bring to us in the next 9 years. It is sure to be full of all that life has to bring. Without children Jerry and I would be missing out on the greatest joys and opportunities to grow that life has to offer. Family, children and faith are what make us happy. Our life is good!

Eight Points

Clay collected his first shed horn from a deer today. While the rest of us were collecting berries he was checking out the forest and found one laying on the ground right in front of us. He was so excited! It will be coming home with us to Arizona and will find it's new home in Clays bedroom. It is a pretty good way to remember all the fun we have had this summer of 2008.

YUM YUM

Today turned out to be a berry fun day. We were going to go the boring library for something to do and then we got a call from Uncle John. He had been blackberry picking and quad riding. That sounded way more fun then reading in the quiet library. So off to the wild berry forest we went. The kids had fun off road quad riding and picking berries. These are not the berries we buy in the store. They are sweet and yummy. The bushes are also sticky and messy. I love experience for the kids. When we were done we went down to the creek and cooled off while looking for crawdads and tiny frogs. A great way to end this trip!

Big Announcement

All in all this has been an eventful and fun summer. The kids are ready to get back to play with their friends for a few days before school starts. I am enjoying the few days of green I have left of this summer. When we all get back we will hit the ground running to get ready for school and our new arrival. I am feeling great still. It is good to know this will be our last addition. I am ready to move to the next stage of life and enjoy raising our children. They are such a blessing and bring exhausting joy to my life every day. Family is a part of who we are. I have enjoyed the time spent with all my extended family. It always helps me understand myself and appreciate life a little more. OHHHH there is one more bit of big news I almost forgot to include. Brittanae is ENGAGED! She and PJ were also here for a week and he finally popped the question while they were here. Her ring is beautiful and they are soo happy. They do not have a date yet and believe it or not I did not get a pic of the couple or the ring but you just have to trust me. How could I almost forget such an important announcement?? Congrats Britt and PJ. We love you!!

The Children's Museum

From comic characters to archeological digging, that is why I love the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Laynee and Clay were dressing up as superwoman and batman while Tyler was learning the history of comic books and Maycee was learning how to draw a comic character. Then we were off to the dinasour exhibit where the kids could put on the equipment of a scientist and pretend to dig up bones. Tyler talked to an actual scientist about excavating and learned about a dino bone on display. I LOVE THIS PLACE!

Clifty Falls State Park

This is what I love about this place and why we come in the summer. The other day we were bored to we went to one of the local state parks. We took a picnic lunch and then went hiking. It is so beautiful and the kids get sooooo worn out. This park is known for its waterfalls. It is a beautiful place to spend the day!!

Family Pics

One of my favorite events of this years trip was the family photo shoot. Since I am the oldest cousin and only girl and love the camera (being behind it that is....my aunt brought some home video of when my brother and I were 6 and 2, even in the videos I was wanting to borrow grandmas camera to take pictures of some chickens....some things never change.) I took on the charge of getting some good family pics. The one's with my Dad are priceless and he even got a little nutty during the picture taking. I wish I could have a back drop like this available to us all the time. This is a beautiful park with MANY great backdrops.

Fireworks

After the the lights went out and the big show began the kids were in awe as always. The big kids were ready for bed by this time due to the fact that it does not even get dark until after 9:30.

Summer of Fun

I can not believe this summer is almost over. We have had a lot of fun making memories and spending quality time together. Our time in Indiana has been full of family and fun. The kids have spent most of their time swimming (as usual) but we have also spent some good time with family and spent some fun time outdoors. We started with the 4th of July. All of my Dad's family came over for a cookout. There were about 30 of us including my Dad's brother and family from California. We have not all been together in several years and it is becoming more difficult as time goes on. Here are a few pics of the fun fireworks in the front yard before the "big" town display.

Scattered

Okay so Mama and the kids are in Indiana and Dad is at home with the dawgs!!! We are losing weight simply due to lack of nutrition. Cant wait for mama to come home! Just an update if you havent heard, Natalee's dad, Mike, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in May. We have been going with him to his Dr.'s appointments and we are still hopeful he can beat this thing. He continues to work hard everyday and is certainly not acknowledging the effects the cancer may be having. We are praying for him daily and ask that you do too. We dont want to lose him. I enjoyed Indiana for the 10days I was there and I think the kids have enjoyed it too. They are ansy to get home a play with their friends for a few days before school starts. What a fast summer! It flew by! Anyways, here are some pics, gotta go!