some fun pics . . .

dancing in her underwear . . .what short hair looks like when it wakes up . . .

Elayna's photography skills . . .

bonding with Daddy . . .

first time playing with this and already has it figured out. . .

a quilt for our little guy . . .

Instead of taking a book along camping, I brought Justin's quilt so I could finish hand-stitching the binding. It is so nice to see this quilt finished and in his crib now! This was the last in the trio of quilts I had been working on ~ Meagan's and Carter's were finished in July.

I'm linking this up to Sew & Tell Friday ~ go check it out for some sewing inspiration!

Yup, still fits!

10th Wedding Anniversary . . .

Today my hubby and I celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary! We started dating in 1996, were married in 2000, and have grown by four children from 2003-2009. We've managed to get away on several weekend and overnight getaways before and after the kids joined us, and this past weekend we were able to get away for a night while the kids went to my parents, a sister, and a friend (thanks so much!!). It was wonderful to have two restaurant meals without having to see the kid menu, and walk along the beach and check out the shops with just the two of us. We are so thankful that we met our helpmate at an early age, and have grown and matured together over the years. Only two more years and then half of my life will have been spent with this man - crazy!

Summer camping trip . . .

We just went away for a week of family camping. The first 4 nights we spent at the VDH reunion, and the last 2 nights with just Brad's parents and his brother Rob. We bought a big tent and shared all the cooking/eating with my in-laws. We had a LOT of fun, and made some great memories. The two older girls made friends with cousins' kids, loved swimming with Aunty Missy, got to go on their first tube ride, and were even allowed to explore the second campground on their own since we knew so many other campers there. Alyssa and Justin were both good little campers ~ they enjoyed the outdoors, and slept well (except Justin's early mornings, but I think he enjoyed the early morning walks that they resulted in). We're already looking forward to next year!

Here's some pics of some of the acitivies we did ~ face painting, water fights, hiking, and there was so much more! I'm hoping to get a CD from the "family photographers" at the reunion because I was often busy having fun with the kids and kept forgetting to pull out my camera.

a day at the fair . . .

Yesterday the kids and I went with some friends to our local fair. There were lots of animals to see, a tractor ride, yummy treats (I love those fresh mini donuts!), and some rides. The older girls tried the rock climbing wall and roller coaster, and Alyssa joined them for the flying dragon ride. Justin was great and even fell asleep for part of the time. It was definitely worth going yesterday ~ the rides were cheap, it wasn't busy, and the weather was great!

a year ago . . .