We did it!

We survived the move!  The house is almost put together.  And I just have to say, we couldn't have done it without Josie here, that's for sure!!!  Just an FYI: Josie, Dave's little sister, has finally come to nanny for us for several weeks this summer.  Pretty much my dream come true.  She's been invaluable.  We just love her so much.  And although we WERE going to buy a house, the deal fell through because of several frustrating complications, but, as these things usually turn out to be, it was all for the better.  We've moved into a house to rent for now.  It's much larger than our apartment, and it has a yard . . . which will be really cool once it stops being too hot to step foot outside.  :S 

Pictures very soon I hope! 

Claire's Blessing

Today was Claire's blessing.  I snapped this picture of them as we came into the house after church (then I did a red-eye edit and it turned one of Dave's eyes blue.  They are both brown in real life :). 

It was a short blessing, but definately sweet.  It mentioned blessings to come from guidance from the Spirit, prayer, and scripture study, but I think my favorite part was when it said that she would draw strength from her relationship with her mother.  It was surprised to hear it, and it made me very happy.  It also said that she would be a peacemaker among her siblings.  We've definately got another wonderful little girl on our hands. 

After writing this post, I really wished I had written about Audrey and Jane's blessings when they happened.  I don't remember what was said in their blessings at all.  And I don't even think I took pictures on their blessing days!!  However, I'm sure they were just as perfect as this one. 

The Real View From Here

I think my favorite pictures I've taken are the ones that show us doing everyday things; not just the ones when we're on vacations or celebrating (although I love those too).

David was planning to work late that night, so he spent some extra time with the girls in the morning before he left for work.  I think reading books with Daddy is one of their most favorite things.  Don't you just love the bedhead?  :)

The rocking chair at Uncle Brent and Aunt Cheryl's house is always a big hit.

Oh, speaking of Brent and Cheryl, Jane has discovered (like Audrey did last Christmas) that Uncle Brent is the guy to go to if you want unlimited cake.  :)  That's how Uncle Brent wins their loyalty and adoration . . . cake.  And let me tell you, it works.  Then again, the girls already did adore Uncle Brent.  When we lived with them a couple years ago, he held Jane so much that they got to be pretty good buddies.  And running up and hugging Aunt Cheryl's leg spontaneously during an intense playing session is just the same as hugging Mommy's.  They love her.  They love them all (Cara and Daniel too), and I think I'd have to agree.  We are so glad we get to live so close to them.  

The girls fight.  I think it's just how siblings are.  So I usually tune it out unless something gets damaged or someone is bleeding, but I can almost always count on Jane coming up to me at some point and filling me in on all of the injustice. 

This time it was serious.  She came to me crying and hysterical and said, "Godywocks is in baby beaw's chaiw and she won't get owt!"  Tears were gushing from her eyes.  She held up "Baby Bear" so I could see her proof. 

Then I saw Audrey.

I got to thinking: Audrey really is a lot like Goldilocks.  She's always sneaking into the kitchen and eating David's share of the cookies I bake, or the last piece of birthday cake.  :)  And as far as chairs go, well, she has to sit in them all.  And you can bet she wouldn't be shy just walking into someone else's house to eat their cookies and sit in their chairs!

June

First of all, I feel like it's been a while since anyone has "seen" Claire.  I forgot that I should be taking pictures of her more often.  Months go by fast around here nowadays.  This is her just last week.

Is it just me, or does her hair look red?  Little stinker may be red-headed after all.  I know I talk about this a lot, but it just baffles me.

The darling lady holding her is David's great Aunt June.  She's amazing.  She has the entire book Horton Hatches the Egg memorized, word for word, and she recited it for the girls.  She did the voices and everything, and the girls (and ME) were captivated and charmed completely.  We all love her so much.  It was so fun to have her come visit for a while. 

How do you eat YOUR bread?

Barbie Girl

"Here, Claire.  You be Barbie's couch, ok?"  I heard Audrey say this in a valiant effort to include Claire in the fun.  I think the cutest part was that Claire was THRILLED to be Barbie's couch.  :)

Today . . .

is my birthday.  :)  Audrey keeps insisting it isn't . . . she says it's Halloween. 

Close.

Finally caught it!

Caught with Dave's cell phone.  :)  She does smile, but NEVER when the camera is out.  We had to get sneaky.  We think she looks a lot like David when she smiles.