Fall Fun!

This weekend we had the complete pleasure of visiting our dear friends Lindsey and Nate in their lovely town of Sacramento. A short 2-hour drive provided us lots of entertainment (thanks, Emily), healthy conversation with adults (we lack this sometimes), and just plain ol' good times.

Some of our highlights:

• Ryan and Nate's first golf date (bonus...Glen joined them and brought cookies!)

• Broken Bowl (thanks for trying to help, Emily, but next time please don't slam Mommy with a pillow while I am carrying your cereal)

• Visiting Bishop's Pumpkin Farm and letting Emily pick a pumpkin and get filthy dirty.



• Sleeping in until 7:30 and waking up both mornings to Emily saying, "Mommy...poop. Mom...poop," and then letting Ryan get up and change her.



• Sampling another tasty dish to add to our "We-Stole-This-Recipe-From-Lindsey...Again" collection (Chili-Cheese Black Bean Enchiladas, in case you were wondering). I swear, if it weren't for your recommendations, Linds, we wouldn't eat!



• Enjoying Peppermint Hot Chocolate while walking to McKinley park to let Emily play on the really cool old-school playground.

This simple weekend getaway was just what we needed: good times with good friends. Thanks Linds and Nate! We'll see you in January for some snow action, and we'll have a Crate & Barrel Bowl in hand.

We're Multiplying!

We aren't exactly doubling in size, but we are increasing! We're expecting another precious baby next year! Our official due date is April 1st, but in my 'medical opinion, no woman should have to be due on April Fool's day. So, after consulting with our kind physician, we've altered the date by a day: March 31st. If you have your pregnancy calendar handy, it would tell you that as of October 14th, I was 4 months along...and only 6 more to go. So keep us in your prayers and we'll keep you in the know!

We are still introducing this news to Emily. When we showed her the pictures, she looked a little confused as she compared her plastic baby doll to this 'thing' we called Baby. Now, her reaction whenever we mention the word 'Baby' is "I BABY!" Okay, okay, you can be the baby for a few more months!

From the Birthday Girl

Dear Birthday Party Attendees (and those who could not make it),


Thank you very much for coming to my birthday party. I did have a wonderful time visiting with you all! The day started around 3ish. Daddy,

Mommy, and I headed over to Mimi and Papa's house for the festivities. Mom dressed me in a cute little outfit, but I just wasn't feeling the 'clothes' thing, so I decided my Birthday Suit would be more fitting. I had a good time playing ball with Uncle Anthony and feeling 'free.'

After I was a little wore out, I refueled with some fine Italian cuisine (Mom calls it pizza) and ate my first meal off the Traditional Mindt "You Are Special" plate. Mom also let me have juice for dinner, which was quite a treat.


And at last...presents. That glorious stack of colored boxes taunted me all afternoon, but finally it was time. I got books, toys, clothes, art stuff, and lots more! The picture here is of my new Cabbage Patch Doll named Leigh Eula (we're thinking of doing an official name change, for the sake of embarassment when Leigh starts school) and stroller. Thank you so much for spoiling me, and for bearing with me while my attention shifted to one shiny thing to another.


As if opening tons of presents wasn't enough, we moved on to cake and ice cream, which I decided I would like to have for dinner tomorrow night. What a tasty way to end an evening!


Mom and Dad will try to tell you that when I went home I had a 'meltdown.' I prefer to think of it as an dramatic display of emotion. It was a good day, but I was glad when my head hit the pillow.



Thanks again! See you this time next year!

Love, Emily

Happy Birthday to our Little Monkey

Dear Sweetest Darling,

Two years ago, you changed our life. You came into our simple world and showed us God's most special work. We learned what it was like to sleep less, love more, and do lots of laundry. We're so glad we were able to cherish special moments with you like taking walks, smelling the flowers, baking brownies, and building houses.

Two years ago, you were a sweet little baby, just learning how the world works. You shook rattles, coo'ed, and finally smiled! Some time during these past years, you grew into a little girl. What an amazing transformation, and we can't wait to see what you'll be in another two years. I know you'll continue to show us how to love more deeply, have more patience, and enjoy life's little treasures.

Today, we celebrate you, and thank you for making our life even more complete. We are looking forward to watching you grow, discover, and become our big girl.

Happy Birthday, little one!

Love, Mommy and Daddy

The child likes to eat

In scrolling through our gazillions of pictures for the past year or so, one theme emerged: one hungry child! Don't judge!

So, there she is...our sunshine and food guru!

And, welcome to our blog.