Birthdays and Friends

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL BEAR!

I cannot believe that 2 years have come and gone since I was holding a precious newborn girl. I still remember the shock of being told that I had a little girl to care and love for. What an amazing blessing that has been. It has been a joy to watch you grow Rachel. You are fun, smiley, and bring laughter to our house. You love to try to speak the words that others use. Naked time is your best time. If you could hang out with your brother and sister all day you would be in heaven. They are both your best friends. You bring such joy to our family. You are beautiful. I love your desire to dance any time that music is on! I truly enjoy your fashion with swim goggles or a bicycle helmet. You are also always cuddling and knowing exactly what we each need. I love how you always carry your quilt and baby doll with you wherever you can. You also love to bring me your swimsuit to put on everyday! :) I am also blessed by your desire to still cuddle with me each morning even if it is for selfish reasons. You are truly a wonderful blessing and it is fun to have a little girl that is similar to me in so many ways. So many call us twins and what fun. You are such a physical girl in your movements, but yet so dainty and girly when it comes to wrestling. You love swinging on a swing all by yourself and never going high (unlike your sister). Thank you Rachel for the joy you have brought to our family!

And what a delight it was to have a dear friend come and celebrate Rachel's birthday with us. It is always so near and dear when friends are reunited and this one is no different. Karianne and I danced together during college, but then when we taught pointe together so many memories were made. I am so thankful for my wonderful friendship with her and am so thankful that when our paths cross in the Pittsburgh area it is like time stood still as we catch up on each others lives. I am so thankful for you friend and cannot wait to see what all the Lord has planned for you & Tim!!

A Day on the Farm

A favorite childhood memory of mine is going to my grandparents farm. So yesterday we piled the kids back into the car and took a trip to the farm. What a wonderful and relaxing way to spend the day!! There are horses, chickens, baby kittens, a garden, watermelon, watercolor painting, and lots of yard to run, play, and get dirty! Of course my favorite part is spending time with my grandparents! Thanks Mom-mom & Pop-pop for a special day! It will be one that will last forever!

Watercolor Painting

Chickens

LOTS & LOTS of Watermelon!

Last years potatoes that survived!

Surrounded by fresh food!

If he could garden all day, he would!

Look at those beautiful beets!

A dirty child equals a child that has had lots of fun!

Get those kittys 

I want the kitty Mommy!

My favorite memory is of all the horses!

Happy 4th of July!

HAPPY 4th of JULY to everyone!

What a joy it is to celebrate the 4th this year! It is wonderful to remember where America began and look at where it is today. This past year for school we studied American history and took trips to Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Williamsburg. We later took a trip through many of the southern colonies of the original 13 and saw the vast difference between the north and the south in just culture and geography. What a miracle it was to bring 13 vastly different states to come together and become one nation and yet that is exactly what happened.

Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, PA

Williamsburg, VA

A state along our 13 state Adventure...Arkansas

We spent the day packing for camp and traveling through MD to the state of PA. During our trip, we listened to Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry. It was the first time, we had ever listened to a book on cd for a trip and I would say it was a huge success. There was no whining for another movie, no fighting, either kids slept or listened and/or read the story.

Do I turn the page now?

Our faithful driver!!

Just want to be like my sister & brother!

In the evening, we celebrated with the Orr grandparents and even got to see a few fireworks. The kids were running around catching fireflies all night. David would have 4 or 5 on his hand at a time. Mary would capture one and not want to let it go. She wanted to keep it. Rachel just keep looking and smiling. The kids just looked so free to be themselves and have fun! It was a scene that brought tears to my eyes.

When in doubt, look for a boy running and you will find David!

A sweet time with family...It had been since Jan since we have been here.

One of her favorite spots

And it was all the more perfect watching the girls run around in their matching dresses I made. I did not learn very much about sewing growing up and over the past couple months many people have come up and asked if I sew clothes for my kids. I always responded no, but it got me thinking about the possibility. I also had thought about sewing the girls pillowcase dresses and anyways through many forms of encouragement I worked up the courage to sew them for 4th of July. My original intention was in June, but it takes me so much courage to sew that I made them July 3rd. However, I just stood smiling at the girls twirling and laughing in the shimmery dresses that were designed and made just for them!

Happy Independence Day from my family to yours!!