We love Emily!

Life with Emily is one big party and it must be captured on film, or chip, or whatever.

Leave it to David to share his most beautiful smile:)


The kids thought it was so much fun to help Emily deflate her bed.

Paddle-boating at Hawk Island Park

Back view paddling across the now water-filled gravel-pit that is the lake at Hawk Island Park.

Everybody smile!

Emily and Elyzabeth started out on their own, but Elyzabeth wasn't quite able to reach the pedals, so we did a little switcheroo, and David got on their boat. Not to be left out, Lolee joined.
Hayes had fallen asleep in my arms, so we stayed on our own boat. Without all that extra weight, we did fine by ourselves:)

Cute, random shots

Hayes was 14 months yesterday. He's growing up so fast!
Lolee has a knack for dressing up that reminds me of her aunt Tricia:)
Hayes likes to take bites out of as many apples as he can get his hands on. Then he spits the peel out all over the floor, leaving a trail behind him as he zips around.
Thank heavens for this birthday present!

Rain, Rain, Rain, Rain, Rain, Rain

These umbrellas have definitely come in handy over the last few days!
We enjoyed wading in our quickly filling reservoir.


We just recently added this water feature to our front yard. We're thinking of installing a water fall and a water slide next, depending on how long this lasts.

Autum Labors

I love canning! My friend Nisha has joined me in my endeavors this year, and though she has never done it before, we have cranked the stuff out. My sun porch has become my canning headquarters. To date, we have done 70 pints of salsa, with 28 more left for tomorrow, and 63 quarts of peaches. Not a bad weeks work! The apples in the bags are next week's project.
Lolee is learning how to rescue Princess Peach from Ethan, Nisha's little boy.
I made a fresh peach pie today. We'll just say Wow! It was so good David made us take a picture. I think I've found a new favorite.

Birthday Party

Our friends the Rawlings and the Herrmans came over for a "families" celebration of Elyzabeth's birthday. Ethan, Heath, Priscilla, Samantha and Natasha are who are girls are referring to as their "new cousins." We are grateful to have made good friends here so quickly.
Blowing out the candles--oh all but one. Who made up that rule about only using one breath anyway?
Elyzabeth looks very cute in her new clothes from her grandparents. Thank you so very much!

Elyzabeth's 5th Birthday

The birthday atmosphere requires a litte extra--the balloons are a must:)














Mom surprised Elyzabeth with a castle cake. We were both very proud of it.

Thanks, Grandma Teeples, for the movie and the books!

Thank you to all for your love and kindness in remembering Elyzabeth. We have been blessed with such a wonderful family.
Elyzabeth loved the presents and the cards from everyone. Debra, you're an angel to send pictures! We all love those!