We have adopted into our family a wonderful sister from our ward, Auntie Jean. She helps us feel the spirit of the season, whatever season it may be:) Hayes has informed me that he is not my sweetheart--only Auntie Jean's. He makes us laugh to when he associates his pants (jeans) with Auntie Jean.

We were so very lucky to have Aunt Tricia join us for Thanksgiving. Tricia and I are both teaching early morning seminary--me in Michigan and her in New York. It has been a wonderful reason for us to talk more and continue to build our friendship. I'm so grateful for her insights and her wisdom and advice. I am very blessed to have her for a sister.

Everyone helped prepare Thanksgiving dinner--with a smile.

Grandma came to visit us the week after Thanksgiving. We look forward to visits from Grandmas more than you can imagine. This time Pilot Grandma took the kids all kinds of cool places. They are fascinated by the idea that people have to come on an airplane to visit us.

Like mother like daughter

Baking with Grandma is so much fun

The kids loved playing games with Grandma--operation is the noisiest, therefore the favorite.

Lolee is such a great big sister

Study buddies

Our October Adventures

Lolee went with her preschool to learn some gymnastics. She was more timid than expected, but she eventually got brave enough to try a few things out.

Halloween brought fairy tales to our house--everything from Cinderella's pumpkin to Pete's Dragon.

We love autumn!

Myriam is 6 months Old!

Isn't she cute!

Happy Birthday!

Lolee decided after Hayes' birthday that she didn't really like cake with frosting (sound familiar to anyone?). She requested marshmallow popcorn for her birthay treat. We made it into a four-layer cake like Sleeping Beauty's.

Her favorite present was the card that gave a rousing rendition of the Superman theme. She quite loved her whole day.

Hayes is 2!! It is his new favorite word.

What next? It's so overwhelming!

Hayes loved his cake--until he tasted it. Then he decided he didn't like it anymore than Lolee did. I had enough fun creating it and he liked it enough that I didn't feel too bad. Our enjoyment was in looking at it all day before destroying it:) Hayes' favorite part was blowing out the candles. We let him do it 7 or 8 times.

Beautiful early summer

We put my parents to work and built shutters for our house while they were here to see Myriam. They had to to home to get some rest after we worked them nye unto death. ;)

Elyzabeth played Tball this year. She came a long way from the beginning of the season. Her coach loved her, even when she picked flowers in the outfield. Every person watching knew her as the one who waved to the spectators as she ran to first base--the whole way! We see people around town that greet her by name after having seen her in a game. It's pretty funny.

We're still working on that throw.

Michigan Mile

My girls both ran the Michigan Mile on their own two feet. Elyzabeth ran it alone and in just over 12 minutes. Daddy ran it with Lolee and they finished in under 15. We was so proud of them.

The victors!

Myriam!

This mom loves her little angel baby. And she loves her bath and her sleep. We get along so very well:)

Hayes loves his little sister, though he definitely does not like sharing his mom. (He can get a little violent when he's feeling jealous.)

We were so blessed to have so many family members present for Myriam's blessing on Father's Day.

My amazingly talented mom made Myriam's blessing dress the night before she was born. (More pictures to follow)

Traditionally, Grandma gives baby their first bath. Myriam loved hers, and I am so grateful my Mom was here to keep up as many traditions as possible.

How many babies get to have Dad and Grandpa there for their first bath, too? Actually, David has been present for every one! Pretty amazing.