Cate Was There Too!

I realized after looking at my smile box collage that I didn't include any of sweet Cate who spent the bulk of her vacation napping in the upstairs bedroom or napping in the baby bjorn. So here's a few of our sweet baby on our trip.

Loves from bubby

Cate doing her little acrobatic pose.

We got to meet up with Great Nana in Cascade on our way to the lake as she and my Uncle Gordie and Aunt Sue headed back Boise after their week at the lake. This is Nana's 17th great-grandchild and Elias is number 18.

Warm Lake 2009

Make a Smilebox postcard

Happy Independence Day!

Eliot enjoyed the warm breezes blowing his flag.
The VanArsdels, the Schuilings, and the one and only Auntie Pam.

Grace and Sydney


Tummy full of milk + clean diaper = 4th of July nap



My highschool and college memories of 4th of July are all centered around this woman's incredible gift of hospitality. We spent many many wonderful 4th of Julys at her home and we are so blessed that Aunt Pam was here to celebrate with us and love on the babies. We love you Aunt Pam!!!

They stayed clean in their little 4th of July outfits for about 30 minutes. I was able to snag a photo before they got too dirty.

Grace was very excited to wear her new bow. She's such a girl! I love it.

Yard Update

I'm 100% positive no one is as excited about retaining wall block than I am but let it be said, the walls are going up! It's starting to look like quite a fortress and apparently the town of Colfax is abuzz with the developments in our yard. I was just thinking how three weeks ago I went out to sweep the steps and I was sheepish and embarrased thinking what people must be thinking as they drove by (something like "that girl has much bigger problems than the dust on her front steps ..."), but now I can proudly stand on the curb and watch people slow down and stare at the AMAZING wall!

Off To The Lake!

We are headed to the lake after the holiday weekend and we are all incredibly excited. Grace and Eliot are old enough to remember the cabin and know that a trip there is something to get jazzed about. I know I've said this before but trips to the cabin are as anticipated and cherished as Christmas and we are all in need of a little break. Tim has had a doozey of a week (he's crazy busy and no I'm not complaining) and I imagine he'll be doing a lot of napping (see photo) while we're there and take a nice (no cell reception or internet!! Yahoo) long break from his phone and computer.

What's With Girls and Chocolate?

Grace helped me make the chocolate pie.

Sydney (and Grace) helped me eat the chocolate pie.

Fawn

Our wonderful neighbors Jon and Cathy called us a few evenings ago to invite the children over to view a fawn that was "hiding" in their tomato plants. I had Cate on my hip, chicken on the stove, and the big kids were just thawing after their naps but with my mom's help we were able to skeedadle over and see this sweet little creature with the hugest eyes and the sweetest black nose.