Birthday Party Pics

We had an "adults only" birthday party for Alana this year. (Sounds like something inappropriate, doesn't it?) Actually, it was a blast! Alana and Peter thoroughly enjoyed being the center of attention. In fact, Peter was our entertainment. No need to hire entertainment when you have a toddler around.

Alana got some great gifts - things for her room (which we are getting ready to paint), a scooter, paint/craft sets, school supplies (one of her favorite things), a radio, and money (also one of her favorite things).

I found this cake at Target and thought it was cute and girly and fall-ish.

We had such a great time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALANA!!!

Today, this beautiful girl is 9 years old!!!

I can't believe it. She is growing up WAY too fast.

I can remember the day she was born as clearly as if it was yesterday. I had an amazingingly easy delivery, especially for a firstborn.

Alana wanted to look like JoyAnna Duggar on her birthday. I think she achieved that look:)

I love you, precious girl!!!

21 Months

Guess who is 21 months as of Wednesday??

This little boy!!!

I can't believe he is almost 2. What a milestone.

At 21 months, Peter:

is still SO silly

understands everything we say to him

doesn't talk much

but smiles, all the time

is better governed by love and patience than strictness or harshness

loves to wear Daddy's, Mama's, or Sissy's shoes!!!

I love you, sweet miracle boy!

New Additions

We have a new addition to our family.

Meet Lucy Grace Ellsworth - the guinea pig.

I really wanted to get Alana something special for her birthday this year. She LOVES all animals, but she wanted a cat. We decided our household could not handle that with two dogs already so we decided to go with something a little easier. Alana has fallen completely in love! I think the guinea pig has fallen in love with Alana too.

We also want to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the Oldham family on the birth of little Thomas Knox. We know they are so happy that their baby was born on the same day we got a guinea pig. Because of that, they will never forget little Thomas's birthday!!!

We're Still Here

It has been WAY too long since I've updated this blog. The last several weeks I've been running on empty. It started back before the 4th of July with a terrible sore throat that turned into a nasty cough that just wouldn't let go of me. I kept coughing and coughing, but then some days I would feel better so I put off going to the Dr. Finally, this week I knew it had been too long for a cough to hang on like that so I went to the Dr. and was diagnosed with walking pnuemonia! No wonder I felt so yucky. Anyway, I got some drugs and I am on the mend.

Here's what we've been up to lately:

Tom started seminary last week. He LOVES it! It is a lot of work, but he is thoroughly enjoying himself.

Alana and I started back to homeschool last week. So far, so good. We had a good year with it last year, but so far this year is even better. I'm much more relaxed this year and I think that is helping Alana to be more relaxed. It helps so much to get a year under your belt and be familiar with the curriculum.

As Alana and I do school, Peter just mostly gets in the way:) He wants to be included in everything. I'm trying to work with him on coloring so he can feel like he has "school" too. He really prefers to color with his "Sissy" though.

Peter loves to clear out all his toys from this bottom shelf and crawl in there and sit. I must ask, why is this so fun??:)

We are so happy it is September!!!! Fall is my favorite season and also my beautiful girl's birthday. She'll be 9 on the 24th of this month. So bittersweet........