My girls

When I returned home from a retreat on Sunday, my girls greeted me with oodles of pictures drawn just for me. This is quite common, their way of expressing just how much they missed me. Here is a picture from each one. Take a close look and tell me what you think they might mean . . .

This one I get. Home . . . hearts. . . the message isn't lost on me!

It's beautiful, Delaney.

Okay, do I need to work on my hairstyle? Not quite sure what's going on with it here -- look a little like a giant helmet. And I'm definitely not that blessed, but thanks for making a mommy feel good Jillian!

Soccer Sisters

It was a hot, but fun season of soccer this summer. We were surprised to discover our Jillian's dedication to playing goalie - she was fierce! Delaney was determined to earn a trip to Dairy Queen after every game and often did so by playing with intensity and scoring a goal. The last play of their last game of the season -- and Miss Jillian earned us that treat by scoring her very first goal ever! Here are some shots of them giving it their all!

Birthday Girl

Miss Jillian celebrated being '5' with a gymnastics party!

Family Camp 2008

We spent a weekend with some of our church family at Camp Emmaus. It was simply a time to fellowship and connect with our family -- can't wait to go again next year. Thanks for all the memories - Benkers, Bergs, Bomstads, Carothers, Hohols, Mosers, and Steinmentz families!

Camping

We spent 5 days camping with Grandma Sandi at Star Lake.

Here are some pictures of all the fun we had. . .

Cheapo innertubes from Walmart were the biggest hit!

Elliott had so much fun splashing in the water and throwing "rocks"

~ actually they were huge snails, but he didn't know any better.

Life jackets AND floaties -- you can never be too safe!

Crunched!

First of all -- we are all okay! Luckily, I saw the guy coming and got as much out of his way as I could. But this is what a van looks like after being side-swiped by a guy on a Harley! Quite an end to a fantastic week at the lake with our family. Look for those pictures to follow soon. . .

In Touch . . .

. . . with his feminine side! Living with 2 older sisters, Elliott is surrounded by all things girlie. From princess crowns to high heeled shoes and everything in between. What 18 month old could resist joining in when it looks like so much fun??? He helped himself to a couple of garments from the laundry basket (yes, he's wearing TWO pairs of girl's panties!) and stole a pair of shoes from his sisters to complete the look. This one might make it into a frame at the graduation table!