Headed West

God blessed Dan with a great career opportunity and a better balance between work and family life.  Our family is headed west to Midland, Texas.  As we've told people about the move, I have only heard positive things about raising a family in west Texas so we are thrilled to move and give it a try!  We sold our house (by owner in one week for over asking price, praise the Lord!) and quickly moved out at the end of October. A wonderful family bought the house and will love living there.  I showed them pictures of the Bible verses that cover the studs and concrete subsurfaces, and they were blessed to bring their new family together into a home built on God's foundation.

After a long weekend in the Woodlands with Amy's family, I brought the kids to Corpus Christi for two weeks at my parent's house.  Nana and Paca had fireman costumes and a new John Deere riding tractor for us to play with.  My nephew Ryan was also with us for most of the visit.

 Henry being the boss

The boys getting along this time

visiting the fire station

going for a pony ride out on the ranch 

 

 

 Mabel was happing crawling around the kitchen

My parents went to a 20s themed ball, and I helped my mom with her hairdo

Mabel is moving!

Sweet little Mabel started crawling today (7 months old).  Yesterday she could barely take two "crawls," but today she is all over!  She already weighs 20 pounds so I'm hoping she's an early walker too!

Colorado July 2012

We spent two weeks in Breckenridge with my parents, siblings, and all the additions.  We have a large house that was incredibly quiet considering the 14 adults, 1 teenager (our wonderful babysitter, Chandler), and 10 young children.  What do you do in the mountains for two weeks?  Everything!  Here are some pictures to prove it!

Reusing cups

Getting dinner out

Skipping stones, young and old alike

Swimming in really cold water!

Golfing (watch for beevers)

Hiking, of course

Putting our toes in the chilly water

Hanging out with daddy

Looking at our favorite model train 

Playing on Fire Engines

"talking" to Paca

Enjoying a parade

Playing putt putt with Chandler

Ropin' Uncle Jeremy

Enjoying the view

Being with family

Riding snowmobiles in summertime

Playing with our cousins

Playing cornhole

Riding the gondola

Taking naps

 Playing sheriff and outlaw

Having a high five good time!

First Day

Lydia started pre-k this morning at Paratus Classical Academy.  This is the school's first day too!  Started by some friends at church, the school will have students two days a week and a homeschooling parent (me) will teach two days a week.  

 Mrs. Dollins (the school's founder and mother of five small children) is Lydia's teacher.  Here they are together sharing Lydia's career dream of being a firefighter!

Mabel at 4 months

Mabel is the sweetest baby!  Lydia and I agree, having a baby sister is the best.  Thanks to Ashley Grimmer for our impromptu photo shoot.

Does this match?

Look at my pretty rash...I think it goes with my pink tank!  I am having a reaction to antibiotics I am taking for strep throat.  What a mess!!!