Olivia's Sunday birthday dinner

We had another celebration for Olivia's birthday. Our home teacher, Todd and his son Nathan came for dinner, dessert and a game of dominos. Todd has been very faithful, visiting us most months with a spiritual message, and a great support for our family. Melanee and her daughter Amanda also came over for dessert and dominos.

Olivia got some school clothes, including this cute hat and "a dress pajamas".

Grandma Ann & Olivia make cake

Olivia wanted a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and she got it!!

Sam helped.

Olivia's birthday party at kindergarten

Olivia's teacher, Mrs. Englehardt, invited us to come to Olivia's class for her birthday. It was a great day for Olivia. Her teacher helped her make a birthday crown and everyone in class made her a birthday card. It was a great way to start school.

Here is Mrs. Englehardt

Olivia's first day of Kindergarten

Well- Mom and dad are a little tired from having to wake up early, but we were so excited to do so for Olivia's first day of school.

This is how big Olivia is compared to dad!

Olivia was very excited to go out into the big new world. Good luck Olivia we have taught you the best we could. I know you will do well and be a good friend to those in your class. I also know your teacher will be grateful that you are in her class because you are always helpful, kind, and have a positive outlook. Enjoy yourself!!

Cat and Angel

Kitty Cat and Angel

Here are my little Kitty Cat and Angel to enjoy!

Friends' blogs

kaylene's family

kelli's family

mandy's family

kate's family

talia's family

jen's family

bonnie's family

Friends' blogs

kelli's family

Sleeping Loula

Baby Loula is 7 days old.

Daniel and Lindsay

we are happy and going to spain

Lauren

Lauren is a great baby

Sam

Sam is turning out to be just like his dad... good at whatever he does. He loves to play tennis, swim, and play with legos. He likes to wrestle with his sisters and dad. He definately plays the roll of Brother, but he does have his soft side. He still loves his pink chenille blanket and gives lots of hugs and kisses (some of which are not welcomed by his sisters). Sam is excited to start preschool. One other thing I like about Sam is that he likes to help me cook dinner or bake desserts.

Chloë

Chloë has not been getting into as much trouble lately, but she still knows how to stir things up! She loves her daily vitamin and Dory.

Olivia

Olivia turned 6 in August. Here she is with her favorite person, her cousin, doing her favorite thing, swimming. She is such a joy... happy and silly all day long! She is so great with her little brother and sisters, willing to play whatever they are playing. Olivia loves watching videos of Sam and her on the computer. She is excited to start first grade. Olivia just lost her first tooth and knows how to read.

Barbie's birthday jammies

For Barbie's birthday we got her jammies to match us.

We are a happy family!

We have a Name

After much thought. . . we have named our fourth baby Lauren Bell. Lauren is a derivative of Barbie's grandfather's name, Lorel, but we decided to spell her name the traditional way. Her middle name is a surname on both our sides. Grandma Ann's mother's maiden name is Annie Bell and Poppy Mike's father's father's name is James Bell Girand. So far we have been calling her Loula after Daniel's dad- Loula Desma.

Other than the white hair, I am still not convinced that she looks just like Olivia.

VISITORS- yeah!

Yesterday was a long day, so we were happy to have visitors.

Olivia loved holding the baby. (We still did not have a name for her.)
Sam loved playing with the buttons on the bed and throwing the hospital gloves up in the air.

Here is baby with Barbie and Olivia. August 12 is a great day for a birthday!

Later in the afternoon the Miner boys came to visit.
Flash was so happy holding the baby.

the Baby is here!

After waking up at 6 am in hopes of being induced. I found out the hospital was full. So Barbie and I went with the kids shopping. 5 minutes after arriving home from the store the hospital called and said I could come over and be induced. Barbie dropped me off at 1:30pm. Daniel arrived at 2:15. They started the pitosin and gave me the antibiotic for the strep B virus. After 2 hours Dr. Litwin came in and broke my water. At 5:30 pm I was 4 cm dialated so I got my epidural. At 7:40pm I was 10 cm dialated so I was ready to go. Our baby was born at 8:10pm on Barbie's birthday!!

She was 7 lbs 1 oz- our smallest baby
20 inches long
She came out sunny side up. So it was harder to get her out,
but no horror stories, thank goodness.

Barbie's birthday party

We had the Miner's over for Barbie's big birthday celebration.

Happy birthday!

The eclairs were yummy!

Flap Jacks!

Most Saturday mornings at our house begin with a pancake or waffle breakfast. Sam and Chloë happen to be sleeping this morning, but usually they are right up there with Olivia.

Orion's 4th birthday

For our friend Orion's birthday we went to Chuck E. Cheese.

They had a great time with all the video games. This train game really made no sense. All Sam did was put in a coin and the train would go around the track. But he loved it.

This green alien skee ball was also a favorite.

Olivia loved playing the games, but was much more judicious in using her tokens.

We had a great time.

Books and Books

We are always looking for a reason to have a party and get together. So Kaylene and Kelli decided to have a baby shower for the baby and me.

They did such a great job decorating. Every detail was so cute.

Andrea and Tabitha came.

Sarah, Laurel, and Candice.

Angelina, Jen, Vivian (Olivia's friend), Kaylene, and Christy.

It was a peaceful morning. Thanks girls!!