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!!

HPTB summer baseball game

Every summer HPTB takes the summer associates and whoever else wants to go to a San Jose Giants game. It is my favorite event. Before the game is a BBQ and then LOTS of junk food while the game is going!

The kids spent most of the time stuffing their faces...literally.

Go Liv!!

The fresh cotton candy was good, and so were the fresh churros.


This is what churros and cotton candy should taste like!!

Sam had a great time on my lap and Olivia loved sitting with Jillaire, Brian's wife.

Thanks Darci

Darci is Daniel's secretary at work. She is also becoming a great friend. She has come over a few times to babysit and has given us a baby shower for the last 2 babies we have had. Actually, I was in labor with Chloë when I went to the firm baby shower. I had her 12 hours after I left HPTB!

Darci ordered an ice cream cake and made a candy treat for all who came to the shower. Many partners, associates and secretaries were their. It was very nice. We are very blessed to have Daniel working at such a nice firm.

Some of the secretaries shared birthing stories and Daniel helped Chloë enjoy her cake.

Kate's Baptism

As member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe in baptism at the age of 8. Children as young as 8 know the difference between right and wrong and are able to express their love for their Savior Jesus Christ. I am grateful for my baptism when I was 8. (Chirstmas day of 1984!!)

All my sisters and their families came to Mountain View for the baptism of my niece. We had a great weekend together.

Isn't Chloë adorable

Olivia had so much fun with all her cousins in town.

Everyone had a great time together.

After dinner we got out the firecrackers!

ready to swim

Even at times when we weren't swimming, we were always ready for the pool.

swim, swim , swim

We went swimming everyday! What more can I say. The kids love being in the water. Especially with their goggles.

Here is Barbie demonstrating stroke technique. Her grandkids are very intrested!

Barbie is showing Chloë how fun this is, but I don't think Chloë is buying in.

Olivia loves to swim, but not far from these steps.