The BIG girl car seat!

Delaney has almost outgrown the infant carrier so it was time to buy the BIG girl car seat! Here she is trying it out in the house. She absolutely loves it! She doesn't like to be laying back like she does in the infant seat. She loves to be able to sit up and see the world!

7 Years Old

Today is Kierstin's 7th Birthday!! I still remember the first time I met her. She was only 18 months old and asleep in her stoller. I actually felt bad for her because her daddy dressed her like a boy! I have certainly enjoyed having her in my life so I could buy dolls, dresses and hair bows. Oh my! She was my only daughter for 3 years until Delaney was born, so I got some good practice. Kierstin is a very sweet and funny girl. She loves to dress up, sing, and dance. I got lucky when I married her daddy. Not only did I become a wife on 10/20/07, but I also became a step-mom. I really look forward to watching her grow up into a beautiful young woman someday. Happy Birthday BIG girl!!

3 years old

4 years old

5 years old

6 years old

VBS

The kids just finished their week of Vacation Bible School. Kierstin has done this a few years now, but this was Jordan's first time. The conversation I had last week with Jordan after I told him that he'd being going to bible school went a little something like this..

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Me: Jordan you're doing bible school next week. You'll have so much fun!

Jordan: (in the most whiney voice possible) But I don't want to do bible school. NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Me: Won't it be great?! You'll be with Kierstin all week and with other kids your own age instead of being stuck in the house all day, bored.

Jordan: NOOOOOOO I don't want to!

Me: Well, you're going, but I won't make you do the performance on Sunday night.

Jordan: Oookaaayy.

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Well, he went because really he had no choice and he LOVED every minute of it. He has even asked why VBS is only one week long. He told me his favorite part was the crafts and games. Kierstin's favorite part was the singing. On Saturday they had a water play day then today was their musical performance. Jordan actually participated! They both did such a great job. We really enjoyed watching them sing and dance. I'm so glad that Jordan went to VBS and that he enjoyed himself so much. I'm sure he'll be begging to go next year!

Jordan and Kierstin with Pirate PR aka Pastor Randy

Delaney's all ready to watch the big show.

Unfortunately the princess couldn't keep her eyes open.

Kierstin singing her heart out.

This is kind of like Where's Waldo but Where's Jordan instead..

Enjoying cookies after a job well done.

Delaney wearing Jordan's pirate hat

Jordan and Grandma

Summer fun in the HOT desert sun..

It's becoming increasingly difficult to stay cool in this heat. This summer we have been visiting friends pools as often as we can, as well as many trips to the splash pad at our local park. Here are just some pictures of the kids from our summer so far. Just too cute not to share.

They do love each other sometimes.

Delaney is not a big fan of the pool yet.

Giddy-up!

Sunbathing in the shade is where it's at!

He's such a great swimmer.

"Mom, are we done yet?" "It's too hot!"

My friends son Landon and Jordan at the splash pad.

The toothless wonder

Landon's taking charge. Watch out Jordan!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Rob! You are such an amazing Daddy and Step-dad. Your girls love you so much and Jordan is lucky to have such a great role model in his life. I couldn't have picked a better father for our children. You go above and beyond and make your kids your #1 priority as any good father should do. You're on the ground playing with them. Kissing their boo-boo's when they cry. Be silly to make them laugh. And try to teach them right from wrong. They are so lucky to have you as their Dad!

9 Months Old

Look Mom no hands!

She's on the move..

Taking a break


CHEESE

My precious baby doll

Delaney,

Mama and Daddy love you so much! It's hard to believe that you've been in our lives for 9 months already. While at the same time it's hard to imagine life before you born. Like you've always been here. This has been the most exciting month by far. You learned how to crawl, clap your hands, wave "hi" and "bye" and shake your head "no". You're also trying to feed yourself with finger foods. I'm so amazed at how independent you are becoming. You are growing so fast!

I love to watch you with your Daddy. If he is around, you want to know what he is doing. You have realized that Daddy is fun and you love him a lot. Brother and Sissy know how to make you laugh and you look at them with so much adoration. I know they will always be there for you and take care of you. You're such a lucky girl to have them.

The doctor says you weigh 19 lbs and are 27 & 3/4 inches long now. Both of those stats put you slightly above the 50th percentile. So you are right on track. Somehow your head circumference is in the 90th percentile. Not really sure who you got the big head from, but I sure do love to kiss that big ol' melon.

Bathtime has become particularly challenging for Mama and Daddy. You have decided that just sitting there playing is pretty boring. You'd much rather stand up in the tub and try to climb out. We tell you no, but you don't quite understand yet. All we get is a big grin. Speaking of grin, we have yet to see any teeth. It seems like you might be teething, but I have yet to find any proof. Maybe someday soon..

You love to play peek-a-boo. It sometimes makes you squeal with delight. Your squeal is such a sweet sound. You also like to talk really loud so that everyone can hear you. Sometimes you have competitions with Brother to see who can be louder. I think you've won a few times, but don't tell Brother. At night you go to bed around 7pm and are always, without fail, up by 5am. While 5am seems quite early, I'll take it as long as you continue to sleep through the night.

You really are one special little baby. You have brought so much joy into our lives! We feel so blessed that you are here. That we get to take care of you and be a part of our family. The bond that you and I share is one that I will treasure always. I love the smiles, the giggles, your curiousity, the way your skin smells, your little tiny hands and feet. The way you look at me. The way you light up when I enter the room. The way you reach for me to hold you and the way you snuggle up against me when I rock you or when we are laying in bed together. I love you for so many reasons and thank God that you were given to us. Most importantly I'm glad that I get to call you my daughter and I will never take that for granted. I'm the luckiest mom in the world.

I love you,

Mama

Hey Mickey!

It's no big secret that I LOVE Disneyland. As soon as the kids were out of the school for the summer, we packed up the car and headed west. I think I was probably more excited than the kids were!

The kids all ready for an exciting day at DL. It was a little cold for May. It never got over 69 degrees during the day. So it was a little chilly first thing in the morning.

We can't pass up an opportunity to get our picture taken with Pluto!

Being silly in Toontown

Getting a good look at Goofy's house.

Delaney decided it was fun to visit Minnie's house and hang out in her sink.

Posing with the man himself. MICKEY!

Delaney with her Daddy

Getting a boost from Daddy

There was a Lego store in Downtown Disney. This was Jordan's favorite place to be. He is obsessed!

Hanging out back at the hotel.

Daddy's Girl

All smiles BEFORE the Tower of Terror. I should have taken an after picture of her crying. This was the only ride that she cried after.

Mama's Girl

Kierstin's first time on California Screamin'

A sweet moment

Watch out! He's driving!

Catching a ride on the train.

Goofy was in the lobby of our hotel several times. Kierstin had to say hi to him every time he was there.

Her first carousel ride

Rob and kids in front of the Neverland Pool.

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We had a great time! Many wonderful memories made together. It was Delaney's first family trip and Kierstin's first time enjoying the BIG thrill rides because she's finally tall enough. I'd say it was a successful vacation. Until next time Mickey!!!