The first girlfriend party

It is common practice in our home to celebrate birthdays with extended family. The kids have 14 cousins, so there's never lack of children to be loud and energetic with at any celebration. Once in awhile, however, the kids get a "friend" party. And this year, it was Gracie's turn....

 

She enjoyed being able to not only invite cousins, but also all the girls in her class and a friend from church.

This past year at Covenant Christian Academy's annual auction, we won a party at Camp Hebron which included a wagon ride and camp fire.  We decided it would be fun to use for Gracie's party.

We had fun on the wagon ride.

And it was fun to roast hot dogs and s'mores over the fire.

 

 

She had a wonderful time with all of her friends.  Thank you so all who helped make her birthday so special.

 

Happy 7th birthday, Grace!

just because....

...he's precious to me and this picture caught my attention.  It's posted for no other reason.

Grace's 7th birthday

 Today our dear, sweet Grace Elizabeth is turning seven.  We threw her a birthday breakfast to start her day off with celebration of another year.

 

She's our photographer--always grabbing my camera to take pictures of anything and everything.  She thought it would be fun for us to simultaneously take pictures of each other so that she could show off her new camera that we gave her.

We love Gracie so much and thank God for her daily.  It is wonderful to see her maturing daily.  Her personality becomes sweeter and her love for God deeper.  We pray His continued blessing on her life.

 

We love you, Grace!

The kitchen floor

I found Gracie asleep on the kitchen floor this afternoon. 

Sundays really are a day of rest in our home.

17 months old

Henry can walk. He's starting to talk.  He's even trying his hand at art (notice his first masterpiece below.)  I think he might be on the verge of toddler-hood.

First Day of School 2012

Today brings us back into the swing of things with the start of school. 

Summer is fun, but it's nice to be back to more scheduled activities. 

 

 

Joost is starting 3rd grade this year and

Grace is starting into a full day with her enterance into 1st grade. 

 

 

Even Kate wanted to be a part of the first day of school morning. 

She wore her "school dress" and had her backpack on to walk Joost and Grace out to the bus stop.

 

 

He keeps me smiling

Labor Day 2012

This year, Labor Day was mostly filled with labor.  It seems appropriate, doesn't it?  But, we did find some time to get over to the park and get the kids on their bikes.