Addie the AMAZING!

This past week has been a busy one for Addie. She has sprouted FIVE new teeth! Can you believe that? That brings her total up to twelve. On top of all that, Addie took her first three steps last night!!! I was just saying yesterday afternoon to a friend that she wasn't walking, and I didn't see it happening anytime soon. I know from what Emma and Josie have done, that she probably won't be full blown walking for another month or so, but we were so excited! I am so glad that Josh, Emma and I were all able to witness it. Josie was there, but didn't really seem impressed. :)

Trying to get a picture of her taking a step was impossible, so here are some pictures of Addie with her Grandpa on Easter at Uncle Steve and Auntie Sarah's house. We had a great time, and an amazing meal (WTG Sarah!)

How do you eat an OREO cookie?

The willing subject is happy to demonstrate. :)

Once eaten, silliness ensues.

Easter Sunday

Sunday morning we were all actually ready for church a little early (How did that happen?), so we decided to take some pictures.

The girls all fit in the dresses they wore to Ben and Emily's wedding last June (Again, how did that happen?!?), so they were looking especially cute. :)

My big girl. She is growing up so much!

I love this cutie!

It's hard to get their picture. This one turned out pretty good.

Our attempt at a timed family picture. This was the best one. Maybe in a couple of years???

Egg Hunt at Rives Baptist Church

We have been going to the Easter egg hunt at Rives Baptist Church on and off for a couple of years now. Due to the several inches of snow on the ground, they moved the hunt inside this year. They had so much to do! They had fun carnival games, a cake walk, blow up bouncy house, and a huge raffle at the end, that all three of our girls won something at. We all had a great time!

Emma at the cake walk (or "run" in her case).

Josie and her friend Brookie at the egg hunt in the sanctuary.

Addie spent a lot of time just chillin in the stroller. She did get a couple of eggs on the hunt.

The girls acting silly in the hall. :)

Both Emma and Josie won cookies at the cake walk.

Dying Easter Eggs

On Good Friday, Josh was busy at the church helping them get all set up for our first service back in our building since the renovation. Meanwhile, David and Kristi came over to dye some Easter eggs with us. We sure missed Daddy, and decided that next time we will wait...even if it means until AFTER Easter. We did have a great time though.

What a goofy look!

Josie had SO much fun!

The finished product.

The egg dying crew. Well, Addie just watched. We thought the combination of food coloring, and eggs with a one year old with severe allergies was not a good one. She looked on from her high chair. :)

Saturday Family Fun!

Last Saturday, Mom and Dad Mathew came over for some fun. It's been a while since we've seen each other. We had a great time eating corn chips and re-fried beans, thinking of ideas on how to maximize space in our home, and of course...wrestling! :)

Dog pile on Daddy! Even grandpa got in on the fun. :)

Isn't she getting SO big?!?!

Grandma getting Josie's toes!

Pretty in Pink!

Look at the lovebirds! I love these guys!

Game Night!

Friday night we had a bunch of people over for games. It was so much fun! I would dare to say, one of the best nights of the semester. As we gorged ourselves on apple pies, coffee and rice krispy treats, we stayed up until the wee hours of the morning playing Quiddler, Yatzee, Taboo and Trivial Pursuit. I think we need to do this more often.

Keisa and Jenna trying to spell the biggest words.

Sarah and Jolie's Taboo team rocked!

Nice mouth full of food, Josh!

Sarah, Jolie, Johnny, and Josh rolling Yatzee!

Nice hand, Susan! 25 Points!

Guess what we got?

No, not that cute little girl. We already had her. We got a FREE piano! A friend of ours named David is Mr. Connections guy. Seriously. He can get anything. I mentioned that if he ever found a piano, to get us one. Well, he found one...for free! We just had to get it tuned. We were told this was a $800 to $1000 piano! We are so excited. Emma starts lessons this week with her grandpa. :)

Tickle those ivories!

A trek from New Hampshire

A couple of weeks ago, we had the sheer joy of having some dear friends come for a visit! John and Katie and Katy came out for a whirlwind visit. We had so much fun catching up, showing the best Jackson has to offer (that is NTBI, of course!) and going to Howell for a little (ok, a LOT) of shopping.

We hope that this will become an annual trip for them! :) Well, Josh and I are at least.

This visit sure made us miss our third partner in crime, Naomi. She, her husband, and three little girls are serving with NTM in Indonesia. We miss you, Naomers!!!

Three of some of the greatest people I know! So glad you came! :)

Change is good

Okay. I just can't handle that much pink. I was trying to brighten up the blog. I don't know, maybe because I am anxious for spring? It was WAY too much pink.
I haven't posted in a while, but I am going to crazy post tonight! The girls are all in bed, and Josh is working on taxes, so here we go!!!

Splish! Splash! I was taking a bath...

The other night Emma and Josie were having a great time in the bath. I just had to share.

So, honestly...is the new pink background too much? I liked the black background, but I was just trying to change it up a little. Also, does anyone know anyone in Africa (Keisa!) who could have them check out our blog? I was looking at our visitor map, and Africa is looking awfully empty. :)

Perfecting the shot.

Right in the eye!

No damage done!

A Short Visit With Tomesia

Two Sundays ago, Tomesia was up in Michigan with the kids for Casey Shank's baby shower, and for a little belated birthday celebration with Alex. We were so glad that they could come by our house for a couple of hours, since Emma could not travel. It was so great to see them all again!

This is such a silly face. She looks like she plotting something...

My sweet niece Ivy is growing up so fast!


Alex and Emma seeing what Aunt Mesia brought.

Solomon is so good with Addie. He is so loving.

Emma's usual position. She is becoming a permanent fixture on our couch.

My gorgeous sister. She and Joe just celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary. Congrats!