I Live With a Bunch of Crazies!

Who knew that eating pudding could be so much fun?

Our Family is Expanding!

Not of the baby variety, but the furry kind! Yesterday the family went to Milan, MI to DHK animal rescue shelter, and adopted a puppy from there. He was rescued from a puppy mill. What a sweet boy he is, and the girls love him. Josh decided he did not want to be the only male in the home. :)

Can you spot the newest member?

Meet Sonny. :)

Sonny is a wire haired Jack Russell Terrier.

We went to the shelter to look at a different dog, but when Josh saw this face, ah, who can resist?

Quick Visit

Josh's sister Chris and her husband Ken along with Winston and Cora had just spent a week at Camp Barakel. Ken was the speaker for the week on the East side, Win was a camper on the West side, Chris shared with some ladies up there, and Cora spent some time with her family. We were so thankful that they could swing by for supper! It was so fun seeing them again!

Smile! Dorky Tamara needs another picture for her blog! :)

"I'm Too Old For Sesame Street, Mommy"

Emma said this to me today when I asked if she would like to watch it. I couldn't believe it. Maybe I'm being a little overboard here, but when did my baby grow up?

Here is the problem. This is how I still think of Emma ( this is in 2005!)

This is reality. I have a young lady in my home now. She is no longer a baby. This is very exciting, but sometimes sad. I must be getting old.

Storm Watchers

One of our recent favorite pastimes is watch the rain. We have had a lot of thunderstorms this season (usually they don't come until August in this area) and we love to hear the rain pour down, the thunder crack, watch the leaves and twigs float down the driveway, and smell the freshness only rain can bring. If we had a porch, we would be out there, but since we don't we just look out the window.

Here are some pictures of a couple of days ago when the girls woke up to a storm. (Notice the bed head. He he he!)

Last Minute Visit With The Fam!

Ben and Emily came up to Michigan from Texas for Emily's cousin's wedding this week. We were able to see them for an evening before they left. We are so glad we did. It was so good to spend time with them. Texas is way too far away and we missed them so much!

We had an amazing meal at the house and then went to Mooville for some yummy ice cream and friendly farm animal fun. :)

On the way to Grandma and Grandpa's I looked back to see Addie twirling her hair with her foot. CRAZY KID!

Addie and Grandpa playing high in the sky!

Jo Jo finally has her Uncle Ben back. :)

What a talented guy. (The ball was spinning. That's pretty cool.)

The reason I have this wonderful family. I love you Josh!

Emma playing "hot and cold" with Auntie Emily. Psstt! Emma! Check under Daddy's leg!

Grandma is happy. Her baby is home. :)

I made Emily pose for me. You got it right, Emily! I would blog it! :)

The most amazing Salmon in the WORLD! Ben and Emily made a gourmet meal of Salmon, brown rice, and steamed zucchini, squash, and green beans. Delicious!

We can't wait until July to spend a whole week with you all!

A Visit With Cousins

Last Friday we had an unexpected visit from the Curry family, and what fun it was! The girls were more than overjoyed to see their Livvie, Simmy, and Soapy (as Josie knows her).

I had a prior commitment I had to be at, but when I came back I was able to visit for a few minutes. Here are some pics. :)

Practicing bear hugs.

Sophie and Josie are two peas in a pod.

Cousins and Best Friends!

And They Call It Puppy Love...

Last week our upstairs neighbor's Lab had puppies! Mr. Randy (as the girls know him) let us play with the puppies after their bath yesterday. I am in love!

Katie feeding her puppies.

Emma and Josie love the smallest black puppy.

Daddy and Addie with a pint sized pup. :)

I'm gonna miss these little guys when they are sold. So CUTE!

It's Raining! It's Pouring...

We are too busy jumping to be snoring!

Some Favorite Pictures

I just wanted to add some random shots from out trip that are my favorites.

This says it all! Josh took off his watch in the beginning of the trip, and did not put it back on until the end. This is something his Dad used to do when they went on vacation.

I love the lighting in this picture, and my sweet baby looking right at me. See, she is still a baby!

Josh took this one. These guys were everywhere, and so noisy!

I made Josh pull over for me to take this. The picture does not do it justice. It was the GREEN that just popped out at you. Amazing!

Here is the mill. Really cool, and still working!

I love the smokey mist in this picture.

A view inside the First Baptist Church.

This is Josh's favorite shot that I took.

Here is the view of the church from the cemetery in the back.

Not a perfect picture, but the subject is my FAVORITE! I loved being able to spend so much time with Josh, Josie, Emma, and Addie. :)

Cade's Cove

One day on our vacation we were able to make it to the Great Smokey Mountains National Forrest. We drove all over the place on a very overcast day and made our way to Cade's Cove. There were some neat places to see...early settlements, a working mill, some neat churches, and of course...WILDLIFE!

I wish I could tell you the name of this, but I don't remember. I'll have to get back to you on that.

One of the many pull-overs to get some shots.

Emma was the deer and squirrel look out, and she did a good job spotting them. :) Josie was on turkey patrol, and Josh and I looked for bears. We never did see any of those.

Peek-a-boo!

A little PB and J tailgate. :)