Have a Knapp

Blocks & Sister "Love"

2012-01-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

Beautiful After christmas play time, sisters playing serenely together in the quiet and piece of our Christmas afternoon....

Big Smiles...

Careful engineering...

Then a discovery...

Maybe Grandpa will just hold Anna :)

Christmas!

2012-01-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

We were SO pleasantly surprised when our in-laws announced they were going to join us for Christmas this year. Normally we would have traveled to their house along with Joe's brother and family but since they welcomed our newest little niece Aubry into the home in November it was way to soon for them to travel and the choice had been to have Christmas at home this year. Instead we got the best of both worlds. We got to enjoy being home, participate in our Christmas Eve and New Years Eve programs at our church AND have Grammy & Grandpa! We got rather spoiled...and I dont just mean the girls with the gifts they brought, although that was true too :) Here are some highlights, I admit I didnt get the camera out nearly as much as I would have liked but honestly, many times I was just enjoying relaxing too much :)

Grandpa & Anna are quite the pair :)

Grammy danced with Anna, taught her to clap and...the picking her nose we will just say she learned on her own :)

Gatta make sugar cookies! Katey LOVED making/aka eating sugar cookies with Grammy :)

Then we went outside to wait for Daddy to get home,

Christmas Eve we let the girls open one gift, pre-arranged new jammies to wear to Christmas Eve candle light service!

After an AWESOME service is it was off to bed in anticipation of Christmas morning!

Such a fun morning with LOTS Of awesome gifts! Wish I woulda taken more pics but got swept up in the moments :) Such fun memories!

Katey's 3 years Old!!!

2012-01-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby, my little 2 1/2 week early, water-breaking-under-the-christmas-tree surprise is THREE!!! I know everyone says it goes fast...well I dont need to complete that thought. I can not say its been all warm and cuddly moments full over overwhelming love, I assure you that 2 had its difficult moments...more than a few. But her smile, her laugh, her imagination and her love for life...I just can't say how much they have affected me. She is my companion, my playmate my reason to go to the bakery every time we go into Fred Meyer or try on the goofy hats in the clothing section. I love how she HAS to have a blanket AND a pillow for every baby before she can go to bed and how both their and her covers have to be perfectly stretched out in all four corners before all is well. I love how she perches in the window to watch for Daddy to come home and RUNS to the door to get the first kiss before mama can. I love how she LOVES to share things with her little sister...even things that maybe aren't the smartest (yesterday it was almonds), but that she simply wants to make sure Anna's not missing out. I love how I have 30 seconds to 2 mins of guaranteed cuddle time when she wakes up from her nap and comes and finds me (unless its the weekend and then its to Daddy). I could really go on and on...and I should in a journal somewhere (yeah brilliant idea who's taking bets on it happening?) but I wont right now. There are too many pics and other tidbits to share...just know this will definitely not be my shortest post :)

Fist her birthday morning!

Daddy made her crapes and she got to eat on "God thinks your special today" plate! (ok he thinks we are special every day but we still reserve it for special occasions :) )

"Katey, how old are you?"

Love the forced camera smile...but thats what I got :)

A few days before her birthday I asked her a few questions to start a tradition. Every year (maybe starting at 3 i'm going to interview my loves and compile their answers (gatta love pinterest!).

I have to preface this by reminding you all of the memory of a 3 year old, the answers are defiantly not the answers I would have answered for her but these are the ones she gave...so for some of them I put my observations is parentheses)

1. Whats your favorite color? Pink

2. Whats your favorite toy? That one ball uncle David gave me (haha the thing that she could see...prob favorite toy at this point is her baby dolls which are in all shapes and sizes)

3. Whats your favorite fruit? blueberries!

4. Whats your favorite tv show? Super why (specifically the "Rolling Rice Cakes"episodes, we've seen it so may times i could puke...then quote the whole thing :))

5. Whats your favorite to eat for lunch? Mac & Cheese (yep, or crackers & cream cheese)

6. Whats your favorite outfit? My pink pants (yep anything comfy, not jeans, skirts or sweatshirts)

7. Whats your favorite game? Shoots and ladders

8. Whats your favorite snack? blue berries

9. Whats your favorite animal? Ducky

10. Whats your favorite song? Jesus Loves me

11. Whats your favorite book? Daddy's little girl (or Llama Mama books)

12. Whats your favorite friend? Lily (Lily Siebert-pastors 9 year old daughter- She LOVES Lily but her best friends are probably Zac & Ty Pietzold)

13. Whats your favorite drink? Juice

14. Whats your favorite thing to eat at breakfast? Pancakes with no rasberries (she likes them on top but not inside!)

15. Whats your favorite thing to do outside? Play in the snow

16. What do you like to take to bed at night? My babies & my polka dot blanket

17. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Marshmallows

18. What do you want to be when you grow up? go to work with Daddy and work on computers

19. Whats your favorite thing to do with Daddy? Play guitar and Go fishing

20. Whats your favorite thing to do with Mommy? read my bible book

21. Whats your favorite thing to do with Sister? read books with Sister

So here is where the pics really take you away. Katey has soo many friends so her birthday part reflected that :) We decorate to make gingerbread houses (which was a blast but entailed Jeremy, Lisa, Joe and I working on them late into the night the night before.. hence why Katey has Ty's jammies on in her birthday morning brakfast photos). But the kids REALLY seemed to love decorating...ok the younger ones mostly just ate the candy, but all in all, it was fun! (Thank you Tracy Cary for the photos from the party!)

Joe said they looked like gingerbread outhouses....and decorated it accordingly :)

Ty helping Joe put the finishing touches on the AMAZING chocolate cake he made :0

Zac trying VERY hard to wait patiently!

But eventually friends showed up and the fun began

And MAYBE a little tasting as we go :)

The finished pieces started to come together...Some VERY creative minds...but not so patient tummies :)

So blessed by so many good friends!

Then it was time to open presents!

And CAKE TIME!!!

So congratulations Bug, we love you a bushel and a peck and can't wait to see what next year brings!

PS: I made a slideshow that we had showing at the party that is a review of Katey this last year... If you haven't already seen it take a look, hope you enjoy and thanks for reading!

http://gallery.emilyknapp.com/kateys3rdbirthday

Gingerbread Men!

2012-01-20T15:05:00.000-08:00

As you know, i'm obviously catching up on blogging :) Back before Christmas we had the opportunity to decorate cookies with our very bestest friends the Pietzolds! It was a learning experience for all and I think some un-licked candies MIGHT have gotten on the cookies...but no guarantees :)

At this point the men had to go into the oven and the kiddos had to go to bed to anxiously await the real part they were excited about: eating, I mean DECORATING with candy!

Finally the cookies were cooked and ready to be decocted! Well, kinda...first Mommies had to do a very important part, this part proved to be VERY hard to be patient through!

FINALLY it was their turn!

They each got a bowl of candy and a sheet of cookies..as you can see...we had mixed opinions about what one should do with said candy :)

But they did each take their decorating VERY seriously :)

And the eating very seriously as well!

So much fun! Love this little family and what good friends they are, not only for our kids but also for us :)

Last day of Preschool (before Christmas Break)

2012-01-20T13:10:00.000-08:00

Our little preschool has been such a blast these last few months. Its been amazing to watch our little critters grow so much in their ability to follow directions and enjoy structure. Just last night I came home from a meeting and Ann had been watching Katey and shared with me that they had played "preschool" for a chunk of the time and that Katey was a great little teacher. Even making her sit on her "spot" (aka a place mat) and calling her "honey". I love it! She LOVES preschool and can't wait to go every tuesday. Here are just a few snap shots of our last day before christmas break, we decided to do a craft day and make wrapping paper :)

Such a fun little group! Just for fun here is a pic of them in September when we started :)

Love these Kiddos!

Christmas Dresses

2012-01-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd share some pictures of the beautiful Christmas dresses that Grammy & Grandpa picked out for the girls :)

"Who me? I'm not doing anything with these presents!"

I didn't get any incredibly beautiful and happy pics of the two of them together because right after this endearing sisterly hug Katey got a little two into it and anna fell off the chair onto the ground biting her lip and I was scrambling to keep the blood off of the beautiful Christmas dress. My intention was always to try another session...but alas even though I am a photographer MY children do not always comply :)

Dixie Thanksgiving 2011

2012-01-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

This year ALL of us were able to go up to my parents cabin for Christmas! Its the first time all four grandbabies have been there together and although it was tight quarters we had a blast :)

We had an early rendezvous before Dixie as Ben & Kelsey, Joe and I, David and Nana & Pappy all met just outside of Elk City for quick hugs and leg stretches then back in the car for the last stretch until the cabin.

Right away Pappy had his girls in his arms :)

And Nana took the older ones on a quick adventure to look at the river :)

When we got to the cabin there were plenty of fun & fascinating things to do.

The next morning, the snow was perfect so we were out to play!

Joe & Ben engineered a pretty sweet sledding hill!

Then it was inside for warm up time :)

Reading Time...

Cuddle Time...

Some Snacks :)

And lots of silly fun :)

We did get outside quickly to get a few family photos done :)

It was a great weekend but it had to end eventually and Ben & Kelsey were the first to have to return to the real world :)

We still had one more day and made the most of it :)

Katey got to ride on the snow mobile with Pappy,

And feed the birds on the porch with Nana

Anna was more into eating the bread than sharing it with the birds :)

Another great holiday full of great memories!

Our Family Photos (by Tracy Cary)

2012-01-15T19:04:00.000-08:00

We were so amazingly blessed by Tracy Cary who offered to capture our 2011 family photos. The weather was freezing, literally 32 degrees, but we still managed to come out with some priceless family photos that I will always treasure. Thank you so much Tracy and I hope all you enjoy these, although I'm sure you wont as much as I do :)

Wrapping Paper!

2011-11-16T23:20:00.000-08:00

So this year Katey & I decided we should combine her love for painting with my love for being frugal! I'm beginning the slave labor and forcing her to make our christmas wrapping paper for this year!

She REALLY Hates it :)

We have been painting our hands and doing hand prints and even got the potatoes out for some stamp/painting time today. Oh and tomorrow I'm planning on trying a trick with celery that I saw on pinterist!

But with the additive of some of my scrapbooking left overs here is the final product,

And it works for Birthday paper as well!

Such fun! Love that my little girl is so creative!

Silly Girls!

2011-11-16T23:14:00.000-08:00

"Dolly" Had to have her "Pho shoot" too!

Love how they make each other laugh!

Love how they make me laugh!

Love my silly silly girls!

Grammy & Grandpa Visit (Nov 12th Ish)

2011-11-16T23:11:00.001-08:00

We LOVE us some Grammy & Grandpa time! Its been a while since the last visit and we were so excited to get the phone call that they were going to stop in on their way home from Ontario.

Anna REALLY took to her Grandpa (and I think he kinda liked her too) he even insisted on holding her during our bbq dinner...have an awesome phone photo of her chewing on the ribs....wonder where that is?...

And of course she loved Grammy too....especially all her fun colorful jewelry!

Our fun walk on the new tickle creek trail :)

More photos hiding in the catalogue to be edited...someday :)

Park Date! (Nov 10th ish)

2011-11-16T23:10:00.003-08:00

Fun Sunday afternoon at the park!

Girls LOVE their Daddy!

And the swings! We go to this park specifically because Anna can fit in the swings with her brace, and she LOVES it!

I mean, Look at that face!

A few pics of me with my girlies! Not often that happens :)

Love these sissys and how they are ALMOST to the point of being able to play together...still have to protect Anna from...too much exuberant "love" :)

Katey's first haircut & Go Ducks! (Oct 22nd Ish)

2011-11-16T23:10:00.001-08:00

Although we want Katey to enjoy long, bang-less, hair we decided that the mullet had to go and took her to go see our good friend Jamie Pietzold for her very first haircut! We made a girls day out of it and, even went to get frozen yogurt before! She was SUCH a good girl!

Love this beauty!

Then later we had to get ready for the Duck game!

Love my girls!

Bath Time! (Oct 12th Ish)

2011-11-16T23:09:00.001-08:00

Anne's Birthday Hike

2011-10-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was Anne's birthday! We sincerely love Anne and were so excited to be invited to join her and Seth on a birthday hike!

Katey LOVED running ahead!

Anna LOVED being in the pack, she just sang & laughed the whole time!

Two pink water bottles :)

Stopped for lunch :)

After lunch Katey wanted to ride in the pack :)

Katey had SOO much fun she simply couldn't handle it :)

After this we had a great dinner with them then went to the airport to get Daddy who'd been in San Fransisco the whole week! What a great day!

1st Day of Preschool Co-op!

2011-09-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

So a few friends and I started talking one day about how much we like the idea of getting our kids together for "school". Kinda a mix between homeschooling (which Joe & I plan to do) and traditional pre-school. This conversation quickly turned into excitement and we decided "why not start now!". Our group has sadly shrunk with the Overby's moving away but still with 3 2 year olds and a 4 year old, Tracy, Lisa and I began our preschool today!

Our goal is not to really educate our children in the ways of math, science or these types of lessons but instead to begin to teach our children to be kind, follow instructions from someone other than mom (or dad) and to have fun!

We wanted to chronicle our first day, and as this blog is my best chance to remember anything, here go the pics :)

"Gathering Time" with teacher Lisa

"Circle Time"

Singing "Head and shoulders, knees and toes".

"Table Time"

Isn't our class ADORABLE!!!

Back to "Gathering Time" for a story!

Anna liked it too even though she's a little young :)

Ok back to the story :)

Learning to be kind :)

"Play Time"

And our class Roster!

Zachary Pietzold 4

( 4 in Sept)

Katelyn Knapp 2 3/4

(Turned 2 last December)

Ty Pietzold 2 1/2

(Turned 2 in March)

Cooper Cary 2

(Turned 2 in Aug)

So excited to see where our year takes us!

Just My girls!

2011-09-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with my girls and just don't get the camera out enough at home so this particular morning they were both being adorable and I had it close...here is the result :)

And we are done! I love them!!!

Fishing!

2011-09-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

So we are hooked! Yes pun intended :) Ever since fishing with my parents in Dixie both Katey and Joe have been desperate to go again, but the problem was we didn't have poles or ANY tackle. So last weekend for Joe's birthday both him and Katey got new poles (Katey's is little & pink of course!) and tackle and early Saturday morning found us at Trillium lake...with everyone else in the greater Portland area :).

It WAS labor day weekend and the lake had supposedly been stocked a few days before with lots of fish so there was no where on the whole lake you weren't 10 feet away from someone else casting.

But it was still amazingly gorgeous and although we didn't catch anything, or even get a nibble, it was a blast!

But Daddy & Katey didn't loose hope, Monday morning (6 am) found them both back up there...this time just Daddy/Katey time! This time Katey was the only one around them who caught anything! She was so proud to catch a fish on her little pink pole. It was too small to keep but it was still a huge feather in her cap and a priceless memory for her Daddy.

Since getting skunked last weekend Joe has been excitedly researching boats and trying to plan how we could MAYBE afford, transport and store one. But as the Lord always takes care of us and provides for all our...needs :), our amazing friends Seth & Anne volunteered to let us borrow their boat, whenever we want! So this weekend was different! Again Saturday morning found us up early packing fishing poles, tackle, life jackets and lunch, but this time there was a boat in the back of our truck, and good friends to come along!

Just the daddy's & toddlers

See them way out there?

Mama's & Baby's enjoying the sun shade :)

Super Mama!

We were FAR from skunked this time (17!) and MMM UMM that was some good eating!

I think this might become a Saturday morning tradition (as long as weather holds out).

Nampa/Ontario {Part 2 of Aug Road Trip--Finally! }

2011-09-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

So part two of our amazing 1000 mile plus road trip last month is finally up. From my parents place we were able to drive south on friday to Onatrio/ Nampa in time to make our niece's (Joe's Brother's) 2nd birthday party and visit my brothers wife & kids (he was in Portland!). Such a good way to end a great week. Lots more unforgettable memories!

Hanging out with the Family!

Grandpa & Anna

Cousin Avery came!

She LOVED Anna!

And Grammy couldn't get enough of having her grand daughters all together!

Cuddles for Gramma Jan!

Its August in Ontario, that means HOT! So the water quickly came out and the clothes quickly came off :)

Uncle Zac playing!

Saturday morning!

Reading the paper with Grandma Jan, very intently!

Tickle wars!

Then off to Nampa to see Aunt Kelsey & Cousins Connor & Ayla!

Picking things in Aunt Kelsey's garden!

Then inside to play in the castle!

They played so well together...mostly :)

Aunt Kelsey, Anna & Sophie

Love this handsome boy!

So does his uncle Joe!

And he LOVED Anna!

Then Ayla woke up and came to play!

She had to go in the castle too :)

Lunch time!

Then outside to play...and the clothes again came off :)

Getting his hair wet! So cute!

In the radio flyer wagon!

So strong! Showing me her muscles!

Ayla was such a good girl just sitting & watching

Katey loved hugging her :)

The closest we came to a cousin pic...and Anna is missing :(

"I wanna go over there!"

"Up Mama!"

"Hehe, this is what I wanted!"

"So fun!"

Meanwhile...over in the sandbox...

Ok back to the blanket for more pics of the little QT!

Almost standing on her own!

Loves mama!

Likes to eat her chin!

And nose!

Just a happy pretty girl all in all!

But the play date ended all too soon and we rushed back to Ontario for Avery's birthday party!

Birthday girl!

Riding the horsey Grammy & Grandpa got her for her 1st birthday!

Cousin Love!

Oh and the uncle too!

Some birthday shots of the birthday girl!

Birthday Girl & other Gramma.

Katey "helping" to watch Anna :)

"What mama?"

Cupcakes with my new niece in the background!

Time to blow out the candles!

Katey REALLY liked the cupcakes :)

Avery on the other hand...

Wasn't so sure!

She'd stick to her ice cream!

So cute to see the girls together at the new kids table she got for her birthday!

and with lots of friends!

So happy!

Playing with Avery's birthday present!

She has since requested a "pink bike with a top handle" many times!

Anna kept herself amused with Uncle Rick and the balloons!

The next day Avery came over to play more! The girls played together so well!

Ok a few more of my beautiful niece!

Love this pretty girl!

I love this pic! It looks like Katey's thinking "Hmm, wonder how I can get that water from her?"

And of course, Katey didn't forget about the fire engine in the basement! She was VERY good at making her car sounds this time, watch her mouth!

"You want to ride mama?"

"Ok Avery, its your turn!"

I think they both got into it!

Hard to say goodbye, but such a fun visit and so fun to watch the cousins growing up and finally starting to play together!

Dixie! {Part 1 of August Road Trip}

2011-08-26T14:15:00.000-07:00

We try to make it up to my parents cabin at least once if not twice a year and although the 9 1/2 hour drive (if you drive straight through no stops) is exhausting, the trip is ALWAYS refreshing! You know me, I cant just take a few pics, so warning..there are lots :)

Riding with Pappy (one of the first things she did )

Hammock with Mama, one of the second things :)

She got lots of hammock time :)

And Nana's already trying to eat the baby!

Last year (18 months) she didn't want much to do with this swing, NOT the case this time! She loved it!

She also loved Pappy's airplane/music box

Nana making dinner :) We every dinner and most lunches out here :)

We ALL loved being out at the fire ring!

Day 2

Katey got to take a bath in the pig trough, only at Nana & Pappys :)

And our amazing friend Jeanie got to come visit!

Anna REALLY wanted to get in :(

Getting her Sugar :)

Katey saying "What you would like?" And making us dinner :)

And some for Mama :)

Back out at the fire ring for dinner time...and some munchin on other things :)

Day 3

Katey helped us go get fire wood! Dad used the chain saw, Joe got the logs to the truck, I organized them in the bed and Katey supervised!

I Cant believe how big she looks in this pic!

(Nana stayed home with sleeping Anna :) )

Kisses!

I have to take a momment for a disclaimer, you may have began to notice that there are not many pics from this trip in which my girls faces are actually clean. Haha, this is a reality of Dixie aided mostly by the berry bushes and dirt covering the area, but also the tendency of certain grand parents to constantly spoil them with all kinds of yummy things to eat. Keeping them clean was pretty futile and the attempt was abandoned very soon after arrival :)

Ok back to the important things we did!...

The view off the front porch :) Notice Nana's green house (which Pappy accurately nick named Jumanji) and the wild daisy's blanketing the slope! So peaceful! (just watch out for the hummingbirds dive bombing each other!)

Yep life is hard!

A few of Pappy in his fathers day chair!

A few cherrished cuddles from our busy busy girl!

We ate like kings!

Katey reading Anna "A Porcupine named Fluffy" Love this book!

And then....

Ooey gooey S'more kisses for Pappy!

There were some of us who were traditional S'more purists...

And some who took a walk on the peanut butter bar wild side!

Then some time for worship around the camp fire!

everyone sang :)

The sunset was so gorgeous!

The next day...berry picking!

Look close...there is a rare Katey bug out in the trees, usually seen with face stained with huckleberries and an empty bucket!

And the not so rare Nana bear....who mostly just likes to eat little girl's sugar.

Not many places the BOB can't go!

Time to rest...ok she just wanted to play with the babies :)

And Anna just wanted to eat her huckleberries,

And Daddy just wanted a nap!

Then up to look at the elk blind/perch thing (ok i'm not a hunter) Joe & Dad made!

(Imagine it with plywood in the triangle)

Back home for naps!

But honestly, most naps were not taken in the bed :)

Day 3

Most, like this one, were on the way to somewhere fun...like the hot springs!

Look at that good looking man!

And that cute cute girl!

Then on to Jeanie's for bible study and some mid week clothes washing!

Anna LOVED scooting around on her floor!

Jeanie is such a great friend and prayer support! And she so loves the girls!

Had to catch some fishin on the way home!
I LOVED the warm light!

Katey LOVED the fish :)

Pappy fishing

"Pappy, what you would like?"

"He says he wants turtle soup!"

Nana lovin' on Anna....

And Katey just running around crazy :)

Then just as it was about time to head home...

Katey was holding the pole as the fish bit and helped dad bring it in!

To say she was excited is an understatement!

"NANA did you see that?!!""

Day 4

She was so hooked she got up early with Pappy & Daddy and went fishing first thing the next morning to get enough for dinner :) She's been talking about it ever sense!

Going down to help Nana in the garden.

And she brought a pea back for sister!

Reading books with Nana

Anna looking on skeptically :)

But smiles come quickly if you give this one some attention :)

"Hey, where is Pappy? Lets go find him."

He was fixing the electrical wiring on the trailer and needed someone to help from the truck! Anna volunteered!

And after Katey realized the truck was not where the action truly was...she stepped right up to hold the flash light for Pappy...

So much help :)

"Hi Mom!"

Bear Hugs!

She loves her Pappy!

This time at dinner time we decided to try out the Pea Pod cousin Ayla left behind for Anna!

Very nice night!

Day 5
Lets go to the River!

20 min power nap in the car and WIDE awake when we get there!

picnic first...then on to fishing!

Love that BOB! Anna was right down with us :)

Pappy and Daddy got a little carried away fishing up and down the little creek (and catching DELICIOUS brookies) so the girls and I went for a walk :)

Such tired girls!
But of course they both woke up as soon as the truck picked us up :(

Last night, had to do it right!

Daddy and Katey got to sleep in the tent!

She wasn't excited at all!

Saying good bye

Thanks for an awesome trip Nana & Pappy, cant' wait to come back for Thanksgiving!

Grammy's Visit!

2011-08-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

We are so amazingly blessed to have such a giving, selfless Grammy that is willing to drop everything going on in her life to come take care of us when we need her. With the event of Anna's surgery and her spica cast, Grammy agreed (and was honored to be asked, isn't that cool!) to come and help out with Katey while we were at the hospital. She ended up doing MUCH more than that. Beyond being a cook, house keeper, baby sitter and early riser it was just great to have her with us during this transition. Here are a few pics from her visit.

She arrived Wednesday, the night before Anna's surgery, and had a girls day on Thursday with Katey (mall and McDonald!) while we were at the hospital. Friday was a relaxing down day, then Saturday we ventured to IKEA (mama had a gift card for photography props!) and then Sunday was church and on to the ZOO! Grammy had never been so Katey was agreed to be the travel guide :)

(And began as very much the Daddy's girl after we woke her up from her short car nap)

Anna was in the stroller so while they went in Lorakeet Landing...

I enjoyed Anna's cuteness!

Seriously! Isn't she amazing!

Very hot day so her & Daddy ran through the mister :)

Grammy teaching Anna to drink through a straw!

She made some of the cutest funnies faces!

She loves her Daddy!

And who wouldn't? :)

Holding fingers :)

That evening I caught Grammy & Katey sitting on the front porch & tired to snap a few pics :)

I got caught :)

So Katey had to ham it up for me :)

"Take a photo shoot of my suga mama!"

Love this girl!

more sugar

And we've gatta get Grammy's too!

Dancing on the front side walk! Grammy is so much fun!

And a quick video too of another important ability Grammy taught her :)

Anna and her spica Cast

2011-08-03T16:38:00.001-07:00

On July 11th after a crazy 1st day of VBS I dropped Katey off at Grandma Anne's house to nap and Anna and I went in for her routine 6 month appt. In the regular course of the check up however, the Dr paused with a concerned look after rotating Anna's legs. She "Um'd" quite a few times then went out and got another Dr saying "Well I"ve never seen a case of this but my fellow Dr. has seen one." Well, "This" turned out to be Developmental Hip Displasia, which means that her hips, instead of growing IN the socket, were deciding to grow outside of the socket and if left alone would result in hip replacements in her teens. After the x rays confirmed the diagnosis we scheduled a consultation with the Orthopedic Surgeon two weeks later on July 25th, then surgery for July 28th! It all happened so fast!

On the way to the hospital on the day of surgery.

Waiting for them to take her back playing with the bear the hospital gave her :)

She was in surgery for @2 hours in which they put her under anesthesia, did an arthrogram (injected fluid into her hip joints to see the cartladge), positioned her and casted her legs. (IV as well)

Just out of surgery, still asleep :)

1st time nursing was a bit of a challenge but we figured it out.

They told us she would be fussy and in pain when she woke up....not our girl!

We had to rent a special car seat ...doesnt' look that comfy to me!

And although her movements and positions are definitely limited, she is still our happy girl!

Kinda fits in her swing.

Mama has to carry her at the store because she doestn' fit in the cart.

Still sleeps like an angel :)

Pine Hollow Growth Group trip

2011-07-30T20:46:00.000-07:00

We meet weekly with an amazing group of young parents to grow in our relationships with the Lord, our spouses and our children. We always TRY to get away one time in the summer together but with 8 (I think) couples and 16 kids you can imagine how easy it is! This trip was to Pine Hollow, which, although its only an hour and fifteen mins away is ALOT of work to get to :). Here are some special memories from our week!

Breakfast, not that organized but super fun!

"little tiger"

Holding Sissy

The Hams :)

Goofy Girl

The first night neither girl slept much and after Anna was up most of the night Katey woke up @ 5:45 am

and in a small little single wide that doesn't leave much room for noise. So Daddy (who had slept the entire night outside on a tarp to hourly check the bbq) I, and the girls decided to go fishing!

We really didn't last that long but it was a good try and we stayed out of the house long enough for the others too wake up semi-naturally. Then later that day we had the opportunity to go to Greg & Jenn Eisenzimmer's parents place and enjoy their AMAZING deck overlooking the lake with a personal deck that we thoroughly enjoyed!

Katey & Tate Playing in the whale pool :)

"Styling!"

Anna & Daddy just hanging out :)

My happy girl!

Then more friends started to show up!

Sydney & beautiful mommy Nicole

Dancing in the water!

The Seiberts!

My baby's baby blues!

Cooper & Tate talking to each other on the phone "Herro?"

While the girlies played on the carpet (Anna & Kenzie)

After an amazing day in the sun we headed back to Jer's parents place for dinner!

No girls of his own so he has to borrow a few :)

Love this group!

Sandy Mt Festival Parade!

2011-07-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

Had an amazing time with my gorgeous family and some great friends at the parade tonight! So many pictures and so much fun :)

"Look Mama, Kenzie & Anna are both in there!"

Happy girls!

The Pietzolds!

Zac!

Ty sharing his dinner :)

Gorgeous happy Kenzie

Love her eyes! Love this family!

And mine!

Anna didn't even make it until the parade started!

Katey made friends with the little boy sitting next to us :)

Nana & Kenzie

AND THE PARADE BEGINS!

One of my favorite shots!

Acting Shy!

Totally loved the high fives!

Anna finally woke up and Katey was so excited!

Daddy protecting Anna's little ears from the sirens :)

"Look Mama, our friends!"

The Sandy Assembly Float

Dancing to the band!

Eating Daddy's thumb

Such a great time! Lovin' life!

4th of July!

2011-07-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

We have recently began to attend Sandy Assembly and were so excited to go to their 4th of July potluck and play time! Here are just a few of the awesome afternoon!

Some overall perspective

Ok, now the cute stuff :)

Thought that was Anna didn't you? Haha that last one was actually Katey from our 4th of July 2009!

Katey then,

Katey now, her "cold" face right after...

She acts so big...

But still loves to be a baby sometimes :)

More of our fun picnic

Kick Ball! Haven't played in years and it was a blast!

The immediate aftermath of a ball zooming inches away from her head!

Good friends :)

Warning, super cute baby alert! I just can't resist taking their pics!

Pastor Jeremy & Lisbet's son Daniel (11 months)

Eric & Susan's Beauty Addison (7 months)

Kyle & Nichole's happy little Sydney

And back to my loves!

Daddy & Katey (July 4 2009)

Mommy & Anna 2011

Yep, That's Katey 2009 :) Cant believe that was 2 years ago! And now we have two beautiful girls!

And I LOVE being Mommy!

Mommy's Touch

2011-07-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

I forgot to document (or even remember) a very important and a very special ritual between Katey and I until my second daughter began (un encouraged) to perfer this as well.

Both of my girls LOVE to have my hair in their face while falling asleep. Its crazy and so special to me! They will be super squirmy and fitful, I'll lean over the crib and let my hair fall and they are out so fast! Sometimes they grab on to it or play with my face, these are moments that make being a mom the best job in the whole world! I love it, but the whole hair thing is a challenge for Daddy :)

Ok a few more of my sleeping angel in her crib!

And Katey waiting VERY patiently for Anna to go to sleep so we can play!

Just a few of my goof bucket playing :)

"Oh no, Baby got an owie, kiss it Mommy!"

"She needs me to nurse her."

Such a good mommy!

Zoo!

2011-07-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Had an awesome opportunity to go to the zoo this last week with some great friends! Four mama's & 5 kids!

Laura & Linnea

Nichole & Sydney

Fun day at the zoo always results in tired but VERY cute little ones.

All but one!

Who was VERY awake, and VERY cute :)

Bad news is we left too late and it took an hour and a half to get home, good news is ALL of the kids fell asleep and we got to actually have an amazing conversation with full sentences and everything! Thanks friends!

Katey 2 1/2

2011-07-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

I've had two opportunities lately to take my favorite little model (ok one of, little Anna is totally starting to cheese it up for the camera :) ) out for a photo shoot. Katey's gotten to the point where she asks for a "pho shoot" but that doesn't mean she is totally agreeable when the camera is up. But still, it's so fun to try to capture my little girl, just as she is...a VERY 2 1/2 year old girl :)

Isn'tshe amazing?! Love that girl!

Solids!

2011-07-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

Anna will be six months old on the 6th of July! I can't believe it! Sometimes I feel like i'm lagging behind with her and instead of anticipating each bench mark (like with my first), I'm surprised and awed by each accomplishment of our little Anna Grace. It seemed like just yesterday we were trying to figure out nursing and now all of the sudden the pediatrician is recommending solids! (actually she recommended them at 5 months but i'm just now getting on the ball :). So here are some pics from the big day, she is such a joy and capturing all of her expressions is just too easy, so i'll warn you, there are more than a few :)

(I know your all surprised)

We began with a bib (that Nana made) but soon realized, it wasn't going to do much good...

So off it went :)

One of my favorite shots!

Big sis was sooo helpful!

As you can see, we had lots of help, and some even got inside :)

So next step...

Such a fun time, they grow so fast! Next time we'll try to get a little inside :)