Happy Birthday & Baptism

  2 weeks ago we went to my sister's house and brought home her girls for the week. We planned it so they would be here for Erin's birthday and my sister came to pick up her girls and came to Erin's baptism. This was not a "birthday party year", but we had an enjoyable time. 

Erin only received a couple of presents, but her Taylor Swift concert tickets (for October) really sent her into a whirlwind! Shock, excitement, happiness! Good call on Mom and Dad's part. (It also means we have less toys to pick up.)

 She requested chocolate cake this time. Thank you Duncan Heinz for making it special!

Howard's father, Sam, is visiting for Erin's baptism.  The kids adore him and love the stories he tells.

I loved having my sister and her family visit, but their visits are always too short. They each have a little thing called a job, so I guess I'll let it slide.

Erin was radiant in her dress! I'm so happy Lisa french braided her hair (since I don't know how to). It made life easy after she was dunked.

Our attempt at a family picture. Luke was on the other side of the foyer. Who knows what Jack is trying to do? Howie was trying to avoid Erin. This is a typical family photo!

 Erin's dear friend, Danielle, was also baptized. It was her actual birthday and I'm so happy they could share this day together.

Summer Fun

 Several weeks ago I took the kids down to the Chickasaw National Rec. Area. We had a nice time! We've done lots of other things this summer, I just gave up taking my camera everywhere.

What I've been up to

Clearly I'm not the greatest blogger these days, but I'm a pretty good Mom.

EXCEPT when I let my brother-in-law babysit...

...or when he passes gas.

 

 ...or when I'm distracted by 5 other kids and the littlest one gets into the makeup.

I just got back from my sister's the other day and brought home two souvenirs; her daughter's. We love having the girls here, but it has given me a taste of more kids.  It's testing my limit slightly.  I went to the Natural History museum today and it seemed like I spent the whole time counting six heads to make sure no one got left behind in the previous exhibit.  We had a nice time and I loved not having a stroller to push around. Luke is a great walker when it comes to things like that.  I get annoyed when I see 4-6 year old children being pushed in a stroller. They have legs and should use them!