Posting pictures that have been on my phone for too long

Sunday, March 15: first week of church-at-home.  We used orange juice and saltines for communion because that was the closest we could get!

March 14: Happy 8th birthday, Isaac!

March 10: Happy 11th birthday, Ethan!

February 15: Daddy-Daughter dance!

Some of us are almost teenagers

Some of us are just plain cute!

It was a chilly night for a carriage ride

Dad and his two dates

February 22: throwing and/or skipping rocks at Wildcat Creek

January 4: Ethan and Isaac helping Dad finish up a plumbing job by painting the wall.

Happy Birthday!

The kids were on their way home from camping so they didn't get a chance to talk to Grandma and Grandpa tonight.  But they wanted to say something to Grandpa...

Happy birthday Abbey!

Eight year old (!), and her first real birthday party with guests not named Grandma or Grandpa.  We had a breakfast party with pancakes and casserole, invited all the little girls from the homeschool co-op, and enlisted the help of Abbey's oldest cousin and aunt.  I think she had a great time.

Happy Birthday Nicole!

From Abbey, Ethan, and Isaac to their favorite oldest cousin! (sorry it's so late!)

Happy birthday Abigail!

Seven years ago we started our family when Abigail Irene was born.  Happy birthday Abbey!

She received generous cash gifts from her grandparents and from several other friends, so on the 21st I took her to Toys R Us (it only occurred to me after I'd already promised that Toys R Us on the Sunday before Christmas was a bad idea!).  She chose two dolls and a hobby horse---and we advised a nice set of grandparents on Disney princesses for their granddaughter.

Happy birthday to Ethan!

Ethan turned three today. He's such a sweet little boy...and he is very much a boy. His favorite movie is Cars ("ba-chow!", and his favorite toys are cars. We bought him a set of Lightning McQueen pajamas, and my parents contributed a toy Mater, and a set of Cars coloring books. In addition to his other gifts.

Happy Birthday Abigail!

Abbey turned four years old today: she's had a birthday all weekend, with gifts from one set of grandparents on Friday, the other set on Saturday, and those from Mom and Dad today.

Ethan Turns Two

I'm late with his birthday, but he did have one back on March 10. As I recall, the cake and the presents were a big hit---though his sister was probably more excited than he was. Favorite gift: the toy birthday cake from my parents, with candles that can really be blown out.


First time I'd ever seen new (non-faded, non-chewed) blocks!


Thomas the Tank Engine pajamas! (we think they were supposed to be for Christmas and somehow got missed...oops!)


Grandma and Grandpa Williams' gifts: toy cake, book (with music CD), and card.


The balloon was Abigail's favorite part.

Happy Second Birthday Abbey!

December 4th was Abbey's second birthday! There's no original or creative way to say it, but it really is amazing that she is two years old already. For this birthday, we had a party for her: her grandparents on both sides came (mine via Skype). Many presents were unwrapped (the trainset was her favorite) and much chocolate cake was eaten.

One year ago. Two years ago.

Having her cake and eating it, too!

Birthday video

I'm sorry this has taken so long: I've been trying to find a way to edit video, but there are no free options out there, so I gave up and just posted it without any editing.

Happy Birthday Abigail!

A new doll from Aunt Nancy and Cousin Elana:


Mommy and Daddy's presents: a xylophone, a set of balls, and two new pajama sets.


Eating the birthday cupcake!