sale pending!

We just accepted an offer on our house last week and are set to close Oct. 24th. We are thankful for God, for allowing quick interest and we are now praying that the final details go smoothly. There will be an inspection between now and then, otherwise it is packing, packing.

We are also very grateful for Brad's parents...for welcoming us into their house until we decide the "when and what" of our next step in finding a new home.

happy birthday alaina!

Happy Birthday to our Alaina Lou!
We had a great time celebrating. We continue to thank God for her life and the blessing it has been to be her parents for these past three years.

Brad dressing up the cake with some pink.

Karen brought Brad an old tractor he built...so he had a toy to play with at the party too.

Emmy and Daddy resting.

Grandma and Grandpa Dale got Alaina princess dress up things.

Nanna and Grappa surprised alaina with her very own jeep.

Alaina was concerned she would get hit by another "real" car, so she asked Brad to hold her hand.

Em's turn!

The explaination on this one:
When looking at trucks of interest to brad, he will often look under them. So here is alaina being like daddy once again.

Alaina and Emilia's first Art Class.

alaina at school

Alaina started school at home this year and is enjoying it far more than I anticipated.

Here are some pictures of the things she does at school.

It has been exciting to see her already putting to use things she has learned.

brad, this is gonna make you cry.

Here is a peek into a sweet moment we had tonight.

Alaina was showing Brad her "princess hat" that we made and Brad asked where his was...she was quick to explain that a princess is a girl. Brad then asked her where his prince hat was. It took awhile but she realized that a prince was the appropriate boy word opposite princess and picked out the perfect "prince hat" for him to wear.

Next she told him that they had to hold hands and dance and they also needed music.

So here are some pictures...that someday may make Brad cry when his Alaina is grown up.

first day of art class

Alaina was all excitement this morning and had several things on her list that she needed to remember: necklace, backpack with a snack, and her dolly.

Emilia made it in the photo because every time I tried to take her away and just get a Nanna/Alaina picture she cried. Yet one more time she was feeling left out. Soon Emmy will be able to do all these big girl things too.

Karen and Alaina arrived and the art class was canceled...so it was off to shop and eat lunch in the park. Alaina had a great time. I'm going to try and take Alaina next week...it isn't supposed to be canceled.

Alaina isn't in trouble in the hat picture, just looks that way. It was the hat we made this afternoon...the craft was given to her from the art center this morning since class was canceled.

new paintbrushes.

The result when Alaina is given new paintbrushes! It makes for a busy morning...

zoo

labor day weekend events

Another daddy/daughter date: Brad took Alaina to the Imax for a short showing.

This was Emmy's reaction when I got back into the car...apparently she didn't want to be left behind...soon Emmy you will be big enough for all this big girl stuff...really you will!

Old Threshers: Alaina took a ride with Curt and Karen on the real train.

Curt eating a whole turkey leg. He did share.

Alaina and Brad investigating the teepee.

Nanna and Grappa treated Alaina to some popcorn and this was her reaction.

Brandon and Brad preparing the Pad Thai meal.
nBrandon and Andrea are off to England for the year so stopped by for a visit before they ventured off. Great to see them and spend some time with them!

Emmy while the Pad Thai creation is worked on.

little friend birthday party!

We celebrated Emma's (not our Emilia) Birthday today. Our little friend, Emma turned one today so we had a morning playdate party! So fun! Her mom, Katie, brought yummy chocolate cupcakes and they were enjoyed by all!

Pretty Macy. Brad's cousin's little girl. She will be one in a month.

This is how sweet little girls party.

Jenna, Macy's mom, and Emilia.

Cousins.

Trying to tickle Alaina. It was successful.