Something you've been waiting to see

We got to enjoy the 4th all together in Utah!

Two weeks ago, a judge in Maryland agreed to modify the terms of Steve's bail and allow him to return to Utah, so Steve and the boys jumped on the next reasonably priced flight and high-tailed it home!

We're definitely in the midst of a tough adjustment period as Steve re-learns how to cope with the noise and chaos of four little ones after 6 quiet months in Maryland, the kids remember what it's like to listen to two parents, and Steve and I get to know each other after so many months of separation and change.

We're grateful that we get to start learning and healing and acclimating now even before the case has been decided and definitely appreciate your continued prayers for each member of our family, the ongoing legal process, and the healing of our larger family.  Thanks so much for all of the love and grace and encouragement and help you've lavished on our family over the past 6 months.  We are so grateful for the Body of Christ that has cared for us each day.  Don't let up, this journey is far from completed!

My Favorite Nine-Year-Old

I don't understand how, in a blink of an eye, this boy...

...could become this boy!

But even if he is growing up way too fast,  I am sure grateful that he's mine. 

Happy birthday to my very favorite nine-year-old!  Ben, we love you so much, crazy gap-toothed smile and all.

Out and About... with questionable fashion choices

I've fallen behind on blogging our mundane-yet-apparently-photoworthy adventures out and about (I say that they're photoworthy only because I have photos of them so I suppose that's sufficient evidence of worthiness) so now you get a giant recap blog post of our outings and fascinating wardrobe choices.

Adventure 1 - DelMcCoury concert with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.  In a word, fabulous.  Amazing musicians, rollicking music, great friends, simply a wonderful night out.  I am wearing a giant hooded jacket because:

1. It was really cold after the sun went down (see the lady sitting in front of me is wearing one, too!) 
2. I had just gotten my new puffy in the mail from Backcountry (oh how I love you, Backcountry!) and was compelled to try it out.  I know that buying ski gear in the summer would generally be considered silly but considering my new gear addiction and unseasonably cold weather, it actually turned out to be an appropriate purchase!

Del in all his puffy-haired glory.  I couldn't get over how much his hair reminded me of my grandfather's :)

Adventure 2 - Strawberry Days Rodeo with the Knapps.  The girls were huge fans and afterwards repeatedly inquired as to whether or not we could go to the rodeo every day (emphasis theirs).  Their favorite event was undoubtedly Wild Cow Milking... watching grown men get pulled around by cows truly never gets old.

WanYing liked the strawberry part of the Strawberry Days Rodeo almost as much as the rodeo itself.

Adventure 3 - bowling. I signed the girls up for "Kids Bowl Free" and we've gone several times. The outfits never cease to amuse. And, yes, the girls always win. I think the bumpers help.

More bowling.  More outfit awesomeness

Adventure 4 - besides bowling, our other weekly habit is going to get shave ice at our favorite stand.  The smiles are a normal part of the ensemble, the Dora slippers aren't.

So now you're all caught up on our outings and high fashion.  Don't you feel better?