Tub Time!

Rachel's first tub at home! You can see how tiny she really is when you compare the size of the cup to her head.









She didn't love it at first, but once she felt the warm water, she calmed down. She much preferred the wrapping up in the towel at the end.














Here you can see how blonde her hair is already. She also looks EXACTLY like her Dad's baby pictures. Almost frightening really. Good thing Bart is so cute!

Anna looks on as Rachel gets clean. She liked watching and helping. She even helped wash her feet. Let's hope Rachel is as beautiful as her big sister!

Our New Family Life!

Here is a look at our "new" family shortly after Rachel was born. Anna was a little freaked out by all the wires and the idea of a someone else to share her Daddy with. She immediately wanted Dad to hold her when she came in the room. Jacob and Anna each brought a new baby Webkinz for Rachel to have. They wanted her to be able to hold them right away! It has been fun and challenging both to have a new baby in the family. We all love to hold her, but the sleep deprivation doesn't always bring out the best in Mom and Dad. Anna has decided not to sleep either, which makes for some really long nights! Jacob, however, has become such a big boy overnight it seems. He LOVES to be with Rachel and tells me how much he misses her when they are apart. I love this picture of them holding hands. It is one of his favorite things and makes him feel like she knows him and wants to be with him. He will sit and hold her for 30 min at a time and just wants to do anything he can for her. I think they will have a special relationship (at least I hope they will) as they grow up. He is so great with Anna, so I shouldn't have expected anything less with this baby. The last picture is one of Rachel with her eyes open the first night we came home. Each day as she opens her eyes more and more it is so fun to watch her learn and grow and to become more aware of us and her surroundings. Thankfully, Anna is getting more used to her and is proud to be a BIG sister. We are grateful for all of these beautiful children....even when they are challenging! Can't wait to sleep through the night again someday.....a girl can dream.

Introducing.....

Rachel Elizabeth Williams

We are so blessed and excited to share our new baby girl with everyone. Rachel was born on Friday, March 7, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. She weighed in at a tiny 6 lbs 10.2 oz and 20.5 inches long. She is the sweetest, best smelling baby ever! We were so surprised that she was so tiny. All reports were that she would be a big baby. Turns out she was just in there the wrong way...which made us wait a little longer, but not too much. Once she decided to turn herself around, she came out quickly. We had a fantastic labor experience and truly enjoyed welcoming her into the world. I am still amazed that our bodies can do this. I am amazed at how much you can completely and instantly love someone so small. I am so blessed that she is a healthy, beautiful girl. So far she is pretty mellow, but if her ultrasounds are any indication, she won't stay that way for too long. I am doing really well, I can't believe how much easier it is after the 3rd baby in terms of healing. I am super tired but have lots of help which is making it easier. And each day as it gets easier, my love for her grows. My love for my sweet husband grows and my love for my other kids grows. They are in love with her too. Jacob is completely taken and already possessive and protective as all big brothers should be. Anna is still somewhat unsure. When she is with me and the baby she feels like an important big sister, but isn't sure what to do when all 3 kids are around. I am sure it will take some adjusting and I have decided that we will for sure NEVER be on time for anything again if we ever leave the house ourselves again! Alas, here is our beautiful baby girl and I am certain there will be a lot of posts and pictures about her as the days and weeks go on. Welcome home, Rachel. We love you!

False alarm?!?

Last Sunday, I thought I was lucky enough to be having the baby, but to no avail. We went to our stake conference at church and the last half an hour nearly killed me. It took me a few minutes to figure out why I was so uncomfortable and then it hit me really hard. I could hardly breathe. I thought I should wait and see if they were regular or not and by the time they were and I got Bart's attention, we were winding down. He gave me the keys so we could start out the door, but they were such intense contractions, I couldn't walk fast enough. I could barely walk at all. Plus, I will admit I was terrified that I would stand up and my water would break right there in front of everyone on the wood floor and then I would slip and fall. Yes, that is a nightmare of mine for real. So, after the meeting was done Bart took the kids ahead of me to clear off the car that was covered in a few inches of snow and my Mom and I carefully braved the crowds trying to get out. I had to literally stop a few times because I couldn't walk through the pain. My cute Mom was visiting for the weekend and I thought she was going to burst with excitement. However, I have also inherited my Mom's stubborn will. She wanted to just go to the hospital, but I refused because I was in heels and more importantly, because I was hungry. I get so mad when I even think of how they try and tell you not to eat or drink ahead of time because who is really expected to do all of that work on an empty stomach? And to add insult to it they only offer you ice chips when you want to gulp down a 44 oz. Diet Coke, er water. And why do they always insist on breast feeding before you can even attempt to restore your body's resources? It makes me wonder if they really know what they are talking about! Anyway, obviously, I didn't have the baby last Sunday, but we did end up taking some pictures just in case. I am thrilled that I was wearing black as it definitely makes me feel slimmer. The kids were even well dressed and groomed for once at the same time, so we took a couple of family shots too. Which leads us to today, March 6th, my last day being pregnant. We are going tomorrow morning to get induced and to finally meet this little one. So check back in a few days to see just who we add to our family!

The Belly In All It's Glory!

Well, here it is,the much anticipated belly shot. The only thing is that the pictures never really do it justice. This thing is huge and apparently so is the baby. I know, I know my last baby was only 7 lbs 10 oz and my first was 8 lbs 5 oz, but with my stellar height of 5 ft 3 inches, this is a serious feat to be able to carry relatively large babies. And they are relatively large to my body! This picture was taken on Feb 21, 2008 at 36 weeks and 5 days, so we have grown even more since then. Fortunately the baby has also dropped so I think it makes your shape look a little better. I had to pull up the top shirt so that you could really see the bump of the tank top. This kid has been hiding in my ribs so when it finally dropped and I could breathe it made me excited that the end is actually near. Too bad that the rest of you has to get phat too. Well, for most people that happens. I wish I could say it was all belly, but obviously not! So, for those of you who requested it, there is the belly shot. One day I'll be able to use this against this child for something, won't I? Like, I carried you and looked and felt like this, so you better get an A in school? Do you think it will work? Yeah, me either.

Babies are curious things!

Naturally with a new baby on the way, the kids are bound to have questions. Unfortunately, they had to attend maybe a few too many appointments before we found some friends and family that were able to watch them. But, I thought I should take the time to write down some of my favorites that have cropped up during this pregnancy. And Bart promises a belly shot to go on the blog this weekend! Anyway, love what kids say:

Jacob: Mom, what time of day does Heavenly Father put the baby in your tummy?
Mom: I don't really know, I would guess usually at night while you are sleeping.

Anna: I don't like milk! I don't want any milk! (just to be opposite)
Jacob: You have to like milk Anna. When you get older you have to feed it out of your breasts to a baby.

Jacob: Mom, at what point do you realize you are pregnant?
Mom: Well, you usually don't feel good, so you have the doctor check you and they look at your blood and can tell you.
Jacob: Well, what if you don't get sick?
Mom: That's why we have check ups so they can look at your blood.
Jacob: And your pee too.
Mom: That's right, and your pee too.
Jacob: What's in there?
Mom: I don't know, we'll have to ask the doctor.

Anna: Mom, which part of your privates does the baby come out of? Do I have one? Does it hurt?
Mom: It comes out of the baby part and the doctors give you medicine to make it not hurt. Yes, you have one too because you are a girl.

I asked Anna to help pull me up off of the couch and she used all of her 2 year old strength and said, "C'mon, big Mama. You a big Mama with a baby in your tummy." She has since referred to me more than once as "Big Mama". Hope that one doesn't stick too long.

This last one occurred while sitting in the doctor's office. Jacob kept looking at the posters of the woman's anatomy. I finally had to explain that baby's don't come out of the belly button. He took in the limited information I gave him and thought about it. A few seconds later with the widest eyes you have ever seen he said:
How does a baby that big come out of a place so small?
Mom: I don't know, Heavenly Father just made our bodies so that they can do it?!?

The next morning I overheard him explaining everything to Anna. He was actually very accurate. Hopefully this hasn't turned him into the Kindergarten informant or I may be getting some interesting phone calls.

These kids are just too smart. Fortunately we have not had the one big question of how the baby got in there just yet...just what time of day and how they come out. Hoping to sidestep the big one for awhile!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! We had such a fun day this year. Jacob had to have a Valentine's box for school, so we took it to heart! We spent several hours making the perfect box for him, one that looked like Lightning McQueen himself. I must say that the idea came to me in tribute to my creative Dad. One year I had to make a box and wanted it to look like our Red Suburban. My Dad made the best box you have ever seen. The one we made was not nearly as cool, but it reminded me of how much I loved that box that I made with my Dad. Anyway, once we made his box, we of course couldn't leave out our sweet princess, Anna. Her life revolves around pink and we both have a thing for cute ladybugs, so the choice was obvious. The kids and I had so much fun and made such a big mess. Jacob did a lot of the artwork that we cut and glued to the box while I made the frame of it. We had a great afternoon and I hope one day they will remember it as a great day the way I do. The best part was Jacob carrying it home loaded with treats! We used them to put something special in them from Mom and Dad too. I have only one picture ready to post, but will add close ups of the boxes shortly. We hope everyone we know got to spend the day with their loved ones too! Who knew this holiday could be so much fun?!?

Spring is in the air!

I must admit that my two favorite seasons are Spring and Fall. I love the perfect temperature and the newness that both of the seasons represent to me. I am so over the snow and grayness already, which is why it is perfect that I am now in Colorado. It is so gorgeous here. Yes, there is snow, but it is mixed with so much sunshine in between that you can't help but love it here. We had an absolutely perfect day last week with the temperature at a nice 58 degrees. It was so heavenly, especially since I have been so confined to the house with this baby. So, we went to the park and had a wonderful time. It was a bit windy, but we didn't mind. It was so much fun. My kids behaved like angels and we had the place to ourselves. I even bribed them with candy for a photo shoot at the end. I took a ton of pictures, but so far have only managed to upload a couple of them. They were so cute though I had to put them up. And if you look closely, you can see Anna's new haircut. That is a fun story to follow this weekend for sure! Anyway, here is to a beautiful Spring with beautiful children. I love them so much, even when they really test me....just look at those faces, how can you not love them?

Pregnancy: How beautiful is it really?

So I must start this entry off with the fact that I am so very grateful to be pregnant. I have too many friends and family members that have struggled with this area of their lives to be ignorant to the true blessing it is. I can hardly wait to meet this little one and after a few very small, insignificant scares, I understand how much I already love this baby. So, I am not taking this pregnancy for granted.
However, I do still feel the right to complain a little bit and to see what other women out there really think about the subject: How beautiful is pregnancy really? I mean, as I sit here barely able to reach the laptop on the desk because I am so short and my belly so large, I started to wonder just how beautiful this really is. I, of course, have gained weight, but there is also the pregnancy acne, the swollen body parts (and not just cankles), the noises that come out uncontrollably when trying to move around, and as of late, the real true difficulty of putting on shoes and socks. Even pants are getting hard to put on because my legs are so sore. Really and truly. I can't sleep at night because I can't get comfortable. I can hardly get in and out of the car. I think I stink more, I probably do.
And then there is the idea that just because you are pregnant that you want to share your life with complete strangers and they with you. I have fallen into this category before but then you get a bizarre comment and you think, why? Why did that person say that? My favorites are: wow, you look like you are going to burst--well thank you, I'll keep that in mind for the next 5 weeks that I have. Wow, are you having twins? NO I am not, my butt is just that big. You don't know what you are having, how can you handle the stress of not knowing? I don't know I just like surprises, how can you handle the stress of being so rude?
Seriously, what is it about pregnancy that everyone claims is so beautiful. Yes, the end result is beautiful. I love holding a newborn more than anything. The fact that our bodies can actually do this and that so many babies are actually healthy after enduring this is beautiful. It is beautiful to see families grow and to see your spouse become a parent (whether the 1st or 2nd time, so I imagine the same for the 3rd). But what, physically, is beautiful about your belly sticking out so far that you literally can't drive your father-in-law's stick shift? Really, what? And does this just make me sound bitter that I am not the person that looks normal from the back and then turns sideways and everyone at the gym hates her? I guess so. Oh the joys of being a woman. Is there any possibility that they could just hook me up to the epidural now? I won't complain anymore, I promise, I won't. Any comments or funny things that people have said to any of you ladies out there? I really need to hear them to keep me laughing!

Happy, Happy Bart!

Well, I am having camera difficulties, but promise to get some pics on soon. However, I couldn't let the day pass without a shout out to my love of my life! My old man turns 33 today and I think each year how happy I am to have him in my life. Each year I can look back at struggles and triumphs and be so grateful to have experienced them all with him. So, to the man that I love. I love you for being the best daddy ever, including wrestling nearly every night with the kids. I love you for helping to rub the kinks out of my pregnant back. I love you for the look in your eyes when you see me and the kids. I love that I feel grounded when you walk in the room. I love how hard you work for me and the kids. I love how much you love a bargain and watching you do anything for a bargain. Really, anything. Even for a few pennies. I love that we have lived in 6 places in the last 9.5 years and all the adventures that have come with each one. I love that you are always the most fun to be around. I love that you love to surprise me as you know how much I love them! I love your jokes. I don't love your bum, but I love that it still cracks you up, as juvenile as it is. I love that you are always there for me. I love that you were born today. I love you more than I could ever really express, especially in a blog. So, I hope that the white sheet cake was well worth the wait. I love you the most. Happy Birthday, babe!

Sledding 101

Well, being that we are in Colorado known for snow and sunshine both, we ventured out last Saturday for our first sledding adventure. I am quite certain that Bart was more excited than Jacob when I turned over at 9 a.m. and they were already back from Wal-Mart and purchasing of the sleds. Jacob couldn't stop talking about it and had so much gear ready to go. He wanted to get dressed right then and there, but alas, it was a bit frigid and we had to wait for the sun to actually get into the sky. Eventually we bundled our wee ones up and Nana and Papa came along for the ride as well. Anna was dressed in my one-piece snowsuit in which I won a skiing race at the age of 4 and was absolutely adorable. I found myself wishing I had that picture with me to compare and see if she really looks like me. Jacob had on his Dad's sunglasses, his new snow clothes, and most importantly, his new Broncos snow hat. We got to the top of the hill and as I turned to get the camera out of the car, I heard Jacob's squeals as he zoomed down the hill. I was just getting ready to suggest to Bart that he might want to walk Anna to a smaller hill or start her in the middle of the hill or at least give her the parental discourse on holding on tight, but she was already gone. I jumped to the edge to see her sitting on the round disc (yes, the same kind as in Christmas story sans the Crisco) and her little body bouncing down the hill. I just stopped and stared as she spun and weaved her way down the hill which was suddenly the longest hill in creation. I thought she was going to survive until a few feet from the bottom she hit a bump and launched into the air and followed it up with a somersault or two. Being 32 weeks pregnant, there was nothing I could do but scream at Bart to get down there and get her. Needless to say, she wouldn't go down the hill again although Bart tried desperately with every bribe possible. She doesn't even discuss the sleds now and Jacob still can't stop talking about it. I was so excited to come home and put up the pictures of Jacob and Bart, especially the one where Jacob is on top of Bart's back as they head down the hill laughing and screaming, to find that we had no pictures. This has led me to a few lessons that I now chalk up to sledding 101 (from a Mom's point of view):
1. Always bring the extra hat and gloves you know you will need.
2. Make sure husband of Bart's personality always has his snow gear (he doesn't think he will need it, but he will)
3. Looking cute is VERY important for a 2 year old girl....she is a snowbunny already.
4. The bigger the sled, the better the ride (according to Jacob)
5. 5 year old boys don't care how cold it is or how tired you are, there is always time and energy for more sledding. And whining if you don't allow it.
6. The hill is always bigger than you think.
7. Walking back up the hill still stinks as much as when you were little.
8. Dads should not be allowed to handle 2 year olds without a mother's supervision.
9. The snow hurts more when you get older, just ask Bart.
10. ALWAYS check the camera to make sure it is charged AND has a card in it to have proof that you were once a good and fun parent that did these things with your kids.

Oh well, we still have the memories and Jacob will definitely make sure we are back at it again as soon as it snows some more!

More Christmas Pictures

Sissy with Anna and Jacob.
















Jacob's most favorite socks....GO BRONCOS!
















Anna and Jacob awaiting the opening of their stockings from Nana and Papa.

(see other blog for better narration of the big event!)

The joy of Christmas!

I am certain there are many out there who have been waiting for this entry to appear, so here it is! I finally got the pictures onto the computer and sat down to add them to our blog. We had a great Christmas after a very stressful few months of packing and moving. We were really excited to get to Utah to see our Nelson cousins and most of all, to be with Dad again. It was so nice to be a family and know we wouldn't be separated anymore. We spent Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's house and had our own little area in the basement for Santa to come and visit the kids. We made cookies and spent time with cousins and enjoyed the time together. After a week, we moved on to Denver, where we will now be settling in. Nana and Papa drove our car from Baltimore and after their arrival we got to have Christmas with them. It was really fun to have some time in between the celebrations which elongated the holidays for the kids. We are so blessed and definitely spoiled by both of our families. What a great holiday season! Enjoy the pictures below!












Grandpa and Grandma in a rare photo! Jacob is content after cookies and frosting.

Anna also loved the cookies.... Aunt Sarah helped her with the frosting!












Jacob and Anna getting ready to emerge from their room. We had to wake Anna up so it took her awhile to warm up.

Jacob shows off his new Transformers...that was the only thing he wanted from Santa.


Daddy and Jake together.





Anna and her Littlest Pet Shop Tired Mom and the kids

We've Landed...sorta!

Well, we made it to Denver. And that was no easy feat. Somehow we managed to pack up the house, clean the house, load a 21 foot diesel trailer, finish all the details, see my doctor, the kids doctor, spend time saying goodbye, get to Utah, do the holidays, get sick at the holidays, and finally we have landed all 4 family members in the same place at the same time. Whew! What a marathon the last couple of months have been. Really. We NEVER would have made it without the help of our families and friends, that is for sure, so thank you to all of you out there.



We are so glad to be together in Denver at Nana and Papa's house, but as they have not yet arrived back from the holidays (they are so kind to be driving out the mini-van from Baltimore for us) the kids are going crazy without them. They can't figure out why they aren't magically here. And Jake would like to know why mini-vans can't just get on the airplane. Wouldn't that be awesome? So here we are in Denver. I think once we are settled we will really like it, but until then we definitely have to get used to some things. I am sleeping with a serious humidifier so that I can breathe (Bart prefers the nasal strips, no I am not kidding). Our skin is shriveling as we speak and the kids HATE it when I lather them up as we change clothes each morning and after each tub. Jacob and Anna both have sore spots on their faces from the cold wind burn. And after only 5 days I had my first nosebleed. Did I mention I can't breathe here? And the hair, don't get me started on frizzy hair. I remember it took awhile to get used to the humidity and I never thought I would wish it back into my life, but alas, I am wishing it back into my life.

Jacob also notices every single Broncos sign or item everywhere we go. In Baltimore this was an exciting treat--to see something for the Broncos--but here it is pasted everywhere and borders on insanity! Yes, Jacob, I see the Broncos jacket, jersey, car sticker, flag, and hat over there. At least we don't have to get used to the crazy fans seeing as how my husband and his whole family belong to that group, as does Jacob.

Anyway, it is nice to be together and in Denver with some of the work behind us. We did get to meet a bunch of people in our ward when they showed up on the coldest Saturday morning of the year at 8:00 a.m. to unload the aforementioned 21 foot diesel trailer. We hadn't even been to church yet. We were so grateful and pleasantly surprised---it only took the 10 guys an hour to get it done. I think we're gonna like it here. Just one small thing left to do....find a house! Hopefully that will be easier than selling the one in Baltimore has been! We shall keep everyone posted. And yes, there will be a great, fantastic Christmas post complete with pictures in pajamas, so keep checking back!

I'm Back in the Saddle Again...

Well, it has been a long time since the last post, but in my defense, it has been a rocky road to here. In the past 6 weeks, we have listed and hopefully sold our house, packed up a good share of the house, started a new job, and all of this while pregnant and caring for two small ones. It definitely would not have and could not have happened without all of our family and friends helping us out. We have had so many people come to our rescue that I can't even count them or thank them enough. That being said, I hope to be back to a regular blogging basis, with the only fine print being that the holidays are upon us and we shall see what that does to us. We also have to complete the move across the country, so it could put a kink in things. But back to the blog....

This past weekend we had the chance to spend time with Grandpa for about 36 hours before he had to get up before the rooster's crow to get on an airplane. We were able to spend time down at the Washington D.C. Temple and Visitor's Center. It was so awesome. My kids were not on their best behavior by any means, as a matter of fact, they down right tried my patience. Jacob didn't want to walk and I was carrying Anna and trying to push him in the stroller with one hand through this tiny aisle. On either side were fragile and precious nativity sets....all of this while Grandpa was watching a movie. I was very near tears and gave up the mission of the nativity sets until I had back up with me. When we finally went through and looked at them, I was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't if I get my cookies baked and delivered, and heaven knows I won't get a Christmas card out any time soon. It isn't whether my kids have everything their little hearts desire, although I desperately want to give it to them. It is about the spirit of Christ. It is about being with family. It is about loving and serving that family. I have been so completely blessed with so many serving me that I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. And after such a trying day with my kids and fighting sheer exhaustion on all levels---physical, mental, and emotional it was a great reminder of the true meaning of the season and the true meaning of life. As I returned home I vowed to be a better person: mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. And my feeling continued today as I went in for a follow up ultrasound for the baby. I hadn't really allowed myself to consider that there could be complications with this baby and fortunately for me, everything turned out okay. The baby is healthy, everything is where it should be, and I am more grateful and more in love with this baby after seeing it again today. Yet another reminder that life is beautiful and I am blessed. So, I guess the point of my whole blog today is that I am grateful for so much in my life, despite my challenges. I am grateful for this holiday season and hope I can keep this feeling with me throughout the next couple of weeks and hopefully into the new year. Wow, what a great feeling...to know that life is good. I hope that life is as good for everyone else. And let's see if I can't keep this blog thing going!

A Rocky Mountain High

Well, I guess it has been official for about a week now, we are moving our family to Denver, Colorado. Bart has been walking around the house singing every song he can think of related to Denver, whether it mentions Denver or it was sung by John Denver makes no difference! It is a bit hard for me to put it out there knowing that it makes it more real. I can't believe that we are moving back across the country and doing so while pregnant, again! I must say that I have been a bit surprised by how hard this has been for me. I never thought I would love the East Coast so much and now I find myself sad to leave it. There are so many things that I love here....the proximity to historical sites and big cities, the trees that are everywhere, the fact that I can drive to the ocean in just a few hours, and mostly, the friends and little family that we have created here. We have been so blessed to have formed such great friendships. Without a lot of family close by, they become your family. I don't have the same set of fears and worries that I had when we moved here as we have done it once before, but I am sad about having to create a new life for us. I like our life here. I love our first house. I love Jake's preschool and his new Kindergarten....I really don't want to be the one to tell him that he doesn't get to ride the bus in Denver....and I love the familiarity of everything. It will definitely be a big change for us. I have been additionally surprised by how much work it is to get a house ready for an Open House. I haven't been so stressed in a long time. I am glad that it is ready though. And while I am feeling so much nostalgia and anxiety about moving, I am also extremely grateful. I am grateful that Bart has a job that he is excited about. I am grateful to be moving closer to our families, to the mountains, and of course, closer to REAL Mexican food. I am grateful that I know that no matter where we land, we will be a happy family. I am just hoping we can be completely settled before our family expands in March. So, I guess this is the beginning of a long goodbye, or maybe just a farewell to somewhere we love so much. And if you see me walking around a bit emotional, just know that I am happy and emotional and pregnant all at the same time. As we know more details about departure dates and such, we'll let everyone know! Farewell our dear Baltimore!

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!

One of my favorite things about living on the East Coast is that we are so close to so many wonderful things. Unfortunately, I haven't always taken the time to get out and do them as often as I should. Thank goodness for girlfriends though! We decided to get together and head down to the National Zoo in D.C. for an afternoon. We had the most perfect day, well, maybe a little too hot for the Fall, but otherwise, just gorgeous. I have long maintained that my most favorite time at the zoo is in the Fall because the animals are moving around and doing things instead of just trying to survive the heat. Plus the crowds are better and it isn't as hot for us either! My theory was proved correct once again.

We saw the Panda Bears climbing all over, eating, and just being so adorable. The kids were mesmerized. Anna liked the elephants and they were busy putting dirt on each other. For some reason, she was fixated on seeing the lions that day. By the time we finally got to them, it was well worth the walk. The female did choke up a hairball which was very interesting and disgusting all at the same time. The male was awesome...he was drinking from the river and playing with toys. She was in heaven.

The only bad part about the zoo was that they trick you when you are walking. You don't realize how many vertical feet you have dropped as you see all the animals, but when you have to get back to the car it is nearly a death march! Overall, it was a fantastic day. The kids were great, the animals were amazing, and it was just fun to be out and about in D.C. What a great opportunity to live so close to the nation's capital!

Some Highlights of the Day:

Camie, Anna, Lane and Ashley sitting on the rock near the Pandas.








Lane, Camie, and Anna peering into the cages of some gross reptile.

The stare down with the Kimodo
Anna spent several minutes staring at the Kimodo Dragon. The other kids had moved on, but she just stood there. It is a weird looking animal, but they just stared at each other and had a moment or something?!?

Which family is the most tired?
Jenny and Ashley, Mindy and Anna, Erika and Maddie, Jodi and Chloe, Serena holding Camie, Lauren holding Lane, and baby Holden was already well into dreamland in the stroller.

"A Taste of Maryland"

Resting at the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, before Mom takes off for Salt Lake City!

We were so lucky to have my Mom and my brother, Jeff, his wife, Merili, and their kids, Samara and Jack, come to visit in September. We titled the trip "A Taste of Maryland" because we really did a little bit of everything. I think we even got to 3 states plus D.C.! Pretty impressive in a week's time! We had so much fun just being together, watching the kids play, and most importantly, devouring the Amish Market food, predominately the pies.

We started the week with a trip to the real Amish country in PA. We spent the day going to the small towns of Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, Intercourse, and a few others. Bart stayed home with the boys watching movies so that we didn't have to beg them not to touch quilts and such. The next couple of days we spent traveling to Annapolis for the afternoon and then on to Ocean City where we were able to spend the night at the Cory and Beth Williams beach bungalow and had the most perfect day on record at the beach. Even Mom sat and relaxed and enjoyed herself. Merili, however, will never be allowed to put sunscreen on another human. Both Jack and Jeff suffered a little due to her lack of application skills! Jeff may still be able to show you the remains from this mistake! After returning, we spend time in DC, the Inner harbor of Baltimore, and at the National Aquarium of Baltimore. I am not sure who was most exhausted at the end of the trip, but it was time well spent together! Below are some of the highlight photos from the trip! Lots of fun! Oh yeah, and did I mention the shopping? It was awesome too!
Amish Country, Pennsylvania
Samara and Anna picking out pumpkins at the local Amish Market town.

The girls spent some time playing on the train and so Merili and Jeff thought they should join in too. This was much preferable to petting the gross llama across the playground.

Annapolis, Maryland

It was quite hot in Annapolis. We split up to make sure everyone saw what they wanted. We sat down at the water's edge, which didn't smell so great. The kids stole our sunglasses so they could sit still for a picture.

Taking a break from the heat with Mom. Bart later referred to this picture as "2 Lindas". I can't help that my Mom and I are so dang beautiful! And it should have been 3 Lindas since Anna is just the same!

Ocean City, Maryland

Jeff, Samara, Merili and Jack taking a break on the beach. Jack would promptly return to chasing birds, Samara to the water, and Jeff to digging in the sand. Merili just laughed and took pictures.

Jack and Anna's smiles say it all!Samara and Jacob look like they are practicing to be cheerleaders or something. They had so much fun jumping the waves. The water was so warm this time of year.

Did I mention Jeff likes digging in the sand? Bart did get in on the action too and I am not sure who enjoyed the end result the most...the kids or the Dads?

Getting closer to finishing the project at hand....

Washington, D.C.
We visited the Udvar-Hazy portion of the Air and Space Museum out by Dulles International Airport. It has all of the REALLY big planes that can't be housed in the museum on the mall. I love this picture of the boys sitting still, but also because Anna thought this part of the shuttle was a big toilet paper roll.

3 generations of beautiful women at the museum! (and one on the way is starting to show)
This picture is taken in Arlington Cemetery near the eternal flame for the Kennedys. I love the view of DC in the background. And did I mention how stinking hot it was?The kids at the Harbor awaiting the boat ride and before saying goodbye to Grandma. What a great trip we all had! Thanks everyone!