praying

Our court date is on Thursday.

Is this the week it will finally happen?

We're praying for a miracle!

Isabella Rose

Happy Birthday, my Princess !

I can't believe it's been 4 years since I held you in my arms for the first time!
What a miracle you were, not just because you were healthy and perfect, but also because after 5 boys there was finally a girl joining our family.

You have filled our lives with so much joy and laughter.
There is not a day goes by that you don't fail to amuse ( and sometimes annoy) with your constant chatter or your active imagination.

Despite all those older brothers, you are a girly girl to the very core.
It's all about babies, princesses, and pink... the loveliest color of all!

You have big dreams for your life .
Growing up, getting married, (and no, it definitely can't be your brother) babies...
lots of babies if your doll collection is any indicator...your dad's pretty sure you'll be a soccer star too.

We love you, Bella.
Don't grow up too fast!

Try, try again...

Our new court date is March 26th...it's a little hard to get too excited about dates anymore, but who knows, maybe this will be our lucky one?

kissable

Hiking Adventures

Last Friday Jerry was able to take the day off and we took advantage of it by enjoying one of our family's favorite pastimes; hiking.

It was absolutely gorgeous...sunny, yet with a cool breeze, perfect for keeping us from getting too hot... blue, blue sky and clean, fresh air.

We weren't the only ones out enjoying the sunshine.

After my initial, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!, STAY BACK! DON'T GET TOO CLOSE! JERRY, WHY IN THE WORLD ARE YOU GETTING SO CLOSE?, WHAT ARE YOU TEACHING YOUR BOYS?, I CAN'T CARRY YOU OUT!" and some more "AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH's", I did have to admit that was pretty cool to see our first rattlesnake in it's natural habitat.
It must have still been a little cool for it because it was moving verrry slowly, plenty of time for my husband to get some great shots of the tail.

And here I am in full lecture mode...

Stopping along the way to fix some blisters...

picking our way around these...

...and finally reaching the top of the trail.

Some cool petroglyphs...

Boys in their natural habitat.

All in all, a great and wonderful day with the family!

Just 'cause she's cute

Mama and baby, together at last!