Partying in style

Last night we enjoyed an evening out with some good friends. Our friend Alisha Clayson got a great deal on a limo and organized an evening of fun for this big group of friends. We met for dinner and then were picked up at the restaurant and went on an hour limo ride around Ft. Wayne.
Inside the limo...it was so fun to all be together and drive around like we were so important! We all felt a little motion sickness when we got out of the car.
Our group - 13 of us. Amy's husband was out of town and missed out on the fun. Maybe we should photoshop him in. Glad Amy still joined us! I think we could have still fit another couple in the limo. As Alisha always says, "good times!"

Baby Emily

Sunday we had the privilege of seeing baby Emily blessed in church. She was almost three weeks old and it was our first time to meet her on Saturday. From the time we arrived in Ohio, Madelyn kept asking when we were going to see Emily. She had Emily radar and knew the instant she arrived. What a beautiful baby! During church it was so cute to see Hunter and Megan take car of her while Jenny plays the organ. She has come to a family so ready to love her!

Our two families...what a crew! Madelyn obviously wasn't very happy about the photos. She was probably upset she didn't get to hold baby Emily.Here's our happy girl, Madelyn!

And don't forget about this sweetie, Naomi!

A big congrats to Aaron's nephew, Evan who graduated from high school this past weekend too. We were really lame and didn't take any pictures, but we are so proud of him. He's such a great example for his younger cousins!

Little Critter

Yesterday I was getting something out of our gym and walking back into our house when I saw this little chipmunk just sitting in the corner staring at me. He then started climbing all over the screen and running around inside. I thought about leaving the door open so he could go out, but I had to know that he was outside. I opened the door up and Bruce and I managed to get him outside. I can only guess that the kids must have left the door open as they often do and he came in. My friend called while all of this was going on and asked what I was doing. She was laughing at me when I told her I was trying to chase a chipmunk. What an adventure!

Company!!

It isn't often we get company (especially from my side of the family), so when we do, it's definitely worth posting! My nephew Kolton and his sister Bailey flew out to visit us from Idaho. We were so excited to have them for a few days!!
One of the first things Kolton realized is how quickly the weather changes here. He and Justin left to go on a bike road and it was barely drizzling rain outside. Five minutes later here they are soaked from a heavy downpour.
If you look closely, you can see that Naomi is holding Kolton's hand and running with him. Even the little girls warmed right up to him. Every meal we had to take turns sitting by Kolton because they all wanted equal turns. I asked Bailey if it's like that at home...does everyone want to sit by Kolton?
We laid down for a nap (yes!) on Sunday afternoon and this is what we awoke to. They were playing a nice game of Apples to Apples...and no one was fighting! I think we need company more often!
Saturday afternoon we all went bowling and after the kids played a few video games. They were more interested in earning tickets so they could turn them in for prizes (i.e. candy).
Here's a picture taken before church. This will be our last visit with Kolton for at least two years because he is going to be leaving in two weeks for a church mission in West Virginia. We know the people there will fall in love with him as much as we do. Bailey, hopefully we'll see you in a couple of months!

Exciting update!

Bruce's wish came true. He brought this home from school the week Aaron received his notice that his position was being eliminated. After many interviews and much searching, Aaron has accepted a position. He will begin working right away and we feel so blessed. We will be moving about an hour north of where we currently live so we will still be close to our friends in Indiana and family in Ohio. Elizabeth asked if we would be closer to our family in Idaho and I told her we would by about 30 minutes. We are now searching for a new home and will be busy preparing for our move. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!

Precious!

This little girl is so quiet around others, but she has so much personality at home! She is now into dressing up and is very insistent about what she will or will not wear. To top off this outfit, she was wearing Cinderella shoes that were about four sizes too big. Could she possibly be any cuter?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

We hope all the Mother's out there had a wonderful day. We are especially thankful for our children's grandmothers Peg Allen and Donna Power.