Dave's birthday

We celebrated Dave's birthday on Monday. Here are some pictures, though not very many and not very good ones . . . The thing I really like about this picture is that you can see some of the built-in bookshelves he made for us this fall. They are on both sides of the fireplace in the living room, and I just adore them! He is so talented and does such a great job. I love how they warm up our living room, too!
He had lots of help with his cards and presents (sorry, Heather!) . . .

He choose his favorite things to eat: Italian beef sandwiches, twice-baked potatoes, apples with caramel dip, queso, and a banana roll cake.

Aunt Heather goes home

We had a great time with Aunt Heather! Even though we missed Daddy, the time sure was easier and lots more fun with Aunt Heather around. Here are a few more pictures . . . . Lucy, just chillin' on that tiger.

We had to get a couple of pictures. Anna Kate is almost always up for a pic with Aunt Heather, and Aunt Heather wanted our little bit of snow in the background.
Lucy
Samantha
Aunt Heather and all our girls! We had a great time! Thanks for missing two of Decker's big basketball games and leaving him to be with us. Thanks for helping so much and spoiling us a little bit, too! Can't wait to see you soon!

some mischief

Well, Daddy is out of town at a conference. We miss him! To help us pass the time with more fun and distraction, Aunt Heather came for a visit (and to help a lot!) . . . here is a first sampling of pictures and activities.
Samantha reading on Aunt Heather's bed! Any books with animals or trains are favorites. This happens to be an I Spy.
Samantha took a bath this morning. She does have a little cold - runny nose and cough. Here she is modeling her robe (and her desire to wait, wait, wait for day clothes). And a little bit of her fire.
She still loves chillin' out on that tiger ("Roar") that Aunt Heather and Aunt Hillery and Uncle Rick and all the cousins sent for her birthday!

On our way to some mischief yesterday - Samantha did not want to get dressed, and I did not have the energy to push it. So, this is how she traveled. Quite an outfit!
Little Lucy on our way out the door!
Anna Kate modeling her new coat from Gramma Maggy and Grampa Bill
And the mischief . . . Anna Kate has not been wanting her hair up, and, as a result, it is always in her face (a pet-peeve of mine). She has such a lovely face, and I want to see it! So we decided to get a hair cut.
The back - just a few long layers to help her curl bounce! Still long . . . and easy.
But we added some bangs, so now the hair around her face is not covering her beautiful blue eyes! (This is the room which will soon be all 3 girls' room - freshly painted a light green. The big move hasn't happened yet. But you can kind of pick up the color.)


Last night, on the couch with Aunt Heather.