Kailynn's Baptismal Birthday/Remembering

She was baptized happy day, all her sins were washed away, God looked down on Kailynn and smiled, she became God's own dear child.

One year ago today, Kailynn Grace was baptized into God's family by Pastor Palmer. Little did we know at the time that it would be the last baptism he would do. We miss him greatly, but are thankful that he could be a part of a very important and special day in Kailynn's life.

After everyone left Monday evening we took time to celebrate sweet Kailynn's Baptismal Birthday. We lit her candle and sang to her and then followed with cookies thanks to Aunt Alyssa.

Ellie carefully watching the candle...and Kailynn checking out dad to see what we were doing...

We put a cookie into Kailynn's hand rather than her grabbing for the candle

Getting advice on how to blow out the candle

Really she just wanted to reach out and grab it...not surprising really!

Ellie did some clapping for her little sister

Cookies...yum!

only 2 teeth...but never fear nothing stops her from eating anything

Oh no, are they all gone?

Mom, you have one in your hand...may I have that please?

Labor Day Parade/Get-together

Monday was spent attending the Malden Parade (which for the record according to me, as a non -parade enthusiast.. was a great parade, less than an hour, some different entries, and a few of the floats threw more than Tootsie Rolls) and then we headed back to our house for lunch with a few people.

Kailynn not wanting to sit..surprise surprise (mommy save me from Aunt Alyssa)


Got to love the wind-blown look...what are we doing here again Ellie asks?



Couldn't resist putting this picture up...the boys were told to get out of the car...both pouted...it was better when Tate was facing the camera but he saw me taking his picture and turned around


Kailynn clapping for floats passing by...hoping for candy to be thrown her way

Ellie isn't really too sure of the sirens and lights of the emergency vehicles...but mommy never complains about a little snuggle time

Back at our house those that joined us were...Erik, Alyssa, and the boys, Aaron, Rachel, and Eli, Papa and Mama Thompson, Luke, Tammy and the kiddos. We enjoyed lunch and time chatting and playing.

Eli checking out the jumper-roo

Cade trying on Uncle Luke's boots

Splash Pad

We have had a couple of hot days lately so we decided to check out the new park in Valparaiso, Central Park Plaza, with Aunt Alyssa, Tate and Cade. The new park has a splash pad, an amphitheater for hosting various concerts throughout the warm weather months, and a grassy open area. Since the splash pad is FREE we thought we would check it out. After nap-time we headed to Valpo for a little water fun. The 3 big kids, Tate, Cade, and Ellie played in the water for about 45 minutes or so...while Kailynn spent more time climbing up and down on the park benches. She did however manage to spend some time playing in the water jets. While we probably won't be back this year as the weather is turning cooler...we may venture there next summer to cool off!

The kiddos looking pathetic as they waited to go play...I think we told them this was as close as we were going to get...

Cade cooling off


Tate checking out the new park

Kailynn taking it all in from the sidelines

Ellie trying to get Kailynn over to the water

However, Kailynn was happy to stay by the bench for awhile

Cade giving his brother a questioning look

Ellie having fun playing in the water

Just Kailynn...looking around and climbing around

Tate, Cade and Ellie all liked standing on the water jets

Kailynn thinking about venturing over towards the water...

...and then crawling back

Looks like she is having fun doesn't it :)

Ellie sitting on a jet

Crazy boys!!!

Tate letting the water jet shoot up his shorts...(is this a boy thing?)

Silly Face

Kailynn is starting to stand and walk more...when she wants to! Often she stands up on her own in the middle of the floor takes a few steps and goes back to crawling...she thinks it is faster.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Papa...We love you!

Happy Thursday

Just a few pictures from our day...

I realize this picture is blurry...however, Kailynn was laughing so hard and giggling that even though it is blurry it made me smile, watching her play with the kitchen set.

Happy Ellie with her critters


It was in the 90's today so we set out the pool and had some fun in the water

Shocking...Kailynn climbing

Kailynn trying to push daddy's hand away...basically saying, "I can do it myself"

Fun in the sun

2 girls who love water

Kailynn the Climber

Very Excited

Thanks Aunt Eleanore for the box you sent for both girls...to say Ellie was excited about her new pj's would be an understatement. Kailynn and Ellie helped open the box and instantly Ellie wanted her Minnie Mouse nightgown put on...needless to say I managed to keep her from putting it on at 2 in the afternoon...but at bedtime she was pretty excited. Although most of the time she calls Minnie ~ Mickey these days! Thanks again for all the clothes for the girls, love you!

Ellie modeling her new nightgown

Doing a little dance

Very Proud!!!

Planting her flower

Ellie went with me this morning to pick out some of my flowers for planting outside. I told her she could pick out a flower to plant and she could decide where she wanted it planted.

This is the flower she picked...and was very proud of it.


Kailynn watching the planting process from her stroller as to avoid having her eat dirt


Ellie decided she wanted to plant her flower in a sand pail.
Filling her bucket...



One handful at a time...

Once her pail was full, she positioned her flower...

Showing off her planted flower to Kailynn

Her flower needed a little watering

Happy Saturday

Saturday was spent getting things done around the house, packing for VA, a few errands got run, a trip down to the Hildebrandts to pick up some more "stuff" from the garage sale and a little extra family time. It feels like the weeks are passing by much to quickly.

A little sister love before bed


Just being silly


A good Saturday with our little family of 4