Thank you Lord for BFFs

Words cannot express how blessed our family has been by our sweet friends the Hillgers.  Pretty much anyone who still checks this blog knows how close our families are and have especially been over the last 3 years.  This past August however was sort of like the end of an era for our families and it was VERY bittersweet.  Over the last 3 years Emy and I have been able to share our time at home with not only our own children but also each others. It has been such a blessing to be able to be home more and to watch the relationships between the kids grow. They are all 4 truly like brother and sisters. Emy and I decided that we had to get some pictures of them to try and capture their sweet friendship so we decided to take them out for a little amateur photo session. 

Hayden and Jaelynn's first meeting

The first time I watched Hayden.

Best Friends!

They are truly inseparable.

Who knew those two little babies from above would turn into these two silly, fun-loving, kids!

Love, Love, Love

They may not all be mine but they all fill my life with so much love and joy!

Thank you Lord for these 4 children of Yours!

I am so glad that we took the time to do this today.  The whining, crying, laughing, silliness and sassiness was all worth it!  We got some great shots that I know we will treasure forever.

Thank you Lord for the blessing of this family to walk along side of us during this season of our life.  I am not sure what we would do without them.  Not only have my children built life long friendships and been under the care of someone I know loves and cherishes them but I have been blessed with one of the best friends I could ever have.  I am so thankful for a friend to share all the ups and downs of motherhood with; a friend who I can talk to about anything because I know I won't be judged; a friend I can rely on for support, encouragement, prayer, wisdom, and love no matter what.  Thank you Jesus for bringing this woman who loves You and is a light shining for You into my life, during a season of my life when you knew I would need a friend like her the most.  Praise You for knowing just what and who we need at each stage in our life.  God is Good!

Family Fun at the Fair

John had the day off yesterday so we decided to have a family day at the state fair. None of us had ever been before so it was a new experience for the whole family. We took the train over and back which the girls thought was pretty neat. We enjoyed lots of yummy fried food, games, rides, and animals! The girls thought it was "the best day ever". Although I am pretty sure that day will be topped when we go to Sea World soon!

A day at the zoo with friends!

We had a great day at the zoo today. We got to watch a new show that they put on and Kaley got picked as a volunteer. I was shocked that she went up on stage but not shocked that she held a HUGE python! For some reason this girl loves snakes. She definitely didn't get that from her mommy but anytime we go to the zoo her favorite part is getting to pet the snakes and I usually have to drag her away. Thanks Granny and Pop for our membership! We love the zoo!

Circus fun!

This was Kaley's 2nd year to go to the circus and Jaelynn's 1st. It was a
late night but we had a great time. Times like these just reinforce to me how blessed we are! I am so thankful for my sweet family and the means to enjoy things like the circus. Thank you Lord for all that you provide!

Pretty Princesses

Dress-up is by far the girls favorite thing to do.  The other day when we were out running errands we saw these princess Halloween costumes.  I think the girls are going to be Sleeping Beauty and Belle for Halloween but we couldn't resist getting Rapunzel and Merida (Brave) costumes mainly because they came with wigs and a girl can never have too many dress up clothes! 

Summer Fun

The girls absolutely LOVE when their Uncle Lee comes to visit!  They always have a great time playing with him and this last time was no exception.  We took a trip to a new splash and this mommy was very happy to sit on the side and take pics as the girls played with Uncle Lee and Sarah.

Playing the giant xylophone.

I am not sure who had more fun...the girls or Lee and Sarah!

Trying to catch the water!