Loaned Creche from Aunt Lynne

This cute creche was too heavy and chunky to take to China with my sister, Lynne. So its ours for a couple of years.
This is how it looks 10% of the time: creche 90% of the time

Hmm...perhaps I should just put it away!

Uncle Mark

Beautiful Blake

These sweet pictures were taken by Sharra's talented photographer friend at the hospital.

I don't know, does it?

Yesterday, Shann and I told the kids we are going to be working on being more consistant. Alyssa said, "does that mean angry?"

Early Christmas

This year, Caden has been VERY into figuring out what his Christmas presents are. He has been trying to find my list, cajoling me to tell him secrets, and trying to figure out where things have been hidden. Hoping to head off snooping, I've now told him that if he goes looking, and happens upon his gifts, that he can be sure he won't be receiving them for Christmas.

In the car a few days ago out of the blue, he said to me, "I just think people should have my Christmas gifts ready". I told him, that not only is Christmas many weeks away, but also, we have no idea if they have them ready! And of course, why should they have them ready?
He didn't really have an answer, of course, just reiterated a sense of feeling like 'they just should have them ready'.

I sort of know this feeling. Do you ever feel like asking how people are coming on your gift list? Ah well, it looks like we could use a reorientation to "The Reason".

New cousin...Blake Thomas!

Shann's sister, Sharra, and her husband Ryan have miraculously acquired another child today! He once was in, and now he's out! And happy to be so!

Praise God for healthy baby (9lbs7oz!) and mama. Blake, we can't wait to meet you!
See 'Ryan' link on sidebar for more pictures.

Soccer!

This fall, Caden played soccer. He had a great time, but Shann had a really great time, cheering and teaching from the sidelines :) He is so excited that Caden is old enough to play on a team! Shann knew all the kid's names by the end of the first game... I think he had a rough time not being the coach!
I have a few pictures - I meant to post several times about this, now it has turned into one large post!

a loyal fan!

Notice the tongue...

So close!

the tongue always seemed to be out...I think he got this from his Dad!

Good job, Caden!