Happy Birthday, Cousin Dana!!!!

Today is our niece's birthday. Dana joined our family in August, but we've thought of her as a member of the family for much longer than that. She is a sweetheart and we love her! We hope you have a great day. Hugs and kisses to the bday girl!!!

Pics from Home and Out and About

Happy Birthday, Garrett!!!

Today is our nephew, Garrett's birthday. He turned 13 today and we joined the family over at Kevin and Julie's to celebrate not just his birthday, but also his sister Dana's as well since it is in 9 days. But here's to you G Man, Happy Happy Birthday!!! Hugs and kisses. We love our Garrett(as Henry and Emma would say)!!!!

Lots of Catching Up...

Bright and happy with Granny.

Granny drawing for the kids. She's quite the artist!

Baby Charlie-Henry and Emma's new cousin and our new nephew. What a good looking boy!!!

Playing ponies with Granny.

Peek a boo on the monkey bars with Granny.

Emma giving Granny a push.

Emma kept losing her shoes climbing up the slide.

I was so proud of him-normally he insists on one of us walking across with him, but look at our big boy!!

On our nature walk with Granny. Watching the tractor work.

Emma meets her cousin Charlie.

Henry meets his cousin Charlie.

We've been busy. And the best way to catch everyone up is to post some pics with some details. And maybe write a little as well.

First, we decided to cancel our trip to the state fair because we got some exciting news a couple days earlier than expected and had to change plans. Granny flew in two days early(Sept.27th) because Aunt Lisa went into labor early. So we woke up really early, picked up Granny from the airport, and continued on to make a road trip to Altus, OK where Aunt Lisa and Uncle Brian live. The kids did great except for one little glitch-Henry got carsick:( He settled down enough to make a quick trip up to see Aunt Lisa and then we(Daddy,Mommy,Henry, and Emma) turned around and headed back home. We got Granny there just in time. Brian Charles Chaney II was born about an hour after we left. We got the news later that afternoon. And on our way home poor Henry got sick again. Both kids fell asleep during the last hour or so of the ride. And as soon as we got home, got Henry cleaned up. Granny stayed with Lisa and Brian for about 2 weeks and then we made a return trip back to meet our new cousin/nephew in person. Daddy's been extremely busy with work, so we could only go overnite. We had such a great visit. The kids did great and were very good with Charles and they loved seeing Lisa and Brian. Granny, Mommy, Henry, and Emma went on a nature walk-we were unexpectantly locked out of the playground. We had a great visit and hope that we helped a little. I vaguely remember those first days-it's all a blur now due to lack of sleep. So I feel for Lisa and Brian and the adjustments they are making. We headed back home later that day and went to bed.

Granny was able to stay with us for a few days before flying back to Washington. We went the next day for a trip down to the park with Granny while Daddy worked from home. The kids had so much fun with her and I did too. Along with playing at the park, we planted flowers for out on the front porch, got muddy, colored, and played and played. Granny is the greatest!!! And once the kids were down for the night-we got to visit. We were sad to see Granny go, but we'll see her again soon.

Along with our visits with Granny and Aunt Lisa, Uncle Brian, and cousin Charles we have been doing some other things at home. The kids have helped me pull down wallpaper in the kitchen and get it ready to paint and have helped me clear out the computer room/spare bedroom. They are learning how to play boardgames-Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, and Memory. They are talking, talking, talking. Some of the things they say are hilarious and others not so much. I'll have to post some of those again. Everyday is a new day to play until they drop. No more naps-it's a dirty word to them, sharing is coming along-they play well together, and bedtime is negotiatable in their opinion. Ah, three year olds:)

Happy Birthday, Petey!!!!

Today is our good friend, Petey's birthday!!! She turned four today:) Wow, can't believe she's that big already. She's a wonderful little girl and we hope she had a great day celebrating with her family. We love you and are sending you lots of hugs and kisses on your big day. Happy Birthday!!!!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Suza!!!!!

Today is my sister , Susan's birthday! She has been a big help with the twins and we all love her bunches. We hope you have a wonderful day!!!! Lots of hugs and kisses:) Happy Birthday!!!!!

(right-Catie,left-Suza)