Siblings

SIBLINGS

From the time they are born, our brothers and sisters are our collaborators and co-conspirators, our role models and cautionary tales. They are our scolds, protectors, goads, tormentors, playmates, counselors, sources of envy, objects of pride. They teach us how to resolve conflicts and how not to; how to conduct friendships and when to walk away from them. Sisters teach brothers about the mysteries of girls; brothers teach sisters about the puzzle of boys. Our spouses arrive comparatively late in our lives; our parents eventually leave us. Our siblings may be the only people we'll ever know who truly qualify as partners for life. "Siblings," says family sociologist Katherine Conger of the University of California, Davis, "are with us for the whole journey."

Olivia: 5 months old!!

What can I say about my sweet little girl? I can't believe it's been 5 months already!! She is just growing up so fast before our eyes & we are loving getting to know her little personality lately.

She is starting to move around...quite a bit! She rolled over for the first time a little after four months old & hasn't slowed down since! She's got both ways figured out & always seems to be twisting & turning to watch what her big brother is up to!

She has THE BIGGEST smile I have ever seen...gee, I wonder where she is getting that?! :)

She literally lights up every time her Daddy walks in the room...totally melting his heart more & more daily.

She & her mommy have a very strong bond & I am never out of her sight when I'm in the room...I am very close with my mom, so I'm very much looking forward to having that relationship with Livvy.

She shrieks with joy more than any baby I have ever been around...in fact, she is a very happy little person, but will go from 0-60 when something's got her upset! :)

She absolutely ADORES her big brother...I would never have guessed that she would be looking up to Brady already but she really does!

Bathtime is one of her favorites!! Here she is, lounging on Brady's bed post-bath...

She REALLY likes to be swaddled when she's sleeping

Although once in a while she gets out!


She LOVES her family!

...And LOVES being outside!

She just started solids (rice cereal) last night...she wasn't so sure about the food, but was really liking that all of the attention was on her! :)

Her SIGNATURE expression :)

Livvy taking her first bites...Brady providing commentary, "it's icky!"

Goodbye (temporarily) to Heidz

My cousin (and very close friend) Heidi leaves in 2 days for an incredible adventure! She is going on a mission to Papua New Guinea for 2 years and is very excited about it. I know she will do amazing things and touch so many people, so while I am very sad about her leaving for 2 years, I am very happy for the people of PNG because they are about to meet TRULY a one-of-a-kind human being.

She & I (+ Brady & Olivia) have had coffee every week for 5 years now...hardly any weeks missed in that time! She lights up every room she steps into & will no doubt inspire many to learn of the love of God.

She has been one of the most thoughtful, consistant friends in my life & I love her very much. Best of luck to Heidz!!

Tahlia Ryen Taylor

Our dear friends, John & Paige Taylor, had a beautiful baby girl Friday night! Tahlia Ryen Taylor was born 7/31/09 at 7:24 pm~she was 8 lbs 12 oz & 21 1/4 inches. This baby has more hair than you have ever seen on a newborn!! She is beautiful & so blessed to be born into that amazing family~her parents rock! :) Congrats, friends!

Brady & Daddy's 1st Fishing Trip

Clearly a fan of Catch & Release...

Summer Fun with Friends!

Well, our best pals, The Johnsons, were out to visit for 2 weeks & boy did we have some fun! I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted, but we spent most (all) of our time outside, enjoying the awesome weather...went swimming at my folks' house & Riverside CC, took the kids on long walks, introduced Maddy to "Brady's House of Bounce" in our backyard & hit up Music on Main...whew! I had so much fun with Jenny & we absolutely LOVE watching her & Nick as parents.

We also had a super fun visit from our good friend, Erin Coffey (now Rinabarger!) She came out for a quick visit & we took her up to the lake & she also took some A-M-A-Z-I-N-G photos of the kids and our family! Thanks for coming to visit, Coff~we had a blast!

Brady looks less than enthused, but they were loving it in there together

Maddy at RCC

Brady loving the kiddy pool

How cute is this Mommy/Daughter duo??

Coffey & Jenny swimming with Brady & Maddy & little Greta Berkram!

Liv & Maddy chillin' on the lawn

Happy (7th) Anniversary to my Husband!!

I can't believe it was 7 years ago today that I married the man of my dreams! It's been an amazing 7 years & we are so blessed to have this family of four!

Wedding picture

This one was taken at a gas station on our way to Nebraska for our first road trip together...almost 10 years ago!