Movin' on Up!

Our new abode 

(Yes, it's currently purple.  KSU fans- I tell ya what.)

The big weekend has finally arrived!  On Saturday, we are actually moving into our new home (which we have owned since January 7).  Let's just say some major updating needed to be done.  I can assure you that the wallpaper and carpet seen below are resting peacefully in the Manhattan dump.  I seriously can't wait to post about a bajillion before and after photos!

 A MILLION thanks go to our parents, Chad's brother, Young Life leaders, and all of the friends/babysitters who have kept my kids over the past few weeks.  We could not have done this without any of you!  There is still some SERIOUS work to be done on our 101 year old baby, but we couldn't be happier about moving day.

Give Credit Where Credit Is Due

Well you may have noticed our fancy new family photo at the top of the blog.  I must give credit to my fabulous friend, Jen Dillender!  I've mentioned Jen before, but I thought that you guys needed to know about her new website.  She is not only a super-talented photog, but she is a lovely friend, fellow YL spouse, and all around cool person.  Her husband JD is not too shabby either.

Anyhow, I thought I would include a few more shots that she captured on a FREEZING day in Stillwater, OK.  Enjoy and go see more pics of our funny kids at www.jendillenderphotography.com!

Beware- these children will melt your heart!

New Year

Wow, it is 2011.  What a wild ride the past year has been.  In case you didn't know, I went back to work this fall.  I am teaching 7th grade Language Arts and loving every minute of it.  Unfortunately, blogging has fallen by the wayside!  I have set a few goals (not resolutions) for myself for 2011.  As cheesy as it may seem, blogging more is one of my goals.  Of course, I don't have the time or energy to update you on ALL that you've missed since the summer.  We've had birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas happen.  I'll just have to gradually give you a few peeks.

Anyhow, I'll (of course) leave you with a few photos.  I look forward to seeing you more in 2011!

Greens/Camerons- November 2010

Sweet Maggie

2005-2010

Halloween 2010

Our new HOME (project) for 2011!

Birthday Boy

I really do promise that I will do a full birthday party recap, but I simply don't have a single picture!  My mom took pictures along with my new favorite photographer (and friend!), Jen Dillender.  Here are a few shots that I "borrowed" from her blog.  She is simply AMAZING!  I kind of felt like I had my own personal family photographer for a month.  I can't WAIT to show you some of the other images she captured of my kiddos!  Anyhow, here is a little sneak peek of Cash's big day!  More photos and details will follow.

Jen, you are brilliant!  Thank you SO much for capturing Cash's first birthday so beautifully!

Time Flies

Where did the four weeks go?  I feel like we just left for Colorado yesterday.  The mountain of mail and the giant To-Do List tell me otherwise.  We absolutely LOVED every minute of our time at Crooked Creek Ranch.  I have special feelings for several Young Life camps for various reasons (maybe because I met my husband at one), but Crooked Creek outshines them all!  The property was beautiful, the staff was spectacular, and our Assigned Team was phenomenal.  I have SO much to say and SO many stories to tell.  I'll leave you with a couple of teaser photos!

We're glad to be home. . . more photos coming just as soon as I can catch my breath!

Birthday Preview

You may not know that June is BIRTH-MONTH for our favorite little buddy CASH!  I seriously can not believe that this little man is going to be ONE!  He even received his first birthday gift today- thanks Laughlins!  We love you guys!  

EVERYONE is excited to open the gift

He loves all of his new clothes and jommies!

He doesn't know that these are to wear, not chew on.

Since we will be at Crooked Creek Ranch for his birthday, what would be more fitting than a Cowboy Party?  Here are a few little previews.  I'll try to post pics after the actual party!

The invitations

The cupcake toppers

Loot (goodie) bags and badges

Bandanas

My favorite piece- the pennant banner

We'll let ya'll know what kind of wild west shenanigans we pull for this little cowpokes big day!

Summer Breeze Makes Me Feel Fine

I have 3 full days to have my entire life in order.  Ok, so maybe that's kind of drastic, but as you may remember, we are preparing to embark on our Colorado adventure!  Being gone for an entire month is SO wonderful, but requires extensive preparation . . . multiplied by 5.  As you can see, our girls are ready for Crooked Creek.

Since I should be making lists and packing right now, I will simply give you a photo montage of our summer adventures thus far.  There is so much more to come!

We went to Memphis for Rachael's wedding (where I didn't take a single pic- ugh!).  The kiddos had TONS of fun in Nan's freezing pool and playing with their cousins.  We've got 6 kiddos all age 4 or younger in that pic- whoa.

We also had a visit from our dear friends the Grigors.  They made the trek to Manhattan with Baby Gracie and we had such a fun weekend!  Grace decided to help me wake Cash from his nap- I like the one where Grace is touching Cash's bum!  We also took the Grigors to our splash park and the tots enjoyed mere seconds of the freezing water.

This past weekend, I took a scenic drive to Wichita to visit my college friend Nelly and pick up another college friend Ashley from the airport.  What a glorious reunion!  But seriously, isn't Kansas prettier than you expected?!

Keeper of the Plains- ask Kristin Neely for a full explanation.

Harper likes to hang out in Best Buy and watch a 3D movie.  Am I a good mom, or what?

When it's not raining, we have spent some quality time at the park.  Cash LOVES the swings!

These girls LOVE to show off their dance moves.  They may not be too coordinated (ahem, Reese), but they sure do look cute trying!

Oh my.  Are words necessary?  LOVE this little guy.