so much

I have gone too long w/o writing. I put a draft in my drafts, and never finished or liked what I was saying so I never published it.

We had a wonderful Christmas. Joe has been home every night since Ian was born, and I have been preoccupied with all of us home. We went to our friends house Christmas Eve and Day and had such a wonderful time with them. They have kids all pretty much the same age and we, the adults get a long. They are such wonderful hosts. We also went out with them yesterday for dinner for my b-day. ( a day early). It was a late night, but worth it. I know our friends will get sick of us soon. We will have gotten together 4 times over the holidays before its through.

We spent the day with Joe on a job he was helping to remove a tree for a guy we know that hurt his shoulder. ( i had to stop and save this draft and this is where i can pick back up) I gave the deposit to a house we found to rent. It is 2times as big and on acreage, play set, 2 car garage. I am so excited. I am worried that the lake in the front yard is a temptation. I will never be able to trust the kids with it. We move in when Joe gets back form California in 2 weeks. A great birthday present. (had to stop typing again, picked backup here)

Joe will be visiting Sacramento for 2 weeks, and visiting his Harston relatives in Georgetown and his cousin Evan that will be only a mile from where he will be in a hotel for that time. He will be staying by the sunrise mall for all of you in Cali.

Ian is growing like a weed, two weeks ago I weighed him and he gained 5 lbs. I haven't weighed him lately, but know those chubby cheeks are a sign of chub. He still eats every 4 hrs, sleeps well, is very noisy, grunts all the time in his sleep. Its cute but hard to sleep through. I am not ready to put him too far away, to get better sleep.

I had a good talk with my grandma and enjoy talking with her. I feel bad my kids can be so noisy sometimes. I don't want to get off the phone, but the house is too small to really get away, so phone calls tend to be short. Another reason I cant wait to get a bigger place. I really wish I could be of help for them . My kids are really wanting to write people they love and Email is one of the ways they like to do it. I have only done Sam and her friend Lauren, and Adam and my mom. We started my grandparents but I think I might have the wrong address. I thought Adam talking to his ggpa might be easier to do than the phone. kids are hard to understand on the phone. (and no loud noises in the background) I know I have tons of kids, but kids love to be with older people and I really think older people love to hold little kids. I remember being little and sitting on my grandparents laps for a long time. I really think the time spent together was mutually beneficial. But I know with their health, it can be hard to find the time and energy. like it took me over 2 weeks to make 2 posts.oh well. I love my grandparents, I just wish I was closer to help.


Joe got his bear rug, a few days ago. He is just a beautiful as I remember. We tool picts, but they don't do it justice.

oh I wanted to share Sammi's picture she drew for a contest. I live it it has a lot of details. its the first time she could enter. only open for 3-5 graders. And put Christmas picts up and some of the house. ok ill post them later, not able to upload.. dumb system!!!

This year in a glance

Well I wanted to summarize what we did this year. I'll start in Oct of 07. Joe diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Feb08 get a safety supervisor position in Indiana. Months of waiting to find out. well worth it. Pregnant with # 5 didn't tell anyone. March, Tyler turned 1, April Johnny turned 3, sold our house in Wyoming, and went to Indiana. Sammi's 8th b-day in a hotel, 1 1/2 months in hotels,and a friends house, waiting for the purchase of a new home to close Baptize Sammi, Moved in a house that we rent (purchase fell through), Joe gone to Michigan 5 days a week, swimming lessons, Sammi and Adam learn to ride bikes, get a visit from my Dad, traveled to the Smokies, and NC, hike all the time, I flew out to Utah for my brothers farewell for his mission to South Africa, Joe turned 40, Adam turned 7 , Ian was born, my Mom came for a visit, and I'll be 30 before the end of the year. (i admitted it):) We have had a lot going on, and probably forgot something in there.

I feel extremely blessed. Joe has been home since Ian was born and don't like the reality of after the holidays ,him traveling a lot again, but that is our lot. We will continually be looking for a job within the company for him to be home every night. We have enjoyed this job, not the travel. I am healthy and the kids are healthy besides the colds and flu we all get. Joe is doing well with controlling diabetes.

We are doing lots and having tons of fun. Well since I wrote and put this as a draft, I wasn't finished, we have found a new place to rent. We looked at a place on Monday and Tuesday the owner said he wanted to rent to us. I wasn't serious about trying to find a place, but this one is twice as large, and has acreage, for 50 bucks more. I had to mention that because we found out before the year was up. The kids will have gone to 4 schools in 12 months, and have been switched to 4 wards too. I feel bad but hopefully they will think of it as another adventure. I know Sam isn't wanting to leave her teacher, but she will have a good one at the next school.

getting ready for Christmas

Before my Mom came I went to a violin concert of Sam's. It was very nice her school was the firs to perform. The boys sat in the back row and were very good for the first hour and a half. I stood the whole time and became very tired. So did the boys. That long into the performance, and the concert was only half over. I went and got her off the stage and explained we were tires and the boys were getting out of control. I didn't know what to expect when we got there and the people around us told me that it is usually over in 1 hr. Sammi cried for a long time and then finally understood. I could have stayed in the hall with the boys and waited for the concert to be over, but I was too tired to do that. I'll share a bit of the concert when I download the video.
I really didn't start to get into the Christmas spirit for quite a while. I think I am too tired to really have any emotion for much. I also think not going to church for a few weeks contributed. Kids being sick, and then having Ian, I don't like to go to church for a while. I went last week and taught the class. I really think that was good for me. I was tired after, but I don't think I was any more tired than usual. I cant wait to change schedules in January. Our schedule is form 1230-330 and kids are so tired.
I think I really want to do something great for Christmas. Like volunteer some where, or donate for a good cause. Then I look at myself and say I am volunteering at home and doing good for my family. I just want to not think of just me. I think also that next year I wont just have had a baby, kids will be a little older, or maybe in a few more years I can really involve all my kids better. I know I am in the small kid stage and really will never have this time again. I just want to instill in all my kids early to care for others. I know that they do care for others now and doing the things at Christmas time wont matter in the long run. I know that at this time of year it becomes more prevalent to do good deeds, and good can be done all year. I realize I dont have the energy to even go to the kids Christmas party. I don't think they even do things here. You cant even give gifts, or call it christmas break at school. How lame!! In Wyoming the kids exchanged mittens, and had a big play day the day before break, they also had 3-4 recesses. Here only one, and when its cold,25, inside recess, sitting at your desk. double lame!
Joe has been home since Ian was born. It sure is nice. I really appreciate him being home every night. I was having a stressful time with the noise level and getting a bad headache, He came home and started the car for me, got me a starbucks hot chocolate and put a beautiful cd in the car and told me to get out ot the house. I love that. I unwound and felt much better. the quiet car was wonderful. we ate pizza and watched a movie together. So nice.
I am making candy and i really think that helps put me in the mood for Christmas. I havent delivered any yet, I need to before all of it gets eaten by everyone here. All the shopping is done... Not joe though. He is so hard to buy for! If I had tons of money I know what I would get him that he needs, but in my price range, nothing seems to be right. I know what ever I get him will be appreciated, better than nothing.
I got my cards sent out. If you didnt get one email me your address, and Ill send you one. I have more.

My Mom

I have to say having my Mom here is just what I needed. I have missed her terribly, and even though I visited with her in September, I feel like I haven't seen her for much longer than that. She is helping me with everything. I haven't felt like getting the Christmas stuff out. Got that done. I was able to get my storage room more organized, make cookies, make cereal, get a shower before noon... get naps. I have also enjoyed our talks and got to go on a date with Joe, ALONE! I definitely need her back when I haven't just had a baby or about to move. Getting to know each other when I am not so tired or distracted would be wonderful. I want to spend my time with her while she is here and not miss out on quality conversations, and stuff. I am so glad she has taken time to come here and help me de stress, relax and visit with me. I sure love my Mom. My kids have been sick and want to make excuses to stay home another day to just be home with grandma. I love that .

labor

Well a few of you have commented on that I don't look like I was even in labor. I got the epidural early and really didn't feel contractions. I felt the pushing because the epi transfered to my stomach. The doc would say push this away and I told him not to do that because it really hurt more than the baby. He didn't know I could feel anything either. I really only pushed for 15 min. Besides taking longer than I expected for the petosin to get to a high enough dose, the labor and delivery was easy. I have uaually waited as long as I could and then got the epidural, but I wanted to be comfortable and I am glad because of how long it took I was relaxed. I was impatient towards the end because I wanted the same nurses and they worked 12 hrs that ended at 7pm. We made it 4 min to spare.

Ian

Here are a few pictures of Ian and I a few minutes after he was born.

we're home

Well we are home of course they didn't keep us at the hospital for 6 days. We got out Thanksgiving Day about 430pm and got home and an hour later had a beautiful dinner from my visiting teachers. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. Everyone has been so kind and thoughtful volunteering to come and take the kids, bring meals, I am so blessed. Thanks for the calls of congrats for the new baby. I know I have forgotten to call a few of you ie. Laurie etc, but we are doing fine. Ian Layne Partridge was born 11-25-08 at 656pm 19in and 7lb11oz. The last few nights he has gone to bed around 1000pm and wakes about 2 and again at 6. I really hope that keeps up but know life is not always as I want it. We saw the doc on sat. and he weighed the same as when we were discharged on thurs. I am so happy he hasn't lost weight.

The kids are so cute with him. Ty wouldn't let anyone hold him for a while at the hospital and kept saying my baby. Johnny in the morning before going to the hospital, reached as high on my belly as he could and did circular rubs saying, I love you and cant wait to give you kisses, and when he saw the picture, he was so excited and was telling the family, my brother is here, and I love him so much. Adam is wonderful and wants to hold him all the time. He is so gentle and kind to everyone and no exception for Ian. Sam is a big help and loves to hold him and has done so for an hour without wanting to let him go after the hour was up.

The labor took longer than I expected. With Ty, I received the petosin, at 9 and had him 3 hrs later. With Ian I got the petosin at 9 and had him at almost 7. I was impatient.

Joe got me a mint hot chocolate from starbucks and I think I'm addicted. the kids were jealous and I told them they could have their own hot chocolate when we got home but no one in the car gave birth to a baby but me and I needed a treat. I think it worked for a few minutes until I took another sip of it and they asked for hot coco again.

I have had a very nice time having Joe home for the week. I was able to sleep anytime I wanted and Joe helped the house stay clean. I really loved that the house was clean when I got home from the hospital and while Joe has been home. It's sure been nice to not worry about it.

I can't wait to have my mom come and the kids are so excited too. They miss all the friends and family they know and they think of you often.

home

well Joe is home and I don't have to stress about him not being here for the birth of the baby. :) I set up a facebook acount for Joe first, after Amber had fun finding a friend from childhood. Joe has been looking for a friend from his mission for years now and I thought facebook could help. No luck yet. Then I set up my acct and have been having fun looking up family and friends I have lost contact with. Everyday I think of someone I could look up and it is good to go down memory lane.
we are having a relaxing day today, Tyler and Sammi had the stomach flu last night. yuck!!!! I said a while back that I didn't want the stomach flu while in labor and I still stick to that. I really hope it passes the rest of us by. Tues is the day and hopefully it will go by fast and easy as possible:). I'll post pictures asap.

War memorial

We went to the war memorial last weekend and let the kids have the camera to take pictures of what they wanted. the picture of Sam and Adam outside was taken by Johnny. I think the kids had a blast using the camera themselves. We had about 30 candids of themselves, eachother, pictures in books. It was great but way too many. it was very cold that day. The humidity sure makes the cold different.

more picts

here are more

loading pictures

well I finally found the cord to download some pictures I thought were fun of that orchard, and pumpkin picking. I know it was a while back but still fun.

growing belly

I thought you might like to see the growing belly. I am 37 weeks and really have less than 2 weeks till induction. (sounds like a turkey) Unless... he comes early. I only hope Joe is there.

views on America

I would love anyone to check out my friend Kelly's blog and read what she posted on 10-28 and read it. I think that is why I love her she is so right on and since I don't want to plagerize, you can read her words because I believe the same ways. I know I don't talk politics, and you can understand the way I think by reading that post. It is a very long post but well worth it.

Childrens museum

Today we went to the Children's museum. I heard it was amazing and that really doesn't describe it. The museum is filled 4 stories of activities for the kids. Right now they have a haunted house and are building a wing on to make room for a Lego station. I really have not seen anything like this place. I took a few pictures. Some didn't turn out. I think a family pass for the year will really be smart. You could really spend a whole day in each room on every floor and never get bored. I went with a good friend, she has a year pass plus two extra for free. really smart idea. The picts that turned out were on the carousel, and one of Tyler with a load of foam rocks. Ty looks upset on the carousel, but he was enthralled with the music that he really didn't focus on anything else. The pool balls had a ton of neat ways to go up and down and had the kids help with the process. Ty could have stayed there all day.

11-25

Looks like 11-25 will be the day for induction of the baby. Of course I could go into labor any time before that. I have a great support system here. The family we stayed with when we first moved here are happy adoptive grandparents and are willing to take the kids for a few days if needed. Rachael is going to take time off work to watch them for us. I feel so blessed to have such great friends everywhere.

7 years of Adam

I know it's late and the month is almost over, but here are a few pictures of our 7 year old Adam. Happy Birthday! We love you and are so glad you are a part of our family. You are sensitive, love to please, are wonderful at playing with others, and loved by all around you.

Nature hike

Some of the pictures are from the Orchard.

well we went on another nature hike. we took the camera this time and the video camera. I sure don't like this stage of pregnancy for me. I don't like what this weight does to my body. I don't like pictures of myself. Sooo I wont post them.

We went off trail today and had fun trying to be quiet. in the fall and 6 pairs of feet stomping the ground is very loud. I tried to have everyone listen and try to be quiet with their feet. It didn't last very long. The hike wasn't a very long hike and Johnny complained the entire time. He usually is in the lead and dosn't want to stop. I told myself he would need to take a nap next time. Then we got to the car Johnny's eyes were pouring puss. Pinkeye! yuck! He couldn't breathe and started to loose his voice. sounded like an alergic reaction to me. We went to the doctor on Sat and he had pink eye, bronchitus, and an ear infection. He couldn't talk for about 1 week. He tried and the feeble attempts made him very pathetic sounding. Oh when I took him to the doctor, he had to bring his teddy bear. MR. BEAR. He was so cute! no energy and carring around his bear. Sure beats a cranky sick kid. You can't help but want to snuggle someone so cute.

pumpkins

Well we went like so many others to get pumpkins. I love the look of pumpkins and kids in pictures. Watching little kids pick a pumpkin and then thro it down because they see another one in the pumpkin patch. I have been three times to the orchard that is close by us and have loved each time. The first was with one mom and our combined five kids, next was with Joe just our fam, and the last time was a bunch of moms I know with tons of kids. I think there were 10 moms. This time a few of us were given an opertunity to go pick an apple and go on a tractor ride. I had the 4 kids and I couldn't pass that up since they only let you ride when it's the weekend. The apples were so good. I want an apple tree.

adventures

Today has seemed like I have done so much and not accomplished anything. I cleaned and by the end of the day it really didnt look like i did anything. I almost didnt want to vacuum after dinner because it seemed like what is the use its going to get dirty again. Of course i vacuumed. I enjoy vacuuming. the vacuum is so loud it drounds out the noise around me and i feel like im all alone. the house is very small so dosnt take long. i guess there is my alone time that everyone wonders when i get it.
The other day i decided to have Johnny do the dishes and he did such a great job. I want him to do chores, and dont know what to have him do some times. He was so serious, and never complained about how many there were. he even asked to do more. (none were left). I love it when i dont get resistance when i ask for a chore to be done.
Yesterday, a friend with her kids and I took the little boys to an orchard and had fun. For those from Cali, a one orchard Apple Hill would almost describe this place. Minus the vendors. It was very nice and the kids went to a petting farm, slid down a slide, playing on tractors, picked a pumpkin, ate an apple, and sat in a train. the train wasnt av. for us they were doing school tours. Oh there were tractor rides on the wkend. Johnny and Tyler loved the train and tractor. Ty went down the huge slide by himself. I didnt know he was going to do it himself and he came down head first. He cried. It is a big black tube, looked like an irrigation tube. I am glad i wnt with this friend. its nice to be one on one sometimes instead of a big group. better to get to know each other. Sometimes about 3 people are good because some one has something to say. I have a hard time thinking of stuff to say. I really dont mind the quiet, and some times people like others to think of things to say:) My friend said she was the same about the quiet times, she didnt mind them either. I want to take the fam back this weekend I live finding new places to go that are outside.
I have been making the kids stay outside as long as possible the last few days. I know winter will come soon and I love fort them to be out side. it is still about 80 durring the day and i guess im just used to lots of snow in a week. Ty never wants to come in and screams when he has to. even when he has been out side for hours. well he is crying and hitting me to let him back out side got to go.

bike ride

Last weekend we went for a nice hike around a lake in the state park. We have a season pas there but I lost it. We love being out side and the kids never seem to want to stop. Even when we were hiking in the Smokies, in really rugged trails advanced hiking, they only stopped because Joe and I thought it was getting tough. We were hiking for about 40 min. and only passing people that were week hikers and they were stunned all the kids were in the lead. This last weekend was nothing like that, just a nice 1.5 mile walk around the lake, with a few stairs to climb. no boulders to scale.
We went on a nice bike ride today. We decided to buy a bike chair for Ty to sit in. We put it on the bike when we got to the trail. That was frustrating. Its going back. Id much rather spend the money and get something I'll use for a long time. I was wanting to save $ again and I have really begun to believe buy it once more money, more likely I wont break it or it wont need to be replaced. The same with furniture, bookshelves buy a solid wood one and it wont break when you move. The seat thing worked fine. I know I will want to get a trailer later and why settle.
We had a great time biking, Johnny constantly looks around I think he doesn't want to get hit, and petals as fast as he can most of the time. I didn't get much of a wkout mostly coasted. The belly is getting in the way a little. I don't have a road bike I really have to lean over. Mtn bike not meant I think for leisure rides on flat smooth surfaces. Yes I did resist jumping my bike. I also didn't clip in just in case the slow going had to come to a fast stop.haha Adam usually leads the way and Sam was right with him. I am so glad she is getting so good at riding. Tyler would smile when he would pass me. I think he enjoyed riding the bike too. I really enjoy being outside. The weather is still nice here. getting to the 50s some nights but the days are still nice. I am excited to have a much milder winter here than I have had for years.
On John and Kate plus 8 Kate said once she couldn't keep up with all the picts anymore. I have never done well, but it's getting frustrating, both beautiful places we have been the last few wkends, I didn't have the camera. I need to hire someone to go to the fun times we have and take picts for me.

visit with the fam

This past weekend I went to Utah and visited with my family. The plane trip was good but I had a head cold and my ears popped and hurt the entire time. When I landed in Utah my right ear didn't pop. I had a sore throat and talking was difficult. I couldn't hear Layne very well and Layne couldn't hear me very well either. What a site.

I went to the Temple with Cory It was so nice to go with him. I have only had my mom to go with in the family members and It was so nice to have another family member to go with. I would have loved to have Amber there too but maybe next time I'm in town. My Mom Amber and Josh were in a 5 K and they did so well. I am so excited they all did so well. My Mom placed 1st in the women overall, Amber 1st in her age, and I think Josh came in 3rd in his age.

I had such a wonderful time. I have never been anywhere without the kids. I know I was different and easier to talk to. Except I had a head cold that I felt awful the whole time. I thought it was a sinus infection, but the antibiotics didn't help at all, and I am now starting to feel a little better. My ears still pop and have a lot of pressure and I cant swallow very well, and I cough. But I can talk better and my throat doesn't hurt so much.

For my brothers farewell, Whitney and I kind of forced everyone to sing as a family for the farewell. I felt bad that I didn't even have a bit of singing voice to lend to the song. Cory had a wonderful talk he gave. I really have not heard him speak so much. I loved hearing really how he understands the gospel, and can articulate that. I am so glad I came to be there for him I really have great memories and excited to see him in a few years and see the difference in him too.

My mom and Layne had a wonderful lunch for about 80 people after and it was wonderful to see family again. My Dad was there. The times I am there never gives enough time to do all that I want, and I didn't get to see him but a little before church and for the lunch social and there was a lot of people for to much one on one time. I am glad I was able to see him then.

We had a lot of time at Mom's house to socialize and I loved it. Getting to spend the time with all my sisters for so long and with Cory was wonderful. I really wish I could have felt good. Oh well I tried my best.

Joe had a great time with the kids. I think they all really needed the time with him, just him. I think we all appreciate each other more.

I read the Midnight Sun on the Internet. of course it's not finished and will not be but I enjoyed it very much. Of course we all wish Stephenie Meyer would finish any way. I know we would still pay full price to read the book. There is so much left to the story. Well I cant think of that anymore.

The kids are great. Sammi keeps forgetting her home work because she talks at the wrong time. I really think she will get in trouble soon.I don't blame them. I don't remember if I said she is taking violin lessons. She is so excited. I need to get Adam in something like soccer or something. He wants to do something too. Johnny is having fun with me at home. we haven't done a lot of school yet I don't have the school curriculum and don't feel up to making my own up at the moment. Tyler is fun but sick at the moment. He constantly sits on my lap and wants my undivided attention. Adam stayed home sick today. I really hope this cold doesn't spread around the house. It seems to be staying long. I also don't want an er trip in the middle of the night because someone cant breathe.

I can't stay awake!

Oh I wrote this whole thing and then I lost it. Makes me so mad.
I cant seem to stay awake past 9am I am so tired. I am typing away to keep my eyes open. I cant seem to stay awake during the day and at night I cant fall asleep. I hope it is not a sign of things to come. I have always thought that being pregnant and not sleeping helps with the adjustment of a new baby and no sleep. I really hope this will not be the case.
Joe has dental surgery today to get a titanium post put in. He will be out the rest of the day. Horrible thoughts of getting dental surgery to get some much needed sleep... how sick!
We had a great weekend. Joe and Sammi went on a Father-daughter date and went to a luau. Joe said I should have taught the dancing. The teacher he said was dancing like a stiff. Definitely no hip movement. What is hula without hip movement.. just stepping to the side. They had fun and made a few crafts and went for frozen custard afterwards.
I took the boys to play miniature golf. Adam made a hole in one and a few in 2. He said it was the funnest day he had in a long time.(punk) and I'm glad. Then we went to get a hot dog and frozen custard. I reluctantly shared the custard. Johnny sure is more a natural hockey player. He would swing the club the first time on each setup great, and then push the ball to the hole with his club. I was very cute. Adam is a natural. I think it was the first time for both of them.

I have a new phone number

Oh I forgot, I have a new phone number. Email me and I 'll let you know what it is. Love you all. Also if you didnt get a christmas card last year and want one email me your address I will get started early so they will actually get out soon after the baby is here.

Kids are back in school

Well the kids are back in school and are liking this school much better than the one the went to the last few weeks of the year last year. In the beginning we had some annoying problems with the bus. Now its just a lot of bad kids on the bus. I have the kids now sitting back together and I hope that will take some anxiety away from both of them. It is hard to decide what to do because Adam is sitting beside a good kid and that boy will be alone and surrounded by boys that pick on others, or protect Adam. Protect Adam wins hands down. I just feel for the loan boy. Hopefully he will be ok.
Joe just had his bday and spent the whole weekend writing an eight page paper. We later went to a ward activity and swam in the pool. A break for a little bit. What a way to spend your 40th. I made a nice lunch and apple pie. The gifts didnt get here. They came this week oh well he will like them.
I am going to go visit my family in Utah for Cory's farewell. I am not going to take anyone with me. I know the kids really miss family and Whitney has never seen Tyler. I know my limits and taking even Tyler as a lap child, while pregnant or not getting in at out 200 am would be stupid. I think all of us need time away from each other. Daddy needs alone time with them too. I am really excited to see everyone. Adam said he misses Whitney the most and wants to see her. I reminded him that we live close to her and we will see them some other time. The family stuff, like baptisms, performances, activities, I really miss sharing with family. We never really did except with Hyrum and Kristi when we both lived in the same town in Wyoming. I know we chose to move far away and that is one of the draw backs of living far. It is just hard when you are reminded by little kids wishing to be close to family.
I got new sheets for the kids and they love them the t shirt kind. Johnny told me I couldnt sleep on his bed to take naps with him anymore because I would mess up his soft sheets. I definitely couldnt sleep on his pillow. I had to tickle the serious kid. He also said they looked like his cousin Makenzis bed and I needed to keep it perfectly made like her bed. Tyler loves Sams sheets they have butterflies and he looks at them and said pree and hugs the pretty sheets.
We are going to start Sam in violin lessons. They have a program at school. She has always loved the sound and has asked for years. She knows she cant give up and has to commit for a long time. We picked up the Violin today. She told me that she can play Grandma a song for Christmas. I smiled and told her she will have to practice everyday and she might get really frustrated and that she shouldnt be hard on herself if she hasnt mastered the violin by Christmas. (my impatient with self and perfectionist child):)She will do great.

Tennesee and North Carolina Picts

Tyler needed a break, so happy to be out of the van.
The kids on a rest stop in the Smokies
A pict of the rainy campsite
The Biltmore in NC

Thought you all would like to see the growing belly