The Word on the Street . . .

. . . is true! I think that the news has spread across the U.S. faster than lightning, but just in case you haven't heard, our family is expecting . . .
TWINS! Yes, you heard it right! We are shocked and excited and scared and feel very blessed all at the same time. This means lots of crazy things for us, but we are so thankful that they are healthy and that they look good so far. I don't know the first thing about being pregnant with twins, or about raising them, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am in my 14th week and feeling good. The last few days I have felt the tug of this a little and have been extremely tired, but if that is the worst I have experienced so far, I am not complaining. Lets all hope and pray that things go well, since it is still early. The girls are so excited. In their prayers every night, they are thankful for the "babies, the twin babies". It is sweet. So there you have it confirmed and for the record, we are thrilled to death!Here are their debut pictures. . .

Lainey Shae is officially one! I can't believe it! It has been a crazy year, but it feels like Lainey has always been a part of our family. She has such a fun personality, and seems to be a natural comedian. She definately knows what she wants and is not one bit afraid to go after it. She holds her own around here with her two big sisters! She is also the most cuddly and affectionate baby that we have had. She loves to hug and kiss and snuggle. She loves to rock and pat my back while I pat hers. She is such a sweetie!

4th of July

We love holidays! The 4th of July is always a favorite of ours. We have been in Iowa for the past several years on the fourth, so we have come up with some fun traditions and the kids love it. The weather was a little crazy, but we still made it to the parade and the fireworks. Thanks to all who defend our freedom!

California

After my cousin's wedding, we headed to California to spend a couple of weeks with my parents. As always, we had a great time. We were trying to regroup from all of our travels, so we did a lot of low key relaxing and swimming. It was really fun to be with my mom and dad and of course the kids loved it. We even got to see Erica, Ella and Mailee. It was great to see them. It is crazy how much we miss all of our friends who moved away! We celebrated Lainey's 1st birthday a few days early with my mom and dad. As you can see, she loved the cake! Poor little baby was really sick, but she still had fun!

Amanda's Wedding

Soon after our trip to Florida, we headed out to AZ for my cousin's wedding. It was so much fun. We had so much family there and so many friends from college. My family took the kiddos for me almost the whole wedding and I got to hang out with some of my best friends in the world. It was so much fun! And Amanda was gorgeous! It was also my cousin, Brett's, mission farewell. He left yesterday for Capetown South Africa! Here is wishing him the best!

Florida

We took an awesome family vacation to Florida! We had so much fun. We went to Disney and went swimming and visited my Grandma who lives there. (she had just fallen and broken her leg--- sad!) All of my family was there- except my bro, Mark and his wife, Kody, (we missed you) and it was so fun to be together. The kids had such a great time wih their cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents! It was great to be able to spend so much time with Aaron, too! The pictures tell it all! Thanks to my family, especially my mom and dad, for such a great time.

My brother playing "the Beast" at Belle's Story Time.





Visiting my Grandpa's grave. We miss him so much!



Hallie's 5th B-day was spent at the Magic Kingdom. We even got to eat in Cinderella's Castle! And Hallie got to drive the monorail!