An interesting week

I guess interesting is the right word. We've had crazy weather with the potential for flooding, and a quest to take care of the critters under our house has left us wishing we hadn't with every breath we take (the stench is almost unbearable).

She's pretty proud of her new accomplishment: "dressing" herself!

Visiting sweet baby Robert
The refinery where Steve works
Kendra's birthday party was a treat for everyone!
Our water baby... Holly wouldn't look at the camera because she was too busy trying to get back in the pool. She would walk right over the edge into the water if we let her... no fear at all!

Birthday cake afterwards

This and that...

Recent progress on our house; the ubiquitous big looming garage out front wasn't our preference but we are definitely spoiled nevertheless.

We enjoyed having Steve E. over on Sunday...

and of course the kids enjoyed him, always a kid-magnet!
I'm sure he will make a great father some day.
the two Steve's
Marie & Em playing in Joel's tiny room
Lately for fun I've been learning some new, more challenging songs on piano (haven't done it for years). This shows just how much Steve loves it, and my great skill :) (look closely at his ear)

No difference between boys and girls

Whoever said that didn't have kids, I'm thinking... Joel may play house with his sisters and let them put nail polish on him and carry a "purse" (to his dad's chagrin), but he's all boy :)

Playing with the neighbor's pup

Day of rest

Old faithful done in with 280,000 miles

A few idiots can ruin it for everyone... Steve was driving home from work, and after stopping to wait for a train, he got smacked from behind by someone who wasn't paying attention. It was so forceful that he hit the car in front of him, and they in turn hit the next vehicle. Then the guy took off before anyone got his license plate! He likely has no insurance and we don't have full coverage on our good old Honda, so we might be out quite a few thousand too, plus a vehicle. It still ran like a charm and we got new tires last week, so it's sad to let it go.

Congratulations!

We're so happy for Nicole & Geoffrey's recent engagement last night. Welcome to the family Geoffrey! Nic, I stole your pic since I didn't have one... yet :)