Celebr8ing Opal!

A Little Flower mask for our Little Flower... Because 2020 :-D

Thank for the gifts, Grandma and Grandpa!

And one from her godparents

What a fun day celebrating this kind, tender-hearted, silly, creative girl turning eight! She was so happy just to join me at the store in the afternoon (the first time she’d been since before Covid) but spent the rest of the day playing with some new gifts with siblings and cousins and enjoying some Noodles & Co. and cake. We are so blessed to call her ours!

Zeke is four months!

He loves his Bashful

Four months have passed since this big guy arrived on the scene, and I finally feel like we've brought him home- we moved back into our house two weeks ago! (Apologies to anyone who gave us meals or sent gifts after he was born- I am FINALLY getting around to getting out thank-yous!)

Zeke is SUCH a sweetie and doles out so many smiles. He still steals the show around here with his siblings, who dote over him whenever I bring him out in the mornings or after naps. But when he's not happy, he can really belt it out. He's already showing a strong preference for his Mama, which is kind of endearing, except for when I'd like Mike to help out with putting him down on occasion. He is NOT happy about that. Most of the time, he sleeps pretty well, only waking twice in the night or so to nurse. He's starting to be more interactive, showing more interest in toys and books and his hands. He likes sitting up in his Bumbo seat on the table when we're all at the table or kicking enthusiastically on his play mat. He does not care for his car seat and screams and arches his back whenever he's placed there. We'll keep him, though. He sure is a sweet and CUTE little dumpling.

Early October

These geoboards I bought as a quiet activity to do during Morning Time have been such a hit with all of the kids (even Jack, whose board is the last intricate board pictured, but he didn't want to be photographed.)

As a surprise, the girls made the most delicious cinnamon rolls for breakfast one morning.

And Abigail made a couple of loaves of this yummy bread- this was what was left.

Oh, Joel.

Because we don't have enough excitement in our lives right now ;-P, we got a new goat, named Willow. She's was a friend's goat, and she's a pure Alpine, so she won't get nearly as big as our giant Alpine Nubians (she's 6.5 months).

So far, she's acclimated very well and is super sweet. When we first brought her home, she followed the girls all over her new pasture.

I got to go into our Catholic Schoolhouse meeting and teach art (sand art mandalas) in person last week- it was so fun. I really miss being there every week, but so far, having Jack and Abigail Zoom into their meeting has been working well.

Here, they're doing a science experiment looking at different starches under a microscope.

Making some Native American bags

His sisters have too much fun with him.

Sweet sunuggler <3

After nearly eight months of living in temporary houses, we FINALLY get to move back home on Saturday! Understatement: We are excited. Eek!!!