Big events....

We were able to spend last night at a wedding in town. Everything was beautiful, the bride radiant, and it was fun to spend the evening with friends. It was the first wedding that we've attended in Ohio since we've returned. I am posting a few pictures and remembering a lovely evening. Congrats to the new, happy couple!

This morning was Kristianna's birthday bash. She got to celebrate a week early due to a crazy schedule next week and turned our log home Hawaiian! She had planned this event for weeks and was a bit sad when it all ended but she and the girls seemed to enjoy the day.

Happy almost birthday, Kristianna!

First Jenny Claire, now Clarabelle

About 9 or 10 years ago we were introduced to Jenny Claire. We were at my friend April's house and spotted our eldest talking to someone who appeared to be there. I watched her for a bit and was shocked to discover that this very animated conversation was being held (to my eyes) with a wall. That is when I discovered that my little girl had a huge imagination and a new best friend.
Over then next few years Jenny Claire came with us on vacations, shopping, and even to church. I vividly remember having to back the van up in the driveway and open the door because I drove away before Jenny Claire was able to get in the van! Once when Kristianna was praying for lunch at Kris's grandparents winter rental in FL she stopped mid-sentence to say, "Jenny Claire! Stop talking!" and continued on with her little prayer!
Kristianna could hardly wait for me to wake up yesterday with news she has discovered. Isabel apparently has a friend named Clarabelle. Now that I have had a few more years at parenting and have witnessed a little girl with imaginary friends host parties for real ones I am not surprised and wonder what adventures await with little Clarabelle!

Our Birch Tree Experiment

Susan and I have come to realize that there is a certain tree that reminds us of our childhood more then any other. We grew up in upstate NY where these graceful trees lived in abundance. Kris brought home 7 birch trees for me when he ran his marathon last week and we have planted them around our property despite being told that they will not grow here. I have seen about 5 in this area already. Our trees are too immature to see what type of birch trees they will be when they grow up. Will they be black, yellow, or white? Will they survive? I was encouraged when I heard the story of one of the trees Mom rescued in NY. It was growing on an abandoned vehicle in an old grain sack! No dirt, no cultivation, just a tangle of roots in a decaying bag! We are enjoying the beautiful leaves now and they are a nice contrast to the many maple trees on our property already. I forgot how cool the leaves sound when they rustle in the wind. It is a very different sound then the maples. I am posting some pictures of last summer's trip to NY that show these beautiful birches and hope that you can understand why I believe that this experiment is worth trying.