Chillin' at Port Discovery

We had a great couple of (free) hours at Port Discovery's homeschool afternoon. Some of our discoveries included the bubble tube... ...a big green train...

... and what looked to be a really cool exhibit on 'making things', if only it were open.

The best part, by far, was the water area. Of course.

And to make up for an awful lack of Eleanor & Toby photos...

Abigail turns 6!

So we begin the night before, with snuggly girls, asleep...

Hysterical, I know...

Abigail and her birthday dress

Marshmellow-toasting and s'mores-makingScary!

A beautiful sky to end a lovely birthday

Happy birthday, my sweet, funny, crazy, beautiful girl. I adore you!

(Some stuff I've made)

I've found that, as people learn that I enjoy knitting and sewing, they assume that I can make just about anything! I gotta say, I am just not that gifted! I'm still learning a lot, and can honestly say that I learn something new with each new creation. So, here is some things I've made myself, and some things that have faked folks out...

We bought this runner in Liditz, PA

My handbag/nappy bag - this is one of mine (credit to Amy Butler designs, though)!

Crocheted washclothes - me

Amish quilt - definitely not me!!

Crocheted doily - again, you must be kidding! A treasured gift from my Aunt Catherine, who gave this to me at my wedding shower.

Noah's sweater - the one I never thought I'd finish. I'm pleased at how it came out, though it's huge on him (size 3), and the back is somehow shorter than the front. Hmm, not sure about that...

I also made these for breakfast not too long ago. They were more well received than anything else...;)

Dressing up

After school, we (they) had some dressing up time...

This is how Abigail was dressed when she went OUTSIDE to collect the mail, FROM THE MAILMAN (who was very kind not to through the 'crazy' label around).

Anna looks rather cute, I think, in spite of the 'bodice issues'. Ahem

I know, I know, it's just wrong! The girls did it to him and Lord help him, he likes it! As soon as my sewing machine is fixed, I'll get on making up that Batman cape, first thing - promise!!


She's not dressed up, I know (after Noah, I wouldn't allow it). But she's cute. Which is all we need.

Noah discovers the pedal bin

Worth a thousand words, no?

Just some updating

My cutie girl and her hat

The boys
A budding hairstylist...
...and her unwilling victim

The first lost tooth (on the bottom, there - see it?)

A family walk...

...all together

'The Bed Bump Up'...

Eleanor bumping up to the crib in the girls' room (though she's not actually in it...weird)

Then, Noah bumping up to the toddler/big boy bed

I think he'll make out okay...(if he manages to actually stay in it, that is)

My two men

16 August is a big day around here - an anniversary and a birthday...

My big man:

So, 11 years ago Toby and I managed to get through our 'I do's without laughing, the pastor got Toby's name wrong (who's Gary Gayner??), and off we went on our adventure that is marriage...

Fast forward nine years...

My little man:

4.45am. I wake up in a puddle, realizing that the little man is coming a little early. When the midwife examines me, she is distracted by the FOOT she has never felt before! So off to the hospital for one of the more relaxed, fun-filled c-sections the hospital has enjoyed. And in the end, here we are, two years later.

Thanks, Tobes, for 11 years of laughter, love, prayer, joy and babies. I love you more now than ever, seeing you not only as husband and friend, but father and teacher, as well. You are God's greatest blessing to me, and I am honored to be your wife. Where ever you go, I will go...

Thanks, Noah, for 2 years of sticky cuddles, slobbery kisses, awful diapers and more bumps and bruises than one could think possible. You are beautiful, and I adore you. Now, please stop climbing everything!!!

By the way, my husband is very clever. He makes switches and button boards for his little boy for his boy's birthday, and can even make it look like a car! Pretty cool, even though he still can't find a steering wheel for it...