Housing around

Just thought I would share...

Arlee got a house for an early birthday present from Hans' brother, Jens and his family while we were in Utah. Arlee and I colored it. Well, I colored it. Arlee mostly just played and put in her color sense when she felt like it was needed.

 She absolutely loves it. I am so glad that it can come back down since I have nowhere for it to go permanently. We bought more furniture for the girls room so it really can't fit in there and we like to have people come and stay, so it can't fit in the extra room all the time.

 Don't get me wrong... it is a great gift. It goes away when we have people stay. And it is up when we don't.

Thank you Jens and Amy for the wonderful house! As you can imagine it keeps this busy girl entertained.

Lydia's Blessing

When thinking about Lydia's blessing we really wanted everyone to be able to come. Let alone see her for the first time. So before she even arrived we decided to make the trip to Utah and bless her there. Being surrounded by family and friends we had a great trip. Here are a few of the moments caught.

Lydia in her blessing dress. My parents buy the blessing outfits for the grandchildren like my Dad's mom did for us. Thank you to my parents for the adorable dress.

 Sorry to those who didn't get a picture with her in the dress, but were there. It was a hectic day.

 My parents with Lydia.

 Parents with The Girls

 My sister, Kali above and below with her husband, Shawn.

 Not liking this picture of us, but I am glad that we got one, before The Girls got too impossible.

 My brother, Dane

 Four generations! Me, Grandma, Lydia and my mom.

 Of course, we had to get Arlee in on the picture.

 my grandma with The Girls.

 Hans' dad , Alan

 Arlee was given her birthday present a month early so they could see her open it. She loves it. Brock and Arlee had so much fun playing together while we were there. It seems weird they can comunicate and play together. They are growing so fast.

 We didn't want to wait to give Brock his present so he got his early. His birthday isn't until May though. HAHA!

 Three generations! Hans with his parents and Lydia

 Stine and Lydia

Hans' brother, Jens, Brock, Landon and Amy with Lydia

When we were driving down to Utah we stopped and met up with my dad. He was driving his tractor and thought that he would carry on the tradition that he started with my nephew, Jayden. Arlee was supposed to sit in it and honk the horn, but she wouldn't. I am thinking that she didn't really know who my dad was with his hat and sunglasses on. Plus she had not seen him since October. Anyway, it was a short visit since we both needed to keep going.

 My dad and Arlee. As you can see she wasn't up to honking it.

My brother, Brady and his girlfriend, Sara.

Arlee and Lydia with Ulla

This picture wasn't staged at all. My sister, Abbie with her husband, Matt. They would be great parents when the time came. The are still looking for a child to adopt and love. *Pass it along.


Abbie has been working with horses for a non profit organization for a few months now. She has been enjoying it so much. Abbie mentioned going horse back riding and I jumped on the idea. I hadn't been in so long. Hans was a little more hesitant since this was his first time. Jake and Dane wanted to come with us too. We left The Girls with my mom and took off. It was really windy and cold, but we had a lot of fun. I was pretty sore the next few days from it too. My goals were to have fun and not fall off the horse. Mission accomplished!

Abbie instructing Hans how to ride the horse.

Jake getting instruction

After the ride and we are all alive. None of us got thrown off either. It was a blast.

Me with Samson- race horse that was donated since it wasn't fast enough. Hans with Ali.

I have been dying to get Arlee's hair cut and while we were there I decided it was time. She did great!

This trip was made possible by these two little feet! We love both of our girls and are so grateful to have them in our lives. 

Lydia's Baby Shoot

Arlee and I (still pregnant) were at the Coyle's house and she was showing me a couple pictures of her girls after we got into a discussion about who they looked like when they were little and who they look like now. Anyway, after seeing a few pictures I asked her what editing program she was using? Her pictures always look so professional. That is when she told me this is what she did in school. Well graphic design, but still. She was awesome. I absolutely love the pictures. Of course I think they are all adorable because I love my little family. But here are a few of my favorites.

 I love seeing Hans be so affectionate with her. He was like this for Arlee and strangely it was a surprise. I am not surprised anymore, but I am awed by his love for his girls. They are so lucky.

 This one makes me laugh- She really isn't that chunky as you can tell in the next picture.

AWWWWEEEEE!

We love LITTLE MISS so much! Arlee acted so serious in the pictures, but it really makes her day when she can hold "Witty-ya".

Thank you SARA for taking these for us. I love them!

Funny Arlee (missed event)

I forgot to post about this, but it made us laugh so it cannot be skipped over.

Lydia was fussy and Hans was holding her. Arlee takes off and we asked her where she was going. She ran over to the couch and replied:
I think Lydia is hungry daddy. Bring her over and I will feed her in the tent. I want her to eat me!

Hans and I: BURST into laughter