Family Time

While we spent the last few days saying goodbye to Gram and laying her to rest, we did have some great family time! Ava had a blast playing with all of her cousins and spending time with Jeremy and Ashley.

Playing superhero's with her cousins

Chumming around with Hannah

Combing Gage's hair

Jeremy and Ashley

Daddy and his older kids

We would like to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers over the last week. There have been some definite ups and downs, but we are looking forward to getting back to schedules/work/school this week!!

And I'll leave you with this...I just love my girl!!

Katherine Marie Houghtaling

On September 2, 2012 at 5:20 pm, Heaven gained another angel. Katherine Marie Houghtaling was a godsend to all who knew her and I was lucky enough to be her daughter in law. Though I only had 10 short years with this amazing woman, I will never forget a minute spent with her. She was truly happy, never said a negative word about anything or anyone, and found joy in her family. Every Christmas, birthday, Easter, anniversary we could always count on a homemade card signed affectionately Mom Ho. She loved her family and they loved her. And we were fortunate enough to surround her and fill her room with love as she took the journey to spend eternity with The Lord.

God Bless You, Gram! Thank you for being you. You will never be forgotten.

Gram will be laid to rest on September 8. We chose this day because it would have been her 95th birthday. How special for her!

The Fresh Beat Band

Tonight I took Ava and Jordyn to see The Fresh Beat Band at the Toledo Zoo!

It was a great show! It started at 6:00, which was kind of a pain in the beginning but was totally beneficial when the show wrapped up at 7:30!!

There was lots of singing, dancing, and clapping! And Fresh Beat Band did alot of it too!! We saw Jada and lots of other friends, too!

I had a small overwhelming moment at the concert. I was just so happy to be able to take her to this concert and seeing how much she loved it! I am just so proud of her and how far she has come.

To see this look on her face when they took the stage...

It was like she couldn't believe it was real! LOVE.
I would say it was a pretty successful night. T-shirts, flashlights, beautiful weather, and popcorn??

Who could ask for anything more??

Movin' On Up!

It's official. My four year had moved to the four year old room. Sigh...Although it seems this tradition is going to better!! Woohoo!!

1st Day in Four Year Old Room

And here she is one year ago...1st Day in Three Year Old Room

And (sniff, sniff), 1st Day in Two Year Old Room

My girl is growing up!!

Gymnastics is Back!

The fall season of gymnastics has started back up. Unfortunately, it has moved from Wednsday evenings to Saturday mornings. Though we are usually up by then, we are usually busy on Saturdays. I hope we can make it as often. Ava was super excited to get back and got right back into the swing of things.

And I so wish this picture was in focus. Alaina is a little girl in her class. She was fussin' a bit and her mom told her to straighten up. Ava asked her mom "why you mad at her?" Her mom said "she isn't listening, will you tell her to listen to me?" And that she did...LOL!

Let's Go Comets!!!

The long awaited time has come! Football Friday!!! This past Friday marked the start of football season for the Comets. Though I didn't take my camera to the game, I snapped one of my girl before!!

We beat Ottawa Hills 58-7. Great start to the season!!

Dinner with Jada

We caught up with our friend, Jada tonight! She sure has changed since we saw her last year! Ava, of course, treated her like a little baby. And had a complete meltdown when John held Jada. Oh, I can't wait to see how she does with a sister!!