Julia was riding in the car with Mama and playing with a handful of Little People figurines. I hear a little voice announce to the figurines that they are going to play bible study. “John, Peter, and Jesus go up a mountain” she says. The mama excitement builds as I listen to hear what she has gleaned from bible study and the transfiguration story. She continues, “And then they see the ice castle”. Well ok, we need to work a little on the details but if Jesus really is the King as we have told her him having his own castle doesn’t seem like much of a stretch to a five-year-old. The little people bible study continues in the back seat in quiet tones that Mama can’t make out so who knows what happens to the trio next, but Mama was joyful at the treasures that have been hidden in her heart.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these .” -Matthew 19:14

To say that Emily was excited about her birthday would be an understatement. She counted down to the day, picked where we would go and eat, gave her suggestions for gifts, picked her cake design, and put up with her mama’s teasing about not getting gifts. Mama and Julia joined her for a birthday lunch at school. We shared tiny ice cream cones with her class.

She requested a pink butterfly cake. Emily was delighted with the outcome and assisted with the decorating. 

Making her wish.

Julia was excited about Emily’s birthday. One morning on the way to school Mama teased Emily that when you turn a birthday with a seven in it you don’t get gifts that year. It was quite the discussion. Emily didn’t believe it, but she put her heart into the reasons that included gifts in the birthday. Interesting enough Julia never joined in the conversation. She and Mama were about to go and buy her gift for Emily after dropping Emily off, so she knew information to the contrary of what Mama was saying. She is learning a teasing side to life also. After dropping Emily off at school Julia had several comments that she had saved and shared with Mama.

Emily was right, there were gifts! What a fun day we had with all that we did. We love you big girl!

It was a good year! Looking forward to the memorable and everyday moments of 2014.

Queen Elizabeth and Bessie the Cow wish you a happy Halloween. The girls seem to enjoy dressing up more than collecting candy. But they do like the candy and will eat as much (if not more) as they can get their hands on.

Bovine joy!

We enjoyed the face painting at the Trunk-n-Treat we visited.

A kiss from the Queen to finish out the day!

Five years old! Hard to believe it of our baby girl. She is old enough to ask that we not call her our baby anymore, but that she will always be. Julia is our happy, smiley, fun loving girl who still shakes when expressing her joy. We love how well you play with your sister and by yourself. This year with your true voice has been a delight even if you found quite a lot of volume. We hope your birthday is a wonderful one!

Fall is here, but we are still having warm weather to enjoy it. We took a hike with our grandparents at the local arboretum. Emily kept asking to walk father and loved the day. Julia liked exploring and finding fun sticks to use as walking sticks.

Who doesn’t love crossing a bridge and watching the water flow beneath it.

Fall sunshine is the best for bringing out smiles.

Big sisters are always good for giving kisses!