Well, it is hard to believe but the most anticipated event of our summer has come and gone. We returned from our three week vacation to Michigan and are back at home trying to settle back in to life as normal. Despite some illnesses and less-than-perfect weather, we had a wonderful time. We got to do a lot of things AND relax. We were finally there long enough that I didn't feel rushed to try and accomplish all we wanted to do. I think we were all a little sad to have to leave but I'm sure it will be good to be back home again - once we get all settled in. I had all these great intentions of using my time away to get caught up on my blog and, well, you can see that did not happen. Our week in Ludington, we were all in one room so to get the kids to sleep meant lights off for everyone. Once we got to my parents', the boys forgot how to go to bed at a normal hour, so it was often 10 or later before I could get them to stay in bed. And once I did, the internet seemed to be on the blink - every night! What were the chances, right? So, needless to say, I have a lot of work to do to get caught up. Hope you hang in there to follow our escapades. We really did have a great trip. And now, July is almost over. How is that possible? So, wish me luck on unpacking, laundering, and most importantly getting used to being just me 'against' the three kids. Much thanks to our hosts and to Christopher for allowing our extended getaway. Now, is it too early to start planning our next vacation?
That bittersweet day arrived. Miss Abigail Mae had her FIRST birthday! Her big brothers and I took her to the farmer to celebrate - and she didn't cry, so she must have enjoyed it. After daddy got home, we went to the swimming pool. She really likes that... While this past year has been anything but easy on our family it has been a wonderful adventure. It is hard to believe one little girl could add so much love and happiness to a household. None of us can see her without beaming - and she more often than not returns the smile. 99% of her awake time is spent smiling, squealing, clapping, or singing. (The other one percent is screaming that we aren't feeding her fast enough.) This past month she started crawling on hands and knees and she is quick! Just this past week she and Grandma Bonnie worked a lot on pulling up. (I think that means we have some time before she is walking and I am quite alright with that.) She continues to be an excellent eater and is totally focused. She does not utter a word until she is done. (Unless, like I mentioned before, we are not serving her fast enough.) She still loves her brothers, although more from a distance - as they love her just as much but with a lot more touching. She is getting in to books and loves to sit and turn pages. I think she is actually getting her top two molars this week, which brings her teeth total to 10. We just couldn't have asked for a better baby had we picked one ourselves. We have loved these past 365 days and look forward to many, many more. Happy birthday, baby girl!!! 
