Baby love

A couple of weeks ago, a friend came over with her kids and also a baby she cares for during the day. Rachel was immediately drawn to the baby and held her arms out saying "hold her". So I had her sit on the couch and helped her hold the baby.
















So sweet! It is not very often that I think about what it would be like to have more kids but when I see something like this, my mind just goes there. Rachel would be a good big sister. I think she'll have to settle for being a big cousin. And I should probably clarify that the baby was waiting for her bottle - she wasn't opposed to Rachel touching her face.

Random Cuteness!

These were taken by my dad a couple weeks ago on a beautiful spring day. I absolutely love their expressions! And it cracks me up that Rachel's face looks similar to the one from a year ago seen here. It's fun to look back and see how they have changed and what is still the same.

Doesn't he look so serious?

Peeking her head out the window

Ready to go!

I don't even know what to call this. :)

Book list updated

Here is what I have been reading since the last time I wrote this - this is more for my sake than anyone else's.

The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien (Yes! I finally finished one book off my list!)
Firefly Lane, Kristin Hannah
Cage of Stars, Jacquelyn Mitchard
Bel Canto, Ann Patchett

Hmm, I guess I have slowed down with my reading lately. I committed to finishing The Hobbit before starting something else and I know that was part of it. I enjoyed the book but wasn't always eager to pick it up. For one thing, it took me longer to read and I get impatient. I think I will re-read at some point now that I know the story and how it goes. Then I can read it quicker and also get more out of it the 2nd time around.

I'm glad I only picked 5 books as a goal for this year! At the rate I'm going, I might have a hard time finishing all of those.

Tori's birthday poem

The birthday girl! Please forgive the face paint - I am not an artist. I thought it would be simple but the poor kids who had me paint their face ended up looking like they had a disease. At least the ears were cool! And here is her birthday poem:

My name is Tori and I'm seven so I'll say

I'd like 100 dresses for my special day

Going outside is a wonderful thing

Dad gets me "busy" spinning on the swing

Basketball is the latest sport for me

Fightin' the big girl is my specialty

My best friend changes every other week

It's usually the last girl with whom I speak

I haven't met a dog that I don't like

And I'll always have training wheels on my bike

I've liked to go shopping since the day I was born

My Mom got me addicted to Target popcorn

Last thing for me that's become a trend

I can read a book from beginning to end!

Some background info: Tori says "busy" instead of "dizzy" , a few weeks ago she couldn't find a dress to wear to church and was very upset and said she wanted 100 dresses for her birthday, when she plays defense, she calls it "fighting". She constantly amuses us with what comes out of her mouth, even though, according to her, she is not funny! Josh captured her perfectly.