Summer Vacation 2010

I have't posted in so long, so I am doing a MAJOR update on US!

This summer we went on a road trip with Jaala 3years old and Naomi 4months old! We should just call it an adventure, because it was one we will never forget. Traveled to Wisconsin, staying with Mom and Tim for two weeks. Enjoyed the 4th of July, celebrated Matthew's 28th Birthday, Chuckie Cheese for the first time, Eagle River Cabin, swam in the Lake, and had some major much needed family time! After that, we went to Paul and Kathy's summer home, and enjoyed time with Oma, Opa, Joshua, and Rachel. We went to a Dairy Farm, swam in the local pool, went to the park, movies, and dinner. The last leg of our trip consisted of, the Barnes Family Reunion 2010, in Cedar Falls, IA. We stayed in a hotel, swam in the local pool/water park, and had a great time seeing the Barnes' again. The trip was needed and enjoyed! We're so grateful, we had the chance to go back and see everyone again!

Happy Father's Day Matthew!

Happy Father's Day Matthew, I couldn't imagine sharing this crazy journey of parenthood with anyone else! I love all your support, love, encouragement, and dedication to our family! Thank you for loving us every day, as we spend forever together! I love you my sweet husband, and daddy, to our sweet girls Jaala Grace and Naomi Rose!

VBS

Jaala went to Vacation Bible School at our Church this past week, she learned about different missionaries of Senegal, China, Australia, and Mozambique. Here is a picture of her hat, baby carrier, and her passport from all the countries she "went" to this past week. She actually already has her own passport, when we went to Germany to see Matthew's parents.

What Jaala is doing at Three!

Jaala turned three, June 3rd and I wanted to share some of the things she is doing and saying:

• Spicy personality, enjoys saying "NO" and runs from me, when she is in trouble. Fun!
• Loves interacting with stuffed animals, and pretends a lot, likes to play with her friends, even when there not "there"
• independent, starting to dress, go potty, wash herself in the bath
• Helps with her sister, giving her toys, pacifier when needed, always gives her hugs and kisses too
• loves the pool, swims in the deep end by herself, with a tube
• caring friend, shares better every day
• starting to understand jokes and being funny. She told me the other day, "I am a boy, isn't that funny?"
• New big words she enjoys saying: delicious, best friend, and favorite
• Talks about being scared and monsters in her room
• Starting to ride her tricycle, and starting learning how to pedal
• Dances and sings a lot still, we sing the made-up Train, Mommy, and Daddy song
• Matthew and I have noticed that three seems a little harder than two, she has a strong personality, but still such a sweet, loving girl. She often tells us, "I miss you and love you!"
• Enjoys Moppets, Sunday School, and Theater Time at our local Library

Happy 3rd Birthday Jaala Grace!

Jaala turned 3, June 3rd, her Golden Birthday! We invited Kayla, Caitlin, Violet, Abby, and Ella over for games, pizza, and cake! She enjoyed her Frog party. We played pin-the-fly on the frog, caught bugs (bubbles) with our fly swatter's. As gifts, she got a puzzle, balls, train tickets to her favorite park, my little pony, play dough, ponies, pony purse, chalk, bubbles, colored pencils, and a new bike! We will have another party when we see the grandparents this summer!