Some new pics...

Here are Sean and Patience in the Horse Chestnut tree during nicer weather. It's been raining for the past few dasy, which means we've been staying inside. Today is a Danica day, and she arrived this a.m. with Max & Ruby! She's been so generous in sharing with Patience, and it's really cute how they're "play-acting" with them. They got themselves all posed in this shot, and then said, "take a picture of me!" So I did...

The Long-Awaited Family Portraits

Monday, April 23

Here are a few shots from our very busy weekend. It began Friday afternoon where 15 Steitz/Richey/Murphys converged on Yary's portrait studio for Mom's family portrait present (finally!). We think the portraits turned out well; we'll find out for sure sometime this afternoon when the proofs are on their website.

Nathan and Sean went to a cadets OAT this weekend and had a blast. They both came home very tired; Sean slept for nearly 12 hours last night.

Nathan took his driver test again this morning. I wish I could be posting happy news, but, unfortunately, he didn't pass. Hopefully he can get in again to take it soon...they're currently making appointments for the end of June. So much for help with the driving...

Today I'm doing scads of laundry, otherwise laying low.

Photo Fashions

Here they are...the outfits I spent hours searching for. Our extended family is taking portraits Friday evening in Bellingham, requiring hours of logistical maneuvers, including getting coordinating clothing for 15 people.

Pictured here is Jordyn, wearing pink capris, a brown top, and cute little huraches, all purchased at Old Navy or Wal-Mart. She's holding Patience's size 10 shoes.

I will heave a huge sigh of relief when this weekend is over...there are too many activities and commitments, and I rarely think that.

Who is this big girl?

Jordyn, since Easter, has really got the hang of smiling for the camera! Here she is giving a full-out smile and I'm trying to think who she looks like now!

All is well here. Nathan left this a.m. for his Ottawa trip. He left at 4:50 a.m., and his very kind dad drove him to the airport while I continued sleeping and dreaming that Nathan forgot to take a bunch of (important) stuff.

It's nice here today. Partially sunny, on the cool side. I'm hoping our grass seed comes up soon. It's been 9 days now. Mind you some of those days were wet and cold, so maybe that's not conducive to sprouting grass seeds.

Tonight we're having pasta, garlic bread, and Caesar salad, the last of the veggies from our shopping trip two weeks ago. Tomorrow is shopping day again. All I've purchased in two weeks is 1 gallon of milk, 2 loaves of sandwich bread, and some cereal that we didn't need but was on a sale that I couldn't pass up. Not bad, if I do say so myself.

I'll post news from Nathan as it becomes available. I did hear from the trip chaperone, Glenda, that at the Calgary airport all was well. That was about 90 minutes into the trip : )

Easter 2007

Happy Easter!

Here are Patience and Jordyn enjoying their Easter bunnies and chocolate carrots from Grandma Murphy.

It's a cold, rainy day here, so it looks like the matching spring dresses for church are not a good idea : (.

After church we are headed to Val and Dave's to visit (including Cody!) and have a big Easter dinner. I made a double Cut Glass Cake in my huge casserole dish. It weighs about 20 pounds!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter, wherever their travels took them.

Nice weather + school holiday + hard work = progress!

That was yesterday. We worked most of the day outside. In our 6 or so hours, we transplanted three of the six blueberry bushes over onto our property (that's a huge job!), pressure washed the driveway, pulled out some ratty rhododendrons, hauled off a load of large rocks that used to outline a flower bed, and then install 1,000 square feet of sod! Also some smaller general clean-up jobs. Everyone was involved, right down to Sean, who watched his sisters while the rest of us did the sod. He took them for a long walk out back. Imagine our surprise when he brought them home, carrying a sleeping Jordyn! We celebrated our great day of work with take out Greek food, Pizza Hut, various yummy liquids, and ice cream! It's great when kids will work for food...

Pic-nic

Today when Sean got home from school he asked Patience if she wanted to take a walk in a beautiful, warm day! Of course she did. Sean asked me, on the sly, if I'd prepare a pic-nic for them while they were gone so he could surprise Patience when they came back. Of course I did! They were so cute together. Patience is going to have incredible memories of growing up with three big brothers. She's one lucky young lady.

Patience's First Dentist Visit

Patience had her very first dental appointment on Monday, and for not quite three years old, she did GREAT! She let them polish and floss her teeth AND even did the flouride treatment. They were so good with her, making her think it was all fun and games. She wants to go back...how do you explain "6 months" to a preschooler? Oh, and no cavities!

Our Victoria Getaway

Here is where we're staying with Frank and Heather: http://www.victoriaregent.com/popup_rooms/2bdrm4_waterfront.html
It's a 2-room waterfront suite right at the harbour...walking distance from all the amenities (except Buchart Gardens), and with a living room for card-playing late into the evening.
Did I mention Valarie is watching my girlies?
Thank you, Valarie!