The doll's new clothes

We just found out that Emma's American Girl doll, Felicity, is going to be retired this year. Emma wanted to buy some more clothes for her before they all go away. Here is one of the outfits she got.

First day of Preschool

Rebekah is SO EXCITED to be going to preschool. She told me I couldn't stay, that I had to leave right away.

She found where to hang her coat and lunch.

Playing play-doh and meeting new friends.

Dutch Wonderland, again

We went to Dutch Wonderland again with our free tickets. The girls had a fun time, but had soon gone on all the rides they wanted to. So we went over to the Mini Golf, which was included in our tickets. It was a fun day together.

Good Citizen

Emma got the Citizenship Award for her class for September. Way to go Emma!

The school as a "tile" wall with self-portraits of all the students. Here is Emma's.

Talent Show

We had a talent show for the children at church today. Emma played the piano.

We asked Rebekah what she did really well and she said "hug". So that is what she did. I went up with her and she gave me the best hug ever!

Portraits of Rebekah

Here is her self-portrait. I like how you can see all the hairs in her nose and around her mouth.

Here is the portrait I took.

Harvest and Car Wash

This is what I harvested out of our garden. Everything tasted delicious.
While I was working in the garden, Clay took the opportunity to teach the girls how to properly wash the van. :)

Wolf Trap

Here we are for the third year and final production of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King with live orchestra. This time we had the addition of baby Juliette, only 4 weeks old. As always, good food, good times, and great friends.

First Day of School

Emma is in 3rd Grade this year. Most of her friends are in a different class, but she loves her teacher, so she is okay with it.

Oatlands

Oatlands is a plantation started in 1798 with 3,408 acres. I have been wanting to visit here since we moved out here. Finally, while my parents were still here, they suggested we go. Now it is only 261 acres, but still beautiful.

My Baptism Day

Now that Emma is 8 years old, she is old enough to get baptized. She is old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. She has made the choice. She still may not know what to do in EVERY situation, but with baptism comes the Gift of the Holy Ghost, who will help her make good choices.

We started off the day with some special gifts for her special day. Grandma Murray sent a bracelet with her name on it. Rebekah gave her this CTR ring to help her remember to "Choose The Right". We also gave her a new set of scriptures and purse to carry them in.

It was a beautiful day. Grandma and Grandpa Chase were with us. We were so happy to have so many friends with us to help celebrate this day.

After the service, we invited everyone back to our house for refreshments. It was perfect weather to be out on the deck. I think I counted around 55 people. We all had a great time.