Friends from the Solomons

While we were in the Solomons we became friends with a family from Indiana that worked there. Because they unexpectedly had to make a trip back to the States, while we were in Indiana, we got to spend time with them. Small world, huh?

Callum (4), Abraham (6 1/2 weeks), Eliana (3), and Isla (3)

Juston and Franklin

Erin (who taught me a lot about knitting!) and me

Family

While in Indiana we got to see relatives from my mom's side of the family that we don't get to see very often. So good to catch up.

My Uncle Ken and Aunt Halerie with us.

Cousins together. Melissa, Mike, Mellena, a hidden Franklin, and me.

My cousin Rhonda and her family with ours, Marvin, Rhonda, Arianna, and us.

The next generation... Lucas, Hannah, Abraham, Abby, Ellie, Canaan, and Kenzie.

Eliana and Arianna

Ellie started out afraid of Sugar the dog, but she built up her courage and couldn't stop petting her by the time we left.

And my gorgeous sleeping Abraham... lots and lots of pictures, rather lots and lots of screaming while pictures are being taken, tire a boy out.

We also got a chance to spend the afternoon with my Aunt Judy. 

Our Drive to Indiana

On our way down to Indiana, we got to spend one night with some good friends, Jim and Elaine. 

After we left their house, we stopped to eat at a place that had a cow in front of it. Ellie desperately wanted to go touch the statue of the cow.

Kids need a chance to stretch during a long car ride... this we have learned.

Right after entering Indiana, there was a stretch of the Interstate that had a garden of windmills. It was pretty cool to see all of them. 

A busy girl

I walked into Ellie's room after her playtime and found this set up.
I didn't put them away, so before bedtime Ellie decided they all needed to be put to sleep.
Hosting a picnic and putting this many to sleep sure makes a busy girl!

Smiles...

 I love watching Abraham develop facial expressions.

And I still love Ellie's, too!

Celebrating Abraham

A few weeks ago, I got together with some wonderful ladies, and we celebrated Abraham's birth. There were some beautiful decorations.

Even a homemade bow for Ellie's hair was provided!

Making Cookies

A while back we made cookies for some new neighbors. Ever since then Ellie has wanted to make cookies again. So we did.

 

Ellie decorated one with all green decorations, because her daddy's favorite color is green. Thoughtful girl.

Playing around the house

Hosanna Grace Elizabeth

 On Friday, Nov 4, we got a text message early in the morning saying, "We have a baby girl!" Since the baby wasn't due until mid-November, and we thought it might be late, this was such a surprise!

When it was time for Ellie to get up, I went into her room. This was our conversation.
"Ellie, do you remember what was in Aunt Susie's tummy?"
"A baby."
"Guess what?"
Ellie says excitedly, "It popped out?"
"Yes, they had a baby girl. You have a little girl cousin!"
Ellie's immediate, and extremely cheerful response, "Are we going to Bangladesh now?"

Since the baby wasn't due so soon, I had been telling her we wouldn't be going back to Bangladesh until after Uncle Matthew's baby was born.... she didn't forget. :)

Since we were so close and had some flexibility in our schedule, we decided to drive up and celebrate with them later that day.

The babies that are just 5 weeks apart, Abraham and Hosanna.

Three cousins, Eliana, Abraham, and Hosanna.

Eliana and the new daddy, Matthew.

Two daddies and their babies.

Two mommies and their babies.

Congratulations, Matthew and Susie! Hosanna is beautiful!

A Trip to Grandma's

Our first road trip after Abraham was born was to Grandma's house. We all kept ourselves occupied in the van in our own way.

Abraham slept most of the way. (Notice his cute little face in the mirror.)

Franklin drove.

Eliana entertained herself with whatever she could get her hands on.

And I cross-stitched.

Grandma enjoyed time with two of her six (now seven) great grand children.

Ellie and Franklin enjoyed raking leaves...

...that fell from beautiful trees like this.

Ellie and I took a trip to the park.

Grandpa Loren met us there.

Fun, fun family time!