Thea is 1!

 Thea's cake for her first birthday was fall themed....since she was born in the fall.  And it kinda reminded me of a family tree type picture and since she is the last in this family our tree is in a unique place for awhile.

 She loved her cake!

 And wore it proudly.

 At one she is always on the move and hard to catch in a still moment!  She is friendly, completely assured that all women want to hold her and entertain her.  She is a mediocre sleeper, not a huge bottle consumer (I have had to opt for many bottles with some milk rather than a few bottles with lots of milk), and she has a great smile that lights up her whole face and especially her eyes.  She has a little dimple in the middle of her right cheek that only shows if she smiles really big.  Her laugh induces laughter in others and her siblings love to make her giggle.

She is impetuous and unafraid and determined to keep up with the big kids. I had secretly hoped for a quiet, mellow end to my baby making days but she is determined to make me work every day. And I savor every moment, even if I enjoy the rare quiet snuggly ones the most!

Star Wars Day at Discovery World aka The Best Day in October (In My Opinion)

 Last Christmas my parents gift to our family was a membership to Discovery World.  If we had gone to nothing but Star Wars Day that membership would have been worth it!

 Not because of I love Star Wars.

 And not because the costumes were AMAZING!

 Not because the kids LOVE Star Wars, though it probable was a contributing factor.

 Not because of the AMAZING Legos.

 Or the wookie (even though he was my favorite thing there!)

 The kids crafts were fun.

 And of course, they picked to make bad guy boxes...

 But it was the best day because it was one of those rare, perfect outings with the whole family when it was all fun and no complaining. Everyone was patient and kind and helpful and enjoyed the sights, activities and each other.

We capped off the morning with a factory tour at Caterpillar.  The last time they did one of these was like 9 years ago, so it only comes around once in a blue moon.  And sadly, they don't allow pictures inside the factory. Some of those machines have to be seen to be believed! 

 But we enjoyed the free food for lunch and got a picture with the big truck that I thought was pretty impressive.  Though if you look close you will see Sage giving it the side-ways thumb indicating it is just ok.

I love my family.  I feel like I go around thinking it and feeling it all the time. I wouldn't trade my life or family for anyone else's but especially not on days like this!

Daddy Vacation

In our house we have long had the tradition of Mommy Vacations.  I highly recommend them.  

Much less frequently, Daddy gets a vacation too.  This year Chris got a few days in IN at his old stomping grounds, catching up with old colleagues and mentors, eating well, and seeing what new research is coming out of his old lab.

 He took a quick trip to past our old house.  We were disappointed to see it's sorry state.  It was a good little home for us.

Family Pictures

Elise and her family came out to visit in July-thanks to the fact that Mom and Dad Abbott are serving their mission down in Chicago. Of course, pregnant and all, we roped her into doing our family pictures.  We love them! Here are some of the favorites: