It's so hard to say goodbye. . .

The McBrides have left to begin their ministry in San Diego (http://www.harborpc.org/v2/). We are very sad to see them go. Here are some snapshots from our last days together.

Ridley takes the wheel!

Annika and Lauren had to make sure the car seats were in working order.

This is one of 3 pictures of Mandy and me from the last 3 years. All 9,765 other photos are of our children.

Joseph's going to be a great big brother.

Our last few moments together and Annika says. . . "May I have a snack?"

Annika is battling her fears. . .trying so hard to have a good time.

Boys will be boys. . .

Pure joy. They are playing "let the grown-ups get way ahead and then run and catch up to them."

Hanging out in the bluebird nest at the Nature Center. Good thing they are all wearing their sun hats. . .

Taking a snack break in the shade on moving day.

Olivia, supervising the loading process.

Who woulda thought a moving truck could be sooo much fun?

July Happenings

Chugga chugga chugga chugga choo choo!

Sam's first swing. She's holding on tight.

A trip to the Garden with Grandpa and Grandma on a cool (a welcome change for July), rainy day in July.

The lilies are out in all their beauty.

Annika's trying to work up the courage to follow her younger sister. . .

Playground fun.

Annika can now pump a swing on her own - thanks for teaching her, Grandpa!

Qdoba picnic with Grandpa and Grandma.

Hiking at the Nature Center.

Grandpa, entertaining both babies while still in his pj's. VERY impressive.

Grandma isn't in her pj's, but she is entertaining and burping at the same time. Meanwhile, Annika kicks back and relaxes with her magazine.

Kingdom Group

This is our church small group - our family away from family.

We sang songs while the kids (and Katie, thankfully) played along.

This is afterwards. . .just in case you weren't sure, they are playing dress-up.

All the kiddos on the couch (minus Hannah and Ian).

More dancing!

4 months old

It seems like a lot longer than 4 months since the twins were born. It is definitely getting easier.

Back to tummy. . . Audrey is now sleeping in her crib (she had been sleeping in her swing b/c of reflux issues) AND rolling over (this is the first time we found her on her tummy). Way to go, girl!

Samantha: 14# 3oz (70%tile) 24 1/2" (50%tile)

Audrey: 15# (80%tile) 24 5/8" (50%tile)

Mommy and her girls.

Daddy and his girls. . .check out those biceps!

Good thing we have a wide angle lens.

Visitors

Over the past 3 weeks we've had 3 different families visit. We had a great time reconnecting. My cousin Todd (pictured below) and wife Sharon with their 4 children.

My friend Sue (above) and her husband Dan and their 3 children.

My dear friend Shanda and her husband Gary and their 3 children.

Big Sisters

Annika and Lauren are the best big sisters!

Sleepover

Annika and Olivia had their first sleepover last weekend. They had lots of fun.

They watched Winnie the Pooh and talked until 10:30 before falling asleep. No double dog dare. . .yet.

Joseph the caregiver!

Mandy - the master multi-tasker.

Mandy put it best when she said, "tennis anyone?" These cute skirts are gifts from Mandy (thanks to Mike's old shirt).

June Happenings

Basement camping with Daddy. . .complete with late night showing of "Winnie the Pooh." We've transitioned both girls to formula/bottles. Audrey refused initially so we dropped her off for a day at Mary's house with a bottle. Thanks, Mary! Here's Karl with one of her first bottle feeds (yes, she required walking around in the Bjorn to take it).

Annika and Lauren love to ride their bike and scooter down the "big" hill at our park.

Lauren is often too tired to make it back up the hill. Daddy to the rescue!

Making their presence known

Leaving the house these days is a real treat. Returning home, however, often times is not. Sometimes I hear the crying before I even open the door. Karl decided to make it a photo op the last time I left the house. . .