Pinkalicious!

Did I mention that everything in our household is PINK? Here is Adalie, she has gotten herself ready to go swimming at the lake. Yes, she is ready for a swim......pink cowboy hat, pink tutu skirt, pink swimsuit and pink sparkly flip flops! Off to the lake we go!

GiPa turns 80!

August 29th GiPa had his 80th Birthday!

Some of the things we love about GiPa are ..... he always tells the girls a "secret", its the same secret everytime, its the secret he use to tell me as a little girl, and he whispers it loud enough for everyone to hear "I think you are full of prunes!", he makes some of the worlds' best homemade ice cream, he is a softy for little girls who he says are full of sugar and spice, he can fix most anything with duct tape, oil and a spare part of some sort, he is "the supervisor", he is the master of trades (once traded a man who fiberglassed our boat with a motorcycle that had no engine and no seat!), he has an uncanny ability to end a conversation on a whim, he utters a "huhum" when he sits (Jonathan can immitate that pretty well), he can and will make friends with everyone in the room and in minutes know their life story, you can't take him anywhere when you are in a hurry because you will turn around and he will be gone - talking!, for all these reasons and many many more we wish you a very Happy Birthday and many more!!

MOPS and a 1st for Adalie

Today was Adalie's first day at MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers). She gets to go into a preschool class with other 3 year olds. And it was her first time to go by herself, without Sister!! You see, last year, Adalie did not want to go into the room with the other 2 year olds...... I didn't blame her because most of them were crying. Our little Adalie has always been pretty well attached to Mommy, Daddy and Sister. So we went into Josiah's PreK class and asked her teacher, Mrs. Wilson, if Adalie could stay with Sister, please oh please..... it was Mommy's only hope of getting to participate with the other Moms. Mrs. Wilson promptly answered "No" she didn't do 2 year olds. But I pleaded, if she would just try it this one time, allow Adalie to stay AND if she was disruptive I would send her back to the 2 year olds! Much to my delight, when I went to pick the girls up, Mrs. Wilson said both of our girls were welcome anytime in her classroom, they were a delight! Woohoo Mommies need such encouragement from time to time! Of course, upon seeing me Adalie cried out "MOMMY!!" and promptly wet her pants. OOPS! Forgot to tell Mrs. Wilson that Adalie was potty trained - Mommy's bad!!!
So this year, in preparation for going to MOPS, we all talked about "how exciting" it was going to be for Adalie to go the "big girl 3 year old class"! And our sweet Adalie immediately got quiet and a bit teary, nervous of course (wonder where she gets that)! And through her little watery eyes she asks "Mommy, will you be there?" To which I answered, "Yes, Mommy will be right upstairs and your teacher knows where Mommy is." pause.... pause..... Then Adalie, even closer to tears, "Will my Sister be there??" Poor sweet little Adalie having to branch out all by her little lonesome. So Josiah, spent the next 20 minutes talking with Adalie, telling her how much fun MOPS is, encouraging her and reminding her of all the things they do. Oh how I love these girls........ and how thankful I am that Josiah is so tender hearted!

So today, we dropped Sister off at school and headed to Oakhurst with Adalie's bestie, Kaiya (we thought having a friend might take some of the gitters away). We talked all the way there about how much fun the 2 girls were going to have in the "big girl 3 year old class." And of course, Mommy would be right upstairs! And they did fabulously. Adalie was very excited to show Kaiya the ropes. Ms. Diane is their teacher. And when I came to pick them up, they were sitting right next to one another listening to Ms. Diane read a story. And Adalie very excitedly told me that not only had they made a craft, but they got to eat fishies too! What could be more fun than that??

Today was a BIG step, for our little Adie Girl! Yet another 1st in the Waltner World!

Favorite Spot

Our family's favorite spot in the whole wide world is at the end of our Grandparents' dock in Marina View at Bass Lake, CA. In the summer we can often be found there swimming, sunning, napping, eating, relaxing, laughing, enjoying. Most summer nights we take our dinner out to the docks, BBQ, swim and watch the sunset. It's our place where we can let the craziness of the day melt away and just enjoy the majesty of His creation.
This particular evening, Great Aunt Susan joined us from the East Coast for a little family BBQ gathering. Aunt Susan with the 4 Waltner girl cousins Josiah, Adalie, Piper and Adalie.

Again Today

It's true. I lost it again today. Talking with a very special friend, mentor, encourager, I cried, just a bit, again today. What can I say.... I miss her. My sunglasses are becoming a staple accessory these days. I miss her smile, I miss her teasing, I miss her sweetness, I miss her singing. But I REALLY miss knowing what is going on all day with her, what makes her laugh, what makes her sad, what new thing she has discovered, what new challenge she has conquered. Thank goodness we serve a God who is always out in front of us. A God that amazingly loves her more than we do, a God that is able to protect her better than we can, a God that knows all. I am thankful to be partnering on this parenting journey with such a God!

"Aminal"

Just had to write it down so that I would forever remember.... our girls are very clear talkers, Josiah a bit more than Adalie, but we happen to think their speech is very easy to understand. So what is my favorite word that they both mispronounce?? "AMINAL" How cute is that?? And no, we have not corrected them because it is so darn cute!

Daddy-Daughter Day

What do you get when Mommy and Josiah have the "Kindergarten Flu" and can't go to church on Sunday?? That's right..... Daddy-Daughter Day!! It's a favorite around here with all of Daddy's girls!! Our little family of 4 (plus the dog makes 5) is structured such that we do nearly everything together! And we love it that way. We don't want to miss a minute of these girls, they are way too much fun! Which makes Daddy-Daughter day even that more special. Our Daddy happens to be the fun maker, laugh producer, game maker, giggles inducer, crazy maker, excitement creator, around here! So a day with Daddy no doubt includes Skittles or milkshakes, and lots of fun. Today Adalie got to go with Daddy in the Jeep. Look closely, this girl is ready... hat, glasses, purse and all dolled up in a cute dress.... ready for her date with Daddy! Have fun you 2!