Happy Fall!

Maysie was so excited about the two little pumpkins that we grew in our garden that I just had to go out in the leaves and shoot some pictures of her. She was calling her pumpkin "guck-guck" don't ask me why? Danner came over to get in on the picture-taking action and to make it even I had to get Scout in a couple of them too. It wasn't really as cold as it looks outside but Maysie's colorful little hat matched so well and I wanted to get more pictures of her in it before it's too small. I'm so excited for fall to be here!

Civil War Reenactment

We enjoyed ourselves so much at the reenactment in Nevada City on Sunday that we might just have to join! The battle was really cool, Bryce is a Union soldier, they shoot powder charges and cannons and at some of the battles they even have mounted calvary! The battle took place on a baseball field at this reenactment so they didn't allow the horses but even with the dugouts and bleachers in view it was all still very real. Sarah and the boys get to dress up in period correct attire as well. I failed to get any pictures of their family this time. After the battle we got to check out the settlers tents where they sell things and go visit Bryce and Sarah's camp. They had a parade later on Main Street.

Tea Time

Sipping some pretend tea from her silver tea cup. Papa and Grana got this for her and had it engraved with her name and birthdate. Maysie is also wearing one of my baby dresses that my mom made me.

There's a What in the Bathtub!

Hey daddy there's a dragon in the driveway.
Momma there's a grizzly on the lawn.
You better come quick cuz there's a hippo in the bathtub
and she's going down the drain oh no she's gone!

A verse from one of my very favorite childhood songs for those who've never heard the tape by Anne Murray. I need to find the CD online for Maysie!

Going back in Time

Maysie in Montana!

Silly little Irish leprechaun.

Maysie's first piggy tails!! I was way more excited than she was!

The best gift ever!

Silly daddy, those go on the other end! But they do make rather nice ears for a bunny costume.

Our first smile captured on camera! YAY

On our way to Auntie Bee's for Halloween, Scout got to go too!

Grana's pretty little angel

Monkey baby

Papa's little chocolate cupcake with sprinkles.

Weighing in at Uncle James and Auntie Kristie's, my mom didn't believe she was eight pounds so I had to prove it. That decorative scale was surprisingly accurate!



I love these pics and am so glad I took them. That little lamb she's holding is seriously only about 5 inches long!

Whoa! That thing was so huge next to her tiny head! Finally on our way home to CA.

Our first night at the hotel with Maysie.

We'll never, ever forget this day. Our little miracle was born on 8-22-08 at 10:02 in the morning weighing in at a hulking 5lb 4oz and all of 17 inches long! Such a tiny little peanut. I don't know that there's anything more emotional than the birth of your child, especially when your not the one giving birth. I've thanked God many times over the last year for the lot that was given us, the same lot that I had been so disappointed to have been given. He truly does know us better than we know ourselves!

Maysie's First Birthday

She even blew out her candle (we think) it was quite windy.

Maysie so loved her cupcake! It was cute when it fell out of the wrapper and into her lap, she was just like "oh good, now it's all right here for me to eat". She was such a happy birthday girl and was excited about each present we opened. It was wonderful to have so many family members there to celebrate with us! It makes me so happy that everyone has welcomed Maysie into our family without any reservations. We are so blessed to have her and she is so blessed to have all of you! We love you all!

Maysie had so much fun in the water, as usual.

My parents made the trip down from Montana just for Maysie's special day, it was a big surprise and we didn't even know they were in town until we pulled into the parking lot at the park and saw them. It was a wonderful surprise! Thanks mom and dad, we love you!





Sarah took some special pictures for us the day after Maysie's birthday, they turned out really great!

Jukes Camping Trip Summer '09

We had such a fantastic time camping with our family at Donner Lake this year!! You just can't go wrong with swimming every day in the lake and eating smores every night around the campfire. The kids all had such a great time playing with each other. They enjoyed being a part of the music at campfire with their homemade instruments.