Mom & Dad's 50th!

We all gathered in Nashville for the weekend of August 1st to celebrate Mom & Dad's 50th wedding anniversary. We stayed at the Opryland Hotel. This is their anniversary dinner, complete with their favorite - carrot cake!

Back to school!

The first day back to school for the oldest three. Galina started kindergarten and was very pleased to be going to school with the boys! As you can see, Wes was less than thrilled - he was still not too happy with having to get a haircut the night before! Reece, as always, taking it in stride!

Teeth are falling out like crazy around here! Reece lost another upper and Galina lost her first tooth. She got Smarties from the tooth fairy - much more thrilling than a quarter at that age! She even shared them (much to my surprise) with her sister.

Adler & Aidan Crutchfield

Meet our new neice, Adler, and nephew, Aidan. Chris & Jessica are in Kazakhstan biding their time 'til they can come home with the twins and start their family! We are so excited and can't wait to meet them!

Memorial Day - for 2 reasons

Memorial Day marks a day to remember all of those who served and are serving our country to protect our freedom.  I'm proud of my dad who served in the U.S. Navy - and can still fit into his uniform 50 years later!  It also marks a momentous occasion for us as the day we went from being a happy family of four to a family of six!  We arrived back in the U.S. with two scared little girls (we were a little scared as well!).  Today, you would never know what a different background they came from - they are American through and through!

Galina turns 5!!!

Easter Blessings

The Easter "nest" tradition continues.  On Saturday night when getting ready for bed, whatever clothes were worn that day are arranged by the children in a nest on the floor.  On Easter morning the kids come down to see what goodies are in the nest (this is in lieu of a basket).  Then it's on to church to celebrate what Easter is all about!

Spring Soccer

Spring soccer has begun! Reece returns to the same team, #4.  He's a mean defensive player!

Leksi has her debut.  After months of begging, we decided to let her go for it - and go for it she does!  She's mean on offense, scoring 8 goals her first game!

Alicia's Wedding

What a beautiful wedding, complete with gorgeous bride, dashing groom, kickin' music and lots and lots of friends!  Too few are the occasions that bring old friends together, but it makes them all the sweeter!  Congratulations Alicia & Brent!

Now that's a donut!!!

The old gang!  We got together in honor of Alicia, who is getting married in March!  Our get-togethers are few and far between, but we're still as comfy as a worn, favorite blanket!  From

 L-R :  Regina, Alicia, me, Stephanie, & Tracye.

The Long Stretch

It's time to hunker down and try to stave of  cabin fever as well as possible!  Today schools were closed because it's "too cold".  Craziness!  I'm so thankful for a well insulated home and gas heat - so toasty - not to mention our fireplace!