Ree and Calvin's renewal ceremony

April 30th our friends Ree and Calvin renewed their vows to one another and had a wedding-like ceremony and celebration since they'd been unable have a traditional wedding when they were married three years ago. Nathan, Nathaniel and I were honored to take part.

Ree and her bridesmaids (me, cousin Starry, sister Kandis, and friend Carrie Ann)

Ree and Calvin's younger son Andre was glad to be in his mommy's arms again!

Ree and Calvin's older son Desmirion was worn out from the late night before and all the excitement and finally fell asleep in my lap.

The happy bride and groom - Calvin and Ree (Shirkisha)

My handsome escorts!

Visits from our friends

Nathaniel, Hannah, (Stephanie the doll) Abigail, Asher and Karis. Karis stayed with us two days a week until her little brother was born last November. It was fun to get together again!

We love "Baby Sky." (In fact, before Nathaniel was born, Hannah was sure that the new baby joining our family would be "BeBe Kye." Sky's family brought us pizza for supper!

Bing's birthday was the day before so we celebrated. . . she had plenty of help with her cake and candles!

Mid-April

 This little boy gets lots of attention from his big sisters!

 We "finally" had Jennie Lue over to meet "our baby" (hers too =) and she enjoyed feeding Nathaniel a bottle (with supervision from Abigail).

April 18 the children (can't say "the girls" anymore!) and I met Ree and her boys at the park to play and have a picnic lunch. The warm weather and time with friends did us all good! Desmirion and Abigail always have fun together!

 Hannah and Andre enjoyed the swings (Nathaniel stayed with me in the Moby wrap quite contentedly)

 Ree and Andre

 Devoted big sister Abigail wanted to be in Nathaniel's weekly picture =)

 Cute enough? Love those big round eyes! Six weeks old already!

Wanna kiss those cheeks!

Early January

Abigail is her daddy's best helper! Nathan was kindly reattaching the drooping sink in our "new" house to the countertop and Abigail got out her new builder set (a Christmas gift. . . alternative to princess play!) so she could assist.
Abigail enjoys drawing (more than coloring, I think) and one afternoon around the first of December (she was still three!) she drew this independently during her rest time. Notice the two cars, the people (her and Hannah) and the names (Abigail and Hannah).
Our dear friends Andy and Erika (now from Illinois) visited family here in town and we were delighted to spend some time with them too. One Tuesday, Erika and I and our FIVE little girls packed into our minivan (five carseats!) and drove to visit our good friend Bing with her newborn daughter Skylar. Abigail (4) and Emmalein (3) were overjoyed to be together again and Celia (almost 2) joined the fun.
Three mamas with our three baby girls (Erika and Evelyn, Bing and Skylar, Julia and Hannah)
Hannah was fascinated by two month old Evelyn, but more than a little concerned when the baby began to cry!