Rowan's Early Birthday

As you can see, the action at this table was a little too wild.

After the baptism, we returned home and Ursula was able to change into some less formal attire.

Ursula with Aunt Julie

We decided to have Rowan's birthday party the same day as Ursula's baptism. It just seemed to work out that way this time. Rowan's actual birthday is October 25, but we plan to be out of state during that time. The weekend before we have the kids' yearly photos and the weekend after is Halloween. Since everyone was going to be at the baptism, we just decided to have her birthday on the same day.

Rowan's big gift from her parents was this two wheel Princess bike.

She loves riding it.

Rowan is modeling an outfit she got from Grandma Allord.
As you can see, she is going through a princess phase. All things must be princess or the colors pink or purple.

Opening gifts.
Rowan got some great gifts this year - two dresses, a princess outfit, a flannel board with flannel girls/clothes, beanie babies, activity books, a bike.....

And here is Rowan's birthday cake.
I was attempting to make her a princess cake. I had this idea that I was going to make her Belle from Beauty and the Beast. But since the frosting was stiff, my hands got really sore. I wimped out and ended up making what I call a "Packer Princess".
Rowan still thought it was neat. The first thing she did was eat the bodice off the doll. I wish I had a picture of that. It was too funny - she held the doll like a drumstick!

Ursula's baptism cake, Rowan's princess cake & Elijah's birthday cake.

We also celebrated Elijah's birthday as it would have been on September 29th.
We were glad to have much celebrating to do and many family and friends join us on that special day!

Ursula's Baptism

On September 20th, our little bear was baptized at First Congregational UCC. All of Janea's family was present and Grandma and Grandpa Weisensel were there too. It was a great day!

Ursula was one of four children baptized that morning. She was the first to get the water and she did pretty good. She did not cry at all.

Julie, Janea, Doug
Ursula

Jack, Donna, Ursula, Janea, Andy, Darlene, Dennis

Rachel and Doug Allord were Ursula's godparents.

Little sweetie fell asleep at the end of the service.

Harvey and Rowan get their own photo moment.

Random pictures of late.

I thought that this was so cute - how Ursula has her fingers folded together while she napped. It reminded me how adults rest their hands.

Harvey got up from a nap and was all sweaty. He wasn't ready to walk about. So he spent a few minutes resting with Andy.

Rowan enjoys pushing Ursula around in the baby walker.

Ursula is modeling a baby hat I knitted for her. It just needs some tassels or a pom.

This is what happens when you don't monitor your kids every second of the day. The one second you let down your guard and look away, they seize the moment and paint their bodies!

Happy little girl!

Ursula enjoys her walking and can even propel herself a little in it.

Many mornings, the kids like to come into my room and get in bed next to Ursula. It's precious to see all three of them snuggled in, watching cartoons.

My poor little baby got some bug bites on her forehead.
They cleared up quickly though.

Rotary Gardens and Ice Cream!

Yummy DQ!

The kids and I spent a couple days at Grandma and Grandpa Allord's house. We had a good time. They treated us to Rotary Gardens and ice cream.
The kids also got a chance to ride the bikes in their garage.
Harvey didn't get the hang of the little bike and just pushed around on his feet.

Grandma tried to show him the way, and he still was unable to pedal the bike.

At his sister's request, he pushed her up the driveway and into the garage.

Isn't it great to have a brother does anything you tell him to do. That's not lasting long!

Rowan sits by the koi pond.

We took turns pushing Ursula around. She enjoyed the stroll.

I really liked these flowers. Too bad I didn't take the time to read the sign that said what they were. Very pretty.

Mr. Cool, wearing his sunglasses.

A nice picture from the kids.

Harvey had no fear with these ducks....even when one started "yelling" at him. The ducks stood their ground too. So we had to make sure Harvey stayed on the path so as not to get pecked.

Back at the koi pond. Grandma is pointing out a fish.

Strolling the gardens with Grandma.
Thanks for taking us, the kids had a great time!

Happy Retirement Mom and Dad!

All the grandkids.

Harvey's birthday cake that Grandma made. He loves his "Mack" truck!

The happy couple!

Grandpa enjoys holding Ursula for a moment.


On the weekend of August 29th, my whole family got together to celebrate my parent's retirement, Donna's birthday and Harvey's birthday.

We played a few games to see who knew Mom and Dad's work history best. We ate some great food provided by Cedar Crest. And we had a great time in each other's company.
Finally, Mom and Dad can kick back and relax. Although, I think they will still keep themselves rather busy anyhow.

Congratulations Mom and Dad!