Deep thoughts by Bel

This morning as I was making breakfast for my crew, I had a cute conversation with Isabel. While I was ensuring the kids had their eggs and toast made the way they wanted. (Bel just likes peanut butter on her toast, Ava just likes butter, Lily likes butter and jelly, and Sterling likes it any way as long as it is on his plate)
Bel says, "Mom?"
"Yes, dear?" was my reply.
"You know what Mom?" Bel smiles looking at Sterling in the high chair.
"What, Honey." I answer.
"I like Sterling MORE than food!" she says sweetly. That was such a cute revelation. She would fore go food to have her brother. What a little sunshine in my day.

Our trip to MN in August

Grandpa and Grandma Enga and kids
Sterling loved to kiss Tika
Lily loved to snorkel
Ava, Bel, and Me
Isabel loved to climb Grandma's tree

Isabel, Grandma and baby Caleb.
Looking for the animals at Como Zoo.
Cousin Jack.
Fun on the swing set.
Grandpa Barry

Snoozing Azalea

Nine months pregnant Michelle
Best buddies
Elijah and Ava playing with the kittens.

This past August we went home to visit our families. We hadn't been home for 20 months. It was such a long time to be away from home. We had a wonderful time and we didn't want to go back to LA. Anyways, I haven't posted any pictures from our trip. So, family, here are some pictures. I'm only putting on a few--we had so many to pick from. We went to Como Park Zoo with the May side cousins. We went to the beach with the Aldridge cousins. We canoed on Reno Lake at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We had a wonderful time. The kids loved being with their Grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles......We miss you all!

Baby Boy's 1st Birthday

Sunday October 12

It is hard to believe that Sterling is now a year old. It is so great to know that he is healthy, strong , and, of course, sweet. It saddens me to know how fast he will grow up. When I first had Lily time didn't seem to move as quickly. However, with more children and a busier schedule, it just seems like there is never enough time in the day. Okay, back to Sterling's Birthday! I made Sterling a country-farm theme birthday cake. It didn't look quite like how I envisioned it, but he enjoyed it immensely. (I won't quit my day job) When we put the cake on his highchair tray, he reached right for the frosting and started to chow. The girls giggled. He then thought he was pretty funny too. So, he smiled and laughed right along with them. he didn't quite get the blowing out the candle part, but he loved us singing to him. Sterling also received some great gifts in the mail. He especially loved a little John Deere tractor set. He would push it around the floor and make vroom vroom noises. It is amazing how he learned to do that without anyone teaching him to make the sounds.

My Little Man

I have a little joy in my life. That is Sterling. He is such a loving little boy. He has an infectious laugh that can warm any one's heart. He is so happy. One thing that makes him joyous is food. When it is about time to eat I will pick him up. I ask him, "Are you hungry? Would you like some num nums?" He responded with a delighted squeal and enthusiastic bouncing. When I was in the kitchen Sterling came crawling full boar at me. When he reached my legs, he stood up and said, "Ma, nums." Apparently, he is a food enthusiast. Now what side of the family would he get that from? (Just a hint: Both!)