Apple picking

Yesterday we went apple picking. It was my first time ever going as well as Gabbie's first. We took a ferry across the river from MO to IL. That was a first for us too. It was somewhat scary to be sitting in your car floating across the river. On the way there Gabbie wanted nothing to do with it. She refused to get out of the car even though Steve, Peyton, and some of our friends were out looking. She sat on my lap clinging on to me. Fortunately on the way back she had a change of heart and we got the full experience! Apple picking was fun. We even went pumpkin picking too. The girls had a blast!

Gabbie picking her very first apple.

Here it is! She was so proud!

She started to get in the swing of things and was throwing apple after apple into the bag.

Here is Steve giving his friend Dave a lift to the top of the apple tree. Silly men!

I love this picture! Mia and Peyton were carrying their bags over their shoulders and Gabbie had to do the same thing. Her bag was heavy but nothing was going to stop her from being like the big girls!

Mia, Gabbie, and Peyton with the huge pumpkin

Here is Gabbie riding Peppermint the pony.

My strong man holding Peyton and Gabbie

I love this one too. She had such determination when jumping!

The girls again

Gabbie and Peyton with their pumpkins

Silly boys again! I do like this picture though!

Here we are on the way back on the ferry. Not the best picture but it works!

Peyton came over after apple picking to play a while.

My happy girl

I love her beautiful hair! Her hair is so long and her curls are so pretty.

Gosh I love this child!

Birthday party, football, and extra pictures

Yesterday we went to a birthday party for the Green twins. It is hard to believe they are a year old already! Here are some pictures from the party.

Gabbie and Jack - these two are so cute together. Anytime Jack was out of Gabbie's sight she asked where Jack was!

Another cute one of Gabbie and Jack

Daddy and Gabbie started playing football outside while the kids were playing kid games!

Daddy going back to the high school days hiking a ball but this time to his baby girl.

Is she going to catch it?

Of course:) Okay not really but she got it and started running like a pro.

Here she is again running for the ball.

And bringing it back

Here are the birthday boys enjoying their cake!

Gabbie at the park a couple of weeks ago.

Gabbie on her Daddy's shoulders as happy as can be!

We took Gabbie to Dis-ney on Ice two days after her birthday. I think she was kind of shocked through the whole thing. We had 2nd row seats that were incredible! She enjoyed it a lot and still talks about it and asks to go back!

Belle and the rose

3 years ago tonight

We received a call that would change our lives forever. We had finally been matched with this baby girl. We were fortunate to have her home less than 5 months later!



This was her on her 1 year referral anniversary. She was so cute and chunky!


This was her last year on her 2 year referral anniversary. She had changed so much since the year before.



This is Gabbie today. It is hard to believe it has been 3 years since our lives were changed forever and we finally saw our daughter's face. I am tearing up thinking about it. Gabbie's birthday is very important, but to me this is her true "birthday" to us. As cheesy as it sounds this is the day she was born in our hearts forever.

One the eve of Gabbie's 3rd birthday....

this was the scene in our house.

Yes it is official. She is a big girl now sleeping in a big girl bed! Okay it is a toddler bed but definitely a step up from the crib! She is actually faking it in the above picture but she did fall asleep at 10:00pm which isn't too bad for her first night in this ever so lovely princess canopy bed! Daddy tried to talk her into the model without the tent but she wasn't having any of it.

Anyway, tomorrow's the big day. The pink cupcakes with sprinkles are ready to go to school for her birthday. Is she really going to be 3? Can I freeze her tonight?

Finally daddy reading her princess story book. Surprise surprise I know! This child is all girl and all princess. Notice how she even has her legs crossed!

A princess party

Gabbie's 3rd birthday is in two days. We had her party yesterday and it was a blast. The weather was absolutely perfect. The theme was Dis.ney Princesses. Gabbie got a ton of gifts and had a wonderful time! It is hard to believe my baby will be 3 years old in just two short days. More later on that. Now for pictures.


I rented this thing for $200 for the entire day. It was the best $200 spent let me tell you! The kids had a blast all day and night in this thing!

Daddy showing the bounce house to Gabbie

We let Gabbie try it out a little before nap

The kids are here! Gabbie and Jacob jumping!

The Green twins - the have a birthday coming up in 2.5 weeks!

Some party guests

Gabbie at cake time being so patient

Gabbie and Jenn right before presents laughing about something

Gabbie opening up Belle's horse from Terri and Tim

Princess shoes

Gabbie opening her Cinder.ella castle from Maw Maw!

Looking at her Cinder.ella dress from The Harpers

Gabbie in her Sn0w White dress that Aunt Sherry made with the help of a friend. Amazing isn't it! I can check Hall0ween costume off of my to do list!

Jack hitting the pinata. As always the pinata was a hit!

Sherry adjusting the dress

More jumping time! Maw Maw even got in on the fun!

Gabbie and Joe hanging out after most of the guests left

Putting the castle together

Gabbie this morning in her new night gown, shoes, and jewelry.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER!!!

Today is Jennifer's birthday. For those of you who don't know, Jennifer has been my best friend since we were 4 years old. We lived a few house away from each other and spent nearly all of our time together. Jennifer is also Gabbie's Godmother. I was always a little jealous growing up because Jennifer got to do everything first because she is 3 months and 10 days older than me. Now Jennifer is turning 35 first and I am not jealous!!! Wahoo, I am still 34!

We went to Aunt Terri's to celebrate today and had a blast. Thanks Terri and Tim for your hospitality and the delicious food!

Seriously though, because I know Jenn is not excited about turning 35, and I am dreading it too, I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to Jennifer. We love you!

How cute are these two? I think this is my new favorite picture!

Jacob is moving in! Gabbie likes to hold hands with boys. We are in trouble!

Nah... Back to Jack she decided.

Time for cake

Baby Jordyn helping blow out the candles

Congratulations Uncle Steve!!!!

This post is a quick congratulations to my Uncle Steve, which is Gabbie's Great Uncle Steve. Uncle Steve has been studying hard for many months for his GED test. He has been going to classes every week, tutoring with my husband Steve, and studying on his own as well. He took the test two weeks ago, which lasted literally an entire Saturday and was very nervous to get back the results. He didn't think he passed but he did!!! Not only did he pass but he scored really well. Well enough that he may just get some free college classes! We are so excited for him and very proud of him!

We had a little graduation party at Maw Maw's last night for him to celebrate.


Gabbie was super excited for Uncle Steve too! Here she is jumping on the bed!