Happy Birthday Marine Corps and Scott!

Scott and I had the privilege of attending the Commandant's Marine Corps ball last night. Over 3000 people were in attendance at a beautiful hotel on the water in DC. The Marine Corps band put on a small concert and there was live entertainment! AMAZING! It was my first experience seeing secret service in person...pretty neat! Niki's Mom valiantly handled all 5 children for the night...THANK YOU MOM!

For those who know I rarely even blow dry my hair, I'd like to say I did this pretty much on my own, with Mom pinning a few hairs. I'm neither creative, nor good with hair, so God must have been helping me! :)


Solo's not an average dog...contemplating his next chess move.

Mom and Ford.
Does this look like something the men of the S family might do or what?
Scott celebrated his 39th birthday with a homemade pumpkin pie from Mom.

Are you SERIOUS???
Law learns to play chess...check out 'Julie' in the chair in the background!

Fall Fun!!!

Funny up close Maisy.
Law is 7!
Ford works on his neck muscles.
Our bookworm.
A little blurry, but a smile nonetheless.
Lots of time in the woods near our house.
Ez sports his Ethiopia hat. (it was 60 degrees and they were freezing)

Surprise visit from Uncle Jake!

Fall Birthdays!!

For this child I prayed, and the Lord granted me my petition of which I asked of Him. 1 Sam 1:27

For a year, I prayed IT was the Lord's will and we would have another child. No, that's not exactly how it should go, but that's the truth. I'm so thankful for all of our children and am REALLY enjoying Ford. He's smiling up a storm, ooing and aahing at us and the kids, and even the fish on the swing. Every day he gets more and more fun. It seems in all my bliss, I haven't taken many pictures of him or anyone else for that matter, with the camera, just the phone. I'll do better! :)

Lots of fall birthdays in our house! Its beautiful here this time of year and we are enjoying the outdoors after being trapped inside during the stifling summer heat. School, awana, swim and piano lessons are in full swing.

Law has a mini 7th birthday with Grandma.
Maisy in her birthday (5) dress from Grandad and Bibi.

Ez came up with his grape almost all the way eaten...there was no posing for a picture!
Bobbing for grapes just isn't the same as bobbing for apples...I thought it would be easier because they are smaller...but they sink. :)

Maisy trying to pass Law in the egg race as he poses for Dad!

Ford blends in sporting his hunting gear from Uncle Bruce and Aunt Polly.


Law got a hold of the camera...nice toes!

Maisy's most favorite shoes from Aunt Ang.
Bike helmets in the woods...just in case! :)
Fev turned 4 last month...check out the guard dog.
Grandma hangs out with Ford.
FUN visit from Uncle Arnie and Aunt Diana!

Life with 5 children

Life with 5 children is well..busy...not because going from 4 to 5 is a big addition, but going from no needed naps, no diapers, no night feedings to having a newborn has slowed us down a bit. Niki's Mom came for 2 weeks to help while the old Mom in the house tried to catch up on some sleep. The oldest 4 children loved having her here and Scott and Niki both could not have survived, or maybe just wouldn't have eaten if she hadn't come. We are slowly getting used to being able to get the amoeba of children out the door. :) The older 4 have adjusted fairly well and are mostly being very helpful. One month has passed since Ford was born. This is the most recent picture below is sleeping, smiling Ford on the couch. Ford started off with strong resemblances to Law, but has changed a lot into his own little person...with several chins. If you've called and we haven't gotten back to you, thank you for your patience. Getting on the phone these days seems near impossible!

Grandma and Ford.

Smiling in his sleep.

Maisy would hold Ford all day if she could.
4 tough kids! :)
This one just makes me laugh.


That's a good wife who lets her husband go to the baseball game with a one week old! :)
Cousin Matt came to visit us.

Does this look like a trip to the ER waiting to happen or what?