"Daddy build me a fort!"

Since cover-19 closed down playgrounds for a few months and our children desperately needed something to climb, Zach took month long break from finishing the basement to build the kids a fort, the "Taj-ma-Hutch." Rockwell is especially fond of looking out the top floor bathroom window and telling me , Daddy build me a fort/ sandbox." David and I stained it, but other than that, our contribution was minimal. The older boys and I also helped fill up the sandbox with 6 tons of sand. Zach actually ordered too much so we had to load up the extra in our big van and deliver it to a friend who was built a sandbox this summer too. All the children love their new play space and it has had many hours of use already. Grateful for a shady backyard that makes it usable.  

(This has been the summer for hauling dirt for me. In addition to the sand Gabe and I hauled 7 boxes worth of compost, and then David and I hauled dirt to the side yard to plant grass and fill in the water feature that was a continual headache. Funny since I've been pregnant with #8 this summer.) 

 

Baby Gum learns to Ride Two Wheels

 This little girl learned how to ride a two wheeler this week! We were both so elated when she finally got it. Clapping and cheering ensued. I started teaching her originally, but got tired of running in the stooped over position so I enlisted the help of her older brother David for support. He finished the job- #gratefulforbrothers. Does that mean I'm getting old? Probably. She is using Lincoln's old bike because Ruth's has a flat tire, but she doesn't mind, she loves to get out and ride around the cul-de-sac any chance she gets. Braking is still a work in progress, but she is getting the hang of it. We would bike to preschool in the fall except they basically cancelled preschool, sad. More time to bike ride. 

Watermelon Spitting contest

Since Grandpa moved here in June he wanted to hold a Grandchild watermelon- seed- spitting contest. I think the official winner was David who spit his seed beyond the carpet. It was fun to have cousin Owen here to share this memory with. All the children adore having him around and he always is very obedient to me when I ask him to do anything, a perfect house guest. He is welcome back anytime. 

 

Ruth's Baptism

Our special little lady turned 8 and was baptized in February. She is happier than she looks, squinting into the sun. Ruth is eager to please and answer questions, give hugs, and share love. She has developed a testimony of answered prayers prayers this year for which I am very grateful. The Lord heard and answered many of her sweet prayers in the sending guidance and comfort to her 8 year old heart. Beautiful inside and out. (still prone to injury though! She has chipped her front tooth twice this year and I've edited out a pretty big forehead bruise from these pictures.)

Ruth turns 8

This is my beautiful little girl Ruth. She turns eight tomorrow. She was born on lucky Friday the 13th. Tall and slender with a gap in her teeth, beautiful blue eyes, and a smattering of freckles. Ruth is eager to please, loves to answer questions, giggle, and wants to be a mom when she grows up. How did I get so lucky? She will be baptized next month in February.

 This was Ruth at the beginning of our photo shoot. Not super happy about getting dressed up on a chilly week day.