So Blessed!

 Last month of pregnancy with Porter! I'm thankful for the care from the Alba Birth Center. At this point, we were all getting excited to meet our little one!

 Random, but worth a spot in the photo line up this month. YUM!!! Egg, cheese & avocado on Ezekiel bread. One of the best things ever.

 After finishing touches on the bunk beds... here they are! The girls' first night in their new spaces.

 Sweet Sue brought us a meal even before Porter was born. Such a thoughtful and wonderful idea!! We came home from a family stroll (ok, I admit, half walk/ half run ;) down the CE trail. 

 Still waiting for labor. Let's make jiao zi (pot stickers/ dumplings)! Our neighbors and now friends Lu lu and Joel invited us to the basement for this yummy dinner treat! 

 The kids were so excited to have jiao zi again! 

 And to have some extra space to burn some extra energy...

 How did they disappear so fast?!?!

 Judging by their faces one might think these two are not fans. I think they were enjoying this dinner too much to take the time to smile :o).

 finger lickin' good!

 Olivet often reminds us that she's the "meat monster" before most meals. She does love most kinds of meat!! 

 Ahh, reminders of China... :).

 This may be the first time ever we've eaten jiao zi on paper plates :).

 And finally... he's here... right on time! Porter is our first baby born on his actual due date! (Ironically (even with the 12-13 hour time difference), at 9:28am, it happened to be June 6th both in the U.S. and in China!) 8 lbs. 8 oz., 21.5 in.

 We were so blessed by a peaceful and joyful labor and delivery at home. We are very thankful for the help of Andi & Rachelle. And obviously couldn't have done it without each other ;). 

 Phil & Danielle took the kids during labor but Cade forgot his inhaler. He was thrilled to be one of the first to hold his new brother (before heading back to the park)! 

 Porter meeting his GG!

 It's hard to believe this all happened just 3 and a half weeks ago! What a whirlwind! Check out those long fingers. Just tonight, before nursing Porter, he had a firm grasp on his hair with those long fingers and his face had the expression, "Hey! Who's pulling my hair?!"

 If Obs is a meat monster, this guy sure is a milk monster!

 Lils is absolutely enthralled!

 They are both in their element! 

 Auntie Danielle's turn!

Phil & Danielle have been a tremendous help during all these crazy transitions. 

THANK YOU!!!

 Porter is taking advantage of no one else sitting on Gampy's lap!

 What is he scheming now? ;)

 The cutest baby booties ever made by our good friend Eva.

 different looks for different days

 Uncle Phil makes a visit

My boys... 

so handsome... even when sleep deprived :)

 checking out all the newness

 Who is more proud?

 What will this line up look like in 5 years?? 

 Visit from cousin Olivia- filled with hugs and kisses

 and Auntie Sarah & Gavin too!

 I love this... cuddler Vivi nestling on Mimi's lap and wearing Mimi's shoes!

 Mimi & Papa with the crew!

 my new pastime :o)

 Life at the Lake!

 On a few gorgeous days we have been able to spend some time at the cottage on Bear Lake.

 Most of us took turns with the kayaks... Cade is a natural!

 Cade & Lil

"No tipping each other!!"

 Cousin Abby & Cade

 Oh, the freedom!

 Happy 7th Birthday to Dass!

 We found this amazing deal... over 40 barbies at Once Upon a Child for $25!

 Besides giving Dass some sweet coupons (like free story read by Lily etc.),

 Lil made this barn along with paper animals that can stand!

 Happy to be one of the "bigs" now!

 Sweets for our sweet

 Hadassah decided that if she could go anywhere (in the WHOLE world), she would go to the zoo!

 We decided to spend the morning with family on a guided tour at the Weyauwega zoo called Animal Haven.

 each kid got a bag of animal feed 

 That tickles!

 Auntie Danielle & Reuel

 "I could have taught you that!"

 Happy Brody

 I used to want a ferit when I was this age...

 Dass loved this rare opportunity!

 camels

 2 Turkeys!

 And a couple bears that have dug a hole and escaped from their cages in the past!

 "Hello"

 gorgeous!

 what brilliant blues

 still smilin'

 a baby wolf

 We tried switching kids without them noticing... it didn't last long :).

 A Liger. Who knew there was such a thing? 

 an unsuspecting mouse

 August pulled these little ladies for a little ways!

 So Blessed!!!