Talking on the phone

Claire spent about ten minutes talking on the phone with her Papi (grandpa) so I just had to record a little bit.

The rough translation: How are you Papi? Good? Yeah, have a good day? Sleeping? Yes, I'm right here and mommy is taking pictures and she said smile and she said I'm talking. Bye, be back soon.

Hannah Joy Kruis

At my last appointment I got to see my youngest daughter and enjoyed watching her open and close her mouth, rub her chin with her hands, and open and close her eyes. Hannah weighs 3 lbs now :)

Singing and Dancing

Gracie singing with great facial expressions. I think she does that because that's exactly what Claire does when she sings and Miss Grace has been watching her.

Getting Healthy

I have not posted much of anything lately because after our trip to California our household has been battling sickness. We finished up with one virus only to be led right into another one. The girls battled cough, colds, and ear infections but finally they are back to their normal happy, healthy selves. My mom and I are finishing up with the virus that the girls shared with us and are on the road to recovery. All the coughing I did these past 8 days upset Miss Hannah and started some more contractions but again, they are under control and we have turned a corner. These past weeks of sickness allowed me to encourage my girls as well as myself that being sick is not an excuse to feel sorry for yourself but instead a chance to work at finding joy in Christ. I had to remind Claire that feeling sick doesn't mean it's ok to act disobedient or irritable but instead even in our sickness we need to strive for holiness and not give into sin. It was a good reminder for me as well to dwell on all the blessings I have and remember that God is sovereign over everything that happens to me and my family including health, sickness, and early contractions. It is always comforting to know that God is in complete control of our lives. 

so happy to be done with her ear infections

My sweet, snotty baby :)

The Wedding

Again, I will post more pictures as soon as I get them but here is one of my little brother and his new bride on the dance floor. Claire of course loved her Aunt Steff's dress and throughout the ceremony and reception Claire would look for Steff and wave at her.

California Day 4

We had a fun morning taking the girls to the beach again so they could build sandcastles, find shells, and this time Gracie got to hold her first sand crab. After a fun morning we got ready for the big event. I do not have pictures yet from the wedding but as soon as the professional shots are posted I will get some up on the blog. The wedding was beautiful and Claire had a great time socializing and dancing the night away. 

Gracie and Daddy

You can see our huge hotel in the background.

Finding seashells

Mommy and the girls

playing with Daddy

Gracie holding her first sand crab

Trying to grab another sand crab

The girls had fun playing together in the sand.

California Day 3

We started off with 'Pancakes at the Pier' and joined some of the other out of town family for breakfast at Ruby's Diner. We spent time at the pool and then enjoyed a very nice rehearsal dinner that evening for Chris and Steff. 

Granny and Claire at Ruby's

Miss Grace Marie waiting for her pancakes.

The excited Groom

The family enjoying each other.

Gracie and Aunt Silvia resting by the pool.

 The Rehearsal Dinner

The Aussie Aunts, Granny, and my Aunt Delia and Uncle Rudy

Claire playing around with Dad at the rehearsal dinner.

Me, Gracie, my Aunt Olivia, Peggy (mother of the bride), and my mom

Some of the Zepeda Family