Catching Up

Here are some recent photos:
Starting with some 4th of July pics...Here are the girl on a blanket at a BBQ (my camera shutter didnt open all the way, I now realize):
The girls "swimming" in their little swim diapers
Ella wanted to splash as Nora put her face in the water
We walked to a nearby park with our friends...the girls are still small enough to share a bucket swing



A guy walked through the park with his dog...and there was Nora trying to pet him (Ella kept her distance, but said "dog" over and over again!)
The girls both drink water from sippy cups (for those with small children you know what a feat this step is!)
The girls hang out on their rides

I will admit the quality of this video is less than ideal, but I was trying to capture the interaction without disturbing them. Nora has been sick for the past 24 hours, with a fever. She has been doing pretty well, but has been somewhat fussy and lethargic. After we had dinner this eve, the girls were sitting in their highchairs hanging out. I think Ella could tell Nora hasnt been feeling too great because she kept putting her hands on her shoulder, looking right in her eyes, and talking affectionately to her. It was so sweet. There were a few high pitch squeals, which are happy noises for them. Though Nora didnt have a lot of "umph", she seemed to enjoy her sissy's attention:

Happy 4th of July

Happy Independence Day from us to you!Feel better, Uncle Matt! God has a sense of humor, you know. Next July 4th you will remember it all with a laugh and a boy on your lap...

Keep going strong, Grandpa Richards! Enjoy your time at home and hope you get to see some fireworks tonight. We're sure next 4th of July you'll be holding your grandson, thankful that you will never see another July like this one...

And we're thinking of cousin Justin in Afghanistan: Next July 4th you'll be home for good and moving on to the next chapter in your life...thanks for what you are doing for the rest of us.

Belated Congrats

I wanted to post a quick (belated) congratulations to my cousin, Chantel, and her husband Dane. Chantel gave birth to twin boys on June 25th, so they are now part of the multiples club! However, they (unlike us) already have three little ones at home, so two more (at the same time) is CRAZY in my book (not that they planned it that way)! But, thankfully, everyone is healthy and happy and Raif and Rockland Beiswanger haved joined their siblings Dorane, Zion, and Creed at home. Good luck, y'all! Sorry about the photo, Chantel! (This is the only one I had of her pregnant)