Y'all come back now, ya hear!

Last weekend we took a trip with David's parents and sister to visit the relatives in Indiana. We drove five hours to Tell City and pretty much ate, sat and talked the entire time. What a life! It's probably one of the most relaxing vacations I've had in a while, so thanks Dad and Mom for bringing us along on your jaunt! We miss everyone already and can't wait to go back and visit again.

I LOVE the picture up above! This photo totally represents the welcome that we had our entire visit. I have never met such wonderfully sincere, kind and generous people. And we're related!!!! How did I get so lucky?

This was a pretty typical scene at any given time during the day. Don't let David fool you. He got whooped.....Big Time! Those relatives can sure beat us "city folk" in pool.
David and Caleb hanging out in the barn watching the pool match. They got in some good father son time.
I could get used to this view. Nine acres of gorgeous land that Uncle Sam and Aunt Tammy were so generous to share with us.
Caleb on the 4-wheeler. He and all the grand kids had so much fun pretending to be fire fighters.
Jake and Uncle Sam's tractor. He was in heaven!
Uncle Wayne and Aunt Juanita visited the cemetery with us.
David and his dad in front of David's grandparents' grave in Tell City. It was really nice to get to see it in person.
Our handsome chauffeur.
Party time in the Anson van. Poor Nicole was a trooper in the back between the car seats. We couldn't have made it without her, although she probably could have made it just fine without us!!!

The in-laws. Pat, Jimmy, Betty, Donna (mom), Wayne, and Sam.

The siblings. The master of tease himself (we have proof!) Paul Ohie, Dad (Kenny), Juanita, Robert and Tammy. What a bunch of Hooligans! Because of them, the tooth fairy owes Caleb "no less than twenty bucks!"
Cousins! They ran wild the whole weekend and had a ball!
Tuckered out on the way home. Nicole saw Jake reading the same page for a while and finally realized he had actually fallen asleep. Dig the shades, Dude!

sewing project

I recently threw a baby shower for a friend and needed some ideas, so I logged on to Martha Stewart's website and happened upon the cutest pattern. I know I don't have a girl, but I couldn't help myself. I followed the instructions and after reading a few rough reviews I finally figured out how to make it. I decided the pattern wasn't worth it so I changed it into something that I liked and I think works a ton better. It's also a lot easier so if any of you want to make it, I will send you some pictures and instructions on what I did. Thanks mom for teaching me how to sew!

Japanese Festival at Botanical Gardens

We recently had the opportunity to go to the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. David is taking a Master Gardener class there and has done a lot of service hours in the Japanese Garden. Thanks to this, we were all able to get in free and enjoy the festivities!


LOVE the sumo wrestler. I didn't even edit on purpose. Thanks Katie for blocking the view!

David helped build this fence and got to teach some others how to tie some special knots. What a Scout! The gardens and weather were beautiful and we had wonderful friends to spend the day with. Thanks for coming along Brimhalls!

Check out these water lilies! Boo yah! They get less wrinkly and unravel as they get more mature. Man, I wish that's how it happened to me....

Caleb is in First Grade

My heart is so full of love for this kid. He is so kind, forgiving and thoughtful. He has grown so much. My neighbor took a picture of him on the first day of school because I couldn't find my camera, but I haven't gotten it yet. I'll add it later when she emails it to me.

Caleb is so excited to be in first grade and can already read with the best of them. He loves computer time, P.E. and most of all, music class. His favorite thing to do is play the musical instruments. He loves Star Wars, reading books, watching movies, playing Wii, playing with his brother and friends, and his family. He doesn't like whipping cream or anything creamy for that matter. He also doesn't like potatoes.

Caleb is a good friend and a very righteous kid. I am so proud of him and his little growing testimony. He knows he is a child of God and acts like one. We love you so much Caleb!

Look Who's 3!

Jake is a very unique kid and we love him so much. I asked him what kind of B-day he wanted and he told me he wanted a tractor one.....again. Surprise, surprise! I love this kid so much. Even though he only tolerates me sometimes, and continues to be a dedicated "Daddy's Boy", I know he will grow up independent and passionate about the things he likes! He is a silly, mischievous boy who is, what I call, the poster child for reverse psychology. If it isn't his idea, it doesn't fly! He loves his brother and the cartoon Max and Ruby. He eats a butter and jam sandwich, blueberries and cheese sticks every day for lunch and loves the color red. He loves Jango Fett from Star Wars and does all of the sound effects when he and Caleb play.

Jake grew three inches in the last 8 months and I am so excited to see him grow even more, every day. We love you Jacob David!

Do Not Feed The Animals!

What in the world is this guy eating!!! We went to the zoo the other day and saw this prairie dog just sitting there. I don't think he moved the entire time. The other dogs must bring him his food on a silver platter while he watches football all afternoon. Anyway, I thought he was totally hysterical.