Holiday World {1 year with Xiaoyun!}

Yesterday, we introduced Xiaoyun to Holiday World!  Due to Covid, the park was working at limited capacity which resulted in basically no lines and a great day for us! 

She was a little unsure of the rides at first but quickly came around.

Brielle's initial reaction 😆

But then she was smiling and laughing.

Little sisters watching their big sisters (at the top left)!

Today marks 1 year since Xiaoyun joined our family!

S.U.N.F.L.O.W.E.R.S

There's a field of sunflowers near our home that's full of blooms. A few days ago, I took the little girls over for an impromptu photo shoot. It was getting late, the sky was overcast, and the July humidity was in full force, but I'm still glad we went!  I just took the pics with my phone, but in a family our size, I'm thankful to have some cute individual pics of the girls. I learned my lesson though... next time, I'll start with the baby. By the time it was her turn, she was sweaty and ready to leave! (Braylee was golfing and Brynna was at Bible Memory camp.)

Brielle AnnaMeng ~ 9.5 yrs

Bria AnnaClaire ~ 4yrs

Beilyn AnnaKai ~ 7.5 yrs
It took a little extra effort to get eye-contact from this girly.

But then she flashed me her giant, signature smile!

BellaMei Annjuan ~ 3 yrs

I feel so blessed to be their mommy!! ❤️

More of July

We're in the middle of a pandemic but trying to live as normally as possible too.  We're taking advantage of being able to be outside as much as possible.

It was Brielle's turn to go to Bible Memory Camp. I couldn't help this year because of the restrictions, but I'm thankful one of the counselors sent me pictures of her in her cabin and at the banquet on the last night.  

Braylee & Syd hosted a little pool party and cookout.

Xiaoyun learned how to make deviled eggs, which thrilled the little girls!

We celebrated my Granny's 84th birthday with a picnic lunch at the park.  

Alex and I have been to church occasionally since the Stay at Home order was lifted, but this past Sunday (July 19) was the first time the whole family had gone to church together since early March!  We took the kids outside to play afterwards while the adults were having Sunday School.

Sunday afternoons on the water are the best.

This fearless little girl loves jumping off the boat!

The 4-H Fair went a little differently this year due to Covid. All of the projects were submitted virtually. The girls did really well! Braylee earned Champion on this photography project and earned a Blue at State.

Brynna won Grand Champion on her Child Development and a Blue at State! This is her 2nd time getting Grand Champion on CD.

She got Reserve Champion on this photography print.

This was Brielle's 1st year and she earned Reserve Champion on this baking project and Champion on her Christmas Ornament craft!

Beilyn! That face says it all. She snuck this snack into the study quite early in the morning. She is so my girl...eating nachos, candy, and chocolate milk for breakfast. 😄 And that hair!! I am jealous of her thick, shiny hair!

Ella spent an afternoon with us. Braylee did their hair & make up and did a little photo shoot with them in the backyard.

Brynna arrived home last night after spending the week at Bible Memory Camp in northern Indiana. My curly girl has finally decided to embrace her curls! 💜 She may not have a brother, but God blessed her with a best friend in her cousin Brody! 

Looking so cute when we arrived for Mattinglee's pool party.

My niece Mattinglee turned 6!