Other end of summer happenings.....

I told you I would spare you the details of all the time I missed blogging but I did want to share these pictures.....

This is the photo we used on facebook to announce our pregnancy! We were so excited to share our news with family and friends. It is a dream come true and we are praying every.single.day for our little miracle...a happy healthy baby! We told Alison also on this day, she was elated. She started crying and I was worried as to why she was crying (she has been an only child for nearly 6 years?!) but she just said through her tears, "I'm just so happy", of course I started crying then also :) She is hoping for a brother and wants to name him Thomas!

My parents got Chris Red vs. Cubs tickets for his birthday and offered their babysitting services ~thank you~ so we could go enjoy the game. We had a fantastic night! We even got these hats free ~score~!!! There is nothing better than baseball in the summertime! To bad our Reds lost :(

Run 4 Everett

Run 4 Everett is a 5k/10k/Family 1 miler that supports/benefits stillborn awareness. We became aware of this run last year and both participated. This year it just so happened to fall on Chris and Annie's birthday, perfect timing!!! Chris did the 10k and because of little baby Bishop I did the 1 mile Family walk with Alison and our parents. 

Of course we had to start our day off with a little face painting....our little zebra for the day!!! 

Our support crew!!

and add in Mommy!

Our family

So proud of her balloons

My sweetest girl

In addition to the regular racing bibs, they also have these decorative bibs available...Alison decorated hers, just for her sister!

Happy Birthday Chris!

Chris started off his Birthday morning with Run 4 Everett...a 10K that he finished 5th overall and 1st in his age group...way to go honey!!! We are so proud of your strong performance!!

 Then it was back home for a birthday party! Of course Alison is always there to lend an opening gift hand ~grin~ Yes, her face is painted like a zebra...another post coming on that. This was her gift to Daddy...biking/running gear!

 And opening his gift from me....does his face looked surprised?? A new TV for our bedroom, ours was on the blitz! But considering he is the electronics man, it was a shock to know I went and asked questions and picked one out for us :) Do you love the Scooby Doo themed party Alison picked out?!

Happy Birthday Honey! We hope you had an amazing day! We love you so much and are so blessed to have you in our lives. You couldn't dedicate yourself anymore to Alison and I!

Another first......

riding the school bus! 

 Waiting patiently

 In Pre-K last year Alison read a book called 'The Kissing Hand' and ever since then her and I give kisses in the hand to each other. It helps us BOTH get through the day...whenever you feel lonely or sad for that person, put your palm on your cheek and you'll "feel" some kisses! 

And there she goes, she did a great job...very brave! We have been so very proud of Alison during this last week of major transition....which those that know her know that change is NOT one of her strong points :)

First day of Kindergarten

Well, the time has come...she's off to Kindergarten. She is doing full day, definitely ready for it academically and needs it socially :) I cannot believe she is going to school, such a bittersweet time in our lives. 

 Of course, the traditional first day picture!

 We have the privilege of walking to school and some of the teachers from the school had written chalk sayings the whole way there. Such a great idea and really distracted us all from the impending separation.

 Me and my girl

 As we arrived at school, her friend Karis had just arrived and they are in the same class. Such a blessing for us because it helped Alison tremendously to know she already knew someone in her class. Clearly the sun was bright yesterday morning!

In the midst of drop-off chaos, there they go! So proud of her!!!