Two Hippies and a Soldier

One of my friends commented on Howie's camo photo that he is ready for Iraq - this simple statement got me thinking all week....no one has ever said that about my girls. It is a possibility that any one of them may decide to join the military (I would actually bet my money on little Cindy -she has an adventurous spirit like her daddy), but for some reason it seems more real with Howie. Strange how society molds us. The kids are growing ever so fast. Howie's first smile was yesterday! Me and the girls were singing, "Under the Sea," from The Little Mermaid. His little smile is so sweet to see.

The girls blowing wish balls - they love this activity. They can spot a wish ball 1000 miles away. Whatever their wishes are, mine for them is that they always feel loved.

Beth the tree climber. After church, she runs for these small trees. Perfect climbing for her height.

Cindy found the wish balls first, while Beth was climbing. She was very content to find her own, sit down next to her box of raisins and make wishes. Hope all your dreams come true Cindy.

My little man in his camo - wow gender stereotypes sure do start early. No worries bud, there will be plenty of wish balls and tree climbing in your future. I know your sisters are so excited to teach you all their tricks! Everyday Beth asks if we get to keep Howie forever - I think she is afraid he is just visiting like her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Nostalgia

We love that when any of the Craven's come for a visit, they inevitably notice Grandma & Grandpa Cravens rattan couch set. It is one of our favorite pieces of furniture, and reminds us of loved ones and simpler times. We arranged for a photo op of Matt & Jeff with all their children, and just one of all the cousins. Such fun times!

Kids in a candy store!

Cindy put her baby next to Howie.

Grand Canyon Trek

Matt & Jeff - Two brothers quickly grabbing their squirrely kids for a photo-op.

4 of the crazy Craven cousins posing for a photo - Uncle Jeff was acting like a monkey behind me to get the attention. Pretty impressive if I do say so myself - all 4 looking at the camera, and sitting down. (Not attempting to run towards the "giant hole." )

Forced march - constant head counts! Made for very tired parents at the end of the day.

The three girls taking a break - eating raisins. Notice Sean's absence.....he was on time out for not sharing

raisins :-)...Apparently, raisins were the snack de jour.

Posing for a picture - notice Cindy's absence...She was being held by daddy. The giant hole scared her.

Even Howie made it! I told him people wait their whole lives to see this natural wonder, and he saw it when he was 11 days old. What a little trooper!

The end of the day - headed back to the car - Although tired, overall I would say a very successful trip. 9 people headed out to see this wondrous and dangerous landmark, 5 of which were under the age of 5, and at the end of the day 9 returned! Happy times and great memories were made!

Bouncing Off The Walls

Welcome Baby Howie

Jeff and Sarah waiting for delivery.

Right after delivery - 7:51 AM; 7 Lbs 1 Oz; 20 Inches

Mama and baby

Proud papa and little Howie.

Cute little boy - such alert eyes.

More Summer Fun!

A few fun shots of the Cravens enjoying the end of June and July - we are all excited getting ready for baby Howie - Beth has even asked..."What is taking him so long?" My sentiments exactly. Beth at the end of her Vacation Bible School!

The girls on their new swing set.

Dad snuggling with his girls - awe how cute....and don't forget his first girl Dixie!

The girls playing Simba's adventure on V-Smile -

Cindy enjoying baby Howie's bassinet - they love his toys as well!

Before I Really Have No Time....

Here we are days away from baby Howie being born - so much has happened over the last few weeks and have been meaning to update forever! It is July 13 - since the last update Cindy has turned 2, we went San Diego to see dear friends, put up a new swing set, and just enjoying everyday life as we know it!

Cindy's Big Day! Shrek - her favorite character at the time!

Our Trip to San Diego - Had we realized how easy the drive was we wouldn't have waited 6 years to return. A bitter sweet time for us, as Jeff went for a funeral of a Pilot he flew with in the Navy. We thoroughly enjoyed our old stomping grounds and think the girls were born to live in So Cal.

Cindy's Baby goes EVERYWHERE - and she has gotten good at mastering holding the baby and completing whatever task she wants to do!

We were able to visit our dear friends Marnie and Lewis! We were on their roof deck, and Jeff took the picture from their yard. The girls loved seeing the city lights and planes from so high. We loved catching up after many years!

Front Yard Flowers

Today marked the summer flower planting season! Jeff and the girls worked hard to get one of the planters done. Well, Jeff worked hard.....and was able to finish and the girls both thought they contributed!

Beth helping Dad!

Cindy Helping Dad!

Beth climbing on Dad. He has become accustomed to completeing all sorts of tasks with two little monkey girls climbing on him! What a great daddy!

The girls got bored.....so they wandered to the edge of the yard to chat with Mr. Jerry....who graciously talked to them while he worked on his house. Bethy talked his ear off! Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Kathleen are the girls new best friends.

My Girls are Growing Up - a Reflection of May 2009

As May has come to an end, it has been a monumental month for the Craven family. Although ashamed to admit that my 4 1/2 year old still even had a passy, we gave it up this month. It was a teary moment for both Jeff and I. Not because we were so attached to it, but because little Bethy was so brave and it marked a milestone -- our little girl was growing up. It was just the first of many moments in her life that we as parents will be so proud of her -- and she won't even necessarily know. We took her to Build-a Bear and had her put it inside a special bear. Then she would have a memento that carried with it something so important to her from her babyhood. Additionally, right around the corner Cindy will be two. I looked at her today with all that spunk and tenacityand realized she is not a baby anymore....she is a toddler. She invents her own games, speaks her own little mind, and asserts herself to all those around her. She is sweet as can be, but adds a little spice to everyone's life:-). We love our girlies so much! Everyday we are so proud of them. Sad to see the milestones pass, but always looking forward to what new experiences they will bring to us!

Vegas

We just got back from Vegas....we had a blast at our favorite little spot Sam's Town. It feels so good to get away - even if only for a few days. We had fabulous weather, enjoyed the pool, and the many attractions. Beth is becoming quite the brave little "swimmer." Cindy prefers to sit on a lounge chair or on a step....quite a difference from the dare devil we had last summer. By the end of the trip they were tired and ready to come home - we should have some great naps and early bedtimes in store!