Photos taken this morning before we leave....

We've had a great stay in NE and will be flying home tomorrow. We miss Daddy a lot. Even though I have had a ton of help from my mom, it's still just exhausting taking care of the kids and living out of suitcases w/out Joel. But I must admit that since we've been here (September 19th) I have not washed or folded any of my own clothes, prepared a single meal, loaded or unloaded the dishwasher or washed a single bottle. Ya, my mom pretty much rocks.

We went up to Omaha yesterday to see the Conklins and Miss Molly. It was a day well spent, that's for sure. Marie and Jonah had a great time together. I just love my college girlfriends so much. They are amazing women, and are just getting more wonderful and strong in the Lord each time I see them.

Sorry to those of you I wasn't able to see (I'm specifically thinking of Nicole). Renee has been pretty sick since Friday (can't digest any food) and we're all just pooped. Pun intended. But we'll be visiting Nebraska more often now, since we're moving to Minnesota in less than two months!




Jenny and I walking around Costco with Jonah and Marie.





Jonah and Marie being silly.





Jenny, Molly and I in front of the Ashers' new place. They are going to completely gut and renovate the entire house. It's going to be so neat! You guys seriously need to make a blog to post photos of your progress! Then you can have it printed into a keepsake book.





Swinging.










Buddies. I do hope you guys will come visit us in MN :-)





Abby really loved this. Really she did. Heehee.





Sleeping today at naptime.





Oreos and milk and bonding.





Renee eating carrot wheels.





Dental hygiene is a huge priority in our family.

Hello J-Man. We miss you.

We're still here in Nebraska (until Monday). Having a heckuva time, lemme tell ya! Patrick and I have been enjoying incredible amounts of brotherly-sisterly bonding. For example: I've been chased around the living room with a booger, been lured into the most toxic-smelling bathroom you could possibly imagine, and have proven time and time again that, yes, I am the most correct/smartest person when it comes to every issue in the known universe. That's what first-born big sisters are for: knowing everything (and not being afraid to admit it).

Have I mentioned we've been having a heckuva time?

Marie got to ride a real pony at the zoo yesterday. So adorable. Those photos are on Isabelle's (my step-sis's) camera yet...so they'll come later. Renee has been hilarious. She's getting so big and opinionated. The first thing everyone has said when they've met her is that she's going to be very playful when she's a toddler/young child. She is such a wiggly-worm and a chatter-box. She loves it when people talk to her. But she is a cuddler, too, which I love. Marie wasn't a very cuddly baby, but she's starting to be a snuggly little girl.

Tonight on the way home from Grandpa Ben and Nana's house Marie said a few interesting things. We were talking about Jesus and Marie said, "Did we crucify him, Mommy?" Uh, what do you say to a 2 year old who asks this question? I was able to fuddle something out, which I pray was helpful to her.

She also said that when she grows up she wants to be a Veterinarian ("Veginarian"), but then changed her mind. She settled on Princess. More specifically, a princess with a magic wand. And then suggested that Renee can be the fairy godmother, while Grammy Cindy and I can be the stepsisters. How generous.

Well, here's what you really came for. Photos:


Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies w/Grammy Cindy. I only ate 9 or 10 today. Not bad. Isn't my mom gorgeous?





Waking up from nap. She loves sleeping on her air mattress.





With Papa and GG (her Great Grandparents on my mom's side) today. Papa is amazing with kids. Marie loved holding his hand. They brought the girls each a stuffed animal, which was very kind and generous.





I think this is my favorite photo of Renee yet. She is growing up so quickly. Love love love that smile.





The Meehan sisters.





The goofball Meehan sisters.





Playing with Uncle Patrick this afternoon.





At Grandpa Ben and Nana's tonight. Zsa Zsa (we got her when I was in high school) was Marie's entertainment for the night. Renee would watch her and belly laugh.





My dad and Renee.





Grandpa Ben with his two granddaughters.





Gramps and Nana with the girls.





Dad and me.





Does it get much better than a pit-bull, a mini-motorbike, one extremely tatted-up dude and a barn in the background? I think not. This is Nebraska, folks.





Me and Marie. She was really so over taking photos at this point.





Looking at the flowers, bumble bees and butterflies with Nana.





That's my brother with his albino pit bull named Missy. Isn't she adorable (gag)? She's been living with my Dad and Carolyn for several years now, and has become like a child to them. A hideous blood-thirsty child. Heehee. Apparently she is a really sweet dog, but I don't let her near the girls because...well...she's a pit bull.





Another one of that lovely, mild-mannered pit-bull. And the dog, too.





Dad, Carolyn, myself and the girls.





Renee was cuddly and sweet (much like Missy the pit bull) after an evening at my Dad's acreage.





Fancy Nancy, or Marveous Marie. We played a little dress-up before bedtime.










Marie with her new coin purse, courtesy of Grammy Cindy (who let her pick out any purse she wanted today). Very kind of you, Mom.





I'm not fancy enough.










Marie's new obsession is cherry Chapstick. "But mint is my favorite" -Marie.





Time for bed. I have to get up tomorrow to get my behind-kicked in racquetball.

Okay, these are not going to be in any sort of order. We are in Nebraska. I thought Joel and a few others might like to see them. My step-sister took a bunch more on her camera that I need to get from her, and then I'll post those, too.


Renee was REALLY thrilled to meet Uncle Patrick for the first time :-)





Pat's first good meal in a while. He chose Old Chicago.





Hangin' with Uncle Patrick.





Pat's first time feeding a baby. Renee's first time being fed by a Staff Sergeant....





Watering Grammy's flowers.





Marie decided to get a little aggressive with the hose.





I got to give Pat the very first hug!





Dude, where are my civilian clothes?





Love from Marie





Marie making Pat walk blindfolded.





Grandpa Ben, Uncle Pat & Marie in the airport parking garage. Pat just wanted to get home, get a shower, change into "civilian clothes" and go out for a nice dinner.