Halloween

Yes, this is the picture that turned out best.

Isaac was Calvin (Auntie Paula and I shopped diligently at thrift stores looking for the perfect Hobbes, but he didn't make the picture).

Leah went as Princess Leia, which she is often called anyway.

Elizabeth changed repeatedly but ended up in this dress. Benjamin was going to be Darth Vadar until he decided to keep on what he wore all day after his soccer game.

Candy to hand out: $12

Costumes: $9

Cost per child to encourage donation of candy to troops (after I pick out the choco, of course): $3

Having no candy in the house for which children are begging: priceless

Picnic Surprise

What  is Leah shocked about even though she's been praying for it?

A heaven-sent delivery

Paul reads:

Dear Mom, Dad, Isaac, Leah, Benjamin and Elizabeth,

I have been wating in heaven for so long.  I just found out four months ago that I will finally get to meet you all on earth!  I won't tell you yet if I am a boy or a girl.  It will be a surprise!  I hope you can find room for me in your house on Cerca Blanca in Houston, Texas.  I'm also excited to meet Tutti Frutti.  I am especially glad that we can be an eternal family!!

See y'all in March 2011.

Isaac finds it comical that Benjamin hears only the part about Tutti Frutti

and thinks we're getting a second dog.

 

Leah's wish comes true.

Benjamin takes another read...

and clues in.

Then explains it to Elizabeth: YOU are going to be a big sister!

Paul loves the whole spectacle.

Four Years of Joy

Tomorrow is Elizabeth's fourth birthday!  Tonight she helped make her cupcakes for her bash.

Favorites

toy: babies
food: bean and bacon soup
treat: Laffy Taffy
movie or TV show: Tinkerbell
snack: crackers
game: tennis "I can plan tennis by myself."
song: Hello Kitty (makes it up and sings it as we speak)
cereal: granola (Benjamin says "crackinola")
friend: Kaileen, Taylor, Minnie and Victoria "because she plays a lot."
book: Here Comes Mother Goose


Siblings

Isaac: he plays cars a lot with me.
Leah: She lets me sleep with her a lot. Sometimes I sleep with mom, but I shouldn't because I'm a big girl. I try to stay with Leah. I walk in your room. First I sleep in Leah's room then I'm in your room.
Benjamin: He reads books to me a lot.
Do you want a new baby? Yes, because I like a new baby.
Our new baby will be named: Elizabeth Leah Davis
Who put the baby in Mom? Heaven.
How? Jesus, because we really want a baby. (Touches Mom's belly.)

Why do we go to church on Sunday? Because we have to be there all day. We pray and read the scriptures.
When I grow up I want to be: a mommy "I don't want to get married because I don't like getting married."

I often think we should have named her Joy; that is what she has given me daily.