Jordyn is 5!!

I just cannot believe that my baby is 5 years old! I am so proud of her kind heart and giving spirit. She is a caretaker of others, helper, and very independent. Watch out because she will not forget a thing that you tell her. She can think ahead, solve problems. and she feels every emotion to the fullest. Jordyn is brilliant and she is ready to take on the world.

Just this week we were in the car and she asked me "how old you have to be to study what you want to be." I asked her why she was asking and she said it was because she wants to be a doctor and wants to learn how to do it. I love this girl!!!

Jordyn chose a painting party this year and it was a success. I think it was the most fun, nonstressful party yet. Here are some pictures of the fun.

Halloween Pics

Boy does time fly! In fact some days it is moving forward fast and furiously. Today was a snowy, cold, and beautiful day in Denver. I had the privilege of going to India's school to see her accept an Achievement Award for her progress in reading. So proud of her!!! Hard to believe that just a few days ago I was enjoying a 60 degree day with Jordyn to celebrate her 5th birthday. Our girls are growing up so fast and it is so fun to see them become little ladies.

Here are some pictures of fall fun in Colorado :-)

My bags of jelly beans

School Pictures

This year is flying by so fast! Jordyn is excelling in Preschool. She knows all of her letters and sounds and has even begun to write some simple sentences. Being the oldest she is a leader at daycare and Preschool. She is also the one to speak with wisdom and frankness that is way beyond her years. I wish I could think of some examples because she is funny!!!

India is also doing great in 1st grade. I cannot believe how fast her reading is progressing. She is such a little sponge! We are so proud of her kind heart and gentle nature. India is still involved in Girl Scouts and has made some good friends there.

Both girls are taking swimming lessons twice a week and have taken an interest in sewing and cooking. Linwood jokes that he has three wives :-)

Here are our latest school pictures:

First day of school

The girls were sooooo excited for their first days of school! We love seeing their excitement and knowing that they have a great time learning. They each got to pick out an outfit for the first day. India started yesterday and she came home saying, "First grade is awesome!" Jordyn started today so we are looking forward to hearing her stories tonight.



India was so excited she couldn't keep still so it took a few takes. Each one tells a story.



This is India walking into school. I tried to get her to pose for a picture, but she wasn't having it.

Jordyn full of smiles today for her first day of Preschool.

Our little lady with her backpack.

Where we live

As we prepare to buy a house and rent our townhouse we took some photos this weekend to post in the rental advertisement. It occurred to us that some of  you have never seen where we lived, so here is a brief snapshot (without people). If you would like to relocate to Denver and need a place, it is available :-)

Don't know why the kitchen is upside down....guess you'll have to use your imagination.

Summer Recap 1 - Graduation

We had such an AMAZING summer it is hard to know where to start. I think it will have to be with Linwood's Graduation Ceremony because it has been so long in the making. He has worked so hard over the past few years and we are so proud of him and this achievement. The girls could not get enough of telling people their Daddy graduated from college and they are still talking about it today. We were so blessed to have Grandma and Grandpa Zutell and Nana Washington here to support Linwood and celebrate with us. And what a HUGE help they were...could not have hosted the party, etc without them. And I wouldn't have wanted to, they are such great company!!!! Love you all!

Crayfish at the beach

Yesterday we took the girls to a "beach" close to our house at Bear Creek State Park. We knew that they would have a fantastic time playing in the water and rocky sand, but we had no idea there were so many creatures there. An older gentleman was there with his grandkids and he was showing them how to catch crayfish. India and Jordyn quickly joined in and they spent all morning looking for crayfish in the water. They found tons! Baby size to Grandpa size (their words, not ours). Next time we will have to bring nets. Here are a few photos. India is holding one of the smaller ones and Jordyn has a baby one in her hands.

Hello Again

Well Hello Again,
Logging on today feels like I am catching up with an old friend. I have been wondering for weeks what has been taking me so long and I really don't know. It's been the same way with phone calls....I think of you all the time but I cannot bring myself to pick up a phone. As I contemplate my lack of communication, I have come up with a few potential reasons:
1. I have been too busy living life to write about it.
2. Soooo many wonderful, exciting visits and happenings this summer that I feel like I cannot possibly capture them with words.
3. The task feels so big I don't know where to start.
4. Perhaps a bit of laziness.

Well, no more excuses, I AM BACK!
And I have missed you!
Prepare to be innundated.
Love,
Sara

School Pictures

Hi All!
The school year is rapidly coming to an end (tomorrow is the last day in fact). School pictures seem to be quite the school fundraiser and they are now taking them twice a year. Parents like us are suckers for cute pictures of their kids!!!! And let's be honest, who can resist these faces? (Notice the fingerprints and love given to them already.)