I’m learning a lot about photography and trying to get better images, adventuring away from automatic.  It is so hard, and I get tons of really bad shots, but here are some of the better ones while I was practicing earlier this week.

Noelle was reading her Bible tonight and making up stories.  I heard something about "grapes" and then she said, "Jesus, you can do anything you want!" 

My daughter in the hay maze!

I said, "You are such a silly willy."  And she said, "No I’m not.  I’m Noelley belly!"

Feeding the goldfish a goldfish!

Splish splash, we are officially wiped out!  After a good nap in the car, we had supper with Brother Man.  We had such a blast today!

Sam is like a proud Dad taking pictures of everyone!  He even let Noelle take a turn photographing the bunny.

Noelle with her friend Phillip petting the bunny.  Sam and Noelle brushing the sheep.

This picture freaked me out… Noelle actually kissed the chicken.  I think she kissed every single animal there – what do you do?  We have a serious animal lover!

Whistle Lips on our way to gym!

Noelle’s favorite station – the trampoline!

Floor time!

Music and rhythms!

Balance beam!

Obstacle course!

Arabesque!

Jump 1/2 turn and say "choo-choo!"  Shoot some hoops!

Pro at the forward roll!

First time to ride on the rope and fall in the pit!

Sucker time!  Gym class is Noelle and Daddy time, and I can’t tell you how proud I am of both of them.  Noelle is trying new things, and Mike is a great (and patient) teacher.  They had so much fun today!

This weekend, we had our little friend reunion at the Fearing and Pond households.

Jon (via Molly) made the most delicious oatmeal cookies in the world!  Noelle wearing Jon’s infamous wig, and Beau chillin’ and enjoying the night!

Thanks Poppa and Mike for providing such great steaks!  

Yes, Jon has his hands around Mike and Matt’s heads – silly guy!  Thanks for the great night everyone!

I have to admit I am dying to meet my new niece!!!  With every new pic, my heart just breaks, I miss her so… she’s adorable!  Although she is a world away (literally), I’ve already fallen in love!  Drew boy, you’re precious too, but you know that!  Come see us soon, Ebert family!

We had such a blast celebrating with the Watson’s friends and family at the party barn Saturday night!  Steve is one of Dad’s hunting buddies and Meredith is his dental assistant.  They are both very special to our family, and we are so happy for them!

Meredith & Melissa

Pond family fun!

Beautiful cakes from Designs by D’Anne!!!

It was so good being home and enjoying our family!

Olen bragging on Noelle for having pretty red fingernails, which I painted for her because she filled up her "I had a good day" sticker chart for school!

The amazing staff of Dr. Michael Banks, D.D.S.!

Brother Man, Nancy, and the Ponds

Findley Place hunting buddies!

Noelle stood by the cakes all night, until of course, the dancing started!

Noelle made a bunch of new friends and boogied the night away!

See what I mean?  She’s singing her little heart out! 

All the way home Noelle kept asking if we could go back to the party.  She had the time of her life.  I wish we had gotten all those moves on video!

We are excited to share the news that Maryanna Grace Ebert has arrived!! Anna was born on Oct. 14 at 8:35 am Japan Time and weighed in at 8lbs 14oz. She is 20 1/2 in. long.

Noelle was sitting on my lap tonight, and I was telling her all about her new baby cousin.  She said, "She’s sleeping with Aunt Michele, Mommy."  I said, "That’s right!"  Then she said (I kid you not), "She’s really cool! She’s going to be my friend and play with my toys."

We were cracking up and then asked Noelle if she was going to let her little brother play with her toys.  She said (again, I kid you not), "I don’t know.  He’s little bitty.  He’s going to run away and go to Old Navy."