Megan Dedicated and Catch-up

Megan was dedicated this morning--a chance for us to say thanks to God for lending Megan to us and affirming we'll do our best to raise her in a way that glorifies him. And a chance to get a lot of other people helping us!

My brother Andrew and his wife Jessica (happy month-iversary!) were able to be with us to celebrate.



Two other seminary couples/families were also able to make it.

Since Andrew's wedding, it's been rather hectic. I and the three younger girls have already been back to Minnesota--I had a business conference there. My mom watched the girls. Annika stayed here in Chicago with Dan. She attended her first graduate level course--made it about 80% of the way through. She also got to go on a couple dates with daddy. Very cool!

I had 14 lesson plans to do before the conference...a few very late nights there. It seems to be the only time to get things done. Hmm. Wonder why. I still have a few pieces to write up about the conference. And I had to get an 8-page newsletter done (written, layout, edited) before we go on our vacation (yes--VACATION!) on Tuesday! Someone gave us free hotel for six nights and someone else gave us two plane tickets (we had two others saved up on credit card points) and yet someone else is paying for friends of our to watch Emily and Megan while we're gone. While they will miss us, they'll have more fun here this week. Wow. It's the first vacation we've been on since 2000 I think.

Annika is loving kindergarten. She's having a rough time getting along with sisters right now. She's using more of her vocab--but is still mixing them up--using "recognized" instead of "remembered." She really enjoys reading--which is good since that's her main "homework" each week for school. She (with a little of Lauren's opinion) dictated a book review. It's on the web at: http://reviews.armchairinterviews.com/reviews/purplicious

Lauren is loving preschool and is the biggest/oldest kid in her class of three. She got a v-smile for her birthday (preschool version of PlayStation) and is having a blast with it. Comes with a microphone for Alphabet Song karaoke.

She also uses her tummy as an excuse for things--it seems to be the heart of her emotions. "Mommy, my tummy wants to come up and sit with you" while we're driving in the car. I told her my tummy thought it was a bad idea.

Emily is really into everything. We now have to lock the back screen door because the smart stinker figured that one out. She says phone (foe), shoes (shoes), Annika (Annika) and Lauren (Lala).

Megan is sitting by herself and becoming more vocal. Still no teeth!

Below are pics from the last month.
Annika posing
Chicago skyline from the 96th floor of John Hancock building (with Andrew and Jessica Oct. 11)


We did a family photo shoot at a nearby outdoor mall.
Lauren's fourth birthday.