Claudia:16

It worked out for me to take Claudia's pictures on her actual birthday while we waited for Aaron's soccer practice.  I love how these turned out.  My sweet girl is always so pretty in front of the camera.

My dear Claudia...my firstborn.  Not sure what I would do without you.  I love how you want to talk about everything.  You want to share it with me and get my perspective.  I love how you spontaneously make me laugh.  I love that you sing and make music (though I'm regularly telling you to tone it down...). I love that you are confident and not afraid of much.  You interact with others like they are important and valuable and because of that people are very drawn to you.

I love that as you are getting older and we have a friendship.  It brings me joy to see you doing well in school and finding joy in learning and growing and having friends.  You are a talented girl and I can't wait to see all that is ahead for you.  Love you my sweet 16, girl!!!

Ohio

Last month I took a trip with my little 3 out to Ohio to see my brother and his family.  Over all the trip went really well.  I drove Steve's Prius and spent about $30 in gas. Not bad.

My nephew Drew looking pretty adorable at his baseball game

Adele!!

We had such a fun surprise for Claudia's birthday.  Almost a year ago I heard on a local radio station that Adele was coming to Philly.  I hopped on the internet at the appointed time and snagged some seats.

I can't believe we actually surprised her, she's a sneaky one. It was such a fun, memorable night for us!!  We laughed and cried and yes, I even screamed like a teenage girl.  Adele was such a classy, talented act.  So grateful for an incredible night with my girls!!

No 'real' pics of the concert but here we are together before leaving home.

Did I really dab for the photo???

Claudia's 16th

How is it possible that my baby is 16?  Even though it's been almost 2 months I still can't believe she's that old already.  She had a fun night celebrating with friends and family.  Claudia is well loved and has so many friends.  She had to agonize over cutting back her guest list to a reasonable size.

One thing happened before her party that I wanted to remember.  She sat down her younger siblings and said to them. "I don't want you to be afraid of my friends.  They all like you and think you are cute.  Please be yourselves and have fun with them."  I was so touched by her love for her siblings...I feel like so many teens would wish their family away in front of their friends, and she wanted them to draw near.  What a sweetie!!!

Leaf clean up before the party.  Thanks for helping, V!!

Out of the Mouths...

Josiah: "Greta hit me!!!"

To Greta: "You're going to detention!!"

I don't know where the kid hears this stuff...

Greta Rachel Age 8

Greta was 8 back in August so these birthday pictures are only 2 months late!! Greta is a fun little subject.  She's all smiles and happiness.  The more I photograph my kids the more I want the pictures to be 'them'.  To capture them where they are at the moment. Greta is definitely herself in front of the camera.  She moves and jumps and smiles with her whole adorable little face.

Greta is spunky, feisty, full of life, organized, competitive, and very affectionate.  Kind of a little fire ball!!  One thing that stands out to me right now is she does not like to be wrong, make mistakes, or be made fun of in any way.  She is very competitive.  I am trying to teach her that making mistakes or messing up is ok.  It's been a hard one for her!

Greta is a fun addition to our family.  She plays really well with her brothers and loves spending time with her big sisters.  She is content to be home and play by herself in her room for hours on end.  She loves to sing, read, color, and make cards for those she loves.  She is full of spunk and energy and will never turn down an opportune to run or compete.  A couple fun details, Greta by far has the neatest handwriting of any of my kids.  She also is very time oriented.  Phew...finally got one of those!!  We will be driving somewhere and she will read and reread the clock and tell me that we're going to be late, asking if we will arrive on time, etc.

Greta Rachel we love you and hope you have an amazing 8th year!!

G is pretty proud of her birthstone ring that her Grandma bought her at the beach.