6 Months

(Is it just me or does he look completely annoyed to have his picture taken? Actually, this is his concentration face as he sits up in his bouncer seat instead of just kicking back and relaxing)

*********

Happy half birthday to Justin and Megan! On Wednesday they turned 6 months old. What a fun age! We celebrated by having our sweet neighbor friends over and decorated cupcakes. Justin is really figuring out how to move. He can roll to get anywhere he needs and would really like to sit up. Diaper changes are always an adventure with him as he attempts to roll away. Both Justin and Megan have fallen in love with having their blankets snuggled up to their faces. Sometimes that is all Justin needs to fall asleep. Teeth are coming soon, but looking in their mouths has proven to be a little difficult. Megan continues to be our little lizard and as soon as anything is near her mouth out comes the tongue. They are both very vocal. Meg has always been the chatter box, but just this week Justin has really found his voice and sometimes the two sound like the sweetest little chorus of babbles.

Though they are six months old, we still look at Megan and Justin in amazement. Two babies at one time. What a miracle and a blessing. The funnest hardest thing we have ever done.

A Little Behind...

Locks of Love

The new Annie

Before...

A while ago Annie started talking about cutting her hair. I explained locks of love to her and after careful thought and consideration she decided to go for it. I didn't make the appointment right away because I wanted to make sure she was certain. There have been many around us who have donated their hair--our neighbor Kambell, friend Molly, cousin Savannah, and after seeing their results Annie decided she wanted to go for it. I made the appointment and she was literally counting the hours until it was time to go. She did so well and looks beautiful. However, when we got to the car her big smile turned to tears and she proclaimed she had made a bad decision and missed her hair. My heart broke. She cried for a couple of hours and has decided never to leave the house or go back to school. She is slowly adjusting and left the house last night for a hot dog roast at the neighbor's house and really seems good this morning. I wish she could see how beautiful she is, but all she sees is short hair. Lucky for Annie hair grows back. We are so proud of her for deciding to donate her hair.

Aunt Maria Loves Meg

A big thank you to Aunt Maria for mailing over the collection of adorable bows! We love them. Megan is always irresistible, but steps it up a notch with bows in her hair. Look at those Howell ears!

Ouch!

Emma, Jake, the babies, and I went to a friend's house for lunch yesterday. I hadn't been there fifteen minutes when I heard Jake crying. I knew he was hurt. As I got close I heard Emma instructing the younger kids to go get her mom and tell her Jake is bloody. Bless her heart she didn't want to leave him.

At my friend's house life is always a party. In so many ways I wish I had that in me. Apparently, she and her kids have decided the best way to get to their basement is to sled down the stairs. Yup, a winter sled on carpeted stairs. Jake's chin is good evidence that sleds and stairs don't mix well. He and Emma went down together and his chin hit her head.

I got Jake to our pediatrician where it was decided that glue was a better option that stitches. It was really nice to avoid the trauma of stitching it up, but the glue feels strange and I am constantly trying to distract him from picking at it. He has broken it open again just a bit, so the scar will be not so subtle.

Buh-bye Mullet

Post Mullet

The Mullet

Justin gives kisses to anything and anyone who gets near him :)

I have never doubted that our Father in Heaven has a sense of humor. My kids prove it to me everyday. I know He knew second only to wanted Justin and Megan to arrive safe and well I really wanted Meg to have hair. Well, hair we got but it came in the form of a beautiful mullet. I decided this morning it had to go. Meg and I are feeling pretty good about ditching the business in the front party in the back motif.

Since the babies were born I have been waiting for them to interact with one another. Now that they are almost six months old, that day has come. Everyday is filled with sweet little moments where they grab onto one another, stare or laugh at each other, talk, and even sometimes hold hands. They are both in love with their saucers and are so cute to watch as they watch the other play.

Why I am the Boss

Call me controlling if you will but I still pick the clothes my kids wear. This is what happens when Emma is left to pick her clothes herself. Annie and Jake are no different. One thing is for certain though, when they dress themselves they always go for comfort. My favorite in this ensemble is the socks!

What a Weekend!!

Annie was baptized this weekend. It was such a special day. We are so proud of the strong, sweet spirit she is. She claims not to have been nervous at all, but the ride over to the stake center was adorable--so many questions--we had to go over every detail of what was about to take place. Annie and I were both touched by the number of people that came to support her. The primary room was full. A lot of people traveled quite some distance to be with us. Annie was the last baptism of the day and the water was a little cold, but she was a trooper. Both Grandma Jo and Grandma Amy spoke, and Emma and three cousins sang "I am a Child of God". The spirit was so strong. Travis and I both started to blubber in the opening song! Having kids grow up is so hard and so wonderful all at the same time.

This is all family!

After we were home from the baptism, we sat all the kids down to tell them that their dad was going to be the new Bishop of our ward. We really didn't know how they would react. Annie couldn't stop giggling. She and Emma both still find it a little bit funny. Travis and I are not laughing! Sunday was a really special day and we were so grateful to have the support of our families. After Travis' dad's last visit we were worried about him traveling again. We are so grateful he could come and it was really special to have him standing in the circle as Travis was ordained and set apart as bishop. Now that the weekend is over, reality begins. Poor Travis can't seem to call himself bishop. He makes phone calls for church business and skips the phone introductions hoping that the person on the other line will recognize his voice so he doesn't have to tell them it is Bishop Kraupp!! We know you are all praying for us, we feel it and we are very grateful.