Better Late Than Never!

I TRIED to take Rachel's 6 month photos before today (the last day she is technically 6 months old,) but I always had too much "help" around here during photo shoot time.  :o)  Of the many, many I took a few weeks ago while her siblings bounced around the room, I did get one cute one in her dress.

Today, with just Teresa here to "help," we captured some more cute photos to finish off our 6 month photo project.  I won't bore you with all of them (although I will happily send albums by request) :o), but here's my favorite. 

Yesterday Rachel started eating Gerber puffs and today's new food was graham crackers.  I have to admit I'm pretty sure our other babies had these foods before almost 7 months. 

Oh, well. 

I'm sure it won't be the first time I am accused of babying my baby! 

We Love a Parade!

 We had a gorgeous day for Eureka's 125th Parade last Saturday morning!  There were almost 250 entries, but here are just a few highlights.  The orange VW Bug is owned by my friend Rachel's parents, Rueben and Kathy.  I went to Kathy's daycare as a child and she would take us to the grocery store or park in this bug sometimes.  Even as kids, we thought it was one awesome car.  I was so excited to see it be resurrected for the parade!  :o) 

 My dad built this birthday cake for his company's float entry.  Isnt' it pretty?

 Here's one happy girl!

 Is there any such thing as TOO much parade candy?  Mom says YES.  The kids say NO!!!  Rachel was thankful for her siblings' hard work so she could share in the reward.

Great Grandma Olivia and Rachel watched the parade together.

Happy 125th, Eureka!

Let's Back It Up a Little . . .

to the 4th of July!  We spent our 4th of July in Faulkton again this year.  The boys were able to help Grandpa and Grandma Melius drive the antique tractors in the parade.

 

 It was a hot day, but we can always count on the lifeguards to squirt us with water when they come by!

First, the "Big 3" and dad went to the Melius Reunion in Faulkton.  I had to stay behind with Rachel who was napping.  Hey, I know it was a hard job, but someone had to do it!  After everyone got back to Uncle Orin and Aunt Phylis' house, it was time for some slipping and sliding!

 Even the baby girls, Brooklyn and Rachel, got to have some water fun.  Aunt Phylis set them up with their own water stations to cool off, too.

 Here's the lineup to watch fireworks.  The city of Faulkton also has a beautiful display each year.

After dark, it was time for sparklers!

We hope you had a fun 4th of July, too!

Next time . . . pictures from Eureka's 125th Celebration!!!

"She'll Be Fine."

This is what I have needed to hear from a surgeon for 6 weeks. 
Of course, Rachel's surgery is all in God's hands and He will determine the outcome, but to hear these words from Dr. Wetjen today was a bucket of water on a wildfire of fear. 
I admit the news that she was too old for endoscopic surgery was not welcome, but he quickly assured me that it was not the worst thing that could happen.  The procedure she will have (probably sometime in November) will take care of everything at once.  No helmet or future surgeries.  And when the tears still came (even though I apologized for being too emotional,) he told me she'd be fine.  He has done many, many of these and they have been done for many, many years.
Alright.  He had my vote.
On a side note, did you know the covering of the brain looks like a reptile egg?
I saw a picture of it today and, strangely, it made me feel a whole lot better, too.
The unknown and "what-if's" were all so much worse than the actual appointment, which was actually quite pleasant (except for having to use a Mayo Clinic tissue or two).
I'm not saying I won't have a few freak-out days before the surgery, but I really hope they will be less often.
A couple of weeks ago, we heard Jesus say in the Gospel, "Do not be afraid.  Just have faith."
I'm trying, Lord, I really am!

Celebrate Good Times . . .

. . . come on! 

(You know you are going to have that song in your head for the rest of the day! 

You're welcome.)

 We had a most fabulous time celebrating the wedding of my cousin Sarah and Shawn on Saturday evening! We had a good representation of the Kallas family. Above are the "old" people (some of THEM are older than others). :o) 

 Here are the little cousins who came to celebrate the occasion.

 Teresa told me, "This is the best night I ever goed to!"  They danced and danced until they couldn't dance anymore!

 Nathan showed us the moves that he thinks will take him to Vegas on America's Got Talent. 

Landen had a few break dancing moves of his own!

I always love a good Kallas family wedding.  Next up is Eureka's 125th Celebration this weekend!  I am so very excited--there are some very special people in my life that I haven't seen in waaaaayyyy too long!  It's time to catch up and laugh so hard it hurts.  I can't wait!