College Schmollege...

Emma found the hat I wore the day of my college graduation.  Putting that on her made me realize just how happy I am to have my degree, and how happy I am to devote the majority of my hard-earned education to raising her.  There isn't a day I regret staying home with her.

In other news...Father's day was very sweet this year, especially because there is a new daddy in town. A wonderful, caring, loving, playful daddy that loves his daughter so much! I always knew Trenton would be a good Dad, but I have to admit I'm a little surprised at just how good. There is nothing better than watching Trenton take Emma into his arms when he gets home from work, or get on the floor to play with her. Anyway, Happy belated Father's Day to all you Daddies out there!

Genelle Chapman called me this past week and we got together for lunch. For those of you that don't know Genelle, she graduated from the United States Air force Academy a couple years ago and has been stationed in Dayton, Ohio ever since. She is headed for Baghdad and stopped through Colorado Springs to visit old friends. Would you believe that the only reason she didn't go sooner is because the military couldn't issue a gas mask small enough to fit her head? True story! I grew up with Genelle...we were the friends that drew hearts and rainbows with sidewalk chalk, and played barbies until three in the morning. She used to kick my butt in Oregon trail and always had great aim with water-guns- perfect foreshadowing for the military gal she'd become . She may look like a super-model now, but she'll always be little Genelle. Good luck in Iraq- you're in our prayers!

We have been doing everything we can think of to enjoy summer. I even stocked up on ice-cream sandwiches! There is nothing more soothing than having supper outside around 7:00 p.m, the smell of chlorine in your hair, popsicle stains on your shirt. Don't you love falling asleep to the sound of crickets and the hum of a fan? I hope you're all enjoying the season!



Love,
Janet, Trenton, Emma, and Gary
P.S. It was in the paper today that HP is relocating to Rio Rancho, NM. If you saw that I'm sure you're wondering if we are going too...not sure yet. But keep your fingers crossed that we can figure something else out. Don't get me wrong, we love sand and dirt, but we prefer mountains and family!

Babies Reunited...On the Outside...

This weekend we had a reunion for our Lamaze class. It was so fun to see all those darling little babies on the outside of their mommy's tummies. It is weird to think that only five or six months ago, these babies were rolling and kicking on the inside! It seems like yesterday that we were all waddling into the hospital, with our pillows and ice-chips in tow, waiting with frustrated/excited anticipation for the scariest experience of our lives. We learned together, watched gory childbirth videos together, and most importantly...ate yummy food together during a time when food was the hottest topic on every one's mind. The reunion was fun, and thankfully, all the mothers and babies were healthy. Emma was a little social butterfly and constantly felt the need to touch any baby she could get her hands on. She's very lovey...but you aren't hearing any complaints from us. Look at all those babies!

Emma is growing beautifully. She has fun playing and seems to really be enjoying the warm weather. We have a park directly across the street from our house and she likes going there everyday...although I think I enjoy it more.

Cute little Redheads!


I take Emma with me everyday to the gym and she loves playing in the "child-watch" with all the other babies.

Emma is sitting in front of the flowers Trenton planted last year that have recently come back up. Before I met Trenton, I was one of the most impatient, instant-gratification-type of people. And to a degree, I still am...like I hate ordering on the Internet, and if I buy a pack of gum at the checkout, I have to open it before I even leave the store. But Trenton has taught me the power, and fun that can come from being patient. I watch him as he plants bulbs into the earth and cares for the many house plants and admire his faith in the growth cycle. Since I tend to kill anything green, I am always skeptical when something is planted, but not Trenton...he just keeps watering, and pruning, and before you know it...we've got a garden!

Happy June!
Love,

Janet, Trenton, Emma and Gary