What a year....

I know this technically isn't the start of a new year....but I tend to think of my years in school years. It is finally summer break, the year is done.
 This has been one rough year starting last October.  As I look back, I am amazed at all the Lord has helped us get through.  Things are definitely not smooth sailing right now, but God gets us through each moment.  There were times in the past year in which I didn't think I was going to make it through the day.  Lots of crying out to God and even when I didn't necessarily feel His presence I know He was listening and helping me.  He gave me the strength to start each day again. 

Joe just had back surgery today after years of pain.  I am praying this is the answer to his pain and he will be able to live a normal life again.  He really misses being able to play with the girls and hold them so hopefully this surgery will help.  We still have a road ahead of us, but I have to believe things will get better. At times I fail to believe, but God says in His Word He is faithful and I am clinging to the Word. 

The girls have grown so much this year.  I have failed to keep this blog updated in part because I was just trying to keep up with life.  At night I was so exhausted the thought of sitting down typing wasn't as appealing as going to sleep. :)  I feel bad because I haven't kept up with stories about Emily like I did with Becca.  So....at the end of this posting I will add some pictures over the past few months.  I love my girls so much.  Their personalities are so fun and yet trying at times.  It amazes me how different they are.  Becca is going to be our show stopper.  She belts out songs on the correct pitch and has an amazing memory.  She is performing for us all of the time and you can tell music is just a part of her.  Her smile and laugh is contagious. She has so much energy and I love this girl dearly.

Emily is my little mommy.  She is caring and loves taking care of her baby dolls.  She even tries to take care of Becca at times (much to Becca's disliking).  Emmy is also very stubborn and wants to do everything herself.  I love her smile and how her eyes light up.  She also gives the best bear hugs and kisses.  She has been through so much in her two years of life and my heart just melts with love for her.

Even though the past year has been one of the roughest years I have ever had to go through in my 36 years, I am thankful the Lord gets us through each moment.  His mercies are new every morning and for that I am grateful. 

Emily after she had her finger surgery.

Becca's first Wamidan concert.

Leslie's wedding!

Fun girl's night out!

Daddy and Becca before going to see the Nutcracker.

Surprisingly Em is smiling, she didn't really like the snow this year.

Becca's 4th Princess birthday!

Emily and Becca's first trip to the Indianapolis Symphony!

My little cowgirl!

Emily Renee-16 months

Emily is now 16 months old.  She is such a cutie and so funny.  We love her big goofy grin and her dancing.  I don't think she is as vocal as Becca was, but she watches everything and then tries to do whatever her big sister does.  She loves climbing on everything right now resulting in many bumps and bruises! :(  Her favorite word is Becca.  During the vows at a wedding we attended last weekend, she decided to yell Becca, Becca, Becca.  She loves her sister.  The other words that are pretty clear are milk, Elmo, book, , ball, that, uh-oh (I love when she says this), ma-ma, daddy, Ava, cat, dog, moo, and baby.  At least, those are the ones that I can remember right now.  I'm trying to at least document them online since I haven't kept up in her baby book.
She, of course, loves music.  She pats the beat with Becca while watching Little Einsteins.  Emily conducts as Becca sings.  Emily also loves to play ball.  She has quite the arm for a 1 year old.  :)  It is fun to watch the two girls play together.  Becca will chase Emily around the house and hear them both giggle is priceless. Love these girls!

Daddy loving on Emmy

Mommy and Emily hanging out at Riley Children's Hospital while getting tests done all day.

After one set of tests at Riley we went out to the courtyard to eat lunch. Emily loved the flowers and the pond!

Emily had her first experience at Jump and Play with the bounce houses. She thought it was great!

My ever curious child thought she would try and fit inside the drawer!

Her first peach! She ate about half and was done. Funny thing is she won't eat slices of peaches on her plate!

Playing at the Children's Museum.

Who is that baby?

Goodbye summer vacation!

Since school starts tomorrow I thought I should catch up on what we have been doing this summer.  Ever since I had Emily I have been so bad about blogging.  I'm just too tired at the end of the day! :) It has been a fun summer and I am always so thankful for the time we get to spend together as a family.  We have laughed a lot and had great adventures.  I am finding it really hard to go back to school this year.  I love being at home with the girls and miss them greatly during the day.  They are growing up so fast.  Becca, especially, seems like she is growing into a little lady.  :) She has said the most hilarious things this summer...I wish now that I had written them down but they made Joe and I laugh hysterically.
Here are just a few photos of our fun this summer!

They love playing in the "pirate ship."

We walked the trail a lot this summer.  Becca loved to climb the tree and look for the "grump wizard" and the princess in her castle.

We always stopped at this bench and Becca said we were going to ride the Choo-choo train.

Becca pretending she is a pirate (yes that is underwear on her head)

Becca wanted to try and paint her nails (and Emily's).  

Found mommy's make-up bag.

Riding the boats at Columbia Park with cousin Tyler

She actually let Amy pain a rainbow on her face at VBS!

I found some old curlers and Becca thought it was funny to put them in her hair .

It was sooo hot during band camp. A washcloth on the head always feels good!

Funny hat day at bandcamp

Emily's first popsicle. She loved it.

Chillin' during marching band practice.

Riding the horses at The Children's Museum

Emily and I making faces at the camera while riding the horse!

Fun at Columbia Park

We are so loving the summer! I love being able to stay home and spend time with the girls.  We had a great time in Lafayette at Columbia Park.  They have great play areas for all ages of kids.  Emily loved the swings and animals.  She is definitely not a stroller lover.  She also hates her carseat.  She wants to walk everywhere we go.  She also thinks she is big enough to sit in Becca's side of the stroller.  We rode the train and Becca was big enough this year to ride the helicopters, boats, and horses.  She had a blast.

Switching spots in the stroller.  

Becca posed for this picture.  She said, "Come on daddy, get close to me, Cheese!"

Emily not sure about the water.