July 7, 2013

Therese Turns Seven (in Flaming Red Hair)

Therese reached seven years of age on Valentine's Day.

To celebrate the milestone, she sported a wild red wig on her head—an "Ariel" wig—and enjoyed gifts that were princess and fairy-themed through and through. Her fantastically bright cake even matched the fairy-fantasy theme, and Therese reports it was her "best birthday yet"!

Happy birthday, Sweet Therese Genevieve!





July 6, 2013

A Series of February Shots

Just a series of random February shots...

This is the photo that the big girls have as Joe's avatar on their cell phone.
Joe calls them, and this is the image that pops up.
Dad is watching...   ;) 
A girl and her puppy.
Adele loves the cold, snowy weather! 
Just a random school day shot... At least Andrew (and maybe William?) appears to be working on academics...  ;)
The strange things the big girls do to the little ones... This "dress" is a sweater of Anna's. The head wrap is a scarf of Anna's. The ammo-strap-looking things across her chest are belts...
Really, they are strange kids. 
Big girls getting ready for the Father-Daughter Dance.

July 4, 2013

Kathleen

Look at how Kathleen has grown up. So beautiful!





Surprise!

And when Anna Marie arrived home from March for Life, we had this massive surprise awaiting her—a brand new St. Bernard puppy!



Joe is "blindfolding" Anna Marie, as we walk her down to Adele's pen. Everyone is so excited to see Anna's reaction. She has always wanted a dog.
The reaction: priceless.
Love.
We were in the background telling Anna Marie to wait a few minutes until some of the kids went back inside before opening the pen. Adele had only been with us a few days and was very boisterous around all the new faces. We wanted Anna to have some one-on-one time with her, as Adele got to know Anna.
And here she is, with another proud owner, Mr. William.
Adele is 15 months old.

July 3, 2013

Standing for Life

Anna Marie spent several very cold days this January in Washington, D.C., standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Participating with 650,000 others in the March for Life 2013 was an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience. We watched the whole event live on the internet while Anna Marie was marching.

Bless you, Anna Marie, for standing up for the babies and the elderly who do not have a voice. We love you, and we are proud of you!





Anna Marie in orange.


Anna Marie in orange, front row.

Anna Marie and Ben

Anna Marie and Ben

Touring after the March for Life

The Diocese of Madison youth delegation