Thankful

For the safe arrival of Carrigan Grace to the world, for sisters that adore her so much, for our hometown of Grand Rapids and the short drive to those we love in Berrien Springs, for our memories in Milwaukee and Pittsburgh, for the four seasons, for provision even during months of unemployment, for friends to share our lives and make us laugh, for new brothers-in-laws,for our health, for our past and current church families, for celebrations and holidays, and all of the other days in between, and most of all for God's grace...we are so very thankful.

Pre-Thanksgiving Feast

Carrigan was so envious watching the rest of us eat ice cream cones for dessert tonight that we decided it was time to try out the rice cereal on her. She did really well! Unlike a certain sister of hers that always made spoon-feeding difficult. Not to name names, BRINNLY RUTH WARD. But that's another story. It will be fun to have a fifth chair around our table now!

Four Months Old

Carrigan has had quite a month! She was a cheerleader for Halloween, made her first trip to Fort Wayne to play with her friend Miriam, and spent lots of time outside enjoying the gorgeous fall weather. She is now big enough to play in the her jumper and exer-saucer and does great in both as long as her sisters give her enough space. She was a hit at our church's chili cook-off and charmed her way through the crowd. Next up--rice cereal!

Five on Friday

1) Our November has been jam-packed with activities which helps to explain our lack of posting. Two days after our Wisconsin visitors left, Jonathan had a business trip to Indiana so we all went along and used it as an excuse to visit our dear friends, The Meyers. We were there for four days total-what a change from our usual less-than-24 hours-visit! They were gracious hosts, as always. Although I do admit I'm tired of being asked to "cook more like Aunt Ruth".

2) The girls favorite "recipes" of Aunt Ruth? Lunch Roll-Ups. Take one piece of lunch meat and once piece of sliced cheese. Roll up together. Serve. (Why do I bother baking?)

3) While we were there, Mali missed two days of pre-school but was delighted to visit her friend Timmy's class for a day. What fun!

4) We came home to Grand Rapids for about 48 hours and then turned around to spend the day in Michigan. My mom and I went shopping with Kara and another bridesmaid for dresses--no pictures of that, we'll save those for the big day!

5) Jonathan kept the girls busy during that day with the help of Grandma Deni, Ken, Aunt Amber, Uncle Banish, and Grandpa Gregg. As Mali said "Grandma Deni is in charge of carving pumpkins!" so that's what they did! No arguing with her on that one.

Five Adults, Eight Kids

It has been a whirlwind in the Ward household the past few weeks! To start it off, we had visitors from Milwaukee--our friend Hannah, her sister Rachel, brother-in-law John, and kids Grace, Micah, Nora, Bethany, and Lydia. In the short few days they were there, we went to Family Bible Study together, ran in the Alger Heights 5-K (well, not the kids!), checked out the East Grand Rapids Library, sang quite a few Billy Joel favorites and made several yummy meals together. The kids loved having such a full house, as did the adults. We're already attepting to plan another trip to the Badger State--hopefully for Reinke-fest this summer!



For the rest of the pictures, click here

Trick or Treat

(Please note the costumes of football players and cheerleaders along with Coach Daddy, complete with clipboard)