The evolution of the pull up bar

A few months ago, Kailey and Jake really wanted a pull up bar so they could increase their upper body strength.  Well, that didn't last for long.  Now the people who spend hours on it are these three.

 

They love using it as their own gymnastics equipment and could hang on it for hours (and sometimes they do).  We have a huge beanbag right under there so if they fall they will have a soft landing.  And- I do occasionally wash off the counters and doorway with antibacterial wipes so we don't have foot germs everywhere.

The Saga of Claire's Arm

This summer, while visiting our family in Spring Creek, Nevada, Claire broke her arm.  She and one of her most favorite people in the world- her cousin Logan- were playing rocket ships and the rocket landed wrong.  Yes- that little rocket was none other than Claire.  THANKFULLY- Uncle John is a Doctor and knows everyone in Elko.  Claire was able to get into the E.R. and out of the E.R. and into surgery within an hour.  (Really- does this even sound feasible?)  Claire broke off the tip of her humerus (one of the upper bones in her left arm- right by her elbow) and it was put back together with three big pins.

North Eastern Nevada Hospital- we will always have fond memories of you.

Sweet Claire in the recovery room right after her surgery.  Can you even believe she is smiling?

 Claire's little arm.  She was truly amazing.  She really did not complain unless it REALLY hurt.

Logan and Claire at the farm.  Claire would forgive Logan for almost anything.

The signing of the cast at Grandma and Grandpa's farm.

 After the X-Ray and before they took the pins out.  Claire was so brave when they took the pins out that they gave her a Barbie Doll and a cute little bunny she named Baker Bunny (we were at the Lenox Baker Children's Hospital).

These are the actual pins after they took them out of Claire's arm.  Do you see how large they are? (I'm still in big trouble because I let them throw the pins away.  Claire wanted to save one.  Oopsy.)

This is looking at Claire's elbow after they removed the pins.

Three weeks with no washing.  YUCK!  But strangely fascinating to me.. (she is in the tub getting ready to wash off the nastiness in this photos)


I am happy to say that Claire and her arm are doing great!  She had some nerve damage that affected her pinky (for a long time she had no feeling in it- then it was hypersensitive) but is good now.  I am so very thankful...

Claire's Baptism

 In our church, when children are 8 years old they are considered old enough to be able to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized.  Claire decided that she wanted to be baptized and had her special day on January 8th- two days after her birthday!

 Claire looked beautiful in her white dress!

(We had so much fun shopping online to find the PERFECT dress!)

Claire and her dad (I love how she has her arm around his neck.)

Claire with her two biggest fans

(Isn't it cute that Emery has her head on Claire's shoulder?)

Grandpa and Grandma Nef and Aunt Nancy came for this special occasion.

Andrew Miller and Claire were both baptized on the same day.  It was so great!

Claire with all the men who helped with her confirmation.  (I love how angelic Claire looks and how Brian is peeking around the corner)

This was one of those days that I will remember forever.  Love you Claire and hope you always remember this day too!

Claire turns 8!

January 6th is a great day- because it is the day Claire was born.  I can hardly believe she is eight!

Thanks Grandma Jacque!

We love you Claire!

Yum...CAKE!

Apparently Stella wanted a little cake too and Grandpa Nef shared!

The END of Texas

We had to go shopping as Grandpa and Grandma Carrell gave the kids money to buy their own Christmas gifts.  A few little girls chose a teddy bear at Build-a-Bear.

Then a certain almost 8 year old got something really special:

BEFORE

and

AFTER!  (Take a look at the ears here!!!)

Then we HAD to get some good ol' BarBQ

Hook 'em Horns!

Then Sweet Em decided she needed to try to eat a lemon

and totally loved it!

I love these people.

Fort Worth Zoo

We all loved the Zoo

Giraffes!

and Elephants

I think they were actually looking at Grandma- but I still love it.

I thought these kids were awfully cute on that little elephant.

and I don't know why a carousel ride makes these people so happy!

My two favorite Texans

How much do we weigh?  How many chickens, goats or cows would we make?

Ben and Jilly kicking back on some good chairs and pretending they are old.  (LOVE the faces...)

Apparently, some of these people are NOT Gator fans.

We had a marvelous time at the Fort Worth Zoo!