August busy August

Wow... we just returned from our first official family reunion in Montana and what a great time was had by all. So much to be celebrated in the last ten days its hard to know where to start.

Addy was sealed to us in the Billings temple and we were extremely blessed to have all of our immediate and some of our extended family there. Even though it's the fourth time we have done this words are never sufficient for what a special day it really is. As you can see sweet Addy looked beautiful and she was happy and laughing the entire ceremony. It was neat to see Alec, Olivia and Carson so excited for the event as well. We all know how lucky we are to have Addison and what a great dynamic she brings to the Ringhiser family.

Alec turned 14 and celebrated with lots of new "designer" clothes and even a name brand backpack. Ah, I remember the days of Guess jeans....and now the best jeans for me are the ones that fit no matter what the brand. :) Alec is turning into a young man whether we are ready or not and I continue to say I have no idea where the time has gone. Alec was such a beautiful baby in so many ways and now he's a very talented, smart, good looking teenager.

Ray and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary---HOLY COW! With our family and crazy- busy day to day "stuff" I know that Ray would give his right leg to just have 18 minutes as a couple alone at this point. I look back at where we were and where we are now and I am amazed at how much we have accomplished together. I think we both can honestly say we have had or ups and downs like every couple but we wouldn't change a thing. We "work" together and it seems as those that is something hard to find these days. Here's to another 18 years because who would ever want to start over again at this point---hee hee

So, the reunion of sorts. We had a fabulous time seeing everyone. The kids literally played together from sun up till sun down. It was amazing to see how much the babies have changed and grown since Christmas. It was great to see Cody and Chelsea have settled in to married life and Will is now Dr. Winterholler with a successful new office and new house on the way. Erika and Aaron still amaze us all as they remain "cool" under the pressure of two busy boys and living so far from home. Justin and Melissa blessed us all with some great produce from the Hodges Whole Foods market aka/their garden. Her belly continues to grow and we are anxiously awaiting th arrival of....well....thats yet to be determined (the name) Mom and Dad entertained us, fed us, blessed us and sent us on our way again hoping we would be back soon to cause more Winterholler memories and madness.

The 10 days with family was a great pick me up! Back to Maple Valley we go with the last week of summer looming....

There she goes...

There Miss Livvy goes.....having another birthday and turning more and more into a young lady. This blogging has been good for me in the sense that it causes a parent to reflect a little on the concept of time--- and how there really never is enough of it. I am realizing that my first little brown-eyed curly-haired baby is now a sassy, intelligent, warm hearted young woman. Olivia came to us by pure divine intervention and we know that our lives would not be the same without her in it. She is the "calm in between the storm" (two brothers). I tell her often that she is my "rock". At times I know I take her good nature for granted because I know I can count on her to help whenever I ask and many times she figures out how to help on her own. She is the twinke in her daddy's eye and the most intelligent person I know. Of course I am bias but those who know her love her...what a lucky day August 9, 1998 was for the Ringhiser family. Happy Birthday Olivia Jean Ringhiser!

Take me out to the ball game....

Well I guess there are a few advantages to living near a big city. Carson was able to experience his first REAL baseball game tonight. Ray says he was truly mesmerized and "in his element". Tonight was season ticket holder appreciation night and fans were invited early to watch batting practice for both teams and get a closer look at the field. We were sure Carson would poop out and want to come home early after 5 hours of baseball BUT no way----he was in baseball bliss. They had a great boys night out and a time to remember.

Happy Birthday and Sisters

Well hopefully my sister won't kill me for posting this picture but so many of mine are on a computer in storage so...I was left to the what is saved on the laptop. It actually reminds me of so many times when my sisters and I have just let loose and goofed around a little. I have such fond memories of force feeding Melissa pickles, making her be the ugly sister when playing Barbara Mandrell and the Madrell sisters, making her put my shoes by the door so my parents would "think" I was home by curfew. Ah, now that is love. It's amazing how at some point you grow up and start to have more and more in common and the "annoying" little sisters become two of your closest friends. Happy Birthday Melissa! Love you.