Woodleaf Assignment

It's that time of the year again. The Blakes are off to Woodleaf for Chris's summer assignment with Young Life. This year he is speaking again and I cannot wait to see how God is going to use him. I ask for you all to join me in praying for him and our family during the month of June since it's a HUGE thing. May Chris have confidence and boldness as he stands in front of 400-500 people every day speaking. May he be used in mighty ways. May he sleep well (this is a huge one for him) and be rested. May the Lord's hand surround him and protect him. And may our family be united especially since Addie and I will only be there for portions of the month due to my job. I married an amazing man and I am so proud of him...Love you Chris!

Surprise!!...December 4th

This is definitely the first word that comes to mind when I think of our announcement....it's true...the Blakes are expecting Baby #2 come December 4th! We are stepping into our second trimester now and had an ultrasound with everything looking great. I am very much excited to be past the morning sickness and crazy stomach stage...as I am sure my wonderful husband and friends are too. :) As I said, this was a surprise for Chris and I yet we are getting more and more excited at the thought. Honestly it's hard to wrap our minds around it...us...parents of two?! We will keep you posted on the next few months but join us in praying for this sweet baby (who they are thinking is a boy). :)

First Ballet Class

I realized that my little one will only be young once so we definitely need to do those "girlie" things with her...Ballet being one of them. Some sweet friends of ours take their girls so we decided to join along for our first time. Not really knowing what to expect, we all had a great time. Addie jumped and ran all over the place and I could not wipe the smile off my face (or tears from my eyes) because it was just too stinkin' cute! Addie was a bit shy at first but once the teacher started playing music and dancing around, her true spirit came out. She was inthralled with the teacher and watching her gracefully dance around...yes, my daughter might be close to 6 feet tall when she grows up but at least she will be able to dance. :) All in all, it was a huge success and we are excited for the next class. I have been looking around for new tutus and such...I have a feeling we will have a small shopping spree at the local dance store for Miss Addie. So fun!

Blake Camping Extravaganza

A few weekends ago we decided to take our first Blake family camping trip to Lopez Lake. We geared up, packed the car to the roof and headed out on Friday to stay the weekend. It was great and we are pretty darn good campers if I do say so myself. Addie was excited for her new inflatable bed because she could jump on it and she liked her sleeping bag. Shelby had her own tent and leopard blanket to keep her warm. We ate good, walked to the lake and just enjoyed being somewhere with no cell phone signal for a few days. Addie loved chasing the birds, throwing rocks in the lake and looking for kangaroos (she kept calling deer kangaroos so we took a picture of the kangaroos below)

All in all it was a great time and we had fun... I think we will head out again soon.

Addie's House

Mimi and Papa ventured down from Modesto to be some little elves and bring Addie an amazing birthday gift! Mimi found this cute house for Addie at Costco and it was a hit! Addie loves playing in "her house" and cooking with her mound of play food. The assembly was a family affair with Vance, Shelby, Papa and Chris all chipping in. Mimi and I were the store runners and Addie just...hung out. Thanks for the fun gift!...Addie loves it.

Jelso Boys and Addie in the tub

Addie had her wildest dream come true this past weekend...she spent all day with Jayden and Tanner. We joke that Jayden will be her husband some day. :) Luckily they are still young so a joint bath is ok. I have to admit, I am not used to "boy parts." Enough said. We love the Jelso Boys and had a great time watching them for the weekend.

Give me Four

Addie has always enjoyed music and singing...yes, she is a fan of Hannah Montana's "Hoedown Throwdown" as well as any of the Baby Signing Time songs. I joke with Chris that I only get to listen to "grown-up" songs when I am in his car since she is always voicing her opinion of the song selection in my car. Bedtime is another moment where Addie has the say in songs. She has now successfully persuaded Chris and I to sing her the following four songs before we can leave her room: Bay-Be-C's (ABC), Twinkle Twinkle (...little star), Jesus 'wuvs' (loves) Me, and Stomp Your Feet (If You Are Happy and You Know It). Her sweet little voice and how she asks us to sing the whole play list is irresistable.