We had a blast with the cousins over. We had a bit of some structural difficulties with our gingerbread houses, but after multiple icing recoveries, all the houses stood tall (at least while on their journey back to Lancaster, PA with the Becks!)

This is our second year going to McCurdy's Tree Farm out in the boonies. You take a hay ride to your specific tree location, search, cut, and take a hay ride back to the barn.

Ah, Bobby, taking phone calls during the ceremonial family tree cutting. I guess I should add it was a business call. At least I got the photo out of it.

Caroline loves to have Jo Jo sit next to her. And of course, Johanna LOVES any attention from her big sister. Even when Caroline is a wee bit rough to her, Johanna smiles and laughs at her.

We spent a little time at the Shifflers...

And a little at the Dirles where Bobby cooked a beautiful turkey. Sadly, no gravy for this bird.

Hairstylist Natalie did her best for Bobby Boy.


The cousins together to watch Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving Special.

It has been so much fun celebrating holidays now that Caroline is so aware. She has been curious about this trick or treating thing we've been talking about.

Our "chicken" and "pea" made quite the duo on Halloween night.

I had a fun time making Caroline's costume. I filled an onsie and oversized shirt with batting, pinned 2 boas, cut rubber kitchen gloves over her shoes, and made that red floppy chicken-thing that is on the top of chickens' heads. (Bobby and I couldn't figure out what that was called!)

Caroline with her friends at a trunk or treat at church.

The day Johanna was blessed was a special and quite full day. Bobby directed the ward choir in a special Sacrament number and blessed little Johanna with both of our parents and Travis as witnesses, while I was called as the Young Womens' president in the same meeting.

It was my first Sunday in Young Women, Bobby conducted in Elders' Quorum, and after church we had our families, with the Becks, over for a luncheon. It was a wonderful, but full day.

Bobby and I were thrilled to hear that our dear friends Tiffany and Jeff Baer would be in the east. We loved having them for the day. We took them to Carlisle's Harvest Festival downtown and enjoyed some of the local food. It was fun to see Caroline take to them so quickly-especially Jeff.

Johanna is six weeks old--hard to believe! She is an extremely calm and pleasant little one. We didn't know it could be this simple with having Caroline first. Johanna spends a lot of time looking around now. Bobby can always get her to smile at him with all the voices he does. For those of you who know Bobby, that shouldn't be hard to believe!

We are really lucky to have my dad, an exceptional photographer, living 30 minutes away. He loves the subject as much as we do and he's free! No more attempts trying to get Caroline to smile for the camera at a Picture People franchise in the mall.

Thursday, August 23rd, Johanna McKay Shiffler entered our lives. She was born at 10:18am, weighing 7.1 oz. Bobby thankfully rushed home the night before from a business trip to be with me during my contractions. Bobby and I felt blessed with how my labor turned out. We worked hard together that night! And Johanna came after 4 pushes, into the bright noisy world, completely healthy! And yes, Bobby's favorite name, Johanna, won. Thankfully it has really grown on me.

Caroline was thrilled to see mommy after her time away. I was so grateful to feel so healthy and strong after the delivery to pick up and hold my little girl.

Daddy couldn't be any prouder. Two daughters-- who would of thought!
Yes, that excitement from Caroline is genuine. She was thrilled to have a real baby to take home.
Caroline is taking a picture of her new "pet". She loves to show Johanna her toys, "read" books to her, and pick her up (before her mommy stops her.)

Today was the perfect day for Caroline's second birthday party. There was barely any humidity, quite unusual for these parts, as Caroline's friends came for the morning to play games and eat cupcakes.


Don't be deceived by the small group of duck, duck, goosers. Once everyone arrived, Bobby kept a group of 17 kids at bay with his charming antics.
Butterflies and bugs were on the cupcake menu. Martha Stewart, of course, is to thank for the inspiration.

This was honestly one of the happiest days I've ever seen our daughter have. Friends playing outside, mommy and daddy close by, birthday songs, candles, and gifts truly lit up her face with joy.
And what a way to end the party but with Caroline's very own butterfly wings from her cousins!

I would like to thank all of those who voted in our baby naming poll. The people spoke, and we listened. The winner, by a huge margin, is Johanna. In 2nd place was Jacqueline, followed by Rabolutia (I typed letters randomly to come up w/ that one) and Turtle (that one was obviously ridiculous, but some of you jokers voted for it.). So it looks like we'll be naming the baby Johanna, which is my favorite. Well, we'll go with that one if I can convince Nicole. You, yes you, could save us some marital strife by suggesting another, non-partisan, name. Please leave your suggestions in the comments section.

Check out our new Poll for this week.