Claire discovers football-though she prefers to eat it rather than throw it.

Since it is football season, we figure it is never to early to start Claire on the basics of the game.

Welcome to Candyland.

Thanks to a VERY patient Grammy and Grandpa, the kids were able to make some gingerbread stuff for our house. Samuel, Abby, and Isabelle had a great time and are still talking about it. (though mostly just asking when can they eat their creations!)

The attack of the Christmas Fairy.

In an attempt to reclaim her status as the youngest child, Isabelle tries to turn Claire into a kitty.

"Come here Claire, let me show you my magic wand. Really, I just want to play with you!"

Suspecting her hidden motives, Claire grabs the wand and crawls away as quick as she can.

"I've got you now Isabelle!"
*note Abby, innocent by-stander, or criminal mastermind? You be the judge!

Post-nap, post-pony tail hair.

Claire may not have much hair as her cousine Kate at this age, but it is definitely enough for post-nap head! The tiny pony tail she had before her nap was much cuter!

Cousin Will, be glad you are a boy and don't have to go through this torture!

Samuel's current growth!

Samuel had a check up today. He is currently 55 inches tall (4ft 7in to the lay person) and 75 pounds. What does that mean? Well, he was barely on the top of the growth curve (98%)and he is officially only 12 inches shorter than me, 14 inches shorter than daddy. (well, depending on how tall Brian proclaims himself to be these days!!) Watching Samuel eat it does not surprise me this is how big he is!

Our birthday tradition has become: Pizza King and then Graeter's Ice Cream. (It's never to cold for ice cream, right Grammy?)

Samuel turns 8!

Oh my goodness, I can't believe it. My little boy (well who are we kidding he has NEVER been little) just turned 8. The time has flown by. We are so very grateful to God for our son. (especially since we have had nothing else but girls.) Samuel is a wonderful blessing and a friend to all. We had a great day celebrating and will post some pictures of it tomorrow. Until then here are some pictures from past birthdays. Happy birthday son, we love you.

Birthday #8!!!
Birthday #7

Birthday #6
Birthday #5

Claire says, "Happy Birthday Samuel!"

Claire decided she would give Samuel a big surprise for his birthday.

(yes, she is small enough to fit inside a gift bag!)

Life with 3 daughters is also.......

playing Polly Pockets! (this was Isabelle's choice of activity for her special time with daddy. Notice Claire is trying to get in on the action too.)


It takes a very secure man to play with dolls. (and enjoy it!)

Life with 3 daughters is..........

....lots of shoes!

Samuel and Claire. (remember our son? he doesn't make the blog very often.)

When you are the 4th child you have to eat on the run. *picture above taken by Abby.

The battle of the leaves.

We are in a battle right now. The Crofts vs. the trees. The winner, as of now, THE TREES!! So instead of raking we have decided to give up for now and play instead. The kids had a ball. (as you will notice we did some work, but Abby mainly supervised!) And yes, Samuel did drop the leaves on Claire. (see picture below.)

"Polar bear, polar bear what do you hear?".......

Claire has discovered books. In particular polar bear polar bear. It is her favorite and the only way to get her to sit still. (caution we are quickly approaching toddlerhood and our blog may not be full of such cute pictures so enjoy them while you can.)

Batman,+ gymnast, + princess= Reformation Day

We celebrated our annual Reformation Day with the church. The kids enjoyed dressing up, but enjoyed getting LOTS of CANDY even more. Even Claire enjoyed the party.



Isabelle, aka the princess (though we don't EVER call her that!!) And her picture with her fellow princesses.


Abby, aka The Gymnast. (also with her friend Charis)


Samuel, aka Batman. (also with his friend Grazzin)




Guess Who?? Batman? Nope. Samuel? Wrong again!

Surgery is over!!!!

Claire's surgery went well today. She was a model patient for the nurses and doctors. She cooperated with the nurses really well, which was great because it allowed them to not have to give her medicines to sedate her before putting her asleep. When she came out of the anesthesia she cried for a brief second (mostly moaned and groaned). When we came into the recovery room to see her she was taking a bottle of fluids and sitting happily. She has remained that way ever since. She was quite drowsy at the hospital but, since we come home, has perked up quite a bit. Thanks for the prayers. (Her finger is not completely straight yet. We have to do some exercises with it for the next two weeks. If it still isn't straightening on its own at the point we will have to put a brace on her finger, temporarily.)



Pre-surgery. (One grandma who reluctantly gave her grandbaby over to the nurse for surgery.)



Post surgery. (One relieved mommy, and one kind of cranky but still drowsy baby.)

Life back at home. (Samuel even shares his new hat with Claire to chew on.)

Claire's having surgery

Please pray for little Claire. She is having surgery to fix her finger Tuesday morning. Pray for her and the doctors. The surgery is outpatient, but she is being put under for it. Pray everything will go smoothly and that God will be honored through it all. Thanks, The Crofts