It's a GIRL!

Introducing Mallory Jane Bishop. Born Dec 29 at 8:57 pm. Six pounds, 13 ounces. A long delivery, but not very difficult. She is as precious as can be and we love her so much already.

Just born! With Dr. Lovelace and nurse Amanda.

6 pounds, 13 ounces 19 1/2 inches

My friend Leslie was able to be Mallory's nurse, which was so fun for me. Here she is getting her first bath.

Her daddy said she was the cutest baby in the nursery.... hmmmm, a little biased perhaps.

Attack!! Her come big sis and big bro to visit!

Blake did give her this welcoming kiss, but since then has been pretty much oblivious to her arrival. I'm pretty sure that's actually a good thing.

Sabrina is the cutest little big sister. She is great with Mallory and so willing to lend a helping hand. Mallory is so lucky to have her for a big sister.

Joslyn is equally sweet with the baby. She told me that the first time she held Mallory she felt the Spirit so strongly that she almost started to cry.

Erin loves her new baby sister and will hold Mallory for 15 minutes at a time. So sweet!

Winter Fun

We had a blast at the Patterson cabin in Cascade, arriving Christmas night and playing all day the 26th. Lots of fun in a winter wonderland....







Jen Gold with Lizzie, Ivan with Cooper, and Emily



Emily, Lizzie, and Jen

Joslyn

Sabrina

Erin, Blake, and Brett

Merry Christmas!

What a fabulous Christmas! For Christmas Eve, Barrett, Kendra, Boyd, BeckyAnn and kids came over for a yummy feast and the re-enactment of the nativity. (Try that with 6 kids under 4....) Then, lots of fun this morning! Brett (traditionally) slept in front of S and J's door so they didn't come up too early before E and B woke up. At about 8 am (we had had a late night) we let them all come in and see what Santa had brought. Good times. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

By popular demand...

Here's a picture of me with my big belly...for those of you who thought I was kidding about being pregnant...

As I told my friend who took the picture, I look better now than I will in a month so go ahead, snap away!

Happy Birthday Dad!

When I was growing up I did NOT enjoy being a "farm girl," but I have since learned to appreciate the lifestyle and all my dad's hard work. Plus it's a great place to take my kids--they love the animals, hayloft, tractors and all the wide open space. We had a great time there for Thanksgiving and got to celebrate my dad and brother Dallan's birthdays on the Saturday afterwards.

It looks like Dad really likes the present we got him! He only complained that it was in "John Deere" colors rather than "Massey Ferguson" black and red :). If you can't quite make it out, it says "Tractor Parking--All others will be plowed under."

Blake gets a "horsey" ride from Grandpa.

My dad's parents, Grandpa and Grandma Rupp. I was lucky enough to grow up near them and have many good memories at their house. It's hard to watch them age and suffer with health problems, but I am glad that I still get to see them whenever we go to Kamiah.

Raking Leaves at Uncle Barrett's

On November 15, we went to Uncle Barrett's for a leaf-raking party. BeckyAnn and her little boys also joined in the fun. After a little bit of work, we broke for yummy soup and sides and eventually a de-lish birthday cake to celebrate Barrett's 31st birthday. With 6 extra kiddos between us, I'm not sure how much "help" we were, but it was definitely a good time. Thanks for your hospitality, Kendra!

I'm a big boy now....sort of.

Blake has moved out of the nursery (and therefore his crib) and is now sharing a room with his sister. Even though they each have their own bed, he insists on sleeping with Erin. She doesn't really want him to, but puts up with it. One step at a time, I guess.

And wouldn't you all agree that kids are the most adorable when they are fast asleep?