COOKIES!!

I thought that it might be time for some pictures of Annabelle (for those of you who enjoy them). Daniel has been working hard on his homebrewing, but Annabelle and I have not participated in that activity. She has been very busy learning how to climb, and she has pretty much mastered ascending every chair in our house. She's actually quite good at it, and I taught her how to turn around and slide down when she's ready. We just have to make sure she doesn't stand up in the chair once she gets up in it.
She has also been enjoying chocolate chip cookies. The photos of her chocolate-covered face and hands were taken right after she devoured a freshly-baked, gooey cookie, and she chased it with her cup of milk. I told her that she was enjoying one of life's simplest but most wonderful pleasures. :)
Daniel and I are REALLY looking forward to a vacation next week! My parents offered to keep Belle for a few days, and we are headed to New Orleans to stay in a family friend's apartment for three nights. We plan to eat, walk, rest, eat, shop, eat, etc. My parents are thrilled about having Belle stay with them, and we are thrilled about letting them.
On a heavier note, we are sad to report the loss of a friend to cancer this week. Catherine Hutton went home to be with her Savior after a year-long battle with cancer, and we do rejoice that she is in the presence of the Lord! Daniel and I actually know her three precious siblings better than we knew her, but their entire family would covet your prayers at this time. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints..."