Maddie is Finally Here!

Madeline Marie Palmer is here at last, weighing 9 lbs. 1 oz. She is so sweet!

Melissa really wanted a natural childbirth this time, but her body just doesn't go into labor, so 10 days past her due date, she had a C-section. 

Claire and Camille are SO excited to meet their sister!

They loved holding her, kissing her, and giving her a stuffed animal.

There's nothing better than a sister, and they each have two! Lucky girls!

I think Camille is going to love being a big sister!

And Claire will be lots of help.

Britta loves being an Aunt!

I'm in heaven! I love babies!

Baby Maddie get lots of love and hugs!

Proud Daddy and his three angels!

Ryan Goes to Rock Canyon Homecoming

Cora Burns worked at the pool with Ryan this summer and she asked him to Rock Canyon's Homecoming!

Ready to exchange flowers.

Boutonnieres are always so tricky to get pinned on without being floppy.

And wrist corsages slide on so easily!! Lucky for the boys, no pinning involved.

Britta took the pictures. They all turned out so nice I had a hard time choosing which ones I liked best.

Of course, when you are photographing such cute kids, how could the pictures be anything but great?

I was so glad Britta thought to have someone take a picture of her with Ryan. That boy is getting so tall!

Britta and Cora know each other, so it was extra fun for Britta to be taking the pictures.

It was a big group of kids! Most of them are from the Castle Pines Ward.

Kierst was also a lifeguard this summer.

A great smile!

The Burns' cooked a pasta dinner for the kids. Looks pretty fancy!

It was a rainy night, but they had a great time!

Britta and Dad's Birthday

Good thing these two love each so much they don't mind sharing a birthday celebration. 

Britta's favorite lemon cake! She wants it every year for her birthday.

Her last  year to be a teenager! 

Are you wondering why she looks so mischievous? Because she just took a big bite out of the cake!! Britta!! I guess when it's your birthday and your cake, you can do what you want, within reason, of course!

Look what Delwyn got from his sister Karalee! A gift card to Texas Roadhouse!! She just might win Sister of the Year!!

And Britta has a card from Grandma Collins. She is the best Grandma and spoils her grandkids.

New pants for both of the birthday people!

It's hard to birthday shop for a girl who will be going on a mission soon. We are planning a trip to Utah to buy missionary clothes since modest things are hard to find here. But socks!! They are always a necessity, and no modesty worries. She will need a few pairs to take for P-day and sandal wearing weather will be over soon, so she can wear some of them in the meantime. 

Amazon gift cards are the best!! You can find everything on Amazon.

Delwyn ordered a ring for Britta, but it didn't quite make it in time, so he had her go to the website so she could see it. It has a small twist with some diamond chips and then a small sapphire, which is her birthstone, on each side. It's really pretty!

Brianna Cavanaugh came sneaking over while Britta was gone and decorated her room!

Yay for good friends! Balloons, a poster, and flower petals--she thought of everything!

Surprise!! Happy Birthday Britta! We love you!

Happy Birthday Delwyn! We love you! You are a great husband and father!

Britta and Ryan Go Backpacking

Marc Wheeler is the Young Men's President in our ward and he also taught Britta in Seminary. He is a big hiker and backpacker. He wanted to take his oldest daughter Alivia, who is 10, on her first trip. He knew Ryan needed one more camp out for his Camping Merit Badge, so he invited Britta and Ryan to come with them.

There was no school yesterday, so they left mid-morning. Here they are at the trailhead to Lost Creek Wilderness, which is near Bailey, Colorado.

The mighty hikers! 

What a beautiful sunrise!

It's called Lost Creek because the creek appears and disappears throughout the area.

Some beautiful scenery! 

Fun!

Neat rock formations!

I absolutely love this picture! The cutest kids ever and such beautiful country! I love the changing colors.

So this water was freezing cold, but they took turns jumping into it! I can only imagine mountain stream water in late September....Burrrr.....not my thing. You are some brave people!

Ryan's turn!

We live in a beautiful place! I love Colorado!