Another Picture!

~Reid Thacker Family~

Announcing the Arrival of...

Ryan Jeffrey Thacker 

Born at 3:10 a.m. August 9th

7 pounds and 14 ounces

19 in. long

My adorable nephew! ;)

Emmy's Baby Shower

 On our way there.

As you can tell they went with a construction theme. 

 The games were new ones, and very entertaining! ;)

 Baby Ryan has a rather large wardrobe now! 

 It was a great time to have fellowship and also to thank God for the little miracle whom we hope to meet soon! We already love you, baby Ryan! 

Last month Luke went on a missions trip to Bahamas with a group from church.

He said that it was a great experience and he hopes to go again next year.

They went to help with the annual Vacation Bible School.

"Huddle" (study) groups and other random pictures...

 ...more huddle groups.

 Pastor Jason Lowe and his family.

All the kids and group leaders for VBS. 

The group from our church. (and the Lowe kids) ;)

At home more recently I went out to look at our flower gardens, and although I have shamefully neglected them this year they still seem to be thriving. :)

Among many other things coming out of the garden, corn is one of our favorites! 

 I have babysat these kids several times lately (the stories I could tell), and found out it is impossible to get them all still for a picture! ;)

And this is what we still have time for once in a while... a goofy picture! 

Have a great day!

~Younger siblings~

 Olivia and Mindy

 Nathan photo-bombing

 My flowers are blooming! :)

 The guys played football when Jack and Nicole came over the other night.

 These two pictures are from several weeks ago when we went to visit Keegan!

~Perfect little baby~ 

Hope your weekend is great!

Quick Family Update.

Rick and Bethany McDonnell

Married 3 years, are now expecting a baby boy (due in October).

Currently living and serving the Lord in Georgia.

Brent and Kaity Gellos

Married almost 6 years, they have three children, Emily(4), Abbie(3), and David(1) 

He is an evangelist so they take their home many places.

Jack and Nicole McDonnell

Married 1 1/2 years, they have one child Keegan(about 5 weeks old)

They are currently living in Indiana and enjoying their life as a family of 3.

Rick and Elizabeth Thacker

Married almost 3 years, they have two children, Kenny(1) and Adelyn(6 months)

They are living in Indiana as well.

Reid and Emily Thacker

Married 7 months, they are expecting a baby boy (due in August)

They are also living in Indiana.

Eli(19)

Is in Florida, going to Pensacola Christian College.

He is majoring in Business Management, and enjoys getting care packages from home.

Luke(17)

Is going to be a senior in high school this year, he is the Mr. Fix-it around not just our house, but friends' houses as well. He is still keeping us all laughing, as he always has. ;)

Anna(16) 

I am going to be a junior in the fall, and I enjoy spending time with my two youngest brothers and trying to plan "get togethers" with friends

 I love music, and enjoy teaching violin.

Molly(15) 

Is going to be in 10th grade this year, she loves math (more than a lot of us) and enjoys trying new things in the kitchen.

Aiden(14)

Is going to be in 9th grade, he loves Legos and drawing, is a big help around the house when Luke and Anna are at work.

Mindy(12)

Will be in 7th grade this year, Has just officially been added to the "older kids" group, but in reality has been in it for quite some time.

Connor(8)

Will be in 3rd grade, he is the family clown, loves attention, and is a talking machine all in one.

Nathan(almost 7)

In 2nd grade this fall, is the youngest, and therefore, baby of the family.

He is always the one to run out after you to give you a hug before you leave.

:)

And that is my wonderful family!

A few happenings...

 Dad, Mom, and Kaity went to Florida to see Rick perform in a play, while there they also saw Eli.

Spring concerts are finally over, I enjoyed them but it is definitely a relief to have them over with!

 These pictures are from two of the seven concerts.

 ~ Emily and Abbie Gellos~

~Story time with Papa~

Aunt Lizzie is a pretty good story reader too! ;)

In April we were able to meet up with the Sikma family and enjoy a day with them!

So much fun!

We went to Cantigny Park - There is a war museum and a historical mansion on the property that we went through.

 #thatawkwardmomentwhenyouretheonlyonesmilingatcamera  ;)

Mr. and Mrs. Sikma - Dad and Mom

Love spending time with these little girls!

 Mindy photo bombing our picture. ;)

Little Keegan is about 5 weeks now, but I just love this picture!

 Uncle Nathan - "Looking Startled" Addie - Uncle Connor  :)

 Alyssa Thacker graduated from college and we helped with a surprise party for her.

Congratulations Alyssa!

Have a wonderful week!

Baby Shower

 A week or two ago we had a baby shower for Nicole at church.

We went with with a nautical theme - as that is what Jack and Nicole's baby nursery is themed.

 Amanda Thacker did the decorating - and I think she did a fabulous job!

~Everyone seemed to take the opportunity to talk and laugh with friends~

 Little Ella didn't mind smiling for the camera! ;)

Baby Keegan received quite a lot of very nice gifts!

 I Love this picture frame Lizzie found!

Grabbed a McDonnell girls pic at the end of the day - Thank you Jack!

If you want to see a little more you can find some pictures here.

We all can't wait to meet little Keegan!

Dear Mom, 

With your Birthday just around the corner, I have been thinking of you a lot these last few days.

As your daughter I have seen some of the struggles you have been through... but I am sure I haven't seen all of them.

You have put up with me for 16 years, and that right there is no small accomplishment! ;)

Seriously though, you have been so much to me (and all the other kids), I wish there was someway to pay it all back...

I wonder how many things you have given up for us, how many times you have prayed for us, loved us even though we have so many faults (goodness knows how many!).

Sometimes I try to imagine having thirteen kids, I can't even begin to comprehend I am sure, but just thinking of it makes me smile and say "How did she do it?!", I am very glad you did though!

Thank you for all you have sacrificed and given up for us.

I couldn't have asked God for a better mother.

I Love you, and Happy Birthday!

Forever,

                     ~Anna Patrice

For those of you who haven't heard... Reid and Emmy are expecting a baby in August!

We are overjoyed, very happy for them, and can't wait to meet him/her!

A few weeks ago we snapped some pictures with friends at church.

 Molly and Samantha Hayman

~ Mindy and her new friend, Emily Woodman~

L to R - Breanna Hayman, Mindy, Lauren Smith, Molly, Madison Maxwell, and Emily Woodman.

 The other night we snapped some sister pics...

this was our mess up... "Are Sisters Forever?" ;)

The kids pulled out Monopoly again.... haven't played it in ages!

That's all for now, hope to get back soon!