It’s the end of October 2009 as I write this (actually, it’s not, I’m faking–it’s really mid-2011, and I’m pretending to have been on top of this site for the last 2 1/2 years, so humor me, okay?).  The fall leaves are gorgeous (not really–it’s crazy-hot and humid right now), our oldest just started kindergarten (nope–she’s about to enter second grade), and we’re looking forward to a great end of 2009 (more truthfully, we’re looking back at it from the distant future).

In July we wrapped up our potty-training adventure with a ‘potty party’ with cake and festivities, and we kissed Ashley goodbye on the first day of kindergarten in August, then kissed the three little guys goodbye on the first day of pre-school in September.  October included a great trip to Tennessee and the opportunity to dress up as baseball players and princesses (well, the kids anyway).

Enjoy checking out some pictures.  As you will see, we have been blessed.

(l-r) Casey (at bat), Benjamin Ballplayer, Princess Ashley, Princess Danielle

(l-r) Casey, Danielle and Benjamin on their pre-school costume day

Casey rides a tractor at the Hands On Museum in Johnson City, Tennessee

A Firehouse (Restaurant) invaded by (l-r) Danielle, Ashley, Benjamin and Casey

Danielle and Grandma Sahli

Great Grandma Sahli surrounded and outnumbered by (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley and Casey

Danielle the Sheep at Boyd’s Orchard

At Boyd’s Orchard: (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Carson Robinson, Casey, Taggart Robinson

Casey cheeses at Boyd’s Orchard

Red Wagon Gang (l-r) Danielle, Casey and Benjamin at Boyd’s Orchard

Red wagon gang (l-r) Danielle, Casey and Benjamin at Boyd’s Orchard

Mommy receives a Fakkai makeover on a trip to NYC

Ashley’s Chuck E. Cheese imitation

(l-r) Casey, Danielle and Benjamin take over the concession stand

“Outfielders” (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle and Casey at the Reds game

(l-r) Casey, Danielle and Benjamin at the Reds game

Post-hot-dog-face Casey

Benjamin (l) and Casey call the bullpen for relief

Big kids (l-r) Casey, Danielle and Benjamin at a Reds game

Big kids (l-r) Casey, Danielle and Benjamin own a section of the Great American Ballpark

Ashley the Lioness

Danielle chills out and reads

First day preschoolers (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle and Casey

Backpacked preschoolers (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle and Casey prepare for day one of school

Preschoolers (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle and Casey get ready to go to school

Mommy with three big preschoolers (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle and Casey

Ashley loses tooth number one

Ashley’s class takes their first field trip…to the farm

Ashley starts soccer

(l-r) Casey, Danielle and Benjamin pose in front of the flag o’ cups

Mommy’s birthday with (l-r) Ashley, Casey, Danielle and Benjamin

Mommy’s birthday

Kindergarten sendoff team (l-r) Casey, Ashley, Danielle and Benjamin

The kindergarten busstop team of (l-r) Ashley, Danielle, Casey and Benjamin

Ashley ready for kindergarten

Danielle (l) with big kindergarten sister Ashley

Friend Jenny Dente Berggren and her daughters with Lisa and our gang

Ashley ready for kindergarten day one

Ashley backpacked

Breakfast for kindergartener Ashley (l) with (l-r) Casey, Danielle and Benjamin

Potty party guests Dan and Pam Rosensohn with honorees (l-r) Casey, Danielle, Ashley and Benjamin

Potty Party honorees (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Danielle and Ashley

The Potty Party cake

Ashley dresses as a Kenyan at VBS

Benjamin, happy

(l-r) Danielle, Casey, Ashley and Benjamin await potty party festivities

Danielle happy at the potty party

Casey happy at the potty party

Benjamin happy at the potty party

Ashley happy at the potty party

Okay, so I’ve post-dated this entry as June 30, 2009, to give off the illusion that in the middle of 2009 I was industriously reflecting on the previous two months.  But the truth is, I was really…actually…doing, er…well…something else, I guess.  (Sunbathing, maybe?)

As I write this, it’s really the last day of July in 2011 (the future!) and I’m trying to compensate for being a blog slacker, by filling in the blanks since I fell off the blogwagon, which happened in Easter of 2009.

So the following are pictures of 2009 after Easter, and before the end of June.  Three big events that took place during this time period were the passing in May of Great Grandma Roberts at age 95 (whom we had just visited in April), the 5th birthday of Ashley, and our annual trip to the beach at Tybee Island, Georgia, with Grandma and Grandpa (and Cousin Michelle this year too)!

So, enjoy some photos!  And have a GREAT second half of 2009!!!

Daddy flanked by (l-r) Casey, Danielle, Benjamin

Ashley rides a pony at a street fair

Ashley’s fifth birthday cake (great job Mom!)

Five-year-old Ashley

Big sister Ashley’s birthday groupies (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle & Casey

Ice Cream Eaters (l-r) Casey, Ashley, Danielle & Benjamin

(l-r) Ashley, Danielle, Cousin Angel, Casey, Benjamin, Cousin Darrell

Daddy and boys enter the ocean

Daddy drives boys around at Tybee Island

Ashley prepares to climb Tybee Island Lighthouse

Ashley at the top of Tybee Island Lighthouse

Ashley and Casey at the beach

Ashley and Daddy take a stroll

Benjamin (I think) and Ashley play at the beach

Ashley, Benjamin, Danielle, Casey (l-r)

Benjamin, Casey, Danielle (l-r)

Danielle at twin sister Emily’s grave

Benjamin with Grandpa

Benjamin and Daddy afloat

Benjamin smiles

Daddy’s big catch (Ashley)

Casey (l) and Benjamin prepare for bike ride

Casey and Benjamin and Daddy get ready to roll

Benjamin (l) and Casey prepare to bike hard

Casey is content at the beach

Casey and Danielle dig

Casey happy at the beach

Casey plays at the beach

Casey, strapped

Castle architects (l-r) Grandma, Casey, Benjamin, Grandpa, Ashley

Casey all over his castle

Castle Team (l-r) Daddy, Danielle, Benjamin, Cousin Michelle, Cousin Eric, Ashley, Casey

Casey and Danielle castle-collaborating

Cool Man Benjamin pottying at the beach

Cousin Michelle does her thing

Daddy and Casey at the beach

Casey on Daddy’s shoulders

Daddy and Danielle at the beach

Danielle on Daddy’s shoulders

Danielle and her bucket

Danielle and Daddy floating

Danielle and Daddy float

Danielle and Emily’s flowers

Danielle, Casey and Benjamin (l-r) at the beach

Danielle and Grandma on the dolphin cruise

Danielle happy at the beach

The Dolphin Cruise Crew: (l-r) Michelle, Ashley, Danielle, Mommy, Grandma, Casey, Benjamin, Grandpa

The Family Heads Beachward: (l-r) Benjamin, Grandpa, Danielle, Cousin Michelle, Grandma, Ashley, Casey, Mommy

The Family at Savannah Riverfront: (l-r) Mommy, Casey, Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley, Daddy

Five Once More: (l-r) Benjamin, Ashley, Danielle, Casey at Emily’s grave

Four Person Beach Crew: (l-r) Casey, Danielle, Ashley, Benjamin

Ashley and Daddy’s view from top of lighthouse

Grandma and Casey’s Beachwalk

Grandma and Danielle on the beach

Grandpa allows Ashley to help with his castle

Grandpa and Casey go surfing

Skipping a Generation at the Savannah Riverfront: (l-r) Benjamin, Grandpa, Ashley, Danielle, Grandma, Casey

Danielle hoisted by Daddy

Daddy and Ashley enjoy an inflatable lounge chair

Kids thinking: (l-r) Casey, Danielle, Benjamin

Landlubber Casey

The Life Jacket Team: (l-r) Casey, Ashley, Danielle, Benjamin

Lisa chilling at the beach

Little Ashley, Big Lighthouse

The Boat People: (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle, Casey, Ashley

Little Surfer Girl Ashley on her belly

Little Surfer Girl Ashley smiling

Mommy and Benjamin walk on the beach

Walking the Beach: (l-r) Benjamin, Mommy, Casey, Grandpa, Danielle, Grandma

Mother Son Beach Construction Team

Movie Star Benjamin

Not quite tandem: Daddy and Ashley

Ocean Worker Ashley

Pre-Construction Conference: Benjamin (l) and Casey discuss plans

Queen Danielle enters the water

Queen Danielle enters the water 2

Queen Danielle enters the water 3

At the Savannah Riverfront: (l-r) Casey, Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley

Shell collector Ashley

Sister Ocean Workers Danielle (l) and Ashley

Ashley (l) and Danielle prepare to bike

Splashed Out Daddy and Ashley

Street Spectators Benjamin (l) and Casey

Sunglass Ashley

Superfocused: (l-r) Casey, Ashley, Danielle, Benjamin

Terminator Casey terminating sand

Dear Family and Friends,

Happy Easter!!!  We hope that you had a great opportunity to celebrate the greatest good news ever-the Resurrection of Jesus!!!

We had a lot of fun at our place:  Easter egg coloring and hunts, a great turkey dinner, a baptism service at church as well as a great Sunday morning.  Our only disappointment was that the Easter bunny showed up at our church’s Easter egg hunt on Saturday morning, and our kids weren’t
terrified, which means that they might be growing up, and that next year’s Santa videos/pictures might not be nearly as hilarious as previous ones.

Two weeks ago, we had a small window to shoot up to Indianapolis to see my grandmother, who is 95.  She lives with my cousin Patti and her family, and we had a great time visiting with them.  I posted a video on the ‘kid videos’ page of our website, www.expandingrobertses.com, (along with a couple other fun ones since the last update that we sent out).  During the first week of February, Lisa and the kids were able to celebrate a birthday for a much younger grandparent, Nana (Lisa’s mom), who celebrated her 60th in Conyers, GA.
 
A few weeks ago, Lisa and I celebrated our 10th anniversary.  It has been a wild decade, and we thank you for praying us through most of it, and celebrating with us.  We were able to get to Orlando together for a few days, and had a really nice time while my parents watched the kids.

Pottytraining is well underway.  Ashley has been checked off our list for a couple of years now, whereas Benjamin is about 80% done, Danielle 60%, and Casey-well, Casey is on his own schedule, and we might generously call him 25% done (fully capable, but rarely if ever motivated to bring up the subject, and extraordinarily comfortable in wet/soiled clothes).  Ashley will start kindergarten in the fall, and-pending the completion of their potty-training-the little three will start 2-day-a-week pre-school then too.

I head to Ukraine a week from tomorrow for a 10-day trip with Cody Shepherd, our youth minister, and Charles McKibben, director of Mulberry International.  We’ll visit and support several Mulberry missions, including an after-school meal and Bible study program for street kids, a children’s home, taking meals to kids on the street at night, foster homes, an abandoned children’s ward of a hospital, and more.  Would you please pray for our trip, and for Ukraine, which is economically hurting very badly right now.

Lots of new pictures are posted on our website too.  Thanks for loving our family-please stay in touch!!!
 
In Christ,
Phil, Lisa, Ashley, Benjamin, Casey and Danielle

Ace of Cakes Bunny: cake made by Mommy

Dyed Hard: Easter Eggs 2009

Easter 2009: (l-r) Daddy, Casey, Danielle, Benjamin, Mommy, Ashley

Easter 2009: (l-r) Casey, Ashley, Benjamin, Danielle

Hill-n-Dale Christian Church, Lexington, Kentucky Easter Egg Hunt 2009: (l-r) Ashley, Benjamin, Danielle, Casey

Thrill of the Hunt: (l-r) Casey, Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley

Cousin Patti Shaw (r), Cousin Katie Shaw (l), Great-Grandma Roberts and (l-r) Ashley, Danielle, Benjamin and Casey

Great Grandma Roberts with (l-r) Ashley, Danielle, Daddy, Benjamin, Mommy, Casey

Great-Grandma Roberts with (l-r) Ashley, Danielle, Benjamin and Casey

Cousin Katie in Indianapolis

Ashley at Cousin Patti’s house in Indianapolis, Indiana

PoolWatching: (l-r) Danielle, Casey, Benjamin and Ashley at Cousin Patti’s house in Indianapolis

Pre-Hysterical: (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley and Casey at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

The Love Train: (l-r) Casey, Danielle, Benjamin and Ashley posing in front of a train at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Carousel Casey at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Cowgirl Ashley at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Cowboy Benjamin at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Cowboy Casey (not so happy) at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Cowgirl Danielle at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Ashley and good buddy Cindy Newland in Bloomington, Indiana

Mommy and Daddy’s 10th Anniversary Steak Dinner, Part 1, at Malone’s Palomar in Lexington, Kentucky

Mommy and Daddy’s 10th Anniversary Steak Dinner, Part 2, at Charley’s in Orlando, Florida

Courtyard view from elevator on Mommy and Daddy’s 10th Anniversary Trip to Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando

Pool at Mommy and Daddy’s 10th Anniversary Trip to Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando

Seahorses on Mommy and Daddy’s 10th Anniversary Trip to Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando

Danielle and Daddy after running/walking/carrying in the Shamrock 3k in Lexington, Kentucky

Two Beautiful Faces in the Crowd: Ashley (l) and Danielle (r)

Disney on Ice Family: (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Casey, Mommy, Ashley

Sick Benjamin Sleeps More Than Eats

Good Travelers Ashley and Benjamin

King Casey and his Cat, Asleep

Danielle Contemplates Sleep

Doctor Mack with Doctor Ashley

Awaiting the Doctor: (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Danielle and Doctor Ashley

Ice Storm: January 2009

Dear Friends & Family,

How in the world are you?  Great here, due to the following blessings:  our power is on, our water is running, we have heat, and no trees have fallen into our house.  In Kentucky right now, that’s doing pretty well.  And we are thankful.

A belated merry Christmas, and a happy 2009 to all of you!  We have tapered down the high volume of updates that we once sent out, and I…just…finally…got our website fairly up-to-date, mostly with pictures and videos.  Feel free to go to www.expandingrobertses.com to check it all out.  (The video of their initial reaction to a now-traumatized Santa is worth the price of admission, and you might also enjoy the world’s most dangerous and often-interrupted version of a Christmas story reading.)

As for the past whirlwind–I mean, year–it was a good one.  The kids are all doing really well–so well, in fact, that on their third birthday Casey and Danielle got booted out of their state-provided therapy programs.  They all eat great (it seems impossible to believe that Casey didn’t always), and the three little ones are ornery and hilarious and sweet all at once.  The videos on the site say it better than any description could.  It is impossible to believe that they’ll start pre-school this calendar year–Benjamin right now is potty-trained and ready; Casey, half-interested in the potty; Danielle, not interested, but wants the sticker/candy incentives nonetheless.  Ashley is our Colorer Laureate, and colors/draws/writes anything and everything, and then gives her works away as a special gift to the nearest living being.  (She is actually a very good little artist.)  She’ll start kindergarten this fall.  I am still enjoying preaching at Hill-n-Dale Christian Church, and Lisa works much harder than I ever have…at home with the gang.  The (double) highlight of last year for us was the Pacific cruise that we won that we got to take back in October, followed by an unexpected follow-up complimentary inaugural mini-cruise of a brand new ship out of Florida , The Ruby Princess.  Ashley got to go with us for that one, and we all had a great time–the three of us on the ship, and Benjamin and Casey and Danielle hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa.  For Thanksgiving and Christmas, we stayed right here at home, and the grandparents were all able to come and visit us over the holidays.  We had some good December snow, which was much nicer than this crazy (albeit beautiful) ice/snow combo.  Also, the kids have colds/coughs right now, so it’s cabin fever anyway.

As always, we are perpetually behind in keeping in touch with everyone, but love to have company coming to or through Lexington .  Give us at least five minutes of advance notice!

Have a great year…

In Christ,

Phil, Lisa, Ashley, Benjamin, Casey and Danielle

Santa, tolerated by (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle, Casey and Ashley

Ashley and Mouthless Santa at her Pre-School Christmas Party

Santa Stress: (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle, Casey, Ashley

Tres Santas: (l-r) Casey, Danielle, Benjamin

Daddy Assists Benjamin in a Present-Opening Venture

Daddy Applauds Danielle’s Doodlework Exhibit

The Fireplace Gang: (l-r) Danielle, Casey, Benjamin, Ashley

Happy Fireplace Kids: (l-r) Casey, Benjamin, Ashley

Christmas Minefield: (l-r) Casey, Benjamin, Ashley, Mommy, Danielle

PreInvasion Peacefulness: The Living Room just before the kids converge

Sister Watch: Danielle (r) watches Ashley (l)

Simulated Slumber: (bottom to top) Casey, Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley

Robed and Not So Robed: Daddy with Casey (l) and Benjamin (r)

Resemblance: Ashley (l) and Danielle (r)

Resemblance: Ashley (l) and Danielle (r)

Packing our Bags: (l-r) Danielle, Casey, Benjamin, Ashley

Ashley, Pleased

Pillowed, Pajamaed Fireplace Gang: (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley, Casey

Up on Blocks: Danielle at the Soft Playground in the Fayette Mall in Lexington, Kentucky

Soft Casey at the Soft Playground in the Fayette Mall in Lexington, Kentucky

Soft Casey at the Soft Playground in the Fayette Mall in Lexington, Kentucky

Casey and Bear at the Soft Playground in the Fayette Mall in Lexington, Kentucky

Bear Brothers: Benjamin (l) and Casey (r) at the Soft Playground in the Fayette Mall in Lexington, Kentucky

Having a Ball 2: Benjamin at the Kids’ Place

Having a Ball: Ashley at the Kids’ Place

Tunneling Out: Benjamin at the Soft Playground in the Fayette Mall in Lexington, Kentucky

Soft Sisters: Danielle (l) and Ashley (r) relax at the Soft Playground in the Fayette Mall in Lexington, Kentucky

The Soft Players: (l-r) Danielle, Ashley, Benjamin and Casey at the Soft Playground in the Fayette Mall in Lexington, Kentucky

Nana and the Toweled: (l-r) Benjamin, Ashley, Casey, Danielle

Nana and Ashley

Casey Assists Nana

Benjamin Trains Nana

Christmas Intensity: (l-r) Danielle, Grandma, Aunt Patricia Thomas, Benjamin, Casey, Ashley, Mommy, Grandpa

Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Patricia Thomas: (l-r) Benjamin, Mommy, Ashley, Casey, Danielle

Refuge from Mouthless Santa at Ashley’s Pre-School Party: Grandma with (l-r) Casey, Danielle and Benjamin

Intense Christmas Bible Study: Grandpa and Grandma with (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley and Casey

Grandma Taught to Ready by (l-r) Casey, Benjamin, Danielle and Ashley

Borrowed Hat: Grandpa and Ashley

Borrowed Hat: Grandpa and Benjamin

Pam Rosensohn gets reading lessons from (l-r) Ashley, Casey, Danielle and Benjamin

Danielle with Jody Blazer–Christmas 2008

Friend Jody Blazer with (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle, Ashley, Casey

Leaf Joy: Danielle and Casey

Leaf Bliss: (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Danielle

Leaf Collector Casey

Leaf Mischief: Casey ambushes Danielle

Snow Brothers: Casey (l) and Benjamin (r)

Snow Buffet Line: Danielle and Casey

SnowJoy: Casey

Casey, SnowLicker

SnowMen Casey and Daddy

Snow Team: (l-r) Casey, Ashley, Danielle, Benjamin

Snow Team: (l-r) Casey, Ashley, Danielle, Benjamin

Casey (l) and Benjamin (r) Smiling in the Snow

Danielle Smiling in the Snow

Snowgirl Ashley

Princess Ashley Surrenders

Princess Ashley Smiles

Princess Ashley Ponders

Ashley’s Grand Opening Look

Ashley, Pleased

Ashley’s Christmas Pondering Look

Benjamin at the Christmas Eve Taco Dinner

Casey does a phone tutorial

Casey at the Christmas Eve Taco Dinner

Messy Ice Cream Eater Casey

Danielle at the Christmas Eve Taco Dinner

Happy Ice Cream Eater Danielle

Stocking Stuffer Study with (l-r) Casey, Benjamin, Mommy and Ashley

Stockings Readied, Christmas 2008

Dear Family & Friends,

How in the world are you?  Good here.  I decided to experiment with putting an update on the web…without an accompanying e-mail.  Because anyone is welcome to come here to our site, and because we don’t want to bombard the people we love with picture-heavy e-mails, we thought we’d just see who comes this way on their own.

Our very biggest news is that OUR LITTLE ONES TURNED THREE!!!  Seems impossible, but it’s true.  We had a busy October leading up to their November 4th birthday, and then a change of plans during/after the birthday, and so we decided to do a low-key party with Tennessee family, since that’s where we ended up geographically on that day.  Click here for a video of the festivities (it’s also on our Kid Video page).  My Aunt Carol and Uncle David and my grandmother Sahli (93) were able to attend the party at my parents’ house (Aunt Carol made an incredible cake, pictured above).  During this time of year, we remember our little Emily, whose memory becomes more distant, but whose place in our heart is as strong as ever.

The kids are really all doing great!  Ashley is in her second year of pre-school at Little Elks (loves it!) and super-vocal Benjamin is doing as well as usual.  Casey and Danielle recently got ‘kicked out’ of their free therapy programs, simply because both of them are doing so extremely well  (while we are very proud of them, we will really miss our wonderful therapist friends).  Casey is now eating solid food, really as well as the other two, which has cut down on our: stress, meal prep, reflux medicine costs, grocery bills, clean-up, and confinement level.  Danielle is super-sweet and talks in great sentences, and her biggest challenge is some separation anxiety at the church nursery.  These are true praises!  We have seen kids born later than they were, with fewer initial setbacks, who deal with much bigger challenges, which our guys just haven’t had to deal with, through the Lord’s grace.

Lisa and I took a great cruise in October–it left out of L.A. and went south to three ports on the Mexican Riviera.  It was our Princess Cruises prize for winning The Greatest Romantic contest–many of you helped us win it back in the spring, and you may recall that Ashley narrated it.  We had an incredible time, and the Princess p.r. department fixed us up with all kinds of special perks, like meals at the extra-fancy restaurants and a visit with the captain and crew in ‘the bridge’ during a sailaway from one of the ports.  You may also go to the Kid Video page to see some footage of our cruise.  Also, you’ll note that the kids’ costumes for our church’s Halloween Alternative Party were authentic Mexican cruise purchases.

Probably the biggest question that people asked us about this was:  “What was in it for Ashley, the narrator?”  On the last day of our cruise, we got the answer to that question:  Princess contacted us and asked if Lisa and I would like to be onboard the inaugural mini-cruise of the Ruby Princess in Fort Lauderdale, partly so that I could perform a wedding ceremony as part of the festivities.  We agreed to do it, but asked if Ashley could come too.  The wonderful people at Princess (and I do mean wonderful–over the top great to work with) allowed us to do that, and we had an incredible time.  There were over 1,000 people (mostly VIPs and travel agents) on this brand new ship, and a total of 3 kids were on board.  Ashley had an incredible time, and we had some incredible memories:  Ryan and Trista Sutter (the couple from the original season of ABC’s The Bachelorette) were the ship’s godparents, and also the groomsman and bridesmaid–they have one son and a second child on the way, and just celebrated five years of marriage.  Gavin MacLeod (Murray Slaughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Captain Stubing on The Love Boat) gave the bride away, and he and a friend of his had dinner with the three of us after the wedding.  Gavin is a committed Christian, and a really wonderful person.   The bride and groom were Danielle Vurpillat and Kip Hickman from northern California–a really nice couple who were awarded the wedding as part of a contest–we were able to spend some time with them and give them some great Christian resources on marriage!  It was a wonderful three-day adventure, and you can also see footage of it on the Kid Videos page, as well as on Princess Cruises’ page dedicated to it or at http://www.princess.com/video/dvd/RubyChristening.html.  Very very surreal, and unfathomable that we’ve been on two free cruises during the past three weeks.

If you’re ever in or near Lexington, please please look us up.  Thank you for your prayers, and for being part of our journey!

In Christ,

Phil, Lisa, Ashley, Benjamin, Casey & Danielle

P.S. We’ll probably send out an end-of-the-year Christmas e-mail, but in case we don’t, feel free to come back here and visit every few months.

Ashley the Shortcake Model

Ashley and her second-year pre-school teacher Ms. Marsha

Ashley and her second-year pre-school teacher Ms. Vicki

Pre Pre-School: (l-r) Benjamin, Ashley, Casey and Danielle hold hands before Ashley’s first day of her second year of pre-school

Magical Big Siste Kiss: Ashley kisses Benjamin, beside Casey and Danielle

Bedridden: (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Ashley and Danielle hang out in Mommy and Daddy’s bed

29 Runaway Socks that were Hiding Behind the Seal of our Washer

PizzaChomper Ashley

PizzaChomper Benjamin

PizzaChomper Casey

PizzaChomper Danielle

Benjamin and Danielle: Corridored

Danielle: Happily corridored

Benjamin: Really happily corridored

Casey: Not so happily corridored

Hooray for Hollywood: the much-zoomed-in sign seen from Palos Verdes, California

The view from Palos Verdes, California

Los Angeles and Smog

Mommy and Daddy next to their limo

The Sapphire Princess (Greatest Romantic Cruise)

Mommy and Daddy aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Mexican Rappellers Mommy and Daddy

Mommy and Daddy after dinner aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Mommy and Daddy ready for night-night aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Rolls on Mommy’s Face: Spa Treatment aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Our traditional dining table aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Flower Arrangement in our Room, aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Fruit Bird, aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Fruit Monkey, aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Mommy, Daddy and the Sapphire Princess Captain aboard Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Life in the bridge aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Mommy and Dessert aboard Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Mommy and Daddy, fully vested aboard Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Fruit Chefs Finish Up aboard Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Mommy, Daddy and Seahorse Statue in Mexico

Mexican Bathroom Anti-Drug Campaign

Strings Attached: Daddy prepares to parasail in Mexico

Mexican Flying Guys

Ceramic tile seahorse at the bottom of a fountain in Mexico

Muchacho, Mule and Dog in Mexico

Mommy’s Bird in Mexico

Daddy’s Bird in Mexico

A little piece of Arkansas in Mexico: Wal-Mart spotted from Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise deck

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Cathedral

Sunrise approaching Mazatlan, Mexico aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Sunrise approaching Puerto Vallarta, Mexico aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Sunrise approaching Puerto Vallarta, Mexico aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Sea, Clouds and Mountains in Mexico aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

View from our patio at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Moonlight on the Pacific aboard the Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Lighthouse, Sailboat and City leaving on Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Sunset Behind the Cheesecake Factory in southern California

Atlantic Sun Rising aboard Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Ships Coming In: Mexico aboard Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Somewhere in Mexico aboard Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Cabo San Lucas aboard Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Sunrise approaching Mazatlan, Mexico aboard Sapphire Princess Greatest Romantic Cruise

Inflatable Cousins: Ashley and Cousin Hannah at Milligan College Homecoming Weekend

Inflatable Duo: Daddy and Ashley at Milligan College Homecoming Weekend

Fire Crew: (l-r) Ashley, Casey, Benjamin and Danielle at The Firehouse Restaurant in Johnson City, Tennessee

Benjamin, el amigo de Grandpa

Parade Anticipation: (clockwise from top left) Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley and Casey at Milligan College Homecoming Weekend

Muchacha Ashley

Los Amigos De Great-Grandma Sahli: (l-r) Danielle, Ashley, Casey, Benjamin

Los Amigos: (l-r) Ashley, Casey, Danielle, Benjamin

Second Cousins Ashley and Hannah at Milligan College Homecoming Weekend

Cousin Melissa reunited with her old gang: (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Casey, Ashley

Class of ’93: Daddy’s 15-Year Reunion Group at Milligan College Homecoming Weekend

Train Gang: Milligan College 2008 Homecoming Weekend

Triplet Cake for Benjamin, Casey and Danielle, made by Great-Aunt Carol Casey

Aid for the Elderly: Casey helps his old Daddy open a present

At the Races: Benjamin (near) and Casey (far)

Benjamin, Revved Up

Danielle descends the stairs with Grandpa

Gifted Benjamin

Gifted Casey

Gifted Danielle

Testing out the new train track are (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Danielle, Ashley

Mesmerized by Great Uncle David: (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Danielle

My Birthday Too: Daddy with Casey, Ashley, Benjamin and Danielle

The Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

The Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

The Throng: Crowd at the Ceremony aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Planewatchers (l-r) Mommy, Grandma, Casey, Ashley, Benjamin, Grandpa, Danielle

Run Way: Observation Deck Family (l-r) Danielle, Casey, Mommy, Grandma, Grandpa, Benjamin and Ashley

Bye Bye Crew: Grandma and Grandpa with (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle and Casey at the airport

Loaded Down: Ashley and Mommy tote everything through the airport

Pre-Boarding: Ashley believes she can fly

Airplane Ascent: Ashley and Mommy ascend the airplane steps

Ashley and Mommy share a significantly less traumatic flying experience than their previous September 2005 flight

In-flight Activity Girls: Mommy and Ashley stay busy on our flight

On a Ship: Ashley and Mommy aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Floaters: Mommy, Daddy and Ashley aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Little Floater: Ashley aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Custom Bedmaking: Bed Made with Baby Doll aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Decked Out: Our Room and Deck aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

The Crews at the wedding aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

The Band at the wedding aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Daddy performs a wedding aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Wedding Party: (l-r) Daddy, Trista and Ryan Sutter, Kip Hickman, Danielle Vurpillat and Gavin MacLeod at the wedding aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Bachelorettes Past and Present: Mommy, Ashley and Trista Sutter aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Celebrity Wedding Party: Ryan and Trista Sutter and Gavin MacLeod aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Mommy, Daddy and Ashley at the wedding aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Gavin MacLeod with Mommy and Daddy aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Gavin and Us: Mommy, Daddy, Ashley and Gavin MacLeod aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Daddy and Ashley Post-Wedding aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Daddy’s Girls: Mommy and Ashley aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

The Ruby Necklace: Godmother Trista Sutter Gets a Really Expensive Ruby Necklace on the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Bleeding Heart Dessert: Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

True Love in Dessert Form: Daddy aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

The Lades in Red: Mommy and Ashley aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Preoccupied: Ashley colors in our cabin on the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Cruise Buddies: Mommy, Daddy and Ashley aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Grand Finale Dinner: Mommy, Daddy and Ashley’s last meal on the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Princess Gives Lego Lessons: Ashley aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Pizza Pals: Ashley and Mommy aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Mommy and Ashley aboard the Ruby Princess Inaugural Cruise

Ashley, Swimmer

Benjamin, Swimmer

Casey, Swimmer

Danielle, Swimmer

Boxed up kids (l-r) Ashley, Casey, Danielle, Benjamin

Ice Cream Team: (l-r) Benjamin, Ashley, Danielle, Casey

2008 Swim Team: (l-r) Benjamin, Ashley, Danielle, Casey

SuperSwimmers: (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley, Casey

Kreme Team: (l-r) Ashley, Casey, Danielle, Benjamin

Slide Team: (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Danielle, Ashley

Learning our Princesses: Mommy with (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Danielle and Ashley

Skipping a Generation: (l-r adults) Grandma, Uncle David, Aunt Carol, Aunt Nancy, Uncle Ron, Grandpa and (l-r kids) Ashley, Casey, Benjamin, Danielle

Mommy’s Little Birthday Presents: (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Ashley, Danielle

Swimming Brothers: Casey (l) and Benjamin (r)

Edge of their Seats: Danielle (l) and Casey (r)

The Big Kid: Grandpa surrounded by (l-r) Ashley, Benjamin, Casey, Danielle

A Blowout: Lisa Celebrates Her Thirty-Third

Ashley the Hippy Child

Ashley, Drying

Grandma helps Ashley pet the horse

Ponytails of the Past: Ashley’s and Lisa’s ponytails ready to go to Locks of Love

Benjamin the Chocolate Ice Cream Face

Benjamin the Cautious Slider

A Noogie for Grandma from Casey (with Ashley oblivious)

Daddy helps Casey pet the horse

A Sweep: Danielle

Sidewalk Inspector: Danielle

Upheld: Daddy holds up Danielle

Tree B Gone: Our humongo pine tree coming down

Floral

Dear Family & Friends,

It hasn’t been that long, but there is much to share with you …

My aunt, Lois Ricketts, passed away last week.  She was 74, and had triumphed over m.s. for 36 years—in my estimation, it never even touched her smile or her spirit or her faith.  Ashley and I were able to attend her funeral in Indianapolis on Monday.  Very inspiring, and she will be greatly missed, especially by my Uncle Frank, her devoted husband of 50+ years.

Project Seahorse (www.projectseahorse.net) is the organization that we started in memory of Emily and in honor of the other kids.  On the third Thursday night of the last six months, the two of us have gone to the Lexington Ronald McDonald House to share Seahorse Packets with parents of premature babies, as well as to share our experiences and some encouragement.  It has been a great experience, and several months ago we formed a local board to help get the organization to the next level.  In addition, we have had three generous additions to the packets:  1) the CD single “Emily’s Prayer (the Seahorse Song), from friend Matthew Davis’ Nashville-produced CD Little Reasons Why, which you can sample and purchase at any major download site; 2) Project Seahorse burpcloths, embroidered by Dorothy Stockslager of Akron, Ohio; and 3) handmade quilts, from the First Christian Church (Lexington) Ladies Sewing Circle.  Just this past week, we found out from the IRS that we are officially a non-profit organization!!!  Any contributions from the last 27 months, and forward, are completely tax-deductible.  (If this is starting to sound like a thinly veiled request for a one-packet donation of $30 or more, all info regarding that tendency can be found at  http://projectseahorse.net/donate_a_packet.htm ).

We made a quick trip to the beach during the first week of June to spend time with family—an annual vacation.  It was very relaxing, and went by way too quick, and left little or no time to get together with old friends.  If you click here, you can see lots of beach pictures, and click here to see a couple of beach videos.

We hope you’re doing well.  Thank you for being a part of our family!

In Christ,

Phil, Lisa, Ashley, Benjamin, Casey & Danielle

Sister Dig: Danielle (l) and Ashley (r)

Brotherly Love at the Beach: (l-r) Casey, Benjamin

Triple Duty: (l-r) Danielle, Casey, Benjamin

Storming the Beach: (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle, Casey, Ashley

Busy at the Beach: Ashley (l), Benjamin (near), Casey (far), Danielle (r)

Queen and the Castle Crew: (l-r) Ashley, Benjamin, Casey, Danielle

Scaled Down Family Beach Picture 2008

Ocean Family: (l-r) Casey, Daddy, Ashley, Grandpa, Benjamin, Danielle, Mommy

Grandma supervises Ashley and her boogieboard

Walking with Grandma and Grandpa: (l-r) Ashley, Casey, Danielle and Benjamin

Flower Arrangers at Emily’s Grave: (l-r) Danielle, Ashley, Benjamin, Casey

Roberts Five: At Emily’s Grave (l-r) are Casey, Ashley, Danielle and Benjamin

The Amazing Ashley

Benjamin’s New Style

Pure Casey

Danielle Digs the Ocean

Beautiful Four-Year-Old: Ashley

The Shield: Daddy shielded by (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Danielle and Ashley

Detainees: Daddy attends an Ashley pre-school event with (l-r) Casey, Danielle and Benjamin

Early Reader (and her kids): Mommy with (l-r) Danielle, Casey, Benjamin, Ashley

Dear Family & Friends,

How in the world are you?  Good here, although we are a little weekend-weary…

Our biggest news is that Ashley turned four today (Sunday), after a big wild party yesterday with lots of the pre-K crowd and relatives attending.  We have waited four years for her birthday to land on the actual Mother’s Day—very special!  Ashley has been a perfect gift from God in every way:  the surprise end to infertility, and a hilarious combination of sweet-shy-funny-inquisitive-beautiful-smart-happy-loving.  We can’t imagine a better big sister for this crew.  She ends her first pre-school year on Friday, and has loved it!  She loves to write letters, and color, and swing, and play CandyLand.

Our next-biggest news is that Casey is now eating some solid food, he has almost completely stopped throwing up, he is drinking regular milk instead of a milk-formula combo, and is even drinking it out of a sippy cup.  This has made our lives infinitely easier, and it is such a blessing to see these great strides.  All of the kids are on sippy-cups now, so bottle-making is now in our past!!!

Benjamin and Casey and Danielle are as of last week over the 2 ½ point, and talking like crazy, in small sentences (especially Benjamin).  Their conversation is so much fun (except for when it’s driving us crazy).  They lobby for foods that they like, and for basement time and outside time, and just about everything else that comes into their head.  I could spent a lot of time describing them, but the best way to do it would be to refer you to our website (www.expandingrobertses.com), which has new videos on the “kid video” page, including these which we especially recommend (click underlined title to view):  How Workplace Injuries Happen and Temporary Unsanitary and Benja Lets it Shine.  Also, a bunch of recent pictures are on the 2008/2007 update page.

Lisa is an amazing mother, and deserves great great honor on this Mother’s Day.  With a lot of wonderful people helping her, she is succeeding in the impossible job of raising three two-year-olds simultaneously, with a 4-year-old also in the mix, and somehow she manages to look unfazed.  Lisa has had a chance to sing in a trio-quartet at church a couple of times recently, and that has been great.  Tonight we crashed P.F. Chang’s together, and made it more kid-friendly…maybe.

Me?  I’ve been preaching, enjoying Lexington and the church, and in my spare time editing videos—most for the website but a few for contests too.  One of these days I’ll start running again.

Thanks for keeping up with our family, encouraging us, supporting us, and praying for us.  It has not been a dull ride.

In Christ,

Phil, Lisa, Ashley, Benjamin, Casey & Danielle

Ashley’s 4th Birthday Party Get-Up

Ashley (l) and her pre-school friends at her fourth birthday party

Doctor Ashley Examines Mommy

Grandmothers of the Curly-Headed: Grandma and Nana with our kids and cousins Lauren and Chris

Patti’s Peoples: Nana, Aunt Kim, Cousins Lauren and Chris, and our Gang

Four Kids and their Mommy: (l-r) Ashley, Casey, Danielle, Benjamin

Talking Benjamin

Wide-Mouthed Casey

Beaming Danielle

Semi-Relaxing: (l-r) Mommy, Casey, Danielle, Ashley, Benjamin

Out Standing in their Field: (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Casey

Oh Brother: Benjamin (l) and Casey (r)

Thriving Casey

Casey the SwitchHitter

Bunny Cake, made by Mommy

The Pre-EggHunt Snuggle: (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Danielle, Mommy

Post-Hunt Picture: (l-r) Ashley, Casey, Danielle, Benjamin

Look, Mom, Real Candy: (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Danielle

Easter Kids 2008: (l-r) Danielle, Ashley, Casey (near), Benjamin

Easter 2008: (l-r) Danielle, Daddy, Ashley, Casey, Mommy, Benjamin

Flashback from 2004: 7-month-old Ashley in the Snow

FlashForward: Three-year-old Ashley in the snow

Jedi Master Benjamin

Jedi Master Benjamin

Sick Benjamin

Sisters: Ashley (l) and Danielle (r)

Casey (l) and Benjamin (r)

The Striped Sweater Gang: (l-r) Casey, Benjamin, Ashley, Danielle

Sara Baker and Ash Three Years Later

Sara Baker and the Gang: (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle, Casey, Ashley

Pizzabound People: Mommy and Sara Baker with (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Casey and Ashley

Pizza Walk: Danielle holding Mommy’s hand; Benjamin (l) and Casey and Ashley (r) with Sara Baker

Ashley the Bearded Tub Girl

Benjamin the Satchelhead

Danielle the Satchelhead

Babyback: Danielle

Three Kids in a Tub: (l-r) Danielle, Casey, Benjamin

Red Pancakes, Red Room: Mommy’s Valentine’s Breakfast enjoyed by (l-r) Casey, Danielle Benjamin, Ashley

Four in the ‘Rowboats’: (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley, Casey

Valentine’s Day Set-Up

Our new used playground

Inaugural Slide: Ashley slides down the new used playground slide for the first time

Grandpa the Worker; Daddy the Poser

Snow Ashley

Snow/Dirt-Man

To Pre-school in the Snow: Ashley and Daddy

SisterWatcher Benjamin

Benjamin’s Wig

Short-haired Benjamin

Camo Benjamin

SnowReady Benjamin

SnowSlid: Benjamin

TractorWatchers Benjamin (r) and Casey (l)

Casey the WindowLickerSisterWatcher

Casey indicates that he’s number one

Short-Haired Casey

Camo Casey

Casey, slide-ready

Casey-nova

The Lettermen: Benjamin (l) and Casey (r)

Danielle the Sister-Watcher

Danielle Snow-Eater

Danielle Snow-Slider

Snow Danielle

Four in the Snow: (l-r) Danielle, Ashley, Benjamin, Casey

Happy Danielle Snow-Slider Girl

Pig-Tailed Danielle

Sliding Brothers Benjamin (l) and Casey (r)

Snow Brothers Casey (l) and Benjamin (r)

The Snow Crowd: (l-r) Ashley, Danielle, Casey, Benjamin

Snow Expedition Team set to go: (l-r) Benjamin, Casey, Ashley and Danielle

Snow Prep: Mommy readies (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle and Casey

Team Snowman: (l-r) Daddy, Danielle, Ashley, Casey, Benjamin

The Ash-Watchers: (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Casey

The Haircut Crowd: Daddy with (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle, Casey

Dear Friends & Family,

Okay, we’re running a few days behind, but hopefully will get this out to you before the first day of the year is over.

We’ve been working on a Christmas/New Year Greeting that just got completed—it’s narrated by Ashley and took forever to finish, but is a lot of fun to watch.  It is the closest thing to a Christmas card that you are going to receive from us this year, so please savor it!  To view it (it may take a few to download, so be patient) click this link…

2007 Roberts Year in Review

There are some other really fun videos on the “kid videos” page of our website, www.expandingrobertses.com.  A few highly recommended ones are (just click on them): Chair Wars, Danielle’s Spontaneous Breakdance, Broccoli, Garbage Trucks, Love & BottleTime, and A Compressed High-Speed Christmas.

Our news in general is this:

We had a great Christmas!  Too much fun to describe, even via video.  As you can see from the picture, our kids aren’t particularly fond of Santa.  But we told them that Christmas was mostly about the baby Jesus anyway, so I guess it’s all right.

The kids were diagnosed with RSV a few weeks ago—our worst nightmare from the last two winters, but bearable this year.  We are grateful and relieved to report that the kids all weathered it very very well, with some breathing treatments administered at home, a few wheezy nights, and several boxes of Kleenex expended.  Though now healthy, we’ll keep the little ones at home until RSV season is over in spring.

Ashley missed three days of pre-school, including her special Christmas party/program.  On that morning, we were fortunate that a special vehicle happened to be parked in our neighborhood—the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.  (The parents of the girl who drives the Midwest one lives in our neighborhood).  We stopped by and asked if we could get some pictures, and she let us sit inside.  Very meaningful.

All in all, we are grateful to have made it through an exciting year, and hope that 2008 will be tame, and stationary, by comparison!  Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, kindnesses and help.

We hope that the Lord will bless you immensely in this coming year.  We will try to stay in touch better in 2008…but I guess we had intentions like that last year too.  Happy New Year!

In Christ,

Phil, Lisa, Ashley, Benjamin, Casey & Danielle

Roberts Family Christmas 2007: (clockwise from far left) Casey, Mommy, Daddy, Ashley, Benjamin, Danielle

Roberts Family Christmas 2007: (clockwise from far left) Danielle, Benjamin, Daddy, Mommy, Casey, Ashley

Biker Gang: (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle, Casey, Ashley

The Christmas Spread: (l-r) Mommy, Casey, Danielle, Ashley, Benjamin

WindowLookers: (l-r) Danielle, Casey, Ashley, Benjamin

Christmas Dinner 2007: (l-r) Danielle, Benjamin, Ashley, Daddy, Casey

A seahorse–in memory of Emily

Stockings 2007

Christmas Fireside Reading: Grandma, Grandpa and Ashley

Pre-Invasion: The Night before Christmas

Three Girls in Bed: (l-r) Ashley, Danielle, Mommy

Industrious Kids: (l-r) Casey, Danielle, Benjamin

More present-unfettering assistance from Daddy for Benjamin (l) and Casey (r)

Mommy reads to Benjamin and Danielle

A new carseat for Ashley’s doll Jess

Ashley, post-bath

Ashley, in front of the WienerMobile

“Oh, I Wish…” the WienerMobile was in my neighborhood…and for Ashley, it was!

Ashley, inside the Oscar Mayer WienerMobile

Benjamin can’t contain his Christmas excitement

Benja Claus 2007

Benjamin, overly happy

Benjamin and his truck

Consultant: Benjamin consults with Daddy about getting his truck unfettered

Casey Claus 2007

Cool Man Casey

Casey and his truck

Casey Claus 2007

Danielle Claus 2007

Danielle by the tree

Acrobatic Danielle

The Santa Haters: (l-r) Benjamin, Danielle, Casey, Ashley