So Big

When the children and I were at the mall, Abigail wanted to pose for pictures by the fountain. And then, of course, Corban did too. They both suddenly looked so big to me as they stood there!

I remember, not very long ago, when he was the little one with the Pooh Bears:

My Next 30 years

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!

30 things I love about Christopher

1. loves God
2. generous
3. able to make me smile even when I'm upset
4. patient
5. pursues learning
6. knows more about scripture than sports
7. genuine
8. loves me well
9. logical
10. amazing Daddy
11. good communicator
12. faithful
13. great hugs
14. playful
15. works hard to provide for our family
16. calming
17. surprises me with flowers regularly
18. intentional listener
19. unable to hold a grudge
20. man of integrity
21. still pursues me
22. compassionate
23. appreciates beauty--in nature, in art, and in our home
24. prays
25. example to our children
26. leader
27. slow to anger
28. likes to sing silly songs and have dance parties
29. walks in righteousness
30. my best friend

I saw this idea, through pinterest.
I wanted to give Chris 30 envelopes filled with notes (funny stories, words of wisdom, memories, pictures) from family and friends. He loved it!

There were lots of laughs as he read all of his letters. A neat surprise was that envelope #30 had several letters in it. Chris got a total of 40 birthday notes!

Thank you to everyone who participated!

...but Keep the Old

Last week we got to spend some great time with several dear friends!

The Voytenko's stayed with us for a few days while visiting Florida from Ukraine

the children had fun playing with Leo

We went to Orlando for the weekend to spend time with Sherry and Geoff, who are now living in Turkey.

Saturday, we went to Leu Gardens together (pictures to come!).

We had a reunion with our old small group that evening!
lots of laughs, hugs and reasons to celebrate!

Sunday, we spent the day by the pool with the Thomas's.
Corban had a blast on the slide!


Abigail likes to stay closer to the edge







I didn't bring a swimsuit for Hadassah, but she did not want to be left out of the pool time!

Batter Up

Corban is participating in Pee Wee Baseball!

It is a 6 week, indoor, instructional, introduction to the sport
and he is having fun with it!

not a belly itcher
swing batter

Start the Year off Right

Saturday, we explored the nature trails and playgrounds at a new (to us)

county park

Sunday, we had a picnic in the park in Miami Beach and then walked along Lincoln Road

Monday, Chris was off work and we decided to take advantage of our warm Florida weather and take a trip to the Keys!  The next day we had a cold front move through and went from swimsuits to sweats!