Nathan and Jack Turn One

Jack is one. Nathan is on his way. Kedra and Carey decided to pool their resources and creative abilities and throw these gentlemen a joint birthday party, since their birthdays are so close together.

The theme... The Old West. Click on the picture to begin the slide show where you will be treated to Johnny Cash's Don't Take Your Guns to Town. Though the song tells of a sad ending for its character Billy Joe, we couldn't resist it... for these were hard, rugged times--suitable only for hard, rugged men.

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The Marshman's

We have new friends in the Marshman's, a family of three--soon to be a family of four-- from California who have made their way to Southern Seminary. Great people. And Jeff happens to be an excellent photographer as well. After a few brief pointers from him, I feel like I own a new camera. Evidently, those numbers on the screen and when you look through the lens actually mean something. Check out some of his work here, where you will find some great shots from Thursday's party at the zoo.

Tory

The Party

Alas, Abigail's long anticipated "Monkey Birthday" arrived. The girl has been talking about it for about the last 6 months... If I may brag on my wife for a moment, she really puts together a good party. The kids had a fantastic time.  For those with a weak stomach, rest assured that the brown thing on the plate is not a real monkey head, but one that was sculpted by Kedra and Carey out of cake:

Happy Birthday Abigail!

We were so excited to celebrate Abigail's 3rd birthday yesterday. I have to say that this is one her funnest yet. She is getting to the age that she understands what is going on and that it is her special day. Unfortunatley, I don't think that she will feel her birthday is complete until she gets her "monkey birthday" which will come at the zoo later this week. Until then we will be bike riding like there's no tomorrow. Enjoy some pics of her day.

Dollhouse Days

We played doll house the other day, well actually we play almost everyday but this day was special. Abigail never ceases to amaze us with her comments. Here's a little clip from this particular dollhouse moment. Daddy, Abigail, and Nathan are played by myself and Abigail is Mommy of course. Here it goes...

Baby Nathan cries, "WaaaaWaaaaWaaa". Mommy (played by Abigail) runs to get Baby.

Abigail wails in pain, "WAAAAAA". Mommy runs to console Abigail.

Daddy cries out, "MOM? MOM? Can you help me a second?"

Playing Mommy and hands spilling over with dollhouse people, Abigail turns to me with a frazzled look and says, "Oh no, there's too many kids!!!"

So here's a tribute to all the mom's out there who see these dollhouse moments on a day to day basis and thrive.

One small step for Nathan, one giant leap from Mom to Dad

Wow, it has been a while...

We have just returned home from Texas and I am need of sending out our latest. I hope to get some pics out of our trip soon but just wanted to share just a little video of Nathan from this past week. I remember that Abigail always made her biggest developmental milestones right after she had gotten over a sickness episode. Well, Nathan just finished antibiotics for an ear infection, popped out two more teeth, and I only had to wipe his nose once today. So....yesterday he started taking steps ! He has gotten up to 4 steps thus far but we will continue to practice. World, here he comes! We are so excited for this little guy and just had to share our joy with you. It makes me laugh. Enjoy.

(And yes, that is still Uncle Toby playing Mario Brothers in the background.)

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Only in Texas

From Foxnews:

"The 21-year-old North Texas man was arrested last week for trying to cash a $360 billion check, saying he wanted to start a record business. Tellers at the Fort Worth bank were immediately suspicious — perhaps the 10 zeros on a personal check tipped them off.

Fuller, of suburban Crowley, was arrested on a forgery charge. He was released after posting $3,750 bail.

Fuller said his girlfriend's mother gave him the check to start a record business. But bank employees who contacted the account's owner said the woman told them she did not give him permission to take or cash the check.

In addition to the forgery count, Fuller was charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon and possessing marijuana. Officers reported finding less than two ounces of marijuana and a .25-caliber handgun and magazine in his pockets."