THE SCOOCH: A form of transportation

Luke's new preferred method of movement..."the scooch". That's what we call it because we can't figure out what animal/thing/creature it looks like. Tory says a paraplegic gorilla but that sounds really awful to me so we are compromising. Check this out...

Hilarity!!

nate's first BUZZ

I just love this boy. And that he is...all BOY. The things he does remind me so much of my little brother growing up. Maybe that is why I naturally stand up for my girl when he won't let her through, jumps straight into her seat in the car and at the dinner table, blocks the slide so she can't get down, and the list could go on and on. Tory, also having a younger sister, says it's just what they do. Either way, it is constantly a battle in our house. But I guess thats what make us a family, we can irritate the heck out of each other but yet never fall out of love. 'Cause I will tell you this little boy makes us laugh HARD! All of us! And whats so funny is that he knows it and he is learning more and more how to do it. And he can be so gentle and kind at the same time, wanting whats best for his big sister and lil' bro, which I am thrilled to say far outweighs the rest. We just LOVE this guy!

Also, note to self: No need to go drastic even though his hair is so long you are having to brush through tangles. And Tory, thanks but no thanks for talking me into it. Maybe we'll try again when he's 6. Nate, you are still handsome as ever, and your mama loves ya!

Outside

My goal for Spring/Summer 2010 (well, one of them at least) is to have lunch OUTSIDE every possible day that we can. Whether it is a blanket on the grass, or the deck if the grass is too wet, a local park, a far away park, the zoo, or if I am feeling particularly lazy the front porch we are going to be outside. So far this season I think we are a good 97.5% for all possible days. We love being outside!!

Side note: This particular day was very very bright out and the kids were almost about to give up on me so I suggested them go grab a hat out of their closet. Please note Nathan's idea/choice of a hat. Love him!

Mud Hole 2010

Every year, Folks, every year. This hole in some ways is quite the nuisance, but at least once a year it brings us so so much joy. We had this crazy, never-ending kind of rain this past weekend and woke today to sunshine and this beauty.

On the search...

"Mom, guess what! Nathan swallowed a penny and didn't even cry!"

Doc is giving us two weeks to find it. Wish us Happy Searching!

Thunder!

Every year, two weeks before the biggest event in Louisville history a crowd of 700,000 gather to kick off the festivities with the top air show and firework show in the country. And this year, WE DID IT!! We had no plans to go. In fact, the "wise" mother in me said, "of course I'm not taking my kids to Thunder. It's loud, crowded, and we won't get home until early morning". But 4:30 rolled around, and while watching these amazing jets fly across in HD and hearing the kids run as fast as they could to the back porch as they "heard" one fly over the house, Tory says to me, "Let's go!" So we packed it up and had a great time. Good for this mama to experience some spontineity and one of the best family nights yet. We met up with several families from church, grilled out, and enjoyed a Kentucky sunset.

I love this one Tory got of Abigail...my beauty.

Did I mention BEST air show in the country?

...and firework show in the country?

If we would have been sitting at Conner Park, July 4th, we would have thought something had gone terribly wrong. Most of the time, we are lucky to have two of each color.

#1 quote of the night: "Daddy, is the moon getting burned by all those fireworks?" -Abigail Giddens

Tennessee trip

First stop: To meet Miss Zoe Kate

Next stop: The mud hills...with this famous pirate and worms. Right up my girl's alley.

Seems that we were surrounded by super-heroes all weekend.

And some AMAZING parks!! Trying to convince Tory that this should be our next stop.

Noelle had special treats around every corner. Pizza and a movie picnic...

S'mores with Mr. Jeffrey

Oddly enough, Nate and Mr. Jeffrey won the messy award. (Your welcome, Jeffrey.)

And if you know the Kelley's story, you know about "The Shot". Well, being the visiting R.N., I got the honors. See their story HERE. I know they would covet your prayers.

(Aren't they adorable!)

We were truly blessed by their great hospitality! Noelle and Jeffrey are amazing people with such joy and zeal for the Lord! And they are raising some very happy little men. Thank you, Kelley's, for sharing your lives with us. You are a huge inspiration. And we will talk more about the arranged marriage between our eldest at a later time. We love you guys!