As you can see, Noah is quite the character these days. He has such a funny sense of humor and the deepest belly laugh. He makes us laugh so much.

Cameron has been away for about 3 weeks visiting his mom. He arrived home on Saturday and Noah was so happy to see him. Cameron and Noah are the best of friends and I am so thankful for that brother bond. I know that because of their age difference, it might not always be like this but I'm going to enjoy watching their relationship develop.

We leave for a trip to Michigan on Thursday to visit Stuart's family and then I am staying put for a while. I feel like we've been so busy this summer that I haven't had an opportunity to just enjoy being here. I am looking forward to August.

Hope everyone else is having a great summer and staying cool!!! That's all for now.

Dear Noah...

Today you turn 1 year old!!! Daddy slapped me a big high five this morning to commemorate the occasion. What a year it's been. We have so much to celebrate. I remember on this day last year waiting nervously in the delivery room for you to arrive. I remember when Daddy yelled out "it's a boy!" I remember holding you and realizing that you were here, you were finally here and you were mine to love. So, today we celebrate. We celebrate all of our family and friends, both new and old, who have been praying for you and rejoicing in you. We celebrate your smile and your laugh. We celebrate that you're healthy (20 lbs.) even though you're a little short (28 in.). We celebrate your love for Cameron and his love for you. We celebrate your curiosity and how much you love to explore new things. But most of all we are going to celebrate how much we love you. Did you know that on your birthday you are meant to make a wish? Someday when you're older you'll make your own wish. Today, I will make that wish for you. My birthday wish for you is that you live each day to its fullest, love unconditionally, and, as you grow, you will come to understand how great our God is. After all, you are a miracle given to us by God. We love you Noah and we are so excited to see what is in store for your second year.

Summer madness

Hello again!!!

We had such a busy June that I hardly realized we had made it into July already. This summer is going way too fast for my liking. I think that means I need to slow down and take some time to enjoy it but just like the heat wave that is clutching the Midwest and East coast right now, there is no end in sight. In June we were treated to several visitors including my sister and nephews and our friends, the Beck's, from Franklin. It was good to see them as well as their two cute kiddos Tyler and Kelsey. In the middle of June, my parents came out for a visit and went on vacation with us. I have to keep up my continuing education credits for my AT certification so this year the National Convention was out in Philadelphia. All 6 of us loaded up and made it a week long vacation. We started out by visiting some family in Greensburg, PA and then traveled to Harrisburg and spent some time in Hershey and Gettysburg. After that we traveled over to Philadelphia so I could attend my conference and take in the historical sights. Overall it was a wonderful trip (with the exception of the stomach flu that invaded the family at the end of the week). Both Noah and Cameron did so well traveling and we all made some wonderful memories.

Cameron holding the world's largest Hershey Bar

One of the highlights of Hershey was making our own chocolate bars

Cameron loved the Hershey Story Museum and even became one of Milton Hershey's apprentices


Cameron standing on top of Little Round Top in Gettysburg


The boys walking through Gettysburg National Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettsburg Address


Daddy and Noah enjoying the Liberty Bell


Vacationed out


Cam posing with the Philly Phanatic in the Independence Visitor's Center


Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence as well as the Constitution was signed


Noah enjoying life in the hotel


July is not showing any signs of slowing down. This weekend we are traveling down to Washington to celebrate Noah's 1st birthday. He doesn't technically turn 1 until next Thursday but we are celebrating a bit early with the family. Then when we get back, I have a week of vacation bible school. I am teaching kindergarten this year. Yikes!! It is going to be a long week. Then, the next weekend we are traveling to Indy. Combine all that with a late month trip to Michigan and July is already escaping me!! Stay tuned for pics of Noah's birthday celebration...