crib battle: Lost

after a week of skillfully climbing out the pack-n-play in North Carolina, Isa came home with a renewed determination not to be contained by her crib. This last week we have found her laying on the floor beside her crib (despite several night-time attempts at laying her back in it). She also has awoken us in the morning by pounding on the door (after climbing out). Soooo tonight we finally converted the crib to a toddler bed (although we did this for Will at 17 months... we weren't quite ready for Isa to roam free yet). Isa is officially in a big girl bed.

on a side note... when we went in to check on her tonight... yep... she was on the floor again beside her bed ! (at least we know there is no chance of her falling out in the effort to climb out now =)).

My bestest little buddy

Will has to be the sweetest and most thoughtful three year old I have ever met. He never ceases to surprise me with adorable gestures of kindness, gentleness, and unconditional trust. He reminds me daily that pure happiness does exist in this crazy world of ours. He encourages me daily to be ever so thankful for the blessings that Veronika and I have in our lives. He loves his sister dearly and has already told us that he is so excited to meet his new "widdle bruder, Sharky" (his name, not ours). I can already see that he is a strong willed protector to his sister and no doubt will be the quiet leader for his siblings (even though Isa may steal the stage on a regular basis). He is truly our first little miracle.

kids

my new favorite picture. it says it all....

good luck Uncle Paul

today the kids (and I) surprised Uncle Paul before he sets off for 3 days of grueling testing... THE BAR EXAM (it even sounds scary). However, the kids told Uncle Paul how proud they are of him and that they know he WILL DO GREAT! Paul, we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers for a quick, easy exam that you pass with flying colors!
Can't wait to celebrate when you get back and again when you get your score!

YOU'LL DO AWESOME!!!!

fun week

this week in a few words..... volleyball tournaments, dusk Big Wave boogie boarding, evening movies, evening pier walks, lasso ball, bocce ball, breaking personal paddleball record, AMAZING dinners, sunny days & cool windy nights, beach bums (Will and Isa), relaxing with a good book on the sand, family time!

more pics to come when we get back home, until then, enjoy these....


yearly family pic!!! (miss you, Justin, Mary, Paul & Jona!)

oak island, nc

we can't believe that's it's already wednesday. the time, although relaxing and awesome, has been going by too fast. it's so amazing to have NO schedule, walk out to the beach whenever we want, and sit back and watch the kids having an awesome time!!! Will and Isa have been really living up the beach life. we sometimes wonder where they get all the energy to stay in the sun and sand for hours at a time! it's an understatement to say that we are having a memorable and fun time!




celebrating Heather's birthday!

akron zoo

today some girls from our playgroup met at the Akron Zoo. Aunt Kateri was able to join us and it was a great time. We really liked this zoo because is caters to smaller guests (i.e. lots of playing fun for the kids!!!) and the exhibits are closer together!

Will and Kevin pose as penguins =)


There were 3 baby jaguars born in March. So neat to see!


The group (Aunt Kateri, Isa, Will, me, Cheryl, Kevin, Shellie, Kevin and baby Grant)



It looks like Isa is really petting the bear. You can see her BIG smile in the window reflection!

prayers please

it's official. the story is long, but the news is great... we are expecting our 3rd miracle!!! many of you have heard us refer to our children as miracles (as many parents do), but for us, they really are miracles. when we started on our path to becoming parents, we faced many obstacles... doctors who told us it would be a LONG stretch to conceive on our own... some who said In-vitro was our only option. That is when we took a step back and really put this decision in God's hands. that is why we see them as our lil miracles. we consider ourselves lucky and blessed to have 2 beautiful children. we've had some losses and sad points along the way... but here we are... awaiting our 3rd!

ok... so here is the scoop! We are 6 1/2 weeks along... REALLY EARLY (which is why we are asking for prayers =). the baby's estimated due date is around the 5th of March. The reason we chose to share the news early is twofold... 1, we had a great ultrasound and saw the baby and a heartbeat (YAYYY!) and 2, challenges are best won with the strength of those who love you beside you. rather than face this very stressful time alone with a secret, we chose to share the news, so that we can have the strength of family and friends each step of the way.

on a lighter note =)... we are REALLY excited. we aren't really sure if the kids truly comprehend yet that they will be Big brother and sister, but they seem to be voicing their opinions already. Isa insists it's a "baby sister" (even though for her sake we hope it's a boy) =), and Will has already named his baby brother "Sharky" (we are hoping this will eventually be outgrown). He even has a funny dance he does whenever he tells us the name! so... off we go to many months of waiting for another blessing!

playgroup 3rd birthday party

Today the kids all went to the Memphis Kiddie park. It is almost surreal to think this group of kids have known each other since shortly after birth and today celebrated their combined 3rd birthday! How quickly time passes, how great it is to watch friendships blossom, and amazing to watch 6 wonderful lil kids grow together. We know that with time and the coming of school in a few years we may not have this bond forever, but for the moment it is absolutely wonderful and we savor every moment they laugh together!

This roller coaster may have been a lil too scary for Will and Aidan. Aidan came off saying "don't do that again!" =)


Evelyn, Sam and Aidan making funny faces!





After almost 2 hours of rides, it's time for some popcorn, hotdogs, juice and silly FUN!


Singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
(Aidan) Kevin, Evelyn, Gina, Sam, Brady, Will

reminiscing their 1st birthday party!


Time for gifts!!! All the kids got a new stamp set. They all loved it and left the park with a few stamped hands =). What a GREAT day!

a little busy

so sorry it's been a while... I have so much to catch up on... we have been so blessed with family coming into town for Will's 3rd birthday that we have barely been on the computer. I did update some pics on the kids babysite, but need another night to catch up on this! It truly has been a GREAT couple of weeks with family and friends... lets keep the fun going!
pics and post to come soon =)