Jacob has been really "thoughtful" for what he would really like for Christmas this year. I wanted to share the love.

DC in the fall?winter

Troy arranged for me to join him on his 2nd CMB class in Washington DC. in November. I spent a good deal of time figuring out the Metro and squeezing sight seeing in the few days we had. I have learned where some of the horror/thriller and sci-fi get some of their ideas on what is scary etc. I had no personal reference before. It was all interesting and I enjoyed getting to know a little of how to get off where you want to end up. The Smithsonian exhibits that I got to see (Air and Space, Natural History and National Art Museums) were great, but of course I couldn't see it all. Troy and I went on a night time tour of the memorials and the area. The memorials were much more moving in person than I thought they would be. In fact, I had many thoughts as we started the whole business, But I would like to dwell just on the fact that they were very impressive and most felt a bit sacred. I almost didn't go to Korean Memorial but was most impressed and was very moved as we walked around it and saw the faces. I would really like to go back and take the children.

Taylor had a big birthday this year. He invited a bunch of friends to go play unlimited lazer tag and bowling at Main Event.

Luke is practically monkey in the climbing area. It is especially fun to climb in the kitchen when there are things left out to play with, eat or throw, but usually all of the above.

The walk to the mailbox isn't long. It is just a stretch your legs and break the indoor air. By the way, it is fantabulous outside right now. The crisp air, light breeze, sunshine. Yummy! Daniel, Lucas, and Jacob joined me today with light hearts and sweet enthusiasm for such a little break. Daniel repeated that he was going to carry the mail over and over. Lucas didn't want to stop at the mailbox, he could keep going no matter the calling and chasing. I have decided that I absolutely love the toddler walk. It brings a delighted giggle to my heart. And when he wears those tiny sneakers, I can't think of anything else I would rather see. Because I had not been able to find the key for a while (it had been in Jacob's backpack, I am sure that I accidentally closed his binder on the keys I was using), the mailbox was very full. Daniel was loaded down and dropped the load once, then again when he tripped on the step. I went to help and he assured me that he tripped, that was all. As he righted himself, he exhorted me to "Get Lucas! I can do this! Lucas is going to get away! Get Lucas!" Maybe it loses some of the meaning written down, but I thought is was so great of him. He is embracing this job, loving his brother, and directing me in dire circumstances. I guess I could worry that he will be a bossy child, but I am just loving how he is involved and helpful, and that he loves to do it.

Nathan's creation #3

Charcoals

Nathan's creation #2

Pencil

Nathan's creations

Nathan is enjoying his art set in school. His first works are now scanned in and ready to show off. They look even better in real life. Watercolor:

Dad's night

Troy got a new barbecue grill for father's day. It is a nice thing without coal and starter. It does need to be cleaned though, as he learned this week grilling some chicken. As the flames incinerated the pieces, the children all pretended they were sad that it was "Dad's night to cook" . We went out to IHOP in the most unanimous restaurant selection we have ever experienced!!!

More changes

We had some work done on our kitchen lights, counters and backsplash.

Paint it warm

Thought you would like to see the paint in the front hall, living room and hallway!

Remodel

After many years, we have accomplished the daunting task of repairing and rennovating our master bath. We are so pleased with the result. I have a few finishing touches, like sink faucets, hand towel holders, towel rack, tissue holder. But really, it feels good to have it done and done well.

The Next Day

Happy Birthday Caleb,
Mark this special day.
Angela and gang came over, and while not all the cleanup is finished, I would like to report that we have found nothing of theirs here at all. Nothing seems to be left behind. Congratulations! We must all remember and rejoice! :)

Happy Autumn

When I took Emma to her bus stop early in the morning the other day, the moisture was still on the grass. The sun was coming up and as it hit the yard, each drop shone like diamonds and sparkled dazzlingly. I am not sure how long that will last. It seems like in the summer that the dew gets burned off too quickly (not that I usually get up that early in the summer). In the fall, I can go out at 11 p.m. and relish the fabulous feel of just right temperature and wake up to crisp, delicious mornings- without a jacket! Fall is great because of all of the senses that are engaged. Yummy!

Lucas is now a 1 year old (+ a month). The light has switched on and he is everywhere, finding all the neat electronic things we have and discovering water fun-and combining those things often.

He says yea, uh-oh, and momma (mostly when he wants to eat or be held, but I am counting it). Dancing is his thing- he doesn't even need music.

As our charming caboose, he is in his element when we are all sitting in the same room and he can be entertained and entertain everyone with whatever he feels coming on. Climbing, giggling, dancing, teasing, tickling, squealing. Pictures don't tell enough of the story of this wonderful age and interaction.

Labor Day

Howdy Ya'll!

I wanted to put it all down for you and me for future or far away reference.

We are busy, but only until we have more to do.

We went on a family holiday for Labor Day to Corpus Christi. It was Jacob and Lucas's birthday and Jacob had been talking about going to the beach for months. We invited the Newman cousins down to join in the fun. The Nelson cousins live down there already, so we got to see them and enjoy their hospitality. I had always been told that the beaches in Texas are less than desirable, but the conditions we experienced (other than the drive) were great! It wasn't too hot (which was a gift for us, because it is usually hot), the beach was nice and not crowded, the ocean, just behind the condo, was chest high to the 7 year old for a long way out.

On the way home, we discussed what a good time we had -"other than the high condo price (more than we expected), the rain (for Sunday/Monday), the sunburns, and the insane amount of traffic on the way home, it was one of the best vacation we have had!"
Pictures coming