Water Baby

You may remember seeing this pictures of Neal at 4 months old swimming with Grandma...obviously not a fan of the water

I have been wondering if Neal would ever really enjoy swimming since he has always been a bit hesitant and reserved about pools, bathtubs and the ocean. This last week while visiting my sister in GA we found out that he now LOVES swimming!! (especially with Grandma)

He asked to go swimming every day and once in the water did not want to get out. We are going to have to give this little guy some swim lessons soon and buy him some good water wings so he can enjoy the pool more as summer comes. Once we move into our home we are going to have a neighborhood pool so there will be lots more splashing and swimming adventures in our future, especially as the weather continues to get hotter and hotter.

Visiting Tia

My younger sister Anna (known as Tia to Neal), moved to GA this spring and Neal and I got the chance to go down and visit her, and her fiance Matt, for a few days. Tyler is traveling, attending some Global TWR Meetings, and so it was a treat for Neal and I to get to spend time with family while he is gone.  It was an extra treat that my parents were going to be visiting Anna as well so we got to see almost my entire family.

Tia lives at a beautiful apartment complex that overlooks a small pond. She works at the Columbus Hospital near her house and got to take several days off work to spend time showing us around her town.

We had a great visit and Neal loved playing with all three of Tia's cats. We took lots of pictures during our few days there so there will lots to share about here in the next few days.

We have lived far away from my family since we got married (almost 7 years ago) and so it's exciting to be driving distance from my sister (she's only 9 hours away) and to be living in the same time zone as her!   It is the closest we have lived since both living at home. I know we won't get to see each other all the time but at least we are a little closer - and Holidays are going to be great with Tia and Matt around to join us.

Cruising

It's has been hot here the last week, in the upper 80's and low 90's.

Neal knows exactly how to enjoy the sun...cruising around in any car he can find.

Outdoor Fun...

One of the best $1 toys I have ever purchased: Bubbles!

Neal and I spend an entire afternoon outside blowing and popping bubbles. I think Neal ended up eating as much (if not more) of the soup solution as he did actually blowing bubbles. He finally got the hang of it and was able to blow a few bubbles instead of just eating the wand.

What better way to run off energy before dinner and bed then to chase bubbles around the yard. Neal would use anything from his hands, feet or his mouth, to pop the bubbles.

Like Father, Like Son

This picture is one of my favorite. Nothing better then a relaxing fishing day with daddy. Tyler said the afternoon was filled with Neal calling the fish saying, "here fishy fishy get da worm"


This is just one of many fishing days to come...

My Dream

Does this remind you of anyone?


My family should recognize this as my old dream job. When I was younger I thought the most ideal job would be a cashier at a grocery store. I couldn't think of anything more fun then ringing the food over the scanner and working the buttons on a register. I did grow out of this dream eventually (actually I never was a cashier). When I found Neal here playing I couldn't help but think of those days and those old dreams of mine...

Reading and Relaxing

One of my favorite things to do with Neal is read him stories. I love to watch his face light up when we read a new story and to see him point out all the things he recognizes in the illustrations. I also love to read his favorite stories over and over again and see him get excited as he helps me "read" the stories that have become so familiar.


One thing that I have wanted to do is set a habit of reading the Bible together. I tired to start this by reading Bible stories while eating breakfast, but it didn't work out as well as I had planned. With Neal's messy hands trying to touch the pages and just the craziness that mornings bring I found myself getting more frustrated with Bible story reading then enjoying it. So we decided to switch our Bible time to before bed. Now instead of just reading any book before bed we always make sure to read one (or more) Bible stories. Neal has loved this, as have I, and his favorite story is Adam & Eve.


I have had a lot of extra time on my hands lately, as we live at the missionary housing in the lodge. So when Neal is napping I have enjoyed sitting down outside in the sun and taking some time to just relax and get lost in a good book. These are the books I have been reading lately.


I would recomend these to anyone looking for a good read. They have been fun, enjoyable and thought provoking. As anxious as I am to get a home of our own and be able to settle down (and get out of our suitcases) I have to say I am enjoying this extra time that I have and am sure I will miss these lazy afternoons. So, for now I will enjoy the sun, some sweet tea and good book.