ten years later

On July 1, 2000, I married my best friend, the love of my life, and my absolute favorite person in the entire world. We've experienced so much together since then - starting out in youth ministry, seminary in St. Louis for 3 years, moving back to DC and coming back to 4th, living in 4 difference places, and having 3 kids!

Celebrating 10 years was a fun one for us. My mom flew into town on the 3oth, and sent me out for a pedicure that afternoon. We enjoyed a nice evening out for dinner that night, went back to our reception sight for a picnic on Thursday, and then out with my parents courtesy of our sweet ycf friends on Thursday evening - so fun.

The big surprise from my man on Weds night - walking out to our car to find a limo waiting for us.

It drove us to dinner at the JG Steakhouse at the W hotel, across the street from the White House.

Dave's appetizer - crab cake with grapefruit, avocado, and a ginger broth.

My appetizer - sweet pea soup with Parmesan foam and croutons.

The view out our window.

We enjoyed our booth/corner seat.

Our waiter picked out desserts for us - he did well.

Outside our restaurant, the Capital in the background.

After dinner, the limo drove us around the monuments. It was such a beautiful night!

We had to make a stop at the cathedral. It became our spot when we were dating, and remains one of our favorite places to visit in this city.

One last pic at the cathedral before heading home.

Picnic at Woodlawn manor on Thursday, overlooking the field where we had our tent reception.

Grandma Kathy walking through the field with the boys.

Running.

Lots of running.

My big boys.

Silly Andrew.

Another attempt at getting a decent picture of all 3 boys - we'll keep working on it!

Our family, 10 years later.

summer mish mash

How can it possibly be July already? I always tend to forget how busy (AND fun) summer can be. The lack of structure is nice in some ways. Non-rushed mornings with more in time in our pj's, more time to snuggle and share cereal with Caden, time for more Bible stories as we "start the day reading the Bible", time just to "be". It's also busier in that there are more unexpected events, visitors, fun people over for dinner (in the last two weeks we've had over 30 people in for roughly 10 different meals/occasions..not counting Thursday evening Bible studies which is also 30-40 people). Amidst the busyness, we really do love every moment. As always, a bit of what what we've been up to in pictures.

The garden is growing. Here are our first green beans, which Andrew started at preschool. We're also enjoying tomatoes, various herbs, strawberries (the idea anyway, something else keeps eating them before they're fully ripe), hydrangeas, and the dahlias starting to explode too - so fun!

A classic Caden pose ;).

Tiffany and Laelle came for a short stay, and we loved every second. We love these two so much!! And Laelle is about the most precious thing EVER.

Our bigger boys at the Meyer wedding. Dave had the honor of co-officiating (Julia is the daughter of one of our other pastors). Our niece and nephew were the flower girl and ring bearer. Such a sweet day for our family, and our church family!

Catching fireflies...one of my favorite things about summer out here. Caden was very good at smashing them. This particular firefly left a beautiful smear on our welcome mat.

A night out for dessert with dear friends at Blue Duck Tavern

Making chicken noodle vegetable stew, on a 90 some degree day. Yup. Dave's stomach was not faring well, so it's what sounded good. And Andrew was very excited to help ;).

6 months

Precious Will, it is hard to believe that we are already flying through your sixth month. The days seems to fly by without much time to document all that you're up to :). So, here's a short update on your little world.

You are now sitting up for little chunks of time, and enjoy grabbing and playing with toys set in front of you. You are rolling from front to back, but don't seem very interested in rolling from back to front. We've been treating your torticollis and plagiocephaly (flat head) with an Osteopath, which seems to be helping.

You now seem to be handling solids well. It's taken us over a month to get you eating and swallowing well. After sleeping from 7:30pm-7:30am for several months straight, you decided about a month ago to start waking up at 5 or 5:30am. You mom seemed to think this was due to not eating solids well and being hungry, but now that we've been eating solids for a few weeks, it seems obvious that you've developed a wee night waking habit, which my dear son, we will (hopefully) be breaking you of soon ;).

You smile and laugh often, especially at your brothers. You love to watch them play and entertain you with silly and inappropriate noises (will that ever change?). You bring so much joy and delight to our family. It's been especially fun to watch your older brothers become so enamoured with you. When you're asleep, they ask where you are. The other day Andrew announced that he was very glad that you are a "boy" baby (I have to confess that this wasn't always the case)...that boys are the best. I loved that. We don't have the words to express, sweet boy, just how much we love you. You are such an incredible gift!!!

I can't help but notice in this picture that your legs are getting a bit more sun exposure than the rest of your body...a little "carseat tan". Sorry little man!

summer dawns

Summer has arrived, and so has all the fun that comes with it!! Here's a bit of what we've been up to in pictures.

Andrew with his teacher on his last day of school. He is very excited for pre-K at the Fourth School next year, but was sad to say goodbye to Mrs. Robbins. I love that Caden wanted to be in this picture too.

Backyard fun begins! Had to capture Caden's marker tatoos.

An fun afternoon at the Glenn farm - feeding/watching the cows with sweet Elsie.

Caden didn't want to be in this picture, so Andrew thought it would be funny to pretend. I LOVE this.

the tire swing...

Caden had to warm up ;)

Strawberry picking at Butler's Orchard!! Andrew with his buddy Jonah.

It was an interesting, but FUN adventure this year. A hungry, and unusually fussy baby, and two older boys who seemed to eat as many strawberries as we were picking (leaving many half eaten ones in the container...yuumm). In the end, we somehow managed to come away with the perfect amount.

Caden and Nathan checking out a truck...which came and emptied the port-o-john while we were eating lunch. Awesome.

Enjoying the sweet aroma while he munches.

Strawberry faces, playing on a rock.

And later that evening, an ice cream picnic outside.

Will and Addy joined the fun too.

Nothing seems to make these boys happier than an afternoon on the slip n slide.

Sweet Caitlin has been coming by to walk Addy in the afternoon - sometimes she'll stick around for a little fun with the boys too.

Our little captain enjoying an afternoon at the Choi's pool.

Our little fish. Caden suprised me with how brave he was in the water. He'd walk in loops as far as possible on his tip toes with the water up to his neck. He and Andrew are starting swim lessons in a week - it's time.

happy happy.

And lastly, Caden's painted face as we got home from our annual church picnic on Saturday. They had so much fun this year - riding a pony, sliding down a big inflatable slide, watching an impressive juggling show, and being with many sweet friends.

The Summer fun has only begun!

first trophy

Andrew enjoyed a very brief, but FUN soccer class with some of his preschool classmates this Spring. They met on Monday afternoons (1:30-2:30pm), which meant skipping his normal "rest" time (more necessary after a morning of preschool and lunch bunch). He was sleepy. He was happy. He got to wear shin guards... score his first goal...and get his first trophy. Fun times.

Holding up the trophies. I love that he's sitting next to his favorite girl...and his buddy Nathan is a few peeps away.

The group...I'm still not good at takings pics while holding a baby. But there it is.