we are still here

I have not posted in a while b/c the cord to download pictures from my camera is broken. Here are two recent photos that friends have taken over the past few weeks!!

I just LOVE my little girl!!!!

she is on the move...

Camping with the Foys

My parents came to visit this past week and took us on a semi-camping trip to the Shannandoah Mountains. Semi-camping meaning that we had a cabin w/two bedrooms and bath, but had to cook and eat outside. We all had such a blast. Carson surprised us all with how much he loved hiking (and how well he did)...the boy could have hiked all day, he did not grow tired. And little Jade was such a delight to us all. Thanks dad and mom for the time away!



The Cabin



Trying to stay warm while Papa Foy cooked us all a breakfast of pancakes and bacon


The two boys I love the most






Hanging with Papa and Mimmi



An Afternoon Hike




Having to be 'just like papa'


Stopping for Lunch

1st Day of School

Carson could not be more excited for his first day of pre-school this year. I remember this day last year as he held tight to my leg pants the entire time and neverously looked about the room and his new friends in the class. Today I informed him that I had to stay with him the duration of the class. Carson's response was, 'why? I don't want you to mama!' Despite my presence, he had a wonderful first day. One of his best friends, KJ is in his class this year which only adds to the excitment. I am so excited for all that the Lord is going to do this year at school. I thank God daily for Mrs. Ellis and Mrs. Tyler...we love you both so much!

Tried to get a picture of the two together...but Jade was not up for looking at the camera!

We are here!!!!

It has been a long time since I have posted. We have been busy, and unfortutnaly, my camera broke and I have been unable to record our summer fun in photos. A friend graciously allowed me to borrow her camera today to take some photos of the kiddos (which are attached). As for updates, Jade is already 7 months old. Sitting on her own (not crawling yet), laughing, smiling, and always so content. She brings SO much joy to each and every day. A few months ago we noticed some concerns with her eyes. To correct what appears to be a lazy eye, she has had to wear an eye patch everyday for 3 hours. For family who has asked, here is a picture of our little pirate. Praise God, she does not mind the patch at all and does not even try to take it off! We have an appointment with doctors at Hopkins (who are told to be the best) in December to hopefully get more clarity as to what is going on.




As for big boy Carson, he starts pre-school tomorrow (which he could not be more excited about). He did great with swim lessons this summer...he is quite the little fish. He taught himself how to ride his bike with no training wheels. One night on a family walk, he just announced that he was going to ride his bike without the training wheels AND DID! It was pretty amazing. Below is a picture of Carson at our church's youth retreat. We had the privelge of going to the event as a family b/c Jon preached one session. Carson LOVED every minute of it. Here is a picture of him participating in the relay races the last day...rolling around on a large tarp covered in flour...what fun for a four year old boy?



Well...I will post a picture tomorrow of Carson's first day of school...my camera will not be fixed for another 6-8 weeks...so not many pictures to come. But I will try to keep updates coming!

I went in to get Jade from her nap today, before getting her out, I snagged a few hotos. I just love these shots of her with her blankie.





I had to add these pics just to show her head of hair!




Some other pictures from today...riding bikes and just being The Smiths!

The things kids say

I know that I have not posted in awhile...I will post later with more updates.

Carson just said the most adorable thing tonight...

Jon plays in a lacrosse league on Monday nights and the whole family was able to go watch him play tonight. On the way home it began to poor. Carson asked, 'Why is it raining?' I responded, 'God is sending down the rain.' It then began to thunder (very loudly). Carson asked, 'Is God mad?' I told him no. Carson then said, 'Oh, it is just God's tummy rumbling!'