Time with the Foy Family

We headed north after the Smith family reunion to spend a few days with my family. Our time together was anything but dull, beach trips, surfing, boat rides, jet skiing, tubing, bike rides, family dinners, lizard hunts, fireworks and a large Foy family gathering on the 4th. The best part was just being together as a family. Watching Carson and Bobby's affection for one another grow stronger was priceless. On the way home Carson said to us, 'Bobby is my favorite boy in the whole wide world.'







One of my highlights of our trip was spending time with our dear friends the Hayes Family. We spent our childhood together and they are like family to us. Their oldest daughter, Jennifer was visiting from CA, so us ladies got together to do some Finnish baking. It was like old times again...we missed you Catherine!



Carson was so excited to see the fireworks. My two uncles have been doing a firework display on my grandfather's front lawn for as long as I can remember. It only gets better each year...this year was particularly exciting cause it was Carson's first time seeing them!

Smith Family Reunion

We just attended the Smith Family Reunion in Mullins SC. It has been 6 years since Jon and I last attended. There were many family members who had not yet met Carson (and many new family members we had not met either). It was such a blessing to reconnect with family and build many new memories. It was endearing to see how much Jon's family love one another and just love spending time together.

Our time together was altered a bit...Mr. Smith had a minor heart attack the first day we arrived. Thankfully he is doing great. He had a stint placed in a blocked artery to open it up. He has been released from the hospital and is healing well. We are so thankful to the Lord it was not more serious.

In light of all that happened, I hardly took any pictures (the Smith family is so big, I wish I had pics of everyone to post). Here are the few that I have:

Aunt Sherry with adorable Katie Beth



Amanda, Sherry, Mandy, and Shannon



Catching a 'big fish' with Dada. Well, they never caught anything, but that is all Carson talked about...wanting to catch a big fish!



Carson was so excited to catch a lizard! He was a very proud boy.

We are expecting...

baby number 3! We are humbled and amazed at the Lord's kindness to bless us with another gift in a child! Lord willing, little baby Smith will be born on January 24th.

Dog Sitting

We have been dog sitting Sugar for our friends the Wickners. She is the most adorable and loving dog (and amazing with children). We are going to have a hard time saying goodbye next week when she has to go home. You can see from the pictures below who really adores her!!!

Deep Creek Lake

Right after we returned from the beach we headed to Deep Creek Lake to stay a few days with the Simmons family. Eric's birthday present to Jon was a mountain bike trip. The Simmons graciously invited us to join them on their family vacation so that the boys could go riding at Wisp Ski Resort. We had a wonderful time with the Simmons (every time we are with the Simmons it is a great time). Eric and Jon went biking each day while Lisa and I hung out with the kiddos having fun.

It truly was a mountain adventure for the kids....they saw a bear. Other fun adventures....going to the lake to swim, playing with bubbles, swimming in the hot tub, and just being kids! Thank you so much Simmons Family.












The Ski Resort built a roller coaster down the mountain side. All the kids loved it!

A trip to the Beach

We just returned this past week from a trip to the beach. It was wonderful! Poppi and Nana (Jon's parents) were able to join us for three days which was such a blessing. Carson was able to play all day at the beach, Jon was able to go surfing (the water was way too cold for me) and we all were able to relax and spend much quality time together as a family. Here are some pictures of our time away:




Playing Putt-putt one afternoon. Carson enjoyed hitting everyone's balls in for them.






This year was so much fun because Carson was able to play sports with us on the beach. He picked up baseball very quickly and carried around the football the whole time...wanting to play with anyone he saw.



The weather was great, but the wind was strong. Here is Nana bundling up to stay warm.



Carson could have jumped waves all day long...he loved it!




Say cheese!




Our beach trip would not be complete without some pics of Carson playing with Dada's surf board.

Wonderful Mother's Day

I am blessed to have the most wonderful husband and little boy in the world. After awaking yesterday morning I had strict orders to stay in the bedroom while Carson and him 'worked on something.' While getting ready, I continued to hear Carson scream 'Happy Day Mama!' I came downstairs to flowers, Carson again, screaming 'Happy Day Mama,' and the most amazing meal (Jon has hidden talents that I have been unaware of). He cooked me French Toast w/mascarpone cheese and homemade cinnamon syrup. Amazing! Love, I cannot thank you enough. I am crazy about you!

My precious boy screaming 'Happy Day Mama!'



The amazing meal Jon and Carson made.



Yes...it was good...can you tell?



After church we were able to spend time with the Smith family. The men cooked us moms and mom to be a wonderful meal full of our favorites (thank you uncle Davie for the best grilled asparagus I have ever had). There was much laughter and many memories made.

The Smith men in the kitchen cooking for the mothers and mother- to be!!!



I had to post progress on the most recent addition to the Smith family...Carson's new cousin. Here is proud Aunite Alice and baby Smith to be!



Carson's favorite part of the whole night was bath time with Jovi and Asher. The pups loved playing with the water that Carson eagerly provided.



My only disappointment was that I could not be in two places at once. I was not able to celebrate this very special day with the one who means the most...my dear mother. Mom, I love you so much and am so thankful for the MANY ways that you sacrificially loved and cared for Kristiina and I over the years. I LOVE YOU!

Block Party

This afternoon we hosted a Block Party to build freindships with our new neighbors. We have been so excited to move into the community and wanted to meet as many people as we could and in some small way build relationally with them. The Lord was kind to hold off the rain and enable many to attend. We are hopefully to do another similar event in the near future.

I only took a few photos all afternoon....

A shot of the men at the grills and food table...




The amazing crew who helped set everything up.