Saturday, June 14

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!!!


Sunday, June 8

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.


Monday, May 12

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!

Saturday, May 3

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.

Saturday, April 26

Visit with Family


My parents, sister and my nephew Bobby were in town this past week. They were able to see the new house and spend time with us. Dad worked on the lawn and fixed the few thing that needed fixing (thank you so much Papa). Mom and Kristiina were able to go to Ikea one day and we all headed to the Airpark Cafe for breakfast (which both boys seemed to enjoy). We all enjoyed our time together, even though Carson had the most difficult time 'not being the only grandchild.' Between the tantrums and 'not sharing,' we had a good time. Thank you Papa,Mimmi and Auntie K for coming to be with us. We love you dearly and can't wait for vacation in the summer.

The boys playing out back









Watching the planes at Airpark Cafe





Just hanging out




After the boys went down...Papa, Mimmi, K, Jon and I played cards each night...