Sibling Love

Just simply thought this video was cute...

Christmas trees and singing

Just thought I would combine posts and put up some pics of the kids helping with the Christmas tree, but then also some video of them performing quite well in the living room. Enjoy.

Fishing Day

This morning we went as a family to the UF ponds and had some fishing. Basically everyone caught something--at least it was a family affair. And, at least we caught one of the big channel cats.

ABC's & Jesus Loves Me

The other day both Mer and Reed wanted to show off their ABC ability, and even "Jesus Loves Me"--and for some reason the word Hippopotamus keeps showing up...enjoy.

Pancakes and talking

This morning was my first of what I hope to be many Father-Son breakfast dates. I decided to take Reed to 43rd St. Deli on 13th and just hang out as father & son. We had a great time, but the best part was after we ordered Reed's blueberry pancake (one of his favorites) I asked him a question I wasn't sure what the response would be. I asked, "Reed, what kind of man do you want to be?" His response warmed my heart more than you know...he said, "A man who walks with God." What more could a father want?!

What a long strange trip...

At the beginning of July we took a trip to Indianapolis, Cleveland and Pennsylvania. We did the grandparent tour as well as visiting friends. It was a good time and we're glad we did it, but it was also pretty tiring. It was good to be home.





Reed proudly posing in front of "Benny" at Ball State


Meredith having fun at the park in Rocky River

The kids had a blast with family and friends...and even got to visit a kiddie park and the zoo.






Reed even climbed a tree.

Who needs a trampoline or a giant...

When you've got dad? We actually got into a good rhythm, but dad got pretty tired.

It ended up beautiful...

When we started out about 8:30 this morning for Jacksonville to go to the zoo with friends from church I wasn't too sure we would actually spend much time at the zoo. The sky was foreboding and not too promising. But we made it there and then when we were getting our tickets we found out over 1200 school kids were there...great! But the day was great. I have not seen animals that active as long as I can remember. It only sprinkled once (when the kids were at the splash park getting wet anyway). It really was a precious gift from God for which I am thankful. It is great to have fun with the family!

Poe Springs

Today the family ventured out to one of the many springs here in north central Florida for the first time. We went to Poe Springs, and luckily there was some sand because the kids still don't like the water all that well (that's an understatement--swimming lessons need to go better for Reed). Chad got in, before the snake was swimming loose, but we did find out it's a harmless watersnake that is very prevalent in this area.
After getting home, Reed wanted to run through the sprinkler in the backyard--he had fun before he got too cold.

Colorado

This past week our family was in Colorado. Erin and I were at Bear Trap Ranch (an InterVarsity Camp) west of Colorado Springs while my parents and brother watched Reed and Meredith all over the place. On Wednesday my parents brought the kids to the camp and we got to fish and play and have fun. It was 70 that day and then the very next day it was snowing...beautiful to sit in a lodge in the mountains and watch the snow come down.

Birthday Wishes

Make a photobook - it's easy!

Easter

Easter was a beautiful day here in Gainesville. The Lord was very faithful to our family and the services at church went wonderfully. Then we went to spend time with friends and the kids had a chance to play and hunt for eggs (still not really sure how eggs and a bunny got stuck with the resurrection of Jesus Christ).

Kids and the Gator

I finally decided to give the kids a bit more of a treat on their car--I enabled it to use the second speed and man is it a difference. Finally Meredith enjoyed the time in the car--and even took a quick try at driving on her own. Reed is getting better at driving and they have fun riding together. Reed's neighbor friend Jillia even took a turn driving.

It's impossible to say how much I love my wife!

Make a photobook - it's easy!

It was simply time to post again

It had been too long since the last post. Life is changing, but family is always a great joy. Meredith went pee for the first time on the potty--I can't post a picture, but believe me it is really cute. Reed is a child who loves to help...he simply wants to do anything we are doing. The other night he wanted to help me grill. It was great because I had an extra apron that matched mine from Starbucks. He loved it and looked really cute. Then the next day the kids were playing in leaves they had helped rake. It's crazy we are still raking leaves in January!

A Good Day

January 1st--a good day to be a Wolverine fan...even my daughter got into it. Though this may not win me friends when I live in Gainesville...oh well.