Benjamin's Baptism/Fun Times with Uncle Tim

The past two weeks were filled with wonderful memories as my brother Tim came to visit, my Dad came to visit, and Benjamin was baptized at Rehoboth Church. 

Benjamin had only met his Uncle Tim one day over the summer--that day went by so fast!--so it was great to have so much quality time with him.  We had dinner at Jerry's, went to Coal Street trivia night, took some walks, and played lots of games.  You could tell that Benji loves his Uncle Tim!

 

We were so happy that my Dad could also make the trip to Rehoboth for Benjamin's baptism weekend!  Benji was surrounded by family--both his biological and Christian families--on that special day.

Benjamin seemed to enjoy being baptized and even gave us some sweet smiles.  (Thanks, Gail DeYoung, for the warm water in the baptismal font!  And thanks to John Van'tLand for the beautiful photos.)  :)

It was sad to see our visitors go, but we are already looking forward to Mom, Dad, Emily, and Caroline coming in October!  In the meantime, it's back to school for Jonathan and a normal routine (or as normal as it gets) for me: Mommy-ing, nannying, and tutoring.

I'll leave you with a picture of Rehoboth peak at sunset, in the beautiful monsoon season!

Happy Birthday, Jonathan! / Benji's First Camping Trip

Yesterday was Jonathan's 29th birthday and since it was Labor Day weekend, we decided to camp one night up in McGaffey to celebrate.  We were by ourselves camping Friday night, then were joined by some friends from church on Saturday.

Setting up camp

I was nervous about camping with a baby, but Benjamin really seemed to enjoy it!  He woke up only twice overnight and went right back to sleep after nursing--even though we couldn't seem to keep his hands warm.  He woke up happy and smiling!

Good morning!

Playtime with Daddy in the tent

On Saturday morning, we took a hike around the area where we camped.  Then, when our friends arrived, we played games and had Jonathan's birthday cake at lunch. 

As usual, Benjamin slept through the hike

Signs of fall

Jonathan turns 29

Jonathan was very excited to get his first smart phone for his birthday.  I guess our family has finally joined the 21st century  :)  But it was fun to celebrate his birthday away from all of our gadgets and distractions, under some beautiful New Mexican stars.

Happy campers!

Now we are looking forward to a visit from Tim, who arrives on Tuesday!!

All worn out

End of Summer

Today was the first day of school at Rehoboth.  Here's a picture of Jonathan ready for the new year!

For me, today felt strange because it was the first time in about 20 years that I did not go "back to school" with the other students or teachers.  This change of pace has brought a mixture of emotions: some feelings of loss, but also gratitude that I can stay home with Benjamin and watch him grow day by day.  Here are some recent pictures of his adorable-ness:

Last week was a lot of fun when Genavee came to visit and meet Benji.  On Wednesday we went for a hike at Milk Ranch Canyon.  I got our car stuck in the mud trying to drive away, but thankfully a truck driver stopped and pulled us out!

 On Thursday we took another nice walk to First Canyon.  The wildflowers are beautiful right now!

 Last weekend Jonathan played the violin at Coal Street, then on Saturday morning we watched the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Parade downtown.

We took one more "hike" around campus to Resurrection Rock at sunset:

Genavee left yesterday morning.  It was so much fun having her here!  Now it's time to get back into a routine (as much as that's possible with a baby...)  Happy new school year to everyone!

Summer Vacation Pt.3--The Kentucky Reunion

This past week we have been in Tennessee for the 30th meeting of the Kentucky Reunion, a very special group of people who used to work and live with my parents in eastern Kentucky and have remained a "family" to us ever since.  We meet each year somewhere in the U.S., and this year we visited Townsend, Tennessee: "The peaceful side of the Smokies"!

Awesome view from the deck of our lodge

On the first day, we drove to Cades Cove, where we sighted several black bear and took a 5-mile hike to Abrams Falls.  Benji rode along the whole way!

Taking a Break

Abrams Falls

That evening, the group put on a surprise baby book shower for us and Benjamin.  It was so much fun!  Everyone played a game where they cut apart pictures of Jonathan and I to imagine what Benji could look like in the future.  Hopefully the reality will be a bit nicer than their creations...   :-)

A surprise baby shower!

Benjamin's Future?!?

Other highlights of the week included: time at the pool; a trip through the Tuckaleechee Caverns; games such as life-size fast Scrabble and throw-cheese-balls-at-the-grandpas; singing together; an exciting adventure race; and lots of great conversations.

Ready for the pool

Benji was a hit with the kids

New t-shirts! (photobombed by Alan)

Marvin won the cheese ball game...

Solving an adventure race riddle

The hot tub was a hot spot!

Happy Benji, happy Nonnie

At the lodge

Life-size Scrabble

It's always hard to say good-bye to our KY Reunion friends...We are looking forward to next year already!