Elias' Dedication

Elias was dedicated at church a few weeks ago. Since we don't have any family living here, we invited our closest Ethiopian and Eritrean friends. We were so honored to have them join us that day. Not everyone was around for the picture, but at least we got most of them. The women standing to my right and slightly behind me is Elias' babysitter. We are so blessed to have her come each week. Her presence in our lives, and especially Elias' life, has been a huge answer to prayer. We love you Tadi!

Camping Pictures

The camping trip was a ton of fun. We're already making plans to go back in just a few weeks. We didn't get much sleep that first night and all the adults were very weary and groggy that next morning. But we were so exhausted by the end of that second day that we all slept really soundly. Unfortunately Elias HATED the boat and cried the whole time we were out on the lake. Chase's dreams of him becoming an expert wake boarder at age 2 came crashing down. Oh well, there's always next year. :-)

Elias tries out his new sleeping bag. It is a mini air mattress and he was SO excited about it! Of course in the middle of the night in the tent he wasn't so excited about it (b/c my sleeping bag looked much more inviting to him).

He was even more excited when I showed him how he could fold it in half and use it as a chair.

First time to roast marshmallows. Chase showed Elias all his tricks.



Oh yum!
Fishing with Daddy.

Teenage affluenza

I saw this video on another blog . The video is well done and really gives a good perspective. We have so much to be thankful for.

Nothing new here

We haven't posted in a while b/c frankly life seems rather uninteresting lately. Of course we're busy from the moment my eyes open until they close late at night. And why is it that both take forever? My eyelids are heavier than cinder blocks when I want to wake up and lighter than a feather at night when I try to sleep. Argh!

The weather has been terrific here in Western NY which makes Elias thrilled about getting to wear poppy pants everyday. Even more thrilling is when everyone in the family is wearing poppy pants. He waves his arms and throws a little poppy pants party. This kid is a hoot.

Monster truck leg is thoroughly a part of Elias' self now. He wants it on immediately upon waking and doesn't want it off all day. He loves to walk! And stand. Dance. Jump. The other day he said his monster truck leg needed a bandaid. So we stuck one on there. He was so proud of that bandaid on his monster truck. But then we couldn't get it to peel off. It came off in tiny, tiny pieces that we're still finding all over the house. And no, I don't vacuum often.

Once I find my camera I'll post new pictures of recent going ons and some new video of Elias walking.

Oh, and this weekend we're going camping- with three 2-year-olds, one 3-year-old, and two 7-month-olds. Are we crazy? Absolutely!