Friends for Life

Here are some pictures taken at a party we attended just before leaving Roseburg. This was the third "Baby Fest", this time at Heather and David Littlejohn's house. It was a fun evening, although sad to say goodbye to so many sweet couples and their darling babes.

The top photo is of the six babies; the middle is of the whole gang - parents and babes; the bottom is of Aaron with his buddy, Owen.

By the way, I grabbed these pics from Owen's blog. Thanks Evan & Andrea! :)

Made It!

Just a quick update to let everyone know we arrived safely in Virginia. We're so happy to be here. It's already been so nice to spend time with family. Of course, we miss all of our Roseburg friends!!

We want to thank the many people who helped us move by providing boxes, packing tape, packing paper, babysitting, help packing, and invitations to dinner. Thank you for making it easier and lightening our load. Also, a big THANKS to the Oshita family for allowing us to stay at their home (the beautiful Hotel Oshita) during the interim. We couldn't have done it without the selfless help and kindness of all the WONDERFUL people in Roseburg! Thank you so very much! We love you.

We officially move into our new place on Saturday. Wish us luck! :) Oh, the joys of moving ...

Happy Birthday, Sweet Kathryn!

Kathryn is the go-to, get-it-done sister-in-law. She is totally efficient and reliable. She gave us the beautiful gift of capturing our guests on film at our wedding reception. She went around asking people for marriage advice for us. What a good idea ... who CAN'T use a little marital advice? ;) We love watching the video, remembering who was there, and laughing and smiling at the funny and loving things people said. How thoughtful of Kathryn!! We love that video and will treasure it always.

We hope you have a wonderful birthday, Kathryn! We love you so much and appreciate the wonderful sister-in-law and aunt you are to our family. You are totally sweet with Aaron! I wish we lived closer, but it's so wonderful when we do get together -- as if no time has elapsed.

We love your family, too, and consider it a wonderful honor and joy to be related!

p.s. Here's a picture of Kathryn in action at the reception. You can also get a tiny glimpse of her gorgeous daughter, Emma, our "flower girl" who did an awesome job!

Ode To My Husband (Surprise!)

First comes love


Then comes marriage


Then comes life in scenic Oregon




Then comes my pregnant belly (me with friends Mindy and Laura)


Then comes my homemade, delicious, almond-flavored birthday cake that Mike made me (he tried to re-create the fantastic flavor of our wedding cake, made by former roommate/culinary genius Jen Rybicki.) He was successful! Gotta give him points for creativity (who knew he had mad cake-making and decorating skills?) :)




Then comes Aaron :)


Stay tuned for the rest of our story ...

I love weddings, and I especially loved ours. :) Happy anniversary, Sweet! About a week early, but we'll be packing up our computer soon and en route to Virginia the day of our anniversary, so I'm posting this early.

I've made some of the greatest friends of my life in the past two years, and the greatest of them all is Mike. He is wonderful. He never ceases to amaze me with his helpfulness, kindness, forgiving nature, wisdom, and compassion toward others. I am truly thankful for him.

I love you, Mike! I look forward to many more years with you and our little crew! :)

Happy Birthday, Magnificent Melanie!

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Melanie, happy birthday to you!

Happy 30-something birthday to my understanding, faithful, smart, friendly, grateful, loyal, beloved, wisecracking, compassionate sister. You are lovely!!

We love you, Melanie! Thank you for being a sweet sister, a fantastic mom (why do you think I'm constantly calling you for mothering advice?) :), and a wonderful aunt. I love being your sister. Thank you, as well, for raising sweet, beautiful, fun, intelligent girls whom we love and adore so much. We love (brainiac) Uncle Mike, too!

Hope you have a great day! May the sun shine on you in upstate NY today!

Here's a picture of Aaron with Mel's youngest, darling Lucia (love that hair!), and her look-alike Cabbage Patch doll. ;) Taken at our parents' house in Virginia.

Rolly-polly Aaron

He rolls!!! Can you tell we're first-time parents? :) Mike came home for lunch today and filmed a little rolling action. We were pretty excited. Oh, the little things that make us smile!

Twins for a Day (Or a Few Hours, Anyway)

Yesterday I caught a small glimpse of what it'd be like to have twins. I watched Sophie, the daughter of our friends Mia and Carl, while they went bike riding with Mike (I could never keep up with them, so I stayed behind with the babes.) The two little ones were so cute together and, interestingly, appeared happiest just laying by each others' side. That doesn't mean I'd wish for twins EVER, but it was fun for a few hours (they're serious riders.) :) I think it was fun for Aaron, as well, to chill out with someone his own age for a bit.

Then later that evening the Schreiners came back, and we enjoyed Chinese food together. It's so fun having such great friends. Love you guys!

In the second picture, Aaron is about six weeks old and Sophie, two. My how they've grown and changed! (Aaron is five months old today, by the way. Time's a flyin'.)

Mia actually is a twin, so she really could have twins someday :), seeing how it's in her genes and all ... ;)