Having fun with family

We had a bunch of David's family over last Saturday for dinner and spending time in the backyard. The kids, of course, LOVED this. Martha brought a bunch of sports equipment and the kids just had a blast!

What's wrong, Cousin Ellie? Did you have a rock

in your shoe?

Two of the cutest, cheesiest grins ever!
(for those of you who don't know her, this is
David's little sister, Erin)



What? Hiding something behind my back?
I don't know what you're talking about...

Sweet cousin kisses with Baby Janie

Like father, like son

For either his birthday or for Christmas, my mom got Joshua his first set of golf clubs. There is a little red plastic golf bag with wheels and a handle, 3 blue golf balls, 2 yellow plastic "holes" with flags, and 3 clubs (a driver, an iron, and a putter). We've played with them inside a few times (Joshua is mainly interested in carrying around the clubs), and this morning we decided to take them out into the backyard.

When we were looking at different houses in the Raleigh area a few years ago, one of the few things that we really wanted was a big backyard. The home we bought has just that, and fortunately it is fenced, so that Joshua can just have free reign and we don't have to worry about him heading towards the street or someone else's house. He especially likes when Daddy kicks the leaves around (I think the noise it makes is his favorite thing).

Here are some pictures from our fun morning outside:

Hey guys--what a great idea to come outside!

One thing I love about toddlers...

...is how curious they are about everything...


...and how they explore every part of something.

Okay, next hole!

How did he get so big so fast?!

There's that silly smile I love :)

And he's on the move again!

Look, Mommy! I can carry all three clubs!

***

I know I'm going to be even more grateful about this backyard when baby #2 is here, because I can sit on the back deck with the baby and Joshua can run around and play to his heart's content!

Surprise, surprise!

Apparently, Joshua has a little pull with the Big Man Upstairs. He decided that since it was difficult for Mommy and Daddy to get pregnant with him, he'd ask that they'd have an easier time with his future baby brother or sister. Well, apparently little ones get what they ask for and more.

You see, Mommy and Daddy didn't know that a new little baby was on the way, and it came as quite the surprise. They thought they'd have a tough time again, and hadn't started the planning. But, Joshie apparently decided it was time! He put in a request and it was answered immediately. So, he's going to be a big brother come September!

We are all very excited and grateful for this unexpected blessing--our own little miracle. We would truly appreciate your prayers for our new arrival and for our family. We are planning to deliver at UNC with the Midwives, which I am very excited about. And I think Joshua will be a wonderful big brother, even though he won't quite be 2 years old when his little sibling arrives. I guess our little family will be getting a little bigger soon!