Good news

We are so thrilled to announce the good news that we are expecting again! Gracy is about 6 weeks along, and beginning to feel the effects of early pregnancy. Caleb had the pleasure of announcing the news to his grandparents: "I'm big brudder!" It's been quite a journey since the miscarriage a few months ago, and we are trusting our Father to care for this little one as He sees best. Because of the timing of the baby's arrival, we are delaying our departure for overseas until next summer. We are still hoping to make a trip in September, so please be thinking of us concerning the finances and logistics. Thank you for sharing our joy, and for joining with us to ask for the healthy growth of this baby.

Silence is golden, and sometimes other colors too!

As parents, we all know that 2 minutes of silence when your kids are supposed to be playing in the other room usually means a big mess! Well, that's exactly what I discovered the morning we were leaving for vacation. While I was packing, Caleb found his way into the bathroom (who left the door open, anyway?!) and into my makeup! He had quite an adventure painting himself with the different colors. By the time I got to him, he'd managed to use up (or eat up!) an entire tube of lipstick. So what did I do? I grabbed the camera, of course! (After that, you can probably guess what happened...)

The gift of gab

David has had some opportunities to speak and to teach this summer. It's been good experience in preparation for overseas. In this photo, he is teaching at his Wednesday night summer class.

Charleston

We spent a week in Charleston with Gracy's family at the beginning of July. Relaxing at the beach, traversing downtown Charleston, listening to some good bluegrass and Irish music, visiting Boone plantation, enjoying delectable seafood, and spending quality time with the family made for quite a trip. A favorite amenity of the house we rented was a four passenger golf cart. We made good use of it, piling our load of beach stuff on until we looked like the Beverly Hillbillies on our way to the ocean! We should have added a sign on the back proclaiming "Beach or bust!"
Of course, the hilight of the trip for Caleb was the ocean. He loved the beach even more this year than he did last year because instead of just eating the sand, he has discovered the joy of playing in it too! The tide pools, seashells and waves provided hours of entertainment. Who knew that "fwimmin" could be so much fun! Thanks to the Holder family for such a great time together!

Toddlers can shave, too!

The other morning, Caleb and I had a bonding experience (no pun intended). I introduced him to shaving. He helped me put the cream on and helped me hold the razor at times. (Scary, I know!) Afterward, he tried some cream on and we shaved his face. Now he "shaves" almost every time I do. :)

Don't forget me!!

While Daddy was packing to go to camp, Mommy and I were packing to go to Denton, NC with Granna and Pop. While we were packing, I wanted to make sure that Mommy didn't go without me, so I hopped in the suitcase, too!

Five crazy nights!!!

David spent this past week at a youth camp in Temple, GA. He was working with 5th and 6th graders. Very little sleep, lots of physical activity, and great campers made for a good week. "Camp is not one of my favorite places, but my friendships with the volunteers and the unique opportunities to influence students keep me coming back."