26.2 - he made it!

 trevor has been training for months for the marine corp marathon in Washington, DC.  this past weekend, all of his training was put to the test.  although we couldn't be with him, we still were rooting him on here in Kansas.  what an unbelievable accomplishment...one that he had dreamed of fulfilling.  so proud of him!

a sign that we packed secretly in his suitcase.  

yay, dad!

super star student

so proud of our sweet evie for being student of the week at hyde elementary!  she was recognized by the school librarian, Mrs. Mayo, for being extra kind.  we are very thankful for the wonderful school she attends and even more thankful for her special teachers.  

catch up!

here's to playing catch up once again...i'll save you from the lame excuses that seem to be keeping me from updating and get on to the good stuff -  : )

 we kicked off september with a trip to the great wolf lodge with trevor's family.  there, we celebrated trevor's 43rd birthday and our niece, reese's 7th.  evie had THE BEST time and can't wait to go back!

 the lazy river

 aunt mandi and a super sleepy max

 all together in the kid's cabin

 happy day!

9 months!

max is already 9 months old and as i type this 10 months is right around the corner...YIKES!  he is such a precious, busy little boy.  he continues to bear crawl everywhere he needs to go and loves to throw and drop things on the floor to hear how loud it will crash.  all boy, for sure!  but thankfully he still loves to rock and cuddle with me.  oh, how I look forward to that time of the day...when all is quiet and all is still - it is then that I am able to relish in the moments of the day and thank God for all of the special moments.  

 max and his sis...

 starting to get a little bit wiggly

 uh, oh...he's finished with this photo shoot!

yep, times up!

yea, yea, late again...

 so, lots to catch up on here!  my little munchin is on the move and i am forever chasing him!  can't believe he's changed so much within the last 2 months.  his sweet personality is precious - i can't get enough of his giggles, smiles and sweet open mouth kisses.  here are a few pics from the last couple of months!

 standing up all by himself!  loves to work away in the kitchen - wish i could say he gets that from me...

 loves those lemons and always goes back for more!

seven months!!!

 loves to look out the window

 bath time with sis!

 the big 8 months!

to say that he's grown, is an understatement.  he has become a little boy - into EVERYTHING and in constant motion.  he makes grunting noises most of the time and has begun crawling like a bear.  so, i have a feeling he'll be walking soon.  he is always happy as long as he's being held.  my favorite time of day is going to get him after he awakens from a nap.  he is such a little cuddle bug!  oh, how i love this little guy.  precious beyond words!  

and she's off...to kindergarten!

 this day came WAY too fast for me.  as i finally type this post mid-september, i still can't believe she is in all day kindergarten.  she really seems to love it (thankfully), but boy do i miss her terribly!  we usually walk to school around 8:30 and she is released at 4:10.  definitely a LONG day for a little one, but honestly, she is still going strong when she gets home.  whew!  i pray everyday, that the Lord will guard her heart and protect her sweet innocence.  

so thankful for her wonderful school, teachers and friends.  

(my fave!)  Woo-hoo!

new family member -(drumroll, please...)

leah summer sparkles!

yep, that's her name, and she has become quite a fun new little member of our family.  evie worked very hard to earn her and once she did, we headed to the pet store and leah was soon heading home with us. evie spent the first evening with leah watching a movie on her little dvd player in her room.  when i went in to check on her, she had the player where leah could see the movie, also.  too sweet!  unfortunately, a little time has passed and leah doesn't quite have the same exciting effect, but she's become a lesson in responsibility and a friend to all of us!