Summer, Summer, Summer

Once summer finally came to North Dakota, the kids have been enjoying swimming at the local pool, making chalk drawings in the driveway and going on bike rides. Leah got a Barbie bike from a friend at church and has been riding it non-stop! The kids have also been playing in a playhouse borrowed to us from some other church friends. For some reason, they like climbing on the roof best of all and playing "McDonalds" through the window.

Grandpa & Grandma T came for a visit in May to meet Jude.



Will played T-ball for the first time!

We also planted a small garden of peppers, tomatoes, peas and carrots. Some critters ate the peas early on but now they have resurrected themselves and we have tasty garden peas to eat!

Jude is now 11 weeks old and has found his hands. He likes waving his fists in front of his face more than he likes napping at times :) A couple of weeks ago he gave us his first laugh and has been smiling at us from about two months of age. He never lacks for attention although it's sometimes in the form of Leah jumping on the bed where I'm trying to change his diaper. Leah also tries to change his clothes herself and both she and Will fight over who gets to put the dirty diapers in the Diaper Champ. Who knew that could be so fun?

Leah doing "what Mommy does with Jude". I guess I use the computer alot :)

Check out all that hair!

Will being my good helper and cleaning the windows.

Our travels this summer have taken us to the AFLC Annual Conference in Sioux Falls, SD where we had to say "see you later" (not goodbye!) to some close friends who are now in Ukraine as missionaries. We always enjoy a great time of fellowship with other pastors and their wives who we only see once a year. The kids loved VBS and Will was able to go on some field trips to a museum and several parks. Will & Leah also went to the zoo (on a 92 degree day!) with Daddy, our friend Andy & his daughter Moriah. The moms and babies went to the mall :)

Father's Day in Devils Lake at my grandparents' house

At the beginning of July we journeyed to Illinois, stopping at friends' houses on the way there and back. We always have a great time with Kirk's family and our friends!

Our friends Seth and Twila graciously opened their home to us on our way down. It was a very hot and humid day--perfect for playing in their pool!

We had Jude baptized at Helmar Lutheran, Kirk's home church in Illinois. It was such a special day as Kirk was able to baptize Jude himself. My parents made it down for the occasion and lots of friends and family joined us for a dinner afterward!

We're so thankful for Jude's sponsors, Christian and Nicole. We know they will pray for Jude and see to it that we are good parents :)

Celebrating Leah's 3rd birthday in Illinois

Fourth of July parade right by Kirk's parents' house

Will and his buddy Sawyer--we had a little pool party at their house

Blackberry Farm train ride

Leah hamming it up for the camera

Celebrating her birthday at my parents' house on July 11!

UPDATE: I started this post awhile ago, so now Jude is 14 weeks and enjoys not only waving his hands in front of his face but is trying to grab toys and is starting to laugh :) When we give him tummy time, he rolls onto his back (but of course can't get back again).