First pigtails and other things

A day on the boat with Joe, Brittany, and Aidan

The Red River.... kinda scary when you can't see  your feet!

Kez at 13 months

Mom and Kez at the park

Sliding down.....

And climbing up.

Death and Life

It's not profound, and it isn't new.  Every day there are those that die and those that are born.  It's been happening since the beginning of time, and the wisest man that ever lived, Solomon, talks about it in Ecclesiastes.  Still, this past week, it was all very near to us.  First the B-52 crashed in Guam killing all 6 of its crew members.  Zach knew two of the guys that were in his squadron, and we have been grieving their loss.  But as with many tragedies, God can and does use them to draw people to Himself, so we are praying in that way.  

Also last week two of our good friends here in Louisiana had baby girls within a few hours of each other.  Joe and Brittany had Avangeline and Ben and Jessica had Avery, pictured above.  We were able to celebrate their lives and give their Maker praise.  He continues to be the Author of everything as well as the Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End.

Almost 3 years...

Though our anniversary is not for a few more weeks, I want to comment on how much I enjoy being married to my husband of almost three years now.   One really great benefit of deployment is when  you are separated, you really gain an appreciation for the everyday things your spouse does that you might otherwise take for granted.   Zach is a servant-hearted husband, a caring father, a loyal friend, and a teachable son of God.  There are so many reasons that I have grown to be more in love with him today than I was three years ago when we said "I do".    

Family Reunion

The week of the 4th of July, we traveled to Branson, MO for a family reunion of the Leitch sisters. (Zach's mom and her sister's families) There were 26 of us total in one luxurious rental home. My hat is off to Aunt Tracy who single handedly coordinated all the details so that all the rest of us had to do was show up and enjoy the time. And that we did! Some highlights include:

- Silver Dollar City! If you haven't been, you really should go as it is good clean fun for the whole family

- Playing ping pong and laughing at our combined lack of skill

- Dinners outside on the deck with an amazing view of the lake and tree-covered hillsides

- Chris and Dennis leading us in worship/music on the deck

- Babysitting night. When Zach and I got to go on a date.

- Visiting Springfield and all of the Miller's old stomping grounds.

- Going to see WALL-E at the theatre (a very cute movie!)

- Individual times of talking with family members and getting to know them better.

Picture Highlights include:

Cousins Photo Shoot

While in Branson for a family reunion (post coming soon) we got to take some pictures of the newest Miller cousins. Grami bought them dresses for the occasion and Auntie Annie set up and took the shots. They turned out amazingly well, and I know the first two grandchildren will appreciate them when they are grown and friends.

Grami's beautiful smile with a grandaughter on each knee

Mommy (Bethany) and Baby Girl (Evangeline)

Evangeline - 5 months

So sweet...

Uncle Arthur with the girls

The Cousins 

Grandpa, Grami and Kezzie

So angelic...... in the picture anyway

Parting Shot...

Fun times

At one year old, Keziah is up to all sorts of fun antics. She will imitate just about anything we do, which is great for learning sign language as well as some other adult habits. When she puts on her sunglasses she imitates us saying "cool dude". She also learned how to do "cheers" touching her glass with yours, which she likes to repeat over and over. She'll put her hands up to her face, not quite covering even one eye, and then pull them away saying "boo", for peek-a-boo. Unfortunately she will also slap her own hand while saying "no no". She will imitate just about anything she sees us say or do, which brings a great accountability for both Zach and me. Nevertheless, she's full of giggles these days along with hugs and kisses.

One year birthday party

On Keziah's one year birthday, GranJan, Grandpa and Aunt Jonna were here to help celebrate. She enjoyed all the attention of being the birthday girl and even relished the unwrapping of gifts.