Miller Family Update

Ice Skating Siblings

2012-02-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

Since Zach has been playing pick up hockey on Sunday nights, the kids have gone to watch and picked up an interest in ice skating. Thankfully the rink has a free skate just before hockey starts. So we've taken the kids a few times. This is them this past Sunday night. Pretty cute!

Zion Sings

2012-01-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

For interpretation purposes, the first song is his own made up "I sing a song"
The second song is "worthy"
The third song is "Angels we have heard on high" (in excelsis deo)

Another Christmas

2012-01-06T09:15:00.000-08:00

I remember when I was young how much I loved having multiple Christmas celebrations. Some years we had one with our own family, one with the grandparents from Mom's side, and one with the grandparents from Dad's side. Three Christmas celebrations was just about the best thing because I looked forward with anticipation to each one. Well, this year we had Christmas on Christmas day, and then some more family came and Dad returned home and we got to celebrate again. It was a privilege to have GG travel to Colorado yet again to spend the time with us. At 88 she is doing quite well.

GG, Keziah and all her beloved bunnies

Zion and his new guitar - a video soon to follow

Loving on GranJan

There's a super hero in EVERY little boy

Some dog marionettes were a well liked gift

ROAR!

The kids LOVE to ice skate. Pushing the buckets on the ice helps them to learn.

This was our second time to go and Keziah started trying it on her own.

Reading with GG

Zion and Daddy do some great music together

The new drum set

Christmas Day

2011-12-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas day was without Zach this year as he is on a work trip in Tucson. Thankfully, Santa still came, and the kids enjoyed opening stockings and finding Santa's gifts before we went to church. The kids sat in the main service with me and especially enjoyed the candlelight service. After we got home we opened Grami and Papa's gifts, Uncle Keith and Aunt Bethany's gifts and a few from mom and dad. And later that day we went over to Glenn and Allison's house for a scrumptious dinner with friends. It brings joy to my heart to see my kids enjoy time with my friend's kids.

Keziah received a set of real x-rays that you can assemble like a puzzle to a life sized person

Zion decided coloring was not the only thing to do with his wax crayons

And Keziah found her new colored pencils made nice letters as well

Enjoying her new Hello Kitty book

Zion requested a "big skateboard" from Santa and he delivered

When asked what he does on the skateboard, Zion says he "rides and flips"

The BMX bike racing suit was a HUGE hit for Zion. He declared himself "bike man" while wearing it

Keziah and fun Mr. Sean

enjoying some dessert

beautiful Isabelle

Our host and hostess, Glenn and Allison

The Buchanan Family, three generations

Snowflakes

2011-12-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

While God was making snowflakes outside, we made snowflakes inside and then went outside to enjoy the winter white brilliance.

Jump Squadron Kids Christmas Party

2011-12-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

So it turns out that the whole reindeer and sleigh thing is a myth! The kids were sure excited to see Santa and his elves parachute in to find out what they wanted for Christmas on Saturday.

The plane and the drop

Santa is in the red chute

Zion was the first one to run over to make sure Santa was real

Oh Christmas Tree....

2011-12-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

A few pictures from our Christmas tree decorating party. One of the highlights of the night was when Zion said "Happy Birthday!" and then tried to blow out one of the Christmas tree lights.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving was truly blessed. We had Great Grandma, Papa, GranJan, Uncle Woody, Aunt Jonna, Uncle Char, Aunt Robin and cousin Nick come to visit us. Our Thanksgiving feast was delicious and fun. Just looking around the table at the family God has blessed us with gave me a feeling of warmth and depth. We shared music, games, laughter and a fun night out at the Flying W Ranch. I am thankful for family that is willing to travel to be with us on holidays.

A cool centerpiece that my Aunt Robin made out of our crop share abundance

Keziah, Aunt Jonna, and Aunt Robin

Zion loves to play instruments while singing

Zion, Cousin Nick, Papa and Uncle Char

Zion and one of the Flying W Wranglers - Yeehaw!

Grami, Grandpa and Uncle Arthur come to town

2011-11-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

We had the special treat of a visit from Grami, Grandpa and Uncle Arthur just over a week ago. We all had such a good time together, visiting, playing music and making delicious food. The kids absolutely LOVED playing with their Uncle Arthur. They would find things to do together and we could hear them laughing all through the house. Our only wish would be to have times like these more frequently but as it is they are treasured for sure.

A short hike and some climbing on land that we dream of buying

Zion's birthday scooter and pads from Grami and Papa

Musical times together

Zach and Arthur's new matching sunglasses

Annie's Visit and snow

2011-10-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

While I was in Puerto Rico, Auntie Annie came down for a visit. The kids took to her immediately and enjoyed her while here, and have asked for her multiple times since she left. Thankfully her visit overlapped a day with me, so we were able to catch up in too brief a time. Thank you Annie for coming to visit and for helping with the kids while you were here!

Also, at the bottom is a short video. The first day I was in Puerto Rico I called home to find out that the kids were building a snowman in the back yard! Zach wanted to make a short video to show me the snowmen the kids made. In doing so he asked the kids to say "hello" to mommy. What he forgot is that they had called the smaller snowman "mommy" when making it. Too funny!

Puerto Rico - a once in a lifetime experience!

2011-10-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

Mom, Jonna and I made our first "girl's trip" ever just about a week ago. Not only was it the first time we've ever vacationed together, it was also the first time I've been away from both the kids for five days and the first time any of us had been to Puerto Rico. It was wonderfully relaxing, warm, and beautiful. We so enjoyed our time together relaxing by the pool, talking, playing games, and touring the El Yunque rainforest. It is hard to even describe how refreshing it was for me. Right after I walked on the beach talking with God the first morning, I called my family at home to find out they were building a snowman in the backyard with 5 fresh inches of snow, and that just made the time even more enjoyable for me! (hopefully a video of the snowmen to follow)

I was fascinated with the brilliantly colored flowers

the balcony of our room

our coconut drink

eating by the ocean by the light of the moon was a highlight

El Yunque Rainforest

Giant tree snail

I took a swim in the waterfall

tree lizard

Zion at 2 years

2011-10-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

For Zion's second birthday we celebrated with GranJan, Papa, and our backyard neighbors Terry and Jocelyn. Zion thoroughly enjoyed the bike theme as well as all his "wheel"ed presents.

At two years old Zion measures in at 6% on the growth charts. Though he is vertically challenged, he uses his low center of gravity for excellent balance and coordination. His passion for all types of bikes continues. He also loves skateboards and race cars. It fascinates Zach and I to see his passion develop completely of his own volition. He rides his new Strider bike every chance he gets. As soon as he's doing tricks, we'll let you know. ha!

My first attempt at a home made birthday cake with help from Zach and GranJan.

Fleets of skateboards and motorcycles is Zion's heaven!

Terry, Jocelyn, and Zion

Grant Family Farms

2011-09-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

This year, after moving to Colorado, we heard about a crop share that we investigated and decided to join. It has been a learning experience and so much fun. The variety of vegetables and quantity has very much dictated what I cook and what we eat. I have discovered some great new recipes and have introduced new flavors to my children's palettes. I feel the pressure to eat all of our fresh vegetables before they go bad, which has been good motivation to eat in and eat healthily more than ever. Here are two very interesting vegetables to which we were introduced:

Kohlrabi - from the roots, Kohl (cabbage) and Rabi (radish)
I was pretty nervous about eating this one at first, but after cutting off the roots and
peel there was a fresh, crunchy and delicious vegetable that the children really enjoy
eating raw. I've tried a couple of recipes to use it cooked, but our preference is raw
with hummus or ranch.

Patty Pan Squash
These beautifully intriguing squash come in multiple shapes and colors.
I was also nervous to try this one, but found a recipe where you simply cut it up
(no peeling) and put some oil and spices on it and roast it in the oven. Reminded
us of a summer squash, and we liked it pretty well.

Some other recipes we have discovered and LOVED are cilantro pesto, garlicky greens, kale chips, and creamed spinach. I had no idea the variety of greens that were out there until we started receiving multiple large bunches each week including kale, collard greens, swiss chard, and every kind of lettuce known to man. It's been fun!

Rolling Hills and the Tea Party

2011-09-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

Another stop in western Kansas was Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure. Unlike your ordinary zoo, this wildlife refuge is spread out on the rolling hills of countryside, where each animals habitat gives them ample room to roam. There is also an indoor museum complete with geographically specific exhibits including animals (stuffed) and animatronic people narrating stories, and expansive vegatation sometimes with waterfalls and streams. It is an indoor 64,000 square feet of a true gem in the middle of Kansas.

While visiting in Olathe we had a Fancy Nancy tea party. GranJan has all the right accessories to make a tea party truly fancy. Aunt Jonna invited her neighbor, Eleanor, to join us and we had such a wonderful time practicing our tea party manners and enjoying tasty treats and tea while holding our pinky fingers up.

Rock City

2011-09-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

On our last visit home we met the rest of the Olathe family in western Kansas to see some of the unique attractions. One such place is Rock City in Minneapolis, Kansas, which is a registered National Landmark. Rock City is described as sandstone concretions that have formed over the many years since Kansas was covered by an inland sea. It is the only place in the world where so many of these formations are found in one place.

Crags campground camping trip

2011-08-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

Camping has always been fun with the kids, but even more so now that we are in the heart of the mountains. After setting up camp we took a hike up behind our campsite for some beautiful views of the back side of Pikes Peak. The next day we hiked up the Pikes Peak trail almost to tree-line.

Uncle Paul and Grami's visit

2011-08-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

It was so nice to have Uncle Paul and Grami come for a visit. Time with family, especially when they are long distance, is such a treasured commodity. The kids welcomed Uncle Paul with open arms and had so much fun playing with him. They bonded over X game bike videos so much that Zion would see Uncle Paul first thing in the morning and lead him by the hand to the computer where he would point and say "bikes".

The kids also welcomed Grami with open arms. We went on picnics and hikes, to the zoo, to the pool, and Whit's End. Keziah and Grami bonded through craft time where they made mosaics and painted. And Zion loved for Grami to read to him.

Keziah gets a kiss on the hand from a baby wallaby

6 years together

2011-08-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

Six years of being with the man I love seems like no time at all in comparison to the 7 years of waiting and yearning for him. I am so thankful for the man the Lord has given to me, who he is, who he has been and who he is becoming. As I tell him often, I have not once regretted my decision to say "yes yes yes!"

For our anniversary Grami and Uncle Paul were in town. Since they graciously watched the kids for us, Zach surprised me with a trip to Grand Lake, CO where we honeymooned 6 years ago. The repertory theatre we went to on our honeymoon just happened to be performing Beauty and the Beast again for the first time in 6 years. It was wonderful and nostalgic. The next day we hiked in Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park and saw all kinds of beautiful mountain wildflowers.

Grand Lake Colorado

July in Olathe

2011-08-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

July in Olathe was hot, but that did not keep us from having many fun outings, out and in. We went to the pool four times and with each time the kids grew in their confidence in the water. We went to the Deanna Rose Farmstead, fed some animals and sweat a lot! We also went to an indoor amusement area for kids where Zion rode a real roller coaster with his Papa. We also got to enjoy GranJan and Papa's beautiful backyard where the kids just love to hang out and explore. Keziah also had her first sleep over with her Aunt Jonna and Uncle Woody, which has been the talk ever since. Oh, and Zion's has a new love (really more like an obsession) and it is bikes....... riding them though his feet don't reach the pedals, reading books about them, seeing them, talking about them, dreaming about them...... you get the idea. And though his vocabulary is limited, he can name each part of a bicycle.

Enjoying GranJan and Papa's back yard

Why I love living in Colorado

2011-07-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

It was a Sunday evening, and we decided to take a hike. We packed up a picnic dinner and drove to the trailhead of Stanley Canyon, only about a 20 minute drive. It was a steep trail with a lot of loose rock, but I am happy to report that Keziah was a trooper and walked the steep trail, about 3 miles. Zion was content in the backpack on the way up but wanted to walk on the way down. The weather was perfect and we recorded one of our favorite memories together in Colorado thus far.

House on Rockbridge Cir

2011-07-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Well, our new rental home in Colorado is not finished, but if I waited until then to put pictures up it might be Christmas. So here are some pictures of the unfinished project. We are loving it so far. It is very light, open and spacious. It has many windows with beautiful views that let light in and allow you to soak in the mountain beauty. We also have a large unfinished basement (not pictured) where we set up the gymnastics equipment and have more play area for the kids. Wanted to share it with so many of you who have been asking to see pictures. Also not pictured is the guest bedroom, also with a view! Please come visit if you can.

Front of house

View of Pikes Peak from back deck

Entry

Kitchen

Family Room

Family room looking into kitchen

My view while cooking!

Master Bedroom

Zion's Room

Keziah's Room

Looking down from top of stairs

Cutest part of the house!

4th of July

2011-07-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July the kids and I went to Monument for a parade. Though it was a hot day for Colorado the kids were engrossed in the happenings. Zion's favorite part was watching the motorcycles drive by. He's obsessed at the moment with bikes and motorcycles. Keziah's favorite part was the throwing (and catching) of the candy as well as the elephants. When Zach got home from work (seems un-patriotic doesn't it?) we went to a friend's house where we saw two wonderful displays of fireworks from their back yard. All of us that is except for Zion who was conked out on our laps.

Keziah turns 4

2011-07-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

At four years old Keziah is tall and grown up in so many ways. She is a terrific big sister, loving and kind to her brother.

She enjoys:

Reading

Coloring and doing crafts

being active, riding her new bike

doing gymnastics

interacting with people

learning

helping mom in the kitchen

all things medical and anatomy related

She has been so flexible with all of our moving and traveling. She enjoys meeting all the new people, though shy at first she warms up quickly. She is a joy now more than ever. I look forward to all the Lord has for her in the future.

GranJan, Keziah and Aunt Jonna

Keziah, Maleah and Jaslyn

Zion, Bella, Keziah, Maleah, Jaslyn

Zion with his shiner from the playground and a green frosting face

Keziah's new bike from Grami, Papa and Uncle Arthur

Keziah's new kitchen from GranJan and Papa

Toronto - with pictures

2011-06-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

For our Toronto vacation we flew into Buffalo, NY and drove up to Niagara Falls. It was all of our first time there and did not disappoint us. It was just massive amounts of water pouring over the falls, creating a mist almost as large as the waterfall itself. The first picture is the view from the NY side.

This is a view of the cascades above the falls.

This is a view of the falls from the Canada side.

A boat of tourists in blue ponchos see the falls up close

Keziah LOVES twirly dresses

Once in Toronto we took an almost daily walk to the nearby park and library. We took a picnic every time as the weather was superb. And then we would stop by the fresh fruit stand on the way home.

Couldn't go to Toronto and not see a Blue Jays game! We watched them get creamed by the Red Sox, but had a great time.

The Toronto "space needle" in the background

On Keziah's birthday we took a ferry over to Toronto Island. It was a very picturesque place and had a small amusement park that the kids thoroughly enjoyed.

It wouldn't be a trip with Zach if we didn't visit the Canadian Air&Space Museum. The kids are sitting in an F-101, a Canadian fighter.

All this and Zach learned how to fly his new plane, the Twin Otter, in a simulator. He's since flown the real plane back here in Colorado and loved it. More to come with pictures of our new house as soon as the pictures won't include so many boxes.

Toronto

2011-06-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I came up with my own words to fill in to the "My Favorite Things" song. I am recalling that song now as we are in Toronto, and almost everything here in the big city is not only not on that list, but the antithesis of those things. However, it is a new place to explore and there are some things we are enjoying during the days while Zach is in his training classes:

Walking to get lunch and eating at a parkette
Walking to the library and enjoying some new books
Walking to a playground and eating a picnic lunch there
Beautifully warm sunny weather to enjoy our many walks

We also went to Niagara Falls on the way up here, which was very beautiful. Unfortunately I forgot the means to download the pictures onto the computer, so pictures will have to come later. We're here for another week and a half, so I'm sure there will be more adventures to come.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord

2011-05-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Today, at about 9 weeks, we found out that the baby in my womb is not living. We grieve not only the life but the hope and excitement that was wrapped up in it. It is difficult to walk this road that so many have had to walk.

I am reminded that all life is given by God, not for ownership but for stewardship. The spirit that was given to this little child is already with Him. And we dedicate it to His service, as well as the two that we are still stewarding here. They are His, and He is a good God..... these two Truths will never change.

My prayer is that He would be glorified, and somehow in this grief and possibly of my trusting Him through it, He will be.

He is risen!

2011-04-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time celebrating Easter this year. First we had a swim party/easter egg hunt at the Jerz's house on Saturday night with the Kopkes there as well. Then on Sunday we went to church and had lunch out on the lawn afterwards with another "egg hunt" and other fun for the kids. It was neat this year how Keziah really understood the Easter Story. She relays her account when asked starting with Jesus dying on the cross and ending with him ascending into the clouds telling his disciples that He would be with them always by sending His Spirit to be with them. She also really got into saying "He is risen" to everyone she saw expecting a "He is risen indeed" in response. The celebrating of Easter is such an important foundation of our faith. Because He is alive, we are alive, and are able to spend eternity with Him. I pray that we can help our kids see past the bunnies and the eggs to the true reason for celebration more each year.

Springtime at the Norton Art Gallery gardens

2011-04-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've just had fun taking pictures of my kiddos. So this past weekend we went to the azalea gardens at the Norton Art Gallery which is always a picturesque spot to take pictures though the azaleas were mostly past bloom. Taking pictures of an 18 month old is difficult, especially of the two of them together, but we had a good time and got a few good shots.

Camping at Mt. Nebo

2011-03-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went camping at Mt. Nebo in Arkansas with the Kopke's. We had decent weather and great views from our camp site on top of the mountain for a sunset and sunrise. We roasted marshmallows, played at the campground playgrounds and went on a hike to a waterfall where we found out that all four kids enjoy scrambling on the rocks. It is so much fun to see the adventure come out in your children in the outdoors!

Aidan and Keziah are being the tree

Little mountain climber

"I made it"

Joe, Keziah and Aidan are up there on the rock behind the waterfall

Sunset on top of Mt Nebo

Sunrise from our campsite

Gymnastics

2011-03-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

Keziah shows some of her tricks on the bars and Zion shows off his moves as well.

Keziah shows her headstand and rolls, and Zion performs his forward roll as well

Keziah does cartwheels and back walk-overs

Some work on the balance beam

Dress up

2011-02-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

What kid doesn't like to play dress up?

Just being a girl

2011-01-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

So we're on our way to church last weekend. It is cold outside, just to the point of the rain that was coming down starting to freeze. Keziah was dressed and ready for church complete with her new pocket purse and she was eager to carry her new butterfly umbrella at the sight of rain. As soon as she had the umbrella up, she very naturally started striking poses, so I grabbed the camera and took a couple shots. My thoughts were, "who taught her how to do this? Where could she have learned this from? I know she has not been exposed to much TV or videos besides Sesame Street and Wiggles, so what inspires her to pose while holding an umbrella?" I suppose it is another thing in the nature of being a girl. It is not a fair comparison since he is so much younger, but Zion demonstrates the "boy nature".

2011-01-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas this year was spent in Olathe, KS with the Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles. The Simon house was as beautiful as ever, and if anyone ever enjoyed all its lights and tunes, it was Zion. We enjoyed such good food and times of playing with the kids. We spent one night out at the Kansas City Plaza, one day over at Jonna and Woody's and one day over at Kim and Kevin's. We also went to the Christmas Eve service at church and enjoyed a devotional time together on Christmas day. It is so amazingly good to serve and love the Lord with family.

A beautiful Christmas Dinner

A beautiful Christmas dinner enjoyed!

The beautifully lit Kansas City Plaza

Skipping with Papa

The fun Aunt and Uncle!

Keziah hugs her new beloved "Bun Bun" from Santa

Keziah wields her power to convince three grown men to play Candyland with her

Everyone knows the packaging IS the present

The kiddos take dogs for a walk

Papa and Keziah and the dogs take a nap

Hipster Keziah

Zion stands in amazement at one of the many windows at the most ornately decorated houses I've ever seen

This is just the garage of the house

A brief view of the house

Keziah and Aunt Kim

Who needs snow to sled?

GranJan and Papa battle it out in Wii Baseball

Keziah with Kaijah and Kinah Simmons

Zion and Kyla Simmons

Christmas time

2010-12-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

Keziah is so excited for Christmas to come. She is marking off the days on a calendar until we leave to see GranJan and Papa, she is also opening an advent calendar each day after her nap, she walks around the house singing Christmas carols incessantly, dances to the Nutcracker when it is played, and watches Wiggly Wiggly Christmas as often as we will let her. Zion too loves Christmas as first thing each morning he goes around pointing at each Christmas tree/electric lighted ornament we have in the house demanding that they be turned on and then gazes and gives a big smile. Zach has also been reading the Christmas story to Keziah from the bible, and she is so inquisitive about everything. When asked why we give gifts at Christmas she responds, "because God gave us the best gift, baby Jesus"

Thanksgiving in the snow

2010-12-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was spent with the entire Miller family in Washington. It snowed almost the whole time we were there, but inside the house was warm with the goodness of family. I am so thankful for family that loves and serves and gives to me in so many ways. Here's a picture recap:

Fun times in the snow!

Memory making music!

All wrestling all the time!

The enjoyment of cooking and eating

Favorite Uncle Arthur

Cute Kiddos!

The Miller grandkids sure do love to read!

Enjoying a fire with Papa

Playdough was a favorite past time for Evangeline and Keziah

Dancing

2010-11-18T20:18:00.000-08:00

It may seem silly or trite to you, but it was neither to me as I watched my daughter sing and dance before the Lord. I can only imagine how beautiful it looks to Him when we bring Him praise in various forms. Tonight Keziah danced before the King, and though she had "end of the day" pigtails and pjs on, I'm guessing He enjoyed it thoroughly.

Vision and Creativity

2010-11-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Zion's round belly, Zach had an idea to create the kid's costumes this year. I admit I was skeptical from the beginning and encouraged buying pre-made costumes. But Zach was motivated to use his creativity, and had a vision for "Chief Round Belly and Princess Tiger Lily". With no pattern and no sewing machine he made his vision come to pass. And I am so proud to report that the kids won the costume contest at our church function!! My husband is amazing!

The 4th Annual Corn Maze

2010-10-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

For Zion's 1 year birthday party we invited some friends and went out to the corn maze. As always it was lots of fun for all. Zion was unfortunately teething and therefore having a less than enthusiastic day. He wasn't even that into his cupcake, which was a disappointment. So I admit to smearing a bit of the frosting on his face just for fun, as he was so neat and tidy (doesn't happen often) All told we enjoyed it so much that we stayed until the sun went down.

It's hard to believe that we've been here long enough for a 4th annual anything. Speaking of which, it would be a good time to mention to those who have not heard that we found out we will be moving to Colorado Springs this coming spring. Zach got an assignment to the Airforce Academy. We don't know any of the details yet, but are very excited to go back to the mountains and so many friends!

CATCHING AIR! check out the air on these shots....

That's Brittany looking like she could be in X-Men!

Zion was generally fussy anyway, but didn't seem to like the feel of the corn...

Keziah on the other hand enjoyed being completely buried.

"Right, next family photo perhaps WE should get some sunglasses too!"

Zion turns 1!

2010-10-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Jubilee Zoo

2010-09-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Jubilee Zoo is such a cool place to visit! The pig roams free, and there are various spots to pet and feed goats, deer, sheep and ducks. Keziah milked a goat, and we even got to feed the bottled milk to the baby deer. The kids thoroughly enjoyed a pony ride, and we also got to go on a hay ride out in the middle of some llama's, zebras, horses, donkeys and cows. Our own little Lousiana safari!

Labor Day Camping Trip

2010-09-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

Since Zach and I met on a camping trip over Labor Day weekend six years ago, we have tried to make it a tradition to go camping this time each year. This year we went up to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. The weather was wonderful and the kids were true little campers. We weren't sure how Zion would fare for his first camping trip, but he loved it and slept very well in his pack-n-play in the tent. They didn't allow open fires, which was a bummer, but we made do with what we had.

Helping Dad with dishes

with his four teeth, Zion eats snap peas and croissants - the boy loves to eat

Mommy's Name

2010-08-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

Keziah and I were separated in a store the other day just long enough for her to call out "mom" one time. By the time I rounded the corner of the aisle there was already a man and a woman bent down to help her. When they saw me the lady said, "is that your mom?" Keziah, seemingly enjoying the attention she had received, said yes. The lady came up to me with her hands over her heart and said, "that was the sweetest thing". She said, "I asked your daughter if she knew her mommy's name and she said, 'well, my daddy calls her Love.'"

When we got home we reviewed what mommy's name was so that she would know in the future. ;-)

Silver Dollar City

2010-08-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

After visiting with my family, we drove down to Branson for our anniversary trip and spent time at Silver Dollar City for a couple of days. We just love that place, and the kids do too!

Happy 5 year Anniversary!
To celebrate 5 years together, Zach and I went to see the Cirque Montage in Branson.

Dipping candles is Keziah's favorite part of Silver Dollar City

All tuckered out

2010-08-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

We recently made a trip home to see family and allow Zach time to fly up to OshKosh, WI for the big air show. Though it was hot we enjoyed our times at the pool, the Deanna Rose Farmstead, and our visit with the "crazy Aunts", Sue and Robin. Zion started walking while we were there and he also started smiling every time he sees the camera, which makes for some pretty cute pictures!

Uncle Woody with smiley Zion

Aunt Robin and Zion

Sisters/Buds

Papa and Zion

Zion loves GranJan's game

Aunt Robin and Keziah

I love GG!!

On the move...

2010-08-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

In an effort to keep up with his sister, Zion got motivated to start walking

Zion updates

2010-07-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

9 months old, and such a joy! When Zion is especially pleased he will look at you and give you the biggest smile he can come up with while tilting his head back and making a squealing noise. It is so cute. He does it most often while eating.

Zion gives his big grin

He is also signing a few signs. Two of which are shown in this video. It may not look like much to you, but it is "more" and "eat" or "food". He also does "all done" by throwing his hands up in a surrender fashion, but it is not demonstrated in this video because he was not all done, and did not want to indicate that to us. ;-)

Grami wanted to see Zion crawl, so here is a video to show some of his crawling. He is taking steps as well, but that is more difficult to catch on video.

Spontaneous prayer

2010-07-20T06:57:00.000-07:00

This morning we were walking back from feeding our friend's cats in a rare silence. And then I hear Keziah whisper a prayer of which I only heard "and thank you that I have one brother, amen" So I asked what she had prayed. She said I asked God to help there be three sisters in your tummy and thank you that I have one brother.
My prayer response is "Lord give me grace for that which you have called me to"

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Keziah loves to sing the National Anthem. It started when we were at SOS in Alabama, staying on base, and each day at 5pm, the National Anthem plays over the intercom. She inquired as to what it was, and then asked us to sing it to her every night before bed. So now she loves to sing it, and we decided it would be patriotic to record it in her "July dress" from Grami. It is important to know as you watch this that there was absolutely NO prompting going on behind the camera. We just gave her a flag and the rest is inspired.

Summer in Louisiana

2010-06-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

Summer in Louisiana is hot! Every day for the last week if not longer has been over 100 degrees. We do what we can to keep cool including going to the fountains downtown. My family came with us as they were in town for Keziah's birthday party. Zion's smiles are so contagious. He is a smiley little boy!

Zion loves doing "boom" with Uncle Woody!

This and that....

2010-06-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

I admittedly took very few pictures at Keziah's 3rd birthday party. We had so many great friends come to help us celebrate and had a wonderful time. We had Guam style food for dinner including: chicken on a stick, carribean rice, mango salsa and fruit salad. Keziah chose her decorations so her eclectic style included: Zoe party hats, minnie mouse cake, and tinkerbell plates and napkins. It was really hot outside, but that didn't keep the kids from enjoying the trampoline, slip and slide, and her new wading pool. A happy birthday indeed!

still happily in love.....

Keziah's new accordion was a favorite gift!

Zion's one toothed grin.

Woody, the walking advertisement for Toy Story 3, coming soon to a theatre near you

My precious family!

Keziah turns 3 years old

2010-06-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

I really don't know that the time has gone quickly, still it is hard to believe that my first baby is three years old.

Zion's Dedication

2010-06-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my family came in town for a visit and on Sunday we dedicated Zion to the Lord and for His purposes. Zion is such a treasure and gift from the Lord, so it was a good reminder that he is still the Lord's and just mine to steward for a season.

Zion is doing great. He's got one tooth now and is completely mobile as he crawls and pulls up on everything and then walks himself around. He does the sign for milk (which seems to be synonymous with mom) and the sign for Dad while saying "dah". He's got lots of smiles and is a true joy the majority of the time.

Two Distinguished Graduates

2010-05-20T06:59:00.001-07:00

Last Friday was Squadron Officer School graduation. Both Zach and Josh were awarded distinguished graduates meaning they were in the top 10% of their class of 420 students. Congratulations to them both! Our time in Alabama was filled with fond memories, from bonding in the simplicity of a one room dorm room for five weeks, to fun trips on the weekend, to meeting and getting to know some new Airforce family friends that we hope to stay in touch with for life.

Mother's Day in Florida

2010-05-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we journeyed down to Panama City with our SOS friends the Kennedy's, who planned the whole trip for us. The Crowell family also met up with us since they are temporarily stationed in FL. We took a pontoon boat out on Saturday and enjoyed the warm bay water and beach. All the kids seemed to enjoy the water as well as driving the boat. Then on Sunday Mike and Zach treated Heather and I to a morning of sleeping in and then breakfast in bed. It was such a great start to our Mother's day. Then we went out the beach in our back yard where the water was pretty but much cooler. Keziah wore her early birthday present from Auntie Annie and poses for this picture with hair done by dad. (not bad!)

Taryn, Corban, and Scott Crowell

Keziah LOVES driving the boat.

Corban, Keziah, Zion and MJ

Zion eats the sand (no surprises here)

Sliding down a sand dune

Corban and Keziah really enjoyed playing together

Zion takes a snooze in the sand

oops..... and woke up rolling over into the sand

Corban and Scott build a sand castle

Taryn and Zion bond

Could his chubby little smile be any cuter?!

Mike, MJ and Heather Kennedy

"Tongue Man"

A southern experience

2010-05-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took a short road trip to a restaurant in southern Alabama called Lambert's. It is a delicious and glutinous experience. From the time you sit down food is literally thrown at you in the form of hot rolls and then large pots of other southern delicacies are walked around and offered every few minutes. Then comes the main course, though most are full by then. We enjoyed the experience and the food, but especially our time with our friends the Ruffins. Truly a like-minded family, they are Airforce friends that we hope to maintain for years to come.

A glimpse of my enormous size salad in a bread bowl and the 32 oz mugs used for drinks

Where's my food?!

Lydia and Keziah

In case you didn't notice, he had a tongue thing going on

The Ruffin family

Lydia and Tabitha

The latest and greatest Keziah

2010-05-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

If you ask Keziah how old she is, she replies "almost 3, my birthday is June 15th". She's excited to reach the landmark age of 3 years old, partly for the age, and partly for the party. Keziah's creativity is growing demonstrated with her formation of blocks below. She sat down in our little room one day and used each and every block we had to form her little masterpiece.

We went to a story time last week at the library here on base, and they read a story, wrote the letter of the day on the chalkboard and then did a craft with that letter and then played games and sang songs. When we were leaving she asked me if that was her school. They even gave a homework paper and she can't wait to take it back for a promised "surprise". She absolutely loves to learn. And for her learning is usually seeing or hearing something once. She knows about 15 or more verses by song, and loves to sit down with a bible and "read" to us, which entails telling us stories she knows from the bible or singing verses she knows. It brings unexplainable joy to Zach's and my heart.

She writes her name, knows her numbers 1-20. She is starting to read as she knows the phonics of each letter and can tell you what letter words start with. And as always she loves working puzzles. Her latest favorites are 24 piece non-framed puzzles. She has learned rhyming and enjoys a game of rhyme any time.

Her independence grows as she requests to do almost everything by herself. And her two primary interests at this point are anything related to dance/ballet as well as anything related to injuries or sickness. She has an amazingly compassionate spirit for anyone who has gotten hurt. In fact, each time we hear an ambulance siren, she exclaims that someone has gotten hurt and that we should pray for them, first her, and then one of us. She is always extremely attentive to anything medically related.

So there's the update for our almost three year old. Life with her has rarely a dull moment!

My Two Cuties!

2010-04-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

Washington trip - Jen and Caleb's wedding

2010-04-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Though this trip was a month ago, I did not want to miss out on posting a blog about it as we had so many good memories and pictures. The wedding was so beautiful and all the details were elegantly put together. And we were able to give God praise for His answer to our years of prayer for God's perfect husband for Jen. Caleb will be a godly leader for his home, and we are so excited to know them even more in the future.

Our time with the family was wonderful as well. We really felt like we got to relax while we were there. Many times Zach and I were able to take off and leave the kids behind which was a blessing and vacation for us. Keziah and Arthur got along so well and really entertained one another. Grami prepared many great meals for us and we had several times of talking and relating which blessed us as well.

Family picture from the wedding

In the Dallas airport on the way up to WA

Arthur was quite tolerant of Keziah's invasion of his space

Auntie Annie and Keziah sing together

Caleb and Jen came over to talk and we get to hear Caleb's testimony

The blushing bachelorette

The beautiful candy bar assortment at the wedding

Second cousins, Grace, Claire, Will and Zion

The good looking couple!

Bro and Sis

Family picture

Grandpa and the little man

Grace and Keziah danced and danced at the reception

Zach drives his Dad's new sports car!

A fun night with the Chvala's as Keziah really enjoyed time with her "cousins"

From my front porch looking in...

2010-04-20T12:36:00.001-07:00

Well, our travels continue as we are currently in Montgomery, Alabama for five weeks. Our one room accommodations leave a little to be desired. (namely doors) However we are enjoying our time here, especially the outdoor playground right outside our door. There are many things I will be more appreciative of when we get back home. In the meantime, Keziah and Zion have many playmates and Zach is enjoying his training at Squadron Officer School.

Living room, bedroom, office, Zion's bedroom and playroom.

hallway closet leading to bathroom, also keziah's bedroom

Kitchen/dining room

My Sister's Wedding!

2010-04-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago (we've been traveling so much I'm behind on my blogs) we traveled back to Olathe for Jonna's wedding. It was a great time, though busy, and all went so well. It was an honor to be a part of her big day as well as some celebrations ahead of time. I'm so excited to have a wonderful, new brother-in-law and to have been witness to some of God's best work, uniting them together as one. We don't have pictures from the wedding yet, but here are some of the week before.

Out to eat for the Bachelorette Party

Jorjanna and Jonna

Having fun bowling

Jonna and Kim

Treating ourselves before the big day!

Giving Jonna love

Even Keziah got treated to a manicure

Flowers for the flower girl!

Some of Jonna's wedding flowers.... more to come!