Fun in the Sun

It's been so long since I've been on here because I have been busy, busy, busy. Busy with work (we made a meal for 450 people tonight for the Annual Co-op Supper in Girard), busy with a sick family (Chris beginning last week, Conner mid-week, me end of the week), and busy with getting back into the routine of things with my mom back at work (praise the Lord!...I'm tired of getting up at 4:30 am...seriously tired). So, yes, things are pretty hectic this past week, but my family survived and will move on. Last night we were all just working on our yard...as usual if seems...and Conner finds his pool that we haven't gotten out for a while just because of no time. So, Chris and I blow it up and fill it up with water. He had such a great time in it! I just love watching him try to figure things out...how does the water come out of the hose, where does it come from, how can I get it in my mouth... I could watch him ponder over things forever! It's such a joy to me. Having kids is just the best thing in the world...how could anyone ever want to miss out? So, here are some of my favorite pictures that I managed to snap in the midst of spashing and enjoyment!

Here are some after we FORCED him to get out of the water...it just makes me realize how grow up Conner is getting...sitting in our chair that we used to rock him to sleep in every night. It simply makes me smile. (Can you tell I haven't been around Conner ALL day long because of catering tonight and missed him like crazy?)

Haiti Bound

Well, my parents are on their way to Haiti on their mission trip to see Dr. Wilkins and Sandy. My mom used to work for Dr Wilkins when they lived in Girard. He and Sandy moved to Haiti to become full time missionaries about 9 years ago. ( A little background info for some of you who aren't familiar with them) Here is their website to learn a little more about their mission: http://www.haitihealthministries.org/Haiti_Health_Ministries/Home.html. Mom and Dad left at 6:30 this morning and will come back a week from tomorrow. Keep them in your prayers that they will be able to do whatever God has sent them for...whether that is bringing someone to Christ, building something that is needed at the clinic or simply encouraging and lifting up the missionaries that live in Haiti. Can you imagine living in a third world country? I just cannot fathom raising Conner and going day to day like they do. It breaks my heart knowing that most of those children will never be able to have near as many opportunities as we do here. My mom, two friends, and I went to Haiti years ago when we were in high school and it just changes your perspective about everything. It's another world. I can't explain the poverty and hunger we saw. I think everyone should go to a third world country just to see how great we have it here. I am so thankful for my bountiful life.
Anyway, like I said, keep them in your prayers this week while they are away. Also keep Kirby and I in your prayers...we are in charge of the businesses while they're gone!! Kirby on the farm and me at the restaurant...which means me getting up at 4:30 AM every morning. Ugh. Just one week, though, I suppose.

The fourth and the fifth (my birthday!!) of July

I finally have enought time to post some pictures of our 4th of July! Plus, we (also finally) got the internet at our house!! It is wonderful!!! I used to have to go over to my mom's to do everything. It's nice to do things in the comfort of your own home...and on your own time. But, Conner's alseep for a late afternoon nap, so I thought I'd get on here and catch up on some things. Conner hated (I'll say it again because it is so true), hated the fireworks this year. Last year the loud popping noises were kind of fun and exciting, but THIS year...one whole year later...they are very threatening and just plain scary. He and the dog stayed up on the porch trying to get away from it all. Never mind that they made pretty colors in the sky. That had no impact on him whatsoever. Oh, well. There will be more years to come of fun fireworks.

Here is Conner and Addy...Kerri saw this picture and says Addy looks like Chucky.

Conner with Kelsey, Kendall, and Kennedy...who by the way spoil him rotten! They still want to give him a bottle, which we have gotten rid of for months now!

Finally, I had to post my favorite picture of Addison! She is such a happy little girl and we love having a little red head in our family!!

Pictures from St Louis Vacation

Here we are in front of the Mississippi River while visiting the arch. The water was up all the way to part of the steps and this was before the levys broke.

Conner and I at the arch...he was not too terribly impressed, but we couldn't go to St Louis without seeing the arch!

Conner with one of his favorite animals at the Zoo...he calls them "blub blubs." The colors were so pretty!

We Came Back!

Chris, Conner and I got back yesterday afternoon...just in time to finish our vacation laundry, rest for a second, and go to bed! We had such a good time on our first family vacation. People keep saying that Conner won't remember anything, but I don't care! We have memories that will last a lifetime. I don't have my camera with me, but I will make sure to post some of my favorite pictures. We got to Chris' Aunt Wanda and Uncle Gayle's house on Sunday evening and spent a great night with them. They are awesome people and have a beautiful house out in the country. Gayle has taught the deer to come pretty close to him and feeds them every night, so every time we went outside, Conner would yell (and I mean YELL), "HERE DEER!!"...well, something like 'here deer.' Chris and I can understand most of his Conner Language that some just can't grasp and this was one them. We then went on to St Louis and went to the zoo, Grant's Farm (if you haven't been there, check it out...so much fun!), the arch (which was RIGHT across from our hotel), Union Station, Royals/Cardinals ballgame (Yea! Royals won!), and then headed back home. I can't even list all of the fun stories we have...it would most likely get boring for you reading it and there just isn't enough space. Tonight is going to be our first night without ba ba for Conner, so I'll post soon on the outcome. We packed all ba-ba's up tonight and said bye bye them....Good luck to us. ;)

We're off!....Almost!

So tomorrow we leave for St Louis. Neither Chris or I have packed. Oh, and we have Conner unpacked, also. And yet I have time to write on here. Funny, huh? Yesterday Conner, Mom, and I went to my Grandma Jo's house (Conner calls her "Jo Jo") and dropped some stuff off. She sent us home with an old horse for Conner. It's one of those old ones with the springs that you ride on. Conner loves it. It's pretty sentimental for us because it was my mom's brother, Tim's horse. He died in a car accident when I was 3 months old. So, we will cherish this gift forever and tell Conner all of the stories I've been told about Tim. From what I hear, Tim would have gotten quite a kick out of Conner. Well, Conner and I won't be updating here for a while unless we take our computer with us to STL. Otherwise, we'll be back around Thursday or Friday!

Today has been one of those days. The restaurant was busy, busy and I have a million things to do when I get home. But, I got to my Mom's house to pick up Conner and he's asleep. It makes me just stop and breath for a second. I love watching him be still sometimes!! We are constantly on the go a lot of times and I wonder a lot if that is a good or bad thing for him! I'm going to choose good for now. Chris, Conner, and I are all going on our first real family vacation next week and we are so excited!! We're going to St Louis to visit some of Chris' family, see the zoo, the arch, a ballgame, and lots more! Well, the little guy is awake so I have to run again! More later.