my own Indiana Jones

Yesterday Jonah & Gideon had a Fall Costume Party at the Mothers Day Out where they go. Jonah, was insistent that he wanted to be Indiana Jones. In order to insure the authenticity of his outfit it was crucial for us to dress him while constantly consulting a coloring book of Indiana that he has. He is a little obsessed. His outfit did turn out rather well. He got lots of compliments, and the best part is, that we had everything he needed. With a house full of boys, is in any wonder that we had things like: a whip, a gun with holster, a hat, a bag for "gems", and lots of khaki clothes! He looked great and had a blast!

play time

The boys are "peacefully" playing outside, as I sit and type and watch them interact. Like always they are making up fighting, killing, defending games. Games in which each participant needs a weapon. I hear them say things like, "Caleb, pretend that we have to protect the castle from evil predators." and, "What are you doing master?" Gid tries to join in, but he is tolerated more than he is included. They are having fun pretending, and I am having fun watching them play.

life in the new house

Well we have moved in and its been a tedious process trying to get settled. For me, settled means every box is unpacked, there are curtains on the windows, pictures on the walls and everyone is happy! We are so very close. In the mean time we have been immensely enjoying the house and our friends and family. Here are a few photos of how we have spent our time since moving in.


Caleb lost his first tooth!


Swimming in the pool with Aidan!

Playing backyard golf with Daddy, in our flat and big backyard!

Gid wanted to join in too. He brought me what he thought was the appropriate golfing attire.



We have been having so much fun in our new house and yard. It is perfect for us!

dry humor

I've heard of kids climbing into the dryer before, but I've never seen it... until today! After I got the laundry out of the dryer, I apparently left the door open, because when I went to change the laundry from the washer to the dryer, Jonah had closed Gid inside it. Jonah said that Gid had climbed up into it. Jonah would knock on the dryer door, and then open it up and say, "Hello," and make Gid laugh hysterically.

boys will be boys

I overheard the boys laughing hysterically. When I asked what they were laughing about they said they were just talking. "About what?" I asked. To which they replied, "puke & throw up!"

reuions

There have been many reunions since we've been back. Reuniting with family, old friends, older friends, and even acquaintances. The one common thread is that each person who I tell, "No, we aren't just visiting. We have moved here!," has had the same reaction: excited joy! Everyone here seems to be so happy that we have moved back. At first it struck me as kind of odd. Even people I didn't know that well seemed to be really happy for us, but then I realized why.

For us, coming back to Augusta was like coming home. Mike and I both went to college here, we're married here, had 2 of our children here, made numerous friends here, and my mom's entire family (all 33 of them) and all my brothers and sisters live here. Most people that know us, know my family as well, and I think their joy for us is over us coming back to all of that. Whatever the reason, it has been so nice to get such warm responses from everyone when they learn we have returned.

mine

In the quiet of the early morning, before anyone else is awake, Jonah gets up and comes to snuggle in my lap. We sit here silently. It is so peaceful and brushing his head with a kiss I realize that this little boy is mine. Mine to love, mine to hold, mine to raise up in the way that he should go. And I feel privileged for the opportunity. Today, I pray I realize what a gift all my children are.