Sarah and Daniel's October Visit

My sister and my nephew flew all the way from Washington state just to hang out with our family for 12 days while my brother-in-law is deployed with the Air Force. We had an absolute blast. From special outings like going to the National Aquarium in Baltimore to normal every day outings like stopping at Trader Joe's to pick up groceries, we loved every minute. And I have tons of pictures from their time here. Cousin photos are irresistible! Two boys born within one year of each other makes for great photo ops. We love you, Sarah and Daniel!

cousins holding hands

Bram and Auntie Sarah at the National Aquarium

Dolphins playing with a toy in the tank

Bram watching jellyfish at the Jelly Invasion exhibit

Jon and Daniel at the top of the aquarium (no strollers allowed)

Sisters with boys (who were more interested in dolphins and toddling around than in getting photographed)

Daniel enjoyed the dolphin show

Jellyfish glass art

Sarah and Daniel

Cousin photo op at the aquarium

Jon carried both boys for awhile, what a stud! (And that green thing is a kid-leash!)

Cousins checking out the dolphin tank

One of the many beauties in the amazing Jelly Invasion exhibit

It was so fun to be so close to the animals at the aquarium

On a hay bale at Butler's Orchard Pumpkin Festival

Bram was concentrating hard on holding this pumpkin that we ended up purchasing

Cousin buddies holding hands

Fun at Trader Joe's

Bram enjoying a "trumpet" (bugel) at a friend of Sarah's house

Neighborhood walk

Cousins "cooking" together

Morning yogurt drink

Matching cuties

Daniel and Bram flying together at the College Park Aviation Museum

Daniel wanted to be an aviator like his daddy

Obligatory picture!

Bram was really serious about his role play as a pilot!

Playing together at our local playground

Welcome, Baby Asher!

My third nephew was born 10/2/13 at around 7am in Nepal. I'm praising God for this new life! Congratulations Jay, Amanda, big sisters Anna and Liyla, and big brother Justice!

Recipe for Pork Carnitas

I'm trying this recipe for Pork Carnitas (crock pot recipe) and Tomatillo Salsa for dinner tonight, from 100 Days of Real Food (see link and recipes attached) The salsa tastes great (I had some quality control sampling this morning after made it), and the best part was that it was significantly easier than other tomatillo salsas I have made. I wanted to make the corn tortillas as well, but the recipe (also 100 Days) strongly recommends use of a tortilla press, which I don't have. There are some good looking tortilla presses on Amazon for around $20, so maybe I'll update after Christmas with a homemade corn tortilla post.

http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/01/recipe-pork-carnitas-tacos-with-tomatillo-salsa/

Sent from my iPhone

Nap Time Strike

My son has been an excellent napper for the past year. He's been down to one nap in the afternoons since February 2013 or so. Usually his nap will last anywhere from 2-3 hours, and he will spend 3-4 hours in his crib when I include playing before he falls asleep or after he wakes up. That is, until recently. Bram had a fever for 24 hours almost 2 weeks ago now, during which he napped almost 18 hours straight (all afternoon + all night) and woke up cheery the next day. Since he recovered from the virus it seems, naps have been hit or miss, where he only seems to be falling asleep in his crib 1/3 of the time. When he does nap, it lasts quite a while so it makes me think he needs it. He lays in his bed, talking and singing to himself. He's only two, surely he's got more nap time left in him. Anybody else run into this?

The Shaping of a Christian Family

"Love sees what needs to be done, and does it." Somewhere in this book, I read this line and it struck me as absolutely true (even in the deepest spiritual sense, when Jesus went to the cross to save sinners), as well as terrifyingly convicting. How often I notice work that needs to be done and I don't want to do it. I'm thankful that I follow a God who loves perfectly, and can enable me to love others better, as "the fruit of the Spirit is love...". There are so many other good thoughts in this book; do read it if you ever get your hands on a copy.

Aunt Sarah in D.C. (Year 2)

Wow, we had a great week hosting Jon's sister Sarah. She flew in from Louisville just to hang out with us. During her stay we saw a bunch of other friends, too - the fact that Sarah is beloved by nearly all who know her made our house a popular hangout this weekend. We especially had fun seeing the Dewberrys (or is it Dewberries? ;)) who drove down from Philadelphia. Sarah also kept Bram overnight one night and Jon and I stayed in a hotel in a nearby city. We thoroughly enjoyed the 24 hours kid-free by going to dinner, seeing a movie, having a leisurely breakfast out, touring the Smithsonian's Museum of American History, seeing the WWII Memorial, and grocery shopping. Other highlights from Sarah's stay include: eating her cookies, seeing how fast she does dishes, laughing at Bram's constant request for Sarah to take him out to the basketball court (our deck with the Little Tykes goal), and lots of good adult conversations. We are already hoping to reserve her for a week next summer. Love you, Sarah!

Newest Niece

Welcome to the world, Charity Nicole! Born yesterday, 8/21/2013 to my brother-in-law Josh and sister-in-law Cacey. I'm so happy to be your aunt and can't wait to meet you.