Fun in the Park

Ron took me to dinner the other night for my birthday. At this nice, quiet, restaurant, Nathan discovered his loud voice. You know that one volume LOUD voice that older toddlers and five year olds have? Well, he has it.

Nathan has also decided he really likes the dogs and cats now. He likes to rub his face in their fur and feel the softness. Two of our cats are okay with this and are very tolerant. The dogs have a tendency to turn on him and lick his face wondering what he is up to. Today he followed Ranger around rubbing his face on his back. After the third lap around the kitchen island, Ranger ran to Ron and hid behind his legs. It's a good thing we have such long-suffering pets.

Nathan Speaks!

Nathan still loves to take baths in the kitchen sink. I finally was able to get him to say some words. He is shy about speaking for the camera.

More shots of silliness in the sink:

Like Father, Like Son

Here are the pictures from Father's Day! Nathan didn't want to hold still for pictures,of course but he's just so cute!




Shortly after we brought Nathan home I found a shirt that matched one that Ron already owned. It was way too big for him at that time but I put it away for this Father's Day. Since then, I have told Ron a dozen times not to wear that shirt because I didn't want it to fade or get stained before Father's Day. He had to go change several times.

So Ron's biggest gift is that he can wear his clothes without me fussing at him. :)




I know some people find matchy-matchy irritating but I just love it!

Nathan and James

Left is my Mom and my older sister Jennell. Jennell sent me these pictures of a day that she and her boys met my Mom for lunch when Mom had Nathan for the morning.

James is Jennell's eleven year old son. Nathan adores James!




Above is a picture of Nathan and James one month after we brought Nathan home. He was still pretty confused by everything but he instantly loved James. He wanted to be put down so he could crawl to James so James could pick him up.



Mom said while they were out, every time James would try to put Nathan down this he would wrap his legs around him like a monkey and refuse to let go. James was very good-natured about having to carry around a heavy toddler. These two are so sweet together!

Too Beautiful Not To Share

This is a montage created by a friend of Maria Sue Chapman's family. I think he did such an excellent job and it is just lovely. The reports are they are getting used to the "new normal" after the loss of Maria. I still think of them every day and hug Nathan closer to me. If anything, this tragedy has taught many of us to not take the moments with our children for granted.

A Trip To Arkansas

We took a daytrip to Fort Smith Lake in Arkansas. Here's a picture of a sleepy Nathan with the lake in the background.







At the visitor's center were pioneer clothes that kids could dress in. I tried to get Nathan to model a coonskin cap but he wouldn't cooperate. He did like the fuzziness of it though.



Sergeant Major was a bit more cooperative. He caused quite a stir wearing this hat.



Hey! Dogs were pioneers too!

Freedom Isn't Free

Taking a moment to stop and remember all those who have fought and died throughout the years to establish this great country and to keep her safe. There is nothing I can say that would ever be enough. I will not forget you and I will try to raise my children to always remember and to appreciate that all our freedoms were paid for by the sacrifices of others.

Grieving With Hope

Steven Curtis Chapman is pictured here with his daughter Maria who was adopted from China. Maria was killed yesterday in a tragic accident.

We grieve with this family. We have loved them for years. It was at a SCC concert that we first heard about Chinese adoption and began to pursue a course which ultimately led us to Nathan. Many people in the Christian adoptive community are feeling the loss today.

A few years ago he wrote an amazing song, "With Hope" for a family who lost a young daughter in a car accident. I never imagined that he would experience the same tragedy. Please pray for the Chapman family!

This link is to the video "Cinderella" which Steven Curtis wrote for his two young daughters. http://www.stevencurtischapman.com/cinderella.htm

Nathan and the Puppies

Oh the simple joy of running unimpeded through the grass!



Well, this is not exactly unimpeded, but Nathan enjoys soaking up some puppy love for a while.






"Uh-Oh...too much love!"




Liberty was upset with Roman for making Nathan cry. She "scolded" him by knocking him down and growling at him until he wasn't sure if he should move for a while.








It's safer up here on the swing! All is well!