They say maintaining a healthy marriage is one of the most important ways to parent well. I'm thankful to be married to someone who is as committed to being a good husband as he is to being a good father. We've learned in our four years that life isn't always easy, but there is so so so much to be thankful for! Happy Anniversary, Mike!
Someone said I'd look back in five years and just think it was funny. Well, it's been four, and it still makes me cringe a little. I'll let you know if things have changed next year!
Uncle Mike and Nathan have a chat.
Snuggled up with sweet Lacie.
Mike and Monica get ready to say goodbye.
One last shot before we said goodbye.Steven, Monica, Lacie, and Nathan--we are so grateful for you and the chance to spend some time together over the past few weeks. We love you very much!
As soon as Simone (3) saw this tire swing she said decidedly, "that gonna make me thow up." It didn't stop her from jumping on, though. Fortunately, everyone kept their lunch down.
Simone and Sebastian wading in the creek.
Caroline was popular with the boys at lunch on Sunday. (Uh oh, Carson--Sebastian may be moving in on your territory!) I snapped this right before Sebastian played "Kung Fu Baby" with Caroline. He would use her arms and legs to hit himself in the face and chest and then pretend to fall over will full sound effects. Caroline thought it was pretty funny!
Our families after lunch on Sunday.
We got to witness the loss of Sebastian's second tooth!
Playing dominos with "Tio Mike". (Natalia's family is from Columbia so they are raising the kids to be bilingual. Mike and I are "Tio" and "Tia"--"Uncle" and "Aunt".)
Sebastian wanted to hold Baby Caroline one more time before leaving early this morning. 
So, of course, Simone wanted a turn as well!
Thanks for the fun visit, friends! Can't wait until next time!
(Having cake to celebrate a few days ago--and Caroline's first exposure to fire. She was enamored!)
It's almost impossible to believe that it was six entire months ago tonight that we were here. 
At the same time, it's hard to believe that she's only been here for six months. Already, it's hard to remember what life was like before her. It doesn't seem like I could have grown to love her this much in only six months. Mike and I still look at each other almost every day in disbelief that we have this little life to care for. It is humbling, exciting, scary, and wonderful all at the same time. In spite of all the woes and worries that come along with a new baby, this has been the best six months of my life!
Happy half birthday, Baby Girl! 
Last Sunday was Caroline's baby dedication at our church. Some of our nearest and dearest came to witness as she was introduced to the congregation and our little family was prayed over. Mike and I also had the opportunity to publicly dedicate ourselves to raising her in a Christian home. This was our message to her.
Ok, so not fancy or gourmet, but it was good--and the company was great...
Carson and Macie, the children Mike's college roommate and good friend, Jeff. Carson loves Caroline (and we know the feeling will be mutual when she's a little older) so we were especially glad to have him here for her special day.
Our sweet little pal, Sydney, and her dad, Steven.
Our good friends, Scott and Christina.
Caroline napped until most everyone had left. But she came down for the after-party, sporting the cute new outfit Jeff and Courtney gave her in honor of her special day. 
Posing with "Aunt" Heather. (Apparently my dad, on the left, thought someone was throwing something at him.)
"Wrestling" with Papa Jim.
Hanging out with Gogo.
We are so grateful for our church, our family, and our friends who will come alongside us as we raise our baby the way God intended.
but she's getting more brave...
and it doesn't really hurt when I fall over anyway.
I'm getting there! Love, Caroline
