I framed them. Just lined them up on black paper and hot glued 'em down. Believe me, there are a lot more where these came from, but I'll have to get another frame. These patches date back to his time at the Academy up through FAIPing. I'll need to get another frame to cover his collection from instructing. I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out, and Aaron's excited to have this bit of tangible personal history displayed in a frame rather than a velcroed stack.
Once we got everyone dried off and changed, the kids did great eating together, while the adults hung out indoors. It was cute to watch the natural separation of boys...
And girls! (Notice what a lovely job this table did smiling for the camera). They were all so excited...
and Will had so much fun playing with everyone! He really wore himself out, and despite the sugar rush from his cupcake, he was sacked out in his crib by 7:30pm. And we've got more birthday fun in store... Shhh! the next one we're going to is a surprise party! 
While cleaning, we usually turn on music to make it a bit more fun. Here's Will getting into his dancing groove! Of course, as soon as I put the camera away he really started going to town, so I was really only able to capture him getting warmed-up. Silly boy!
Will was very excited to see Grandpa and Gigi! And we had fun introducing him to several great-aunts, uncles and cousins that he had never met. Here's Aaron with his cousin Candace.
It was great to have so many extra hands to help entertain Will. Aaron and I were grateful for the chance to dance together...
Though it was different from any other dancing we've done at any other wedding we've been to before. Yes, that's right, we busted a move doing English Country line dancing. Think classical music and scenes straight out of a PBS Jane Austen movie. A caller explained the steps and guided us through the whole dance, pivoting and turning us down two straight lines. It really was a blast! We felt so civilized... don't let this picture fool you!
By this point Will was pretty tuckered out. He would vacillate between almost falling asleep in Gigi's arms to running around the dance floor trying to catch the disco ball's reflected lights.
Here's a cousins picture with the happy couple. Congratulations Chrysti & Leon!
Last weekend, we drove up to northern Kentucky for a wedding. We'd heard some great things about the Creation Museum, and since it was only ten minutes away from our hotel we decided to visit on Saturday morning. We only had a few hours to try to take it all in, but we had a great time and were extra excited that they offer free tickets to military. 
Will really enjoyed looking at everything, and got a kick out of the dinosaur exhibit. The museum itself has a large walk-through portion where the stories from the Bible literally come to life. It also offered really helpful explanations detailing the truth of creation based on God's Word versus human logic. The side by side comparison of these teachings and the use of Scripture was really well done. It was simple enough for a child to understand, but deep enough to make an impact on adults.
Aaron and I were both amazed by how many things society is taught to accept as "scientific fact" that are not only contrary to Scripture, but can actually be explained just as logically, though in a different way, through the Bible. Anyways, we both left with a much better understanding of questions (how old is the earth? how did all of those animals fit on Noah's ark? etc.) that didn't so much require a huge leap of faith, as sound Biblical knowledge to explain. 
The walk-through was based on the 7-C's timeline: Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, Consummation. For the flood (Catastrophe), they had a scaled model of Noah's ark which as pretty fascinating... it's neat to have a mental picture when you read of cubits and gofer wood.
Unfortunately, we had to skip the movie presentations and planetarium since we were short on time. We breezed through some of the gorgeous botanical gardens and made a quick beeline over to the petting zoo. 
On any other day we would have signed up for a camel ride, but today we were content to say hello to the little donkey, sheep, and goats. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to revisit!
Their work-week visit went by so fast, because, as usual, we packed in lots of activities! Maddie was almost excited as Will to have them around, especially Kate, who seems to be her favorite cuddle buddy. She followed Kate around the house, seizing any and every opportunity to get some lovin'.
We made it to the pool for some swimming and lounging. But, it was so hot we agreed it actually felt cooler out of the water.
Mom gave Will another haircut. He's had so many by now I've lost count. His hair grows so fast, he usually needs a trim every two weeks or so. Mom cleverly devised the tactic of letting him stand at the kitchen sink and play in the water. This usually diverts his attention long enough to finish the job. 
I also made use of her handywoman skills. She recaulked my bathtub (in her sundress no less). At least that's one less thing to worry about before the move. Thanks, Mom!
And while out shopping, we found this froggy pool and sprinkler at the discount outlet store. Only $6 for lots of water fun!
Thanks for making the long haul to keep us company! We can't wait to live closer, even for a little while!
The water felt so nice and refreshing! It was a great way to keep cool during this heat wave we've been having. Hope you enjoy the pics!
Not only has he managed to climb on top of the kitchen table despite the tightly tucked in chairs (a new standard procedure around here), but he has completely shaken out the contents of the salt shaker and made his way halfway through the pepper. And how did he manage this feat?
Of course, he cleverly climbed on top of his overturned Lego bin. Apparently, it gave him just the boost he needed. Oh sweet boy... I think he's going to give me gray hair!
Mom and Kate surprised us with a visit! They arrived Sunday evening and left for home this morning. We had a fun-filled four days, with lots of shopping, pool/spray park fun, movies, and laughs. I've got lots of pics to share, but they'll have to wait until I get back. Will and I are meeting Aaron in Birmingham late this afternoon and driving up to his cousin Chrysti's wedding. Busy, busy summer, but so great to see family! 
As we pulled up in the Jeep, Will began squealing excitedly and pointing to the horses. He got out of the car and headed right over to meet Winnie. Chad led her over to greet us. 
As she came closer, Will suddenly wasn't quite so sure about the situation. 
He felt much more confident in Daddy's arms. And after watching Aaron stroke her mane...
He was ready to make friends. 
Winnie is 14 and was such a sweetheart the entire time. I loved her swoopy bangs!
Then, Chad and Michelle showed us what they do every day to take care of her, like feeding, brushing, and showering her off to keep her cool. 
They've also been renovating the stables, so they showed us Winnie's new stall, and we met a few of the other horses inside.
And took a family photo op with a horse named Money out in the pasture. 
Will also got a kick out of the barnyard cat. He started to chase her, so the smart kitty didn't hang around too long. 
Thanks Chad & Michelle for a fun afternoon!
I'll start with Grandma's Spot Remover (the little bottle with the blue cap). My mom passed along this little wonder which normally does the trick on pesky little spots and stains, especially from oil, grease, blood, grass, and food. However, there are those stubborn things that require a much tougher approach...
