Anyone out there?

Cute baby

My hiker!

Yahoo for 6 months!

Do you think there are any fish out there?

Brady's 1st solo ride!

Oh my. It has been quite awhile since I've been on here...I'm wondering if anyone has actually stuck with me and continues to check my blog. Probably not. Well here is an update for my benefit I guess! :)

Jolee is now a precious little bundle at 6 months old. She is still a smiler, still sleeps extraordinarily well, and is all of just over 12 pounds. She has actually outgrown a few 0-3 month clothes, but not many. The few 3-6 month things I've put her in look rather large on her! Its hard to believe. She rolls really quickly now from her back to her stomach. She can fit 4 toes into her mouth. She likes standing in the walker, but tires quickly. I just got out the high chair and cleaned it up...getting ready for the start of a new phase of feeding. She loves to be held and snuggled and tickled. She is growing bored of laying down and is starting to scoot on her back....she pushes with her feet and gets her hips up so she slides head first across the floor. So much for the little bit of hair that was beginning to grow back over her bald spot!

We just returned from a 4 day camping trip that was just....well, incredible! My parents went with us, and our friend J joined us for a day. We spent the days hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, watching a brilliant star-filled sky for the meteor shower, swimming, walking, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.....all the good stuff. It was a great little getaway before Andy started back to school. Here are a few highlights...On one hike we had to stop for a few minutes because a moose was a little to close to the path for comfort. At one point we stopped along the edge of a river/waterfall to take pictures...my mom slipped on a rock and we got a pic of her IN the river instead of next to it! On one kayak trip across the lake, the wind picked up really strong...creating white caps on the water. I was on shore and looked up to see both kayaks overturned...I could only see 4 heads bobbing up and down and the sound of Luke screaming. It was nerve-wracking to be on shore and not be able to help. Andy was able to toss Luke back into the kayak and swim to shore. J and Brady hung on to their boat which was barely bobbing above the water. They all made it back safely, but it was so stressful for me to watch that I had to go for a walk after to calm down. Praise God for His protection! One clear night we were told there was supposed to be a meteor shower...we all sat around the campfire and talked and watched the sky. It was awesome.

And now...we are trying to adjust to Andy being back at school...all day...with soccer practice after. Its a long day for us all. Andy is excited about his first season as a high school coach. I know he loves to be outside playing soccer. Next week Brady starts school...I'm still wrestling with that, but we've decided to send him for a half day instead of a full day of kindergarten. He is also supposed to start his first team sport this week...his soccer shoes, socks, and shin guards are ready and waiting. I can't wait to watch him learn how to play, to be on a team, and to interact in an event without us. He is growing up so fast...its great, and I hate it at the same time. I cheer his independence and accomplishments, and quietly loathe having to let him go. Something tells me I better get used to it.