Birthday Present from Japan

Uncle Matthew and Aunt Elaine sent Walker a birthday present from their current post in Japan. Walker was so excited to receive the package (which got here in about a week, impressive).

Getting started...

...doesn't everyone have a full laundry basket on their kitchen table?



Only Uncle Matthew






And stickers, too


Walker has asked to call Uncle Matthew and Aunt Elaine several times to say thank you. I hope their phone gets set up soon and I can figure out the time change so he can place that call!

The Party

A wonderful time of celebration and fun with the family.













Trying to get a picture with all the "cousins," Eli was not in the mood.

The Big Slide!

On Monday Walker conquered "the big slide" at the park. My very cautious child had never gone down it on his own. Now, Eli had no trouble and has been sliding down on his stomach for a while. Walker on the other hand, would go to the top, look around and then walk back down the ramp.

This time, however, he marched up there all by himself and slid down without and prompting from Mommy. He then proceeded to slide for what seemed like forever (but was probably like 30 minutes). He was so proud of himself and exhausted. He fell into bed that night. My little boy is growing up.

Celebrating Walker on His Birthday

We started the day with a trip to Cracker Barrel. I forgot to get eggs so we had to go out for the breakfast pancakes. It turned out to be a wonderful choice. The boys were perfectly behaved and enjoyed playing with the toys after we finished.





He got to open and play with is gift from mommy and daddy.







Walker wanted pizza for lunch.


And got to decorate and eat cupcakes.

January 27th, 2001

Eight years, three children, two dogs, five moves, three churches, one college degree, one Ironman completion, one Caribbean cruise, several Disney trips, eight jobs, one new company, many traumas and countless successes; these years have been an beautiful start to our marriage.

I am honored to have in a husband a man who loves Jesus, loves me and loves our children. I am so thankful to be a part of this mysterious, spiritual union with my Jason.

Our wedding day was wonderful. Truly one of the most pure holy days I have ever been a part of. The world disappeared and it was only about God, Jason and myself.

The weather was perfect, even in January, much like today. Sunshine and almost 70.

We had a blast and then quickly whisked ourselves away to San Fransisco followed by Park City. It was so much fun trying out this "marriage" thing together. It is neat to think about how much as changed and how much has stayed exactly the same.







**Everything was perfect that day. My only regret came months later, upon receiving my wedding pictures. These are some of the best, and well you can see the quality. Maybe for our 10th we can get all dressed up and take some do-overs. :)

Walker, Year Three in Pictures

This is a quickly put together montage of photos of Walker over the past year. It has been an amazing year. Enjoy!

Early Morning, By Walker

Walker gets up early, very early. Much earlier than anyone else in the house is ready to get up. One morning this week he got the camera and took pictures to document what he did while he was the only one up. He also seemed to take the time to figure out exactly how to work the camera.

Upside down and too much flash.


Right side up and too much flash.


The perfect early morning face.


Breakfast, upside down.


Breakfast entertainment.


I guess the next step was to take the camera to the computer and try to upload the pictures, but mommy and daddy interrupted him.


This kid never ceases to amaze me.