Between Here and There

As promised (see below), here are some more pictures from an excursion to a park. On Saturday we traveled to Colorado Bend State Park, which is a little over two hours from Waco. This time we went with our friends, David and Amanda (Mandy). You'll find them pictured above--they're both wearing Duke shirts. I'm not sure if they were aware of the loss to Clemson at that time. After a scenic drive, we enjoyed two short hikes in the park and a picnic lunch by the river. The first hike (pictured in the first shot) took us along the Colorado and then up a little canyon. We only had time to make it up a short ways, so there remains more to explore should we return. Our second hike was longer. It began on a gravel road and then proceeded down a trail to Gorman Falls. It was pretty hot on the open and exposed road, but this verdant oasis (see pic. #2) just above the river was an ample reward.

We finally made it out to a couple of state parks. On Friday we visited Meridian and Lake Whitney State Parks. We enjoyed a gentle but scenic hike around Lake Meridian, and Lillian and Kyle took advantage of the 90 degree heat by swimming in Lake Whitney. The water was too cold for one member of the family. Hopefully we'll have more posts of this 'nature' in the near future.

Not as much snow as Ohio has been receiving un/fortunately.

This photo was included in another birthday card I received and I just had to post it. Thanks Pete

Thanks Jaja for my new shades!

(Thanks to J and J for the card.)

The many faces of our two-year-old. As you may have guessed, these shots were taken after bath time with clean pajamas and freshly combed hair. Coincidentally, the pj's have hearts all over them so they are perfect for Valentine's Day. It seems as though I need to apologize again for becoming so delinquent with the blogging. I think I've lost the urge. Lillian is still as cute as ever but we are picking up the cameras less often these days. You'll have to come visit in order to see the really golden ones during a slide show - with real slides (not digital). We had a great Christmas break visiting tons of family and friends from here to Maryland. We are now back into the routine of life in Waco. Kyle is busy at school though finds time to cheer on the Baylor Bears (men's bball - although the women are even better). We've been to a couple games and are considering bringing Lillian sometime soon. Lilly and I still go every MWF to play with Elliott and Oli...

Christmas and New Years 07-08

Just a taste. As soon as I get in gear I'll post more including Lillian as a two year old.

Camels, donkeys, goats, Mary and Joseph, Christmas Tree lighting, hot apple cider, cookies, Christmas songs, and lots of people.

I was just browsing our photos and saw this cute one of Lillian last November. So I continued going back to 2003 when we first bought the digital. We sure loved the beauty of Vancouver but you really can't compare with pics of your kid, especially one as cute as Lillian. 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Thanks to Uncle Kevin for a beautiful Christmas dress. It is a perfect fit. Here she is modeling.

We spent our Friday (after Thanksgiving) at Homestead Heritage enjoying their Craft and Children's Fair . We enjoyed hot cider and fresh kettle corn on a cold day. We all took advantage of the petting area with young puppies and very cute goats. If only we could have brought one home with us. I hope to make this a Thanksgiving tradition and avoid the stores and malls.

Wow, here we are already spending our second Thanksgiving in Waco. Kyle's parents arrived Monday to spend the week with us and brought an early Christmas as well. Lillian was very happily surprised.

Lilly and I had a picnic outside today. 70 and sunny.

Again, sorry for the delay in writing and posting pics. I've lost that initial excitement I had with blogging. We seem to be having a lot of fun these days. Lillian is talking more and enjoys making us laugh by making faces or dancing around. Some of that is evident in the video below. Lillian and the twins are learning a bit of sign language by watching these videos that are great. I'm learning lots too. Of course a lot of the signs she's learned, she can say as well. I really should have started it a year ago. We are currently working on please and thank you since she doesn't say these. Next is 'grandma' and 'grandpa' to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas visits. We are looking forward to visiting with Kyle's parents next week and then seeing my family (those not in Africa) and even some friends as we'll be driving from Texas to NC and also spend a week in the DC area to see more family and friends. Speaking of the Africa-base...

Sorry about the previous post. I've had a heck of a time trying to get photos to post. And what's a post without a shot of Lillian? Anyway, this one was taken today as she and Kyle read through the Sunday paper. I'm not sure what's she's thinking. Do you? I had a nice talk with Rachel yesterday and she was able to see us using Skype video. What different worlds we are in - but it was fun to hear her voice even if only for a short time.

Friday I made the rash decision to cut Lillian's hair, just her bangs though. She was in the habit of pulling her clips out and her hair completely covered her eyes. So using rounded nail clipping scissors I made three quick cuts as she squirmed. I think it looks very cute but it does seem to give her a different look. You can kinda tell in these two shots. Saturday we went to the Baylor vs Texas football game. It was a beautiful day and I was surprised at how close the players were and easy to watch even though we sat at the top to give Lillian some wiggle room. I think this was possibly my third football game ever. We all got a little sunburned otherwise it was a great time. Hopefully we'll get to go to another. Sunday was a church celebration at the Waco Suspension bridge. Lilly and I rode the trolley (about 6 blocks) and she was enthralled. I'm not sure if was the seatbelt-less voyage or all the people. Once we got there lunch was served on the bridge cros...

Congratulations to the new Moms out there! Our local zoo has two new squirrel monkeys that cling tightly to their mothers as they jump between branches. Our Vancouver friends Mike and Tracy are taking a more active role by holding tightly to their new daughter Emma, born Sunday morning. Both Mom and daughter came home from the hospital the same day and are doing great. Older brother Jake has already said "Hi Emma". I'm not really comparing the two newborns, it's just that I think these little monkeys are cute, at least from behind the fencing.