Friends

Randon Willard, Brita Jessen, Ryan Casey, Kim Simpkins, Steve Bramlett, Meredith Chase, Dan Byler, Liz Peirce, Groom, Bride, Matt Peirce, Laura Papia, Ben Holt, Hannah Daman, Chris Paine, Julia Scott, Joshua Grohman, Rhiannon Byler

I have been thinking about this post since late summer when I realized that of the 19 people in our wedding party- who live all over this country- we have seen all but three this year, and I have plans to see one of them by Christmas.  And really I think we saw them all between May and August.  I count this as SUCH a blessing to me personally from Jesus.  I wrote as we moved about my "list" of friends God reminded me of just before we moved back to MA.  I am so thankful for how God has always provided friends for me.  And some may have counted us crazy to have such a large wedding party but I am still so thankful for these people who have walked life with me leading up to our wedding day, and still do 5 years later!  AND at first I thought it was just the bridesmaids, but soon realized, we have even seen most of the groomsmen as well!!!

Let me recount our wonderful visits:

Randon, his wife Kelly, and baby boy spent the night with us in PA just a few weeks before we moved.  How fun to see them multiple times during our years in PA.

Brita, I am coming for you this Christmas!!!

Ryan met us on our summer vacation at Sandy Cove.  He joined us for lunch and then Nate and Ryan hit the Frisbee golf course and took a quick dip in the pool before he headed back to Baltimore.

We got to meet Kim's baby boy Edan at her parents house in DE on our way home from Sandy Cove.  Even better, we connected again at the zoo this October when she visited MA. Twice in one year is a new record for us the last few years!  Lets keep it up!

If you read this Steve, we need an update!!!

Meredith came all the way from NYC for the night to meet Isaac, tour UMass and treat us to dinner.  We had a wonderful visit catching up on everything!  Thanks for visiting.

Dan was on the east coast long enough to grab dinner with Nate :)

One of the best parts of being in MA is that our family is close- and not just our parents, but all of our siblings as well!  We have seen Liz, Matt, Hannah, and Laura multiple times this year which we are so thankful for!

I wish we could say we have hung out with the Holts more since we have been back in MA, but I am thankful to say we did grab dinner with them at least once which was a blast.  His little girl Alice and Olivia had a blast together.

Sadly we have not seen the Paines in a long time- but we have stayed in touch.  Maybe we can make a trip to TX soon, or coordinate a visit to PA in the near future:)  You are always welcome in MA too!

We had a blast with Julia and her family in NH this summer!  Her little girl Sadie and Olivia got along SO well, I wish they lived down the street!

Joshua DID make the trek not only to MA from TX, but to our house!  He even showed Olivia how to do a front dive roll from our deck!  

And Rhiannon we are thankful  for all the fun we have had together this summer and fall!

So there you have it.  What an amazing day- 6.7.08.  Thank you all for being a part of it and thanks for continuing the journey with us!!!

(and I should say I love all our "new" friends too)

First Dentist Visit

This past Tuesday Olivia, Isaac and I headed to the dentist for Olivia's very first appointment.  Honestly, I was nervous.  I had not confirmed with Nate to watch Isaac so I had to bring him with me- not a huge deal, but a factor.  And I just didn't know if Olivia would love it or hate it or something in between.  We talked about and practiced how to open your mouth and I even stuck my fingers in her mouth like the dentist might to count her teeth and make sure they are healthy.  

As you can see, the dentist was a positive experience for all parties involved,  I am so thankful!!!  In fact, I must brag on Olivia a little bit- the hygentist, Kelly, said she was acting like a kindergartner she did so well!!!  She sat in the big chair all by herself, let Kelly count her healthy teeth- ten on top and ten on bottom.  Olivia had her teeth brushed, by herself and with the fancy spinning toothbrush with fruity flavored toothpaste.  She even allowed Kelly to floss her teeth AND apply fluoride   She requested a mint flavor for that one.  When she was all done she got to pick out a sticker that she wore all day and take home a goody bag with a toothbrush and floss.

I am seriously SO proud of my big girl Olivia.  I can only hope the next visit goes so well!!!

Issac 9 Months

Not too much to report new this month.  Isaac is almost walking, no new teeth just yet and we will get the weight and height details at his check up on Monday.  Here are the photos, I couldn't choose just one:

Thanksgiving 2012

We spent Thanksgiving in Bolton this year with all these wonderful people from the Daman/Bottcher clan.  Olivia was NOT excited about the photo- but if you look close you can see her leaning all the way back in her Papa's lap.

Hannah broke out the banjo and played with Nate for awhile Wednesday night.

Auntie Laura and Isaac

Olivia helped play a few notes too.

And then she and Papa took a little snooze together.

Brie en croute- Yum!

Perhaps my favorite moment- Olivia with her eyes closed between Nana and Auntie praying.

Isaac was excited about cheerios...

and then slept through the meal.

Notice all the clean plates, it was delicious!

On Friday morning we went to Rhiannon's cookie day!

Isaac practiced standing up- one of his favorite pastimes.

After cookie day, we visited in Lincoln MA.  Grandpa enjoyed playing with Isaac.

And of course we ended our visit with a trip to ChickFila- remember that video Olivia was in last year, this was her payment:)   Thanks Aunt Liz and Aunt Nicole.

Back home, enjoying the blocks.

And who doesn't love a PB and J!

Reading Books, 5 months in...

Nate snapped this photo of Olivia and I reading our library books this morning.  Trying to make the most of Isaac's nap time and glad to be in a photo with my sweet girl:)

OH- and other random excitement from this weekend- we realized as Isaac turned 8 months we have been in Amherst for 8 months.  Definitely hard to believe!!!  One of the hardest things for me about moving is making new friends- my "old" friends leave A LOT to live up to!  But God is faithful and we are making new ones here, slowly but surely.  Pointed out this weekend by having a full social calendar, locally in Amherst!!!  Three dinner "parties"  in a row- Fri, Sat and Sun!  Plus church.  What fun!!!

Brother and Sister

As I tried to get a photo after church yesterday this is what followed...I LOVE THEM!!!

 

Isaac 8 Months

Isaac continues to be on the move this month- still with his belly on the floor.  Sometimes if someone sets him  up to crawl, he will stay up for a few moments and rock, but quickly puts his belly down if he wants to GO somewhere.  He is also VERY interested in standing up!  Often he will crawl to Nate and "ask" for help to stand.  I have been trying to feed him three "meals" a day in order to help his schedule be more consistent/sleep better at night.  I think last night he only got up once, which was a good night, though I am not totally sure since its all starting to blend together.  When he sleeps well, Olivia usually gets up more/longer so its hard to get any consistent sleep these days.  They both still have colds which hasn't helped either.  Isaac definitely has a voice these days!  And yesterday Nate thought he said "mama" when they were riding around in Target.  I didn't really believe him till this morning when I very clearly heard "mama" come from his mouth!  Unbelievable and exciting!  Oh, and he as three more teeth up top!!!  (also could be contributing to the not great sleep...)  We continue to adore this big little handsome guy!!!

Just for fun, Olivia at 8 months...I am blessed with two beautiful babies!!!