Homebuilders Retreat

We went on a retreat near Chautauqua Lake. It was a gorgeous fall weekend in October and a nice time away. Due to sickness, our friends couldn't join us, so it was a weekend of togetherness for our little, growing family. What a blessing! Ansel and Travis had a blast wrestling and playing in a tree house, which happens to be a school bus on a treetop.

Camping at Jellystone in North Java, NY

Posing in the water

In Yogi's basket

First time eating corn on the cob

Nebraska Fun

Ansel's aunt, Alissa, took this photo of him playing in the yard at Grandpa and Nana's house. Ansel had a blast! What's not to love about cherry-picking, playing in Nana's garden, playing with big toys and big kids, and the country life of his daddy's sweet Nebraska? It was all good.

Thanks to all of our lovely family members and friends who were more than accomodating during our visit. We miss you all and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. Not only the company, but also the horses and cows in Nebraska made a great impression on Ansel. He hasn't stopped talking of them since. When asked if he would like to go outside, his reply is "yes, oh, horsees!" The fourwheeler is an acceptable substitute at times, but who knows how long such a substitute will suffice.

Summer time is finally here.

Father's Day, Our Backyard

Family Photo, Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY

First Family Trip to Disneyland

While in California we went to Disneyland!
It was Ansel and Travis' first time ever
to the happiest place on earth. We had a blast
and so did Ansel. It was great to be kids
again with our own little guy.

A speed reader, just like his dad and nana!

Ansel, talkin' & drinkin'.

I love these friends!

Here are a few pictures Travis took at our last HomeBuilders Fellowship.


Sean and Carrie

Corrina

Eric

John

We are also involved in Bible study with these ladies and gents. They are so much fun! We laugh a lot and have some wonderful discussions about God, who He is, what His word says, and what He is doing in our lives.

16 Months

Ansel is 16 months and full of energy! He has recently started going to Music with Mar. He loves music and dances. Cars are a favorite. He makes many different "vroom" noises at play. Ansel now has seven teeth. Salads, broccoli, milk with cereal, olives, bananas, and apples are foods he really enjoys. 

I can't believe how Ansel's words are just taking off. He doesn't say the words perfectly all the time, but he has definite words that he consistently uses for apple, elbow, and all done. He says ball, bye-bye, hi, dada, mama, 'nana (banana), and "yeah." We are having fun with him as his communication skills develop. He continues to sign cup, eat, more, and milk. What an amazing process...God is so creative and we are blessed to see more of that through our son. It truly is captivating.

Our Sweet Score: Free Bikes!

My Christmas present from Travis was shopping for a bike. We found these for free and plan to make upgrades on the ladies' for me. New saddle, grips, and paint. We are looking forward to spring! Now, we just have to find a trailer for Ansel and we'll be all set!

Ansel's First Snow Fun

While we were in Reno for Christmas, Ansel got a new snowsuit from Grammy. We had to try it out and go play in the snow for Ansel's very first snow experience! He wasn't so sure about the cold, but walked around in it for a bit.