Summer in Tennessee

Siena has had an exciting summer with a trip home to visit her grandparents, swim lessons, her first visit to the zoo and spending countless afternoons outside in her baby pool. The daily highlight of swim lessons at MTSU was going down the big slide NUMEROUS times. That and the fact that she passed and will be ready for pre-school swim lessons next year. The zoo was an experiment with animals, but Siena's favorite were the fish and the turtles. The baby pool in our yard may provide relief for Siena, but Mom & Dad find shade under the umbrella with lemonade and even that doesn't always work.

We also had to say good-bye to cousin Sebastian who moved away this month. Siena adored her little 3 month old cousinand covered him with kisses constantly. She also stole his toys when he was using them. I know everyone in our household will miss him and his mommy.

Up next for us is a visit from cousin Kirsten and Kalli and hopefully a trip to the drive-in when it cools off.

10 Years = A Decade to Remember

Most of my blogs revolve around Siena because let's face it; she's cute, adorable, doing new things and that's why I started this blog. But Siena wouldn't be here without Kurt or myself. We dated for 5 years as high school sweethearts before walking down the aisle (Today that doesn't sound like much, but it really is, even in high school years). We had a plan that we prayed about and seemed practical for our lives; go to PA school in Wichita, move to Tennessee to go to recording industry program at MTSU, both get our careers on track, backpack across Europe, buy a house, have a family. We have been able to accomplish these with God's blessing over the years, but that doesn't mean we didn't have our little surprises along the way. What I think is more amazing than all of these is continuing to be content in the person God put in my life. I still depend on Kurt for everything; he is my emotional support, my encourager and my best friend. He loves all that I am and has stood beside me through all that I have fallen short of. I don't know what the next 10 years look like but I know that with such an amazing man by my side, I can face tomorrow with a smile.

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!! He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed! We had a great Easter in Middle Tennessee. The flowers have been blooming for a month, and we had beautiful blue skies and sunshine for the weekend. World Outreach Church's special guest at our Easter Service was Michael W. Smith who performed 3 songs, including an extra one with our music team. Siena loved the bunnies at church, she got her picture with the Easter Bunny and she LOVED searching for hidden Easter Eggs with her friends Kinsleigh and Kaelyn. She even had an extra hug for her new 12 day old cousin, Sebastian. We are very blessed to have family and friends to celebrate such a beautiful holiday with. May each of you remember that our Father loves us so much that he allowed his only perfect Son to suffer so that we could have a chance at eternity with Him.

White Christmas

We had a beautiful Tennessee Christmas with family from Kansas and snow!!!! How often we wish for snow, but we rarely receive snow on Christmas day. We had a nice relaxed breakfast and took our time enjoying each other. Siena had a great time although she wasn't too interested in opening presents. She preferred walking around with her new things. Her most played with gift is probably a broom or a stroller. Once again, this little one doesn't sit still so a book is too stationary to her tastes. We shared Christmas dinner with friends and family and our home and waist bands were bursting at the seam with food and joy. We pray you created your own family memories to last you the whole year through. More importantly, we hope you remember that a young girl accepted the invitation by God 2000 years ago to carry a baby that would take away the sins of the world and give us all a chance at life eternal. May we all be so eager to accept God's invitations for our lives.

Favorite Time of the Year

Halloween is every parent's favorite time of the year to show off their little snuggle bug. Halloween was busy but so much fun. We attended our church's annual Hoedown after church. Most of the games and activities were for the older kids but Siena had fun with the bubbles and sandbox. As usual, she stopped people in their tracks with her adorable smile and quick feet. Following an afternoon of games dressed as a ballerina, we did a costume change and Siena became a duck while trick-or-treating with our dear friends, the Hamricks. Gabriel was Elmo and the twin girls, Kaelyn & Kinsleigh, were little piggies. Their street looked like a barnyard. Siena couldn't speak but that didn't stop her from running up to doors and banging on the screen doors. She acquired quite a bit of candy for her first time out. It was such a memorable day - don't you wish every day was Halloween!

Exploration Never Ends

Every day is a new adventure for Siena. She has such a joyful attitude and is always on the move. She comes running to the door when it opens and she can't wait to get outside. I hate to tell her winter will be here soon. We had a few days of snuggling together after her latest vaccinations, but it didn't last long and she was off and running once more. She is branching out with her diet to eating more finger foods and sharing them with Milo! Siena got her first baby doll that is the perfect size for toting around; she is all girl. Siena has enjoyed a trip to the pumpkin patch/petting zoo this month and a handful of playdates with children in her age group.

Siena's First Birthday

The first year of a baby's life is full of joy, love and wonder. So much hope filled with so many firsts of new life experiences. But as so many times in our life, it must come to a close. Our baby's first year is gone. It can only be found in the photo album, scrapbooks and our fond memories, but it flew by just as everyone predicted. As a typical celebration in the United States, we gathered with friends and family to join baby Siena in her first bite of birthday cake and ice cream. Afterwards, as most children, she was overwhelmed with wonderful presents and hugs from loved ones. No sugar rush was noted but a good time was had by all.