Halloweening

Pumpkins!

BOO at the Zoo

Line leader day

LEast Taylor Run

a visit from Alice

Airplanes! at Gravelly Point

Read Reunion 2011

Denise and Bob hosted our 3rd annual Read Reunion at their beautiful lake-side farm. It was so great to catch up with family and get to relax in nature. Pop was missed as he spent the weekend in FL resting and recuperating with Aunt Kathy. We look forward to having him back with us next year!

Dan and I enjoyed our first 'weekend away' to attend Rebecca and Taylor's wedding. Huge thank you to Amy for making this possible!

Thanksgiving

I know its early but I haven't written in a while and thought I would get a quick update down. My first thought was to wait until Thanksgiving. Not sure why, maybe seemed like a better time to do a big update, or maybe that I would have more time then. I use this blog mostly for our benefit as a running journal for us to look back on, especially because I am not great about scrapbooks or journals. I also like that we still have some faithful followers after these few years and its fun to see who's come by to check out what Isaac and Cora have been up to. Sometimes I feel so far from some of our dearest loved ones and technology can help bridge that gap.

So, on with it...

I hate to say that life has been busy, because I know that life seems to be quite busy for so many lately. However, when I stop to think about this fall so far that is the first word I come to. The weeks are really zipping by in a way I'm not used too. I often find myself catching my breath. I started teaching at RCC, Cora's preschool, in September. It was a very difficult decision as to whether or not start teaching again, especially since Isaac won't start school until next fall. After much deliberation I applied and got the job. As with any first year, its been a whirlwind since the start of school. I'm really glad to be back in the classroom and love my part time schedule. God truly sent us a wonderful babysitter for Isaac. And, I am enjoying the extra time with Cora as she gets closer to Kindergarten.

In June, my dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He is in the middle of treatment now and should have major surgery in early December. We are thankful that the cancer was caught early. His doctors seem quite positive about his ability to get well. In their words, he will be able to look back on this. I am so grateful for our family and friends who are so supportive and prayerful.

Here come some pictures. Love to all!

Late Summer

choo, choo!

soccer camp

morning reading

cheeeeeese

getting better on the bike

Happy Birthday to Mommy

Deep Creek Lake

We took a last minute family vacation with Uncle Matt, Aunt Nicole, Ella (4 in August), and Olivia (10 weeks)to Deep Creek Lake, MD. Dan and Matt found a beautiful house with a view of the lake, a playset, a hot tub, and a fire pit. Everyone had a great time hiking, swimming, playing, and relaxing. I hope it becomes an annual tradition.

Cora says of Ella-"She is my cousin and my friend". Indeed!

Friends