Fun at the Park

We met my family at the park this past weekend for a picnic.

It was a beautiful, warm day!

Taking in some sunshine with my favorite little guy!

This was Nathanael’s first time on the swings!

He needed some back support…like a little Leah bug.

She had been swinging a lot higher when Grandma was pushing her by herself.

So, she wasn’t all too thrilled to be going at a slower pace.

He’s not quite sure about this…

Ready! Set! Go!

Weeeee!

He smiled for us mostly and not so much for the camera.

No crying though! I think it was a success.

And, there goes Micah!

Leah was happier when she could go fast!

Sweet Anna

Here’s Bekah. She is 9 years old and growing up too fast!

After our picnic, we went to ride the train. All of us!

I love his precious expressions.

Smiling for Grandpa

This is only half of our party.

Along with my sisters’ family, my aunt, cousin, brother and his girlfriend were all aboard too.

We took up the front of the train.

Nathanael had fun with Daddy but wasn’t too sure about the train whistle or the tunnel.

 

…all in all, a wonderful time with people we love!

3/16/13

Growing up!

I can’t believe how much my little man has changed in such a few short months.

I was looking through photos of the early days.

Look at how small he is in these pictures above.

And now…

 

…he’s growing up!

He is almost four months old.

WOW.

He’s my beautiful boy.

Nathanael is rolling over like it is no big deal.

He is strong!

He is making adorable noises and likes to giggle.

He smiles. Those really never get old.

He reaches for his toys, holds them, and plays with them.

He likes putting things in his mouth (like his toes).

He LOVES to stand with our help.

He likes to bounce in our arms.

He likes kisses.

He likes to cuddle.

He squeezes our faces.

I feel like he is doing something new every single day.

Before you know it…

I’ll be sending this boy to college.

Ok, ok…not quite yet!

Catching up!

Just catching up on posting some pictures.

When Phil’s parents were here for Nathanael’s baptism,

they made sure to come by and spend some quality time with him.

We took an outing to Seal Beach.

It was a beautiful day.

We walked on the pier and took in the sun.

Here we stopped for some refreshments before Grandpa left to the airport.

Grandma got to stay an extra week!

We enjoyed talking and smiling…

…we LOVE those smiles.

Some Phone Pic Faves

Note the picture where he has three band-aids on his legs.

Shots are no fun!

Sleepy Time

Lounging around at home.

Nathanael has already rolled over…

…from his tummy to his back and from his back to his tummy!

Of course, this is only when he wants to do it…

…but when it happens, his father and I are thoroughly impressed.

Having fun looking into the camera with Dad.

Bored…

This is the life.

xoxo

Nathanael’s Baptism

Nathanael was baptized on January 12, 2013. We had a small service with our loved ones at a nearby Lutheran church. As a former pastor, my dad has a lot of baptisms under his belt and we couldn’t think of anyone else we would rather have be the one to baptize our son. He did a wonderful job and reminded us as a group that we all need Jesus. We as people are born with sin and it is through the work of God’s amazing grace that we are forgiven and saved. While Nathanael’s faith is simple at this time, we pray that as he grows into a young child and also a man, that he sees the work God has done in him and seeks to embrace the things that are holy and pleasing to his savior.

Here’s the little guy before we left for the church.

Tired. Maybe we should splash some water on him?

Once we got to the church we took some photos.

I sure love these two guys.

Yes, Nathanael is wearing a hat.

He was all dressed up for his special day.

We adore you, son.

Here is our attempt at getting a photo with Nathanael’s cousins.

It wasn’t as successful as we had hoped.

Both sets of grandparents were there for this special occasion.

My sister, Emily, and brother-in-law, Josh, are Nathanael’s godparents.

Both Philip and I admire their love for the Lord and how they teach their own children about Him.

We have been incredibly blessed by their friendship.

They are truly two of our most favorite people.

It was an honor to have them stand beside us during the baptism.

Here we are, promising to teach our son about God’s love and grace.

Look at the loving support of our family!

Nathanael being baptized by his Grandpa Jay.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Handed over to his godparents.

We prayed over Nathanael and rejoiced afterwards!

Receiving gifts to remember this day by.

We were given a candle to light every year on the date of Nathanael’s baptism.

What a great way to remind our son of what God has done for him!

After the baptism, we went to my parents house for a celebration!

Like the pom-poms? My homemade décor!

The cake, however, was not homemade. Thanks, Sam’s Club!

Little Grace thought the pom-poms were neat.

We think our families celebrate well together.

We are so thankful to have them all in our life.

Grandpa Fred and Nathanael.

Child of God.

 

1/12/13