Shelby, Luke, Mack and I drove to Charlotte in June to take some of the Hatfields home after they visited Morton. We were there only a short time, but while we were there Jenny took us to Blowing Rock and the Tweetsie Railroad. Luke is obsessed with Trains and this trip couldn't have been more fun for him! An old train and little boys-so much joy!

We celebrated Cole's High School Graduation on May 15th, 2011. The Graduation ceremony was at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. After the ceremony we went to KOBE Steakhouse for dinner. It was a really special day except that Dave had to leave church early to visit the prompt care because his tongue had swelled up 3 times bigger than it's normal size! No kidding it was a little scary. They gave him a shot and off we went to graduation. We also had an open house the following weekend! So much fun celebrating our first born son! We are so proud of him and the way he's maturing. Especially this year. He's great with Mack too! Congratualaitons Cole. We know you will do great at Bradley and we are glad you will be around:)

Dave was able to hand Cole his diploma as a member of the School Board.

Regan's Cake pops were a big hit! We apreciate all the work that went into them and the cake that my Aunt Emily made. It is our families favorite and whenever we have a reason to get together and enjoy her cakes we love to do it!

The Nicholson 7. One is on his way to college and one is 2, but we feel complete and our enjoying every minute!

Surgery

This spring we had tubes put in the boys ears...Luke's second set! The OSF Center for Health was an awesome experience. They were given these cars to play with and they were watching Cars the movie while they waited to go into surgery. Dr. Hertenstien is awesome and eveyone takes really great care of them!

The Beach Club

We visited Gulf Shores for Spring Break at the end of March and even though we have made this trip 8-9 times we haven't done it since Luke has been with us. We were all really excited to take the little boys to the beach! We traveled with the Zobrists and had the best weather we've ever had at the end of March.

Most of the days we spent playing in the sand, swimming, laying around and resting! It was beautiful! Luke and Mack are doing pretty well. It has been a really long winter of adjusting to life with 2 boys! They compete for everything and are pretty wild! They are precious in our eyes and we love them very much.

Lots to Celebrate!

The last few weeks have been filled with busy fun crazy days! We spent a few weeks driving all over while the 7th and 8th grade bball teams at Peoria Christian Middle School both went to state! We went to the games because Piper was cheering and they were a lot of fun!

On February 9th Mack turned 2! That night we went to a bball game for Piper and ate Chinese, then on the 13th we had all the family over for cake and ice cream. He is doing so well, talking and so happy all the time. I can't believe 6 months has passed. It has made a huge difference in his confidence and security.

Also Cole and Piper had their birthday this week. Cole's 18 and Piper's 14! Time flies. They are all doing great. We are getting ready to celebrate our first high school graduate. He is amazing and I am so proud of him. He is so smart and responsible. I Can't wait to see what his next step will be!

Four Months Home!

It seems ridiculous, even to me, that I have not posted anything in 4 months! Honestly where has the time gone - and yet it feels like an eternity since we've been home. I will just give a short recap. The first few weeks were a blur. When we came home my 89 yr old Grandmother was very ill and ended up passing on Sept. 28th. It was a very hard week. My parents were by her bedside in Iowa and we were at home, sleep deprived and jet lagged and wondering when and if we should visit. We did finally visit a few days before she died. I was able to let her know I got home safely and she met Mack. So did my dad who hadn't seen him yet. A week later I was with all my dad's family celebrating my Grandmother and enjoying each others company. The next few weeks consisted of earning Mack's trust and helping him and Luke get along. Mack is like a little tornado at age 22 months, it doesn't take much for him to destroy something. Helping him learn the boundaries at home took alot of time too. But, as the weeks went by everyday got better and better. Thank you so much to my friends who stepped up while my mom was gone and sent meals, gifts and took Luke! I really appreciated it!

Now it seems we've gotten over the hump! The boys are getting along so much better and the trust factor between Mack and each one of us has improved alot. He had surgery on Jan. 3 (circumcision and hydrolectmy) and unfortunately for him every time he goes through something hard it is a great bonding moment for us! We love him so much and have enjoyed his little personality emerging out from behind a very cautious little boy! He is loving and thinks Luke is so great. He mimicks everything he does. But, I must say the busyness has been difficult for me. I have had to really buck up and realize this is a temporary time in my life and God has blessed me with the chance to spend time with, and create a loving home for these little guys. I don't do it in my own strength though... the Lord has motivated me to put my own personal desires aside and spend time with them right now! Seriously they are fighting right now and I wonder why I haven't done this before now :) Ugh!

We had Mack dedicated on Christmas by my Uncle Tom. It was special to have my sister's family and cousins from out of town. His 2nd birthday is Feb. 9 so that will be the next milestone! We are so happy he his part of our family! Yea God!