We drove up and they flew into Charlotte late Thursday (can I just say that it is REALLY difficult finding good flights from Colorado to South Carolina? Come on people, work with us here!) and we traveled to Asheville on Friday for a little exploration. Saturday we returned home to Sumter (with a little car trouble- boo!) for a couple of days before they left for their flight back in Charlotte. 
Christian and I went to Willard Farms in Gable, SC this past Wednesday with some other mommies, a daddy, and kiddos from our church. Although Christian is too young to fully appreciate the farm, it was still fun to go on a wagon ride through a corn field and ride "the cow train." We hope to return again as Christian gets older to experience some of the other cool stuff they have like the "big pillow" (as one child called it,) playground, and slide that is buried in a massive dirt pile. :) Plus, you can't beat fresh picked produce, delicious baked goods and hand-scooped ice cream....mmm, mmm.
This month Christian has been BUSY! He has learned how to get into the sitting position on his own, and rocks on his hands and knees...just one step closer to crawling. He also loves to eat! I think yogurt is probably his favorite, although it takes some convincing to get him to eat green beans. (Just like Daddy.) Christian is also finger feeding all by himself, and is developing his fine motor skills. It's amazing the things that he gets into (and he's not even quite crawling yet-yikes!) He also likes to say "Ma" and "Mum-mum"- much to my delight! He is definitely a little love bug and has already captured the heart of some of the people we have met these past couple of months. Such a fun age, so sweet and playful. Can't believe that he will be a YEAR old in September!
At C's doctor appointment today, he weighed 19 pounds, 10 ounces and was 27.5 inches long. Growing boy!
I have been reading The Yada Yada Prayer Group series by Neta Jackson as of late (a 7 book series- I'm only on book 2.) Definitely light reads, but perfect for the end of the day when my mind is a little numb anyway. Actually, I have really been enjoying these books because they are all about getting real with others, becoming vulnerable, and getting out of one's comfort zone. If you know me, this is something that can really be a challenge in my life. I would sometimes rather stay to myself and be "comfortable" rather than getting out there and meeting others. This can be a very bad trait- leading to isolation at times. Steve and I have talked about how much harder it has been to make real friends ever since we graduated from college- why is that? I guess when one enters the "real world" of work and busy schedules it becomes harder and you really have to work at it. I am learning that, and have been trying to take more initiative to meet others and make friends with those at our new church and with our neighbors. It is still difficult though, and I hope that sometime in the next four-ish years while we are here in Sumter that I will be able to meet some women that I can "get real" with and develop more meaningful and intimate friendships.
The newest blooms in our yard. Every day it seems like there is something new blooming, and since this is our first summer, we never know quite what to expect. I especially love the ruffled edges on the yellow daylily.
One of Steve's first projects once we moved into our house was to plant a magnolia tree. (We are in the South after all.) Not a humongous one, but a variety called "Little Gem Magnolia" which is better for a smaller yard. The fragrance of these blooms is wonderful, and you can smell it just walking by. I cheated on this picture, it is actually a magnolia from a HUGE tree at Swan Lake.
Generally the best toys are the ones that are simple and require imagination. Blankets for forts, old boxes, clothes for dress up. I look forward to the days ahead and the creative ways that Christian might play. Oh to be a child again. :o)
This Memorial weekend we drove up to North Carolina- we stayed for 1 night. Steve showed me a little of Fort Bragg (a HUGE base!) and then we visited with Steve's cousin, Lauren and her husband, Derrick in Raleigh. So fun to get away, even if it was for just a day. 
We also explored a bit of Lake Johnson Park. Can we say beautiful!? I love being able to explore the east and see new things, and I just cannot get over how green it is here. Of course, this is highly attributed to all the rain (which is another wonderful thing all in itself!)
Time to go! Someone was getting a little grumpy...
I cannot stop myself from kissing this adorable, lovable face!
