Visiting Nana and Papa's

Last weekend we took an extended weekend trip to Nana and Papa's in Hastings! The boys had a lot of fun cuddling and playing with them as well as getting to know other family members at cousin Kelly's wedding and friends at Todd's 10-year class reunion.

Here are a few highlights from our trip....

Carter kissing the bride!

Turner and Nana at the reception.

Carter and Todd checking out the airplane show! The next morning Todd and his Dad went for a ride on one of these planes!

Papa giving Carter a ride on his mower!

Turner and Papa reading!

Four generations of Hohlen men!

5 months old!!

Saturday our Tdub turned 5 months old!!

What we've observed in him this past month:

• More smiles and giggles!
• More drooling!
• More attempts to roll, but still isn't working for him =)
• More sleeping - yippee!!!
• More playing - really has those hands figured out, especially likes to grab his toes.
• More cuddles - still loves to be held!

He continues to be a joy to Todd and I and is beginning to become a playmate for Carter!

Happy Father's Day - part two

I couldn't let Father's Day come and go without honoring another special father in my life. I can honestly say there isn't another Dadda in the world I'd want for my boys - Todd is so amazing with them - whether it's changing diapers, giving baths, reading stories or just loving on them - he is the best! One of my favorite parts of the day is having him walk in the door and seeing the faces of my boys light up! And I'm so excited to watch him (and help him!) teach them the way of life, the ways of Christ in the years ahead - he is going to be great at training them to become men of character, men of God. Thanks for being such a wonderful dadda to my boys! Love you babe!!

Happy Father's Day - part one

What a great day to honor our fathers - I am truly blessed to have the best Dad in the whole world. I'm sitting here trying to put into words what he has meant to me over the past 27 years.... it wasn't until college that I truly learned to appreciate all my father had done for me in my life. Growing up I loved him dearly - especially when I was hurt, he was doctor so of course he made every hurt better instantly! Though I questioned his rules at times and thought he was a bit old-fashioned I followed him and his rules and I later on realized how much I needed him and his rules and his guidance. I am thankful that he protected me and provided for me so graciously.

Probably what I'm most grateful for is the example he has given me of my Heavenly Father - he has given me a true glimpse at who God is... it wasn't Dad's teaching me the Bible that I remember most, it was more his life example that I recall.

I remember a time in college when I was driving my purple two-door Chevy Blazer (that was a high school graduation gift from my parents and yes, it was purple!) to a college class and got a little too close to a car parked on the side of the road and broke my side-mirror off - it was Dad I called right away bursting into tears and he was quick to say "it's ok!" - that moment reminded me of God's great mercy - forgiving me of my sins.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here - when I think about Dad and how awesome he is and then think how much greater and more perfect God's love is for me I am amazed and blessed. Thanks for being Christ-like, Dad and teaching me the love of the Lord.

Here is Dad with his two kids and two grandkids! Happy Father's Day, Dad!!! I love you!!!

Sleeping Handsomes

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety."
Psalm 4:8

Each night before we go to bed Todd and I check on our boys one last time. It's one of the highlights of the day to see them sleeping soundly - here's a glimpse at why we have such sweet dreams.....

Carter-isms #2

We were out to lunch today and as a dessert to his kid's meal Carter received some gummy worms. After he finished his plate Todd sets the small plate of "worms" in front of him and Carter is instantly grossed out and will NOT eat them - we tried so hard to cajole him into it, eating them ourselves and basically trying to stick them in his mouth and he still wouldn't even try them. He just kept scrunching up his face and saying worms.

I guess with all this rain we've been getting it's nice to know he's not likely to be trying real ones anytime soon!!

A visit to the ranch....

Last Sunday we took a little day trip down to Stella, NE to visit the Jacobitz family!

We arrived in Stella soon after 10am and after a quick tour of the town and a call to Kathy we found the church. After a few songs Jed gave a great message from the book of Acts - though I was a little preoccupied at times by my little boys I did catch most of the sermon and really appreciated Jed sharing from his heart. The line that stuck out to me the most was when he said something like this "what if I sought after God with the same passion I sought after other things in this world" - wow - quite the challenging thought. It's way too easy for me to caught up in the things of this world, instead I need to passionately seek God and allow Him to shape my life, my goals and my actions.... Thanks Jed for the awesome words of wisdom.

After church we headed out to Jed and Kathy's place for a BBQ. They stuffed us full of burgers, hot dogs, and all the fixin's, even homemade ice cream courtesy of Jed's mom - yummy!!! Carter had a blast running around the yard and playing with the other kiddos. Here's a few pics from the occasion! Thanks for having us Jacobitz family!!!

Buzz