Gettin' to see the Arkansas Kin! Papa Joe & Mama Hazel

Alicia headed up to Searcy, AR to visit with Papa Joe & Mama Hazel last week and I met up with them on Friday. What a trip to the farm it was! PapaJoe and Mama Hazel hadn't seen Liam since the first week he was born and it was special spending time together with them as family.

Many families are blessed with just one set of fantastic grandparents but we have two. The love that the Lake's have for me and the encouragement they give me gives me strength and joy. They are so much fun and Liam definitely enjoys their lovin'!

Also, Uncle Johnny, Aunt Lisa and the twins (Cousin Joe & Cousin Shannon) stopped by Saturday night and we had a mini-reunion. I had a blast seeing how much Shannon and Joseph have grown - they are 4 months older than Liam, also, Papa Joe taught me how to drive the John Deere tractor! That is a dream come true for this city slicker. Next time on the farm I can put my hand to work.

We are looking forward to take the I-30 trail back up to Arkansas again soon.

Hittin' the Trail to See Aunt Stephanie & The Thorntons

We spent this past Sunday hanging out at Scott and Dori Thornton's house. We popped by to see Aunt Stephanie who hadn't seen Liam yet. She was in town with her youngins Jonathan and Lauren. Liam had a blast seeing other kids and visiting with Aunt Stephanie, Dori and Riley (Dori and Scott's cute daughter - note butterfly face).
As you can tell, in the last several photos of Liam, he is holding his head-up incredibly well. When you hold him he is looking side to side to check out his surroundings.
My favorite moment yet is when he smiled 3-4 times at me on Tuesday morning. He smiled at me as if to say, "Hey, Dad. I know its you." Wow.
We are thankful to the Thorntons for their great hospitality and friendship.

Ponderosa Update - He Keeps Getting Cuter

Baby Bootcamp - Taming a 'lil Bronco Buster

I snuck this picture of Alicia as I was taking pictures of Liam in his Easter outfit.
This photo is completely un-posed but is an often sight on the Ponderosa.
I am amazed at Alicia's resilience (she is breastfeeding 99% of the time), tenderness, determination and strength. I am incredibly proud of her and her awesome work as Mommy.
I am sure this is not the only photo of a Mom who has the "thousand yard stare".

Aunt Katy Rides into Town

Aunt Katy came down from Chicago this past Friday and spent the night at the Ponderosa.

It was special having her there. It was her first time to meet Liam and he thought she was one cool Cowgirl.

She is definitely an all-star - she changed several diapers, held him for hours and fell in-love with him just like us.

Katy is welcome by our fire anytime. Love ya sis.

They Call Me "The Streak"

Here are some pics we took of Liam today in all of his birthday suit glory!
Using white sheets is definitley an adventure: Liam successfully launched a direct hit that required some cleaning.

First Weekend at the Lake

We left the 'Rosa this weekend and headed over to Graford, TX to spend a day at the lake with the kin-folk and relax. This was Liam's first road trip and he did great sitting in the back of the wagon with Mama.
We had some adventures while there - we went for a ride on the Mule, hiked up to a spring-fed water pool, watched goats, slept and then slept some more.
The weather was excellent and we had a blast kicking-up our boots and relaxing.