Birth days

Z is officially one! She turned the big 1 on August 3rd. We celebrated the weekend before (due to the fact that two of her favorite people were/are great with child) with a BBQ and pool party. All of her friends came out (well, except Link and Claire) and a bunch of her family. From the looks at it, along with the number of naps she took that day (0) it appeared she had a wonderful time.

Great big thank yous to Aunt Kim for making the cake and Grandpa Jack for helping lug everything across the street to the picnic area in the grotto. (ps technically a grotto is a cave but etymologically speaking it comes from some greek word meaning, "hidden place" which really seems to describe b&c's 'front yard' quite well... a beautiful yard within a surrounding of town homes.) And of course to everyone else who helped us celebrate our little one's first year. We feel so thankful that her life is so full of love!!!

In other wonderful news - another special birth day recently happened. Baby Link was born! 1 week late he came bawling into the world with the spirit of a champion. Born at 1205am on August 6th, he (barely!) shares his birthday with his momma. Christine did amazing in labor and birthed at the birthing center. It was so perfect!

I can't wait to watch Lincoln grow and grow. Little Claire is still cooking, but Meegs was due August 3rd so it can't be long now! Women who go past their due date should be treated to very special things every day they don't go into labor. It can be so frustrating! Soon and very soon though, that baby will come out.

In family news, Matt is officially no longer a teacher. Can you believe it!? We are taking a week hiatus from the world after the insanity from these past months and then he'll start back full steam ahead as college/youth pastor man. Although I doubt that we will truly ever be able to suppress this matt:

(aside: that is not our car. we saw it in a parking lot.)

There are other exciting changes coming up as well (i'm not pregnant) that we're looking forward to. Overall we feel remarkably blessed and at peace with where God is calling us to be right now. It's great to be alive.

Which, I'm sure is how Link feels as he starts his little life outside the womb! We love you little guy!