A Few Happenings of Late...

Last weekend we hosted a "game night" at our apartment. Oh the endless fun you can have with great people, food, games, and sweet babies!









Our friend Cathryn, just returned from a mission trip to the Ukraine. She stopped by the other day with a gift she found at the market during her trip...an adorable pink hat for Vienna. I am now wanting to learn how to make these little things! Thanks Cathryn for adorning or princess with such an adorable accessory!








On Wednesday, Vince got to be home with us for most of the day. After lots of long working hours lately, Vienna and I were so happy to have some fun with our favorite guy. Building blocks for Vienna to knock down is always a highlight.





Our little miss can now say "momma" and is pulling herself up to standing position on everything! She also makes her way around our coffee table quite well. Wow, she's growing so fast! It seems like in the blink of an eye she learns something new and exciting. Thanking the Lord for her sweet life, and for the utter joy she is to us each day.

July 4th Fun!

I'm a bit behind on a post or two but I figure I should go ahead and write about our 4th of July first...

Vienna was pretty tired yesterday morning and so staying through an entire church service just wasn't working. I'm sure all you moms and dads out there know just what I'm talking about. Somehow she caught just enough sleep in the car on the way to church that then prevented her from easily falling back asleep once we arrived. Very curious for the first part of the service with all the instruments, singing and people, she lasted through about half and then we decided that it would be best to head home. Our church dedicated the 4th of July Sunday to an entire worship service filled with songs of praise to the Lord and prayers for our nation.

After lunch, we tried to take a nap but Vienna didn't sleep very long. It was still good to get a little rest and cuddle time in with my man :)



Vienna's daddy playing with her new toy blocks...



In the evening we got an invite to my parent's house for dinner, fireworks and games. Vienna enjoyed watching the fireworks that were being shot off from afar in a near by park but when it came down to doing our own in the front yard, she got scared to death! Poor baby. All the loud noise and sparks...she didn't know what was going on. Maybe next year she will enjoy the wild show more.



Sparklers were about all our little princess could handle...







After the fireworks we enjoy the most delicious homemade ice cream and brownies! Wow, what yummy goodness...the coconut ice cream was my favorite!



Little uncles feeding their favorite niece...no, she's not eating ice cream...






A few rounds of Catch Phrase and a round of Family Feud, finished off our fun evening. We got home at about 2 a.m. and were pretty dead tired. Poor Vince had to get up early and head out for a long day at work today. "His girls" here at home are missing him but praying that the Lord would bless the work of his hands with many sales on this busy day.

We are so thankful to live in the land of the free as we reflect on the places around the world that cannot boast of such freedom. May we never take for granted the blessing it is to live in America and the fruitful lives we lead here.

Graduation Party...

Saturday night we attended the graduation party of a friend, Max Clark. We enjoyed a delightful evening of fun, fellowship, food and dancing. What a joy it was to hear a young man thank the Lord and others for the influence they had on his life. A high school graduation is a monumental event for a young person as they close one chapter in their life and look to the Lord for the next one...growing up, taking steps forward. I'm so grateful for the young people who faithfully seek the Lord for their future. I am excited to see what is in store for those that use their lives to further God's kingdom.

Vince was unable to make it until late in the evening due to work, so I was constantly feeling like a part of me was missing. Once he arrived, the evening suddenly got better! Vienna handled all of the being passed around from person to person very well in spite of being a sleepy girl. Praise the Lord for the many gifts He has given us...for health, family, friends and fun. We feel so blessed to be a part of HIS family.

Unfortunately, I didn't think to get the camera out until late in the evening so we don't have many pictures of the event. The ones we did get, turned out pretty cute though :)

6 Flags, Fiesta Texas!

A few weeks ago, we were able to purchase Fiesta Texas season passes through someone at our Sunday school class, for about a third of their regular price! So yesterday on his day off, Vince took "his girls" to have some fun! It was pretty hot, I got quite the burn on my back and shoulders but we kept Vienna rubbed down with sun screen so she doesn't seem any worse for the wear today.




When we first arrived, we went on a hunt to see if there were any rides that Vienna could go on. After searching high and low, we discovered that everything seemed to require that a child be able to walk at least 3 steps. Haha! Why 3 steps? Who knows. There was only ONE ride that allowed infants...the Merry-Go-Round! Vienna was so curious about the music it played, the movement, the kids squealing. She was so busy taking it all in, that I don't think she showed her excitement until it was time to get off...then if she could talk, I think she'd have said "AGAIN PLEASE!".









The fast rides, the people, the screams, Vienna was so curious about it all. She'd watch the roller coasters go up and down and all around. People watching seems to be hers and my favorite thing to do :) So many different kinds of people, different sorts of families, but all seeming pretty happy about their day of fun in the sun.
Vince and I took turns riding on rides for the most part and then Anthony and Astrud met up with us to watch Vienna so we could ride together a few times. I love hanging out with my best friend...he makes every thing fun. He was so patient when I started freaking out about riding this or that roller coaster and helped me rise above my fear and not let it get the best of me. The last time I was at 6 Flags, I was 12 years old...wasn't afraid of much...something has come over me since then. Haha.






Being gone all day meant no naps for baby girl. She did manage to sleep for a few minutes in daddy's arms. She was such a trouper all day. Not only did she miss out on some sleep but she's also getting 2 more teeth in! Still, she managed to be a happy camper all day! What a sweet baby :)




Cooling down in the water park was Vienna's favorite part of the day. She is so in love with water! We love to watch her splash, and giggle in the waves. She seems fearless in swimming pools. She was able to crawl around in the shallow part but we had to keep a close eye on her, for she kept insisting on going farther and farther in...not realizing it was too deep for her. Finally, at the close of our day, Daddy took us on the tubes that floated down the "river". It was so relaxing, peaceful, and refreshing. At one point, Vince and Vienna's tube went through a little waterfall...at first it frightened Vienna but she quickly toughened up and didn't even cry. Wow, what a brave girl we have :)






By the time we got home, we were sun beaten and tired. What a day! After showers, dinner and a movie, we dragged ourselves off to bed. I think all 3 of us got a great night of sleep!