Happy First Birthday, Ezra!

We can't believe it's been a year since Ezra joined our family! 

 The morning began with a birthday blueberry muffin.

Then Mommy whisked Ezra into the car for a trip to Austin, where he was fitted for his second DOC band.  Happy birthday, buddy!  I'm not sure you would have put that gift on your list, but you really don't seem to mind too much.

On the evening of his birthday, we had our last night of VBS, so Ezra sported his birthday shirt and hung in there for the festivities as long as he could.  What a tiring day!

 We had a little party for him the next day, though, so we could celebrate properly.  Dr. Seuss was the theme, so we had a few of his grown-up buddies over for green eggs and ham and a big banana cake, Ezra's favorite flavor.

 It took him a few minutes to decide what to do with his slice of cake.

 But once he figured out how yummy it was, he dug in!

And don't forget the Blue Bell ice cream!!

What a joy you are, Ezra.  Your huge smile, your determination to be a big guy, and your sweet shoulder snuggles have made this a wonderful year.  It is so fun to watch you explore, "talk" on the phone, brush your teeth, and sing with your brother and sister.  And it has been so exciting to watch you take your first steps this week!  Don't worry, you'll be able to keep up with all the action in no time!

Summer Camp

For our family's stage of life, this is our version of summer camp...

 We spent a night at Twin Oaks Ranch in Buda, TX after our twice-monthly DOC band adjustment appointment in Austin.  Because no groups were using the camp this weekend, we had the whole thing to ourselves!  We spent lots of time in the pool...

 ... on the playground...

 ...by the lake...

 ... and these three adventurers paddled around in a boat for a while.

Very relaxing!

The Boys

DOC Band Design Gallery

Ezra has finished his first round of treatment, and he'll be getting a second band in two weeks.  In honor of being helf-way done, here are a few of our designs...

School's Out!

We had a picnic at the "Duck Park" to celebrate the last day of school, complete with Twinkies, which Naomi pointed out she had never tried before.  Everyone under the age of 7 loved them, including Ezra!

 The pond was full of ducklings.  We fed the ducks and went for a walk, but Naomi was a little tuckered out after a fun last week of school...

Time to head home for a nap!

Kindergarten Graduation

Sweet Naomi is now a kindergarten graduate!

 On her last day of school, we all went to her awards ceremony, where she received her certificates for completing kindergarten, an award for good conduct all year, and a special "Handy Helper" award.

 Naomi held up her certificate with enthusiasm!

 After the ceremony she went back to the classroom to take pictures of her buddies with her camera.

And her most important priority was a picture with her teacher, Miss Wren!

  A few weeks later when Kevin called up the recent graduates to be recognized at church, Naomi whispered, "Should I go up there?"  Your turn will come soon, Naomi - sooner than we'd like, I'm sure.  We are proud of you!

Horseback Riding

Our friend invited us to ride their two sweet horses, so Johnathan and Naomi had a great time riding after school.  They learned how to brush the horses, clean their hooves, and feed them. 

After riding, they also got to put out food for the cows and call them in to eat!  Naomi and Johnathan were so excited to ride the Gator and to see the cows running in.  They came home dusty, hungry, and full of grins and stories to share with Daddy and Ezra!