The Month of May

The month of May was busy and fun.  Of course it started out with our new baby being born.  Which brought a visit from my mother.  Next, my sister in laws, brother in law, and their two kids came, later joined by my in laws.  It was a lot of fun.  They cooked and cleaned for me (probably not much fun for them :) ) and we had makeovers.  We went to Lake Erie, and visited the church sites, and they got to go to Cedar Point.  Later, we went to Niagara Falls with my in laws.  Below are the only pictures I have (I wish I had more). 

Mercedes loves the water, even cold water.  She sat in the lake up to her chest and so I had no choice but to strip her down. 

Here is Mercedes, Jessica, Sawyer, Michelle, and Joshua.  I don't think I got any pictures of Barrett.  Jessica still needs to send me the pictures I took of her photo shoot (how's that for calling you out, Jess???). 

Mercedes loves little Luke.  She is very mothering (sometime smothering) and adores her baby brother.

Jon Mark and I splurged with our tax refund and bought ourselves an eliptical machine so that we could excercise without having to buy a gym membership.  I had much anxiety about getting back down to my prepregnancy size.  Joshua always wants to help, so here is a picture of him helping Jon Mark.

Mercedes likes to sleep on the bottom bunk now, but a lot of times we end up having to put her back in the crib because she won't stay there.  She shuts the door and climbs to the top bunk with Joshua.  That is definitly against the rules.  Perhaps it wouldn't be if she'd lay there, but she is unpredictable.  She jumps dangerously close to the edge and tries to get down on her own.

Here is Luke with his Mommom.  I think he is about three or four weeks old in this picture.  At his one month check up he weighed 11.5 pounds.

Niagara Falls was especially neat.  I haven't seen water like that ever before.  It was spectacular and I am so glad my in laws took us.  I will be honest and say that it has given me nightmares on occasion.  I was fascinated by the story of the seven year old boy who accidentally went over the falls and survived, but that caused me to have a nightmare or two about my own children going over and Jon Mark trying to save them.  I am so glad we got to see it.  It was something I really wanted to do while we lived here.  Jon Mark and I did the Cave of the Winds tour, which I would highly suggest doing if you are ever given the opportunity to do so.  It was incredible! 

My brother in law, Ben, visited us last week--and my dad will come out for the baby blessing.  I have absolutly loved having everyone come to see us.  I was sad to see everyone leave.  Everyone was so helpful.  The women helped with my household chores and my father in law did so much handy man work for us around the house.  I don't know what I'd do without so many wonderful relatives in my life.  Thank you does not seem like enough words to express my gratitude, but I thank you all nonetheless.  I love you guys!