Happy Birthday, Lindsay Jill!

27 years ago today (7:37 p.m., to be exact), God changed our world by giving us a precious, beautiful baby girl to raise for Him! I remember laying awake all night after she was born, thanking and praising God for this little miracle and thinking my heart would just burst with the joy that came with her! That joy has only grown over the last 27 years and we are so thankful for her! Happy Birthday, Lindsay! We love you!!
Side note: We had our computer worked on while we were gone and the scanner is not cooperating with me. Thus, the pictures are not the way they should be but will have to suffice for now. Gotta love technology!

Moving

Last Tuesday afternoon, a caravan of 5 vehicles headed south to help Troy, Lindsay and Olivia move to their new home in Memphis, TN. They have a beautiful house in a wonderful area with lots of friendly neighbors. They closed on the new house early Wednesday morning and shortly after, we were ripping up carpet and getting the painting gear ready. Over the next few days, we painted the upstairs walls and woodwork, they had new carpet laid and we helped them move everything in. Ian was a trooper and entertained himself most of the time while we worked. Olivia endured it all amazingly well, but fussed a wee bit just so the grandmas would have an excuse to hold her. It was so very hard to leave them on Sunday morning, but we know God has a plan for them in Memphis and is going to sustain and grow our entire family through these next few years. We plan to wear grooves in the road between here and there and use Skype very often!

Their new house in Memphis

Ian driving the moving truck

Olivia and Papa Grande

Talking to Papa Grande

He's so silly!

Listening intently.....

Cute as a button!

Ian and Olivia

Ian and I got to spend 2 days this week with Olivia and the dogs, while her mom and dad packed. We both enjoyed it tremendously!! This afternoon, Ian wanted me to sit next to him while I gave Olivia her bottle (he was on the couch getting his tube feeding). He reached over and very gently rubbed her head while she was eating. It was very sweet!

Ian and Gus hanging out on the couch

No idea why this one is sideways. I didn't take it that way or save it that way, but she's pretty adorable from any angle.

Ian under the pile of towels that Troy "accidentally" dropped on his head! Of course Ian thought it was hilarious and wanted him to do it again and again.

Therapeutic Riding

Tom and I never cease to be amazed at the people God places in Ian's life (and ours, too!) My good friend, Sheri, happens to be a therapeutic riding instructor and has graciously offered to work with Ian this summer. Her horse, PeggySue, is wonderful and so patient and calm. She has even roped another horse friend into helping so we will have plenty of sidewalkers (Tom and Angela), a leader, and Sheri can be the instructor. Besides the fact that Ian LOVES riding PeggySue, we are hopeful that the workouts will help strenthen his core and trunk muscles and improve his balance. As you can see, he was so excited and couldn't wait to get going!

Laundry "Helper"???

I can't believe I'm posting a picture of underwear but this was too funny to not share. Ian was helping me fold clothes this morning and I walked to the laundry room to put another load in and when I returned, this is what I found. He thought it was hilarious!

"Mexican" visitors

Our very good and long time friends, the Hornbrooks (who are missionaries to Mexico City), came for a too-short visit last night which we thoroughly enjoyed and greatly appreciated! It was their first time to meet Ian and he had a blast with all of them, but especially the girls!

They brought Ian this very cool Mexico shirt which he loves! Thanks Sam, Jamie, Natalie and Nicole! We love you all!

Olivia Grace