Fall Festival-ing

This weekend was chalk full of fall fun! On Saturday, two training schools affiliated with our church put on one fabulous fall festival at our apartment complex's playground, for any students or families who wanted to come. There were games, snacks, music and a bounce house. It was really nice to meet so many of our neighbors, and we already have some new play dates scheduled.

This game was a favorite with kiddos and adults alike:

On Sunday evening, some families from our church joined us in "reverse trick-or-treating." Instead of asking for candy, we went door to door giving out treats. We met even more of our neighbors, and our little blonde-haired, blue-eyed Superman was a huge hit:

I love all of Levi's expressions (and Batman is pretty cute, too):

I realize there are different opinions out there on celebrating Halloween versus not celebrating it. While I don't think we will probably participate in general "Halloween" activities, it was fun and, for us, meaningful to go out and get to meet families here. Several families prayed for people who were interested, and we heard some pretty incredible stories afterward. And, it's always fun to dress up. The costumes were adorable!

Our little Superman was joined by some of his favorite people.

Rainbow Brite (although she didn't smile for the camera, trust me, she had fun!):

Monkey and Ladybug:

Giraffey:

Kitty:

And another Superman! (I love that Levi is checking out his counterpart):

I didn't get a shot of the dog dressed as Santa, but hopefully he will make another holiday appearance this season. I also didn't get a shot of the older kids. They were much to mobile to gather them all together for a shot!

Moving day

I really should be unpacking , but I had to take a little break to write an update! Since February, Gib and I have been waiting to move into an apartment complex just down the street to be neighbors with the international students and families that we love so much. Well, today was the day! Thanks to our amazing friends and family, we moved our belongings in record time, and we are so excited to finally be here.

My parents took Levi for the weekend, and one of my best friends came yesterday to help me get our new kitchen organized - both such huge blessings. And today, twelve amazing friends loaded up our belongings, moved them, unloaded them, and helped us unpack.

As I look around, I am overwhelmed by God's kindness in giving us a great apartment, and by the kindness of our community of friends and family. Here's a snapshot of our day:

Six of the cars in the Park Moving Caravan as we set off down the street:

International visitors

How can it be August already? While working for the university, the arrival of August was a reality check that a new school year was mere weeks away, which meant things were about to get very busy. This year, August feels so very different!

In the last two weeks, we've been blessed to have three sets of international visitors visit.

The first was our friend, Jenny.

While she is, in fact, American, she's been living in Turkey for the last two years. We had the opportunity to visit her in Turkey in January 2010, but it was such a treat to have our friend back in Norman. She's a world changer!

Our second set of visitors came all the way from The Netherlands! We met Jolien when she was an exchange student here at OU almost two years ago, and she returned to Norman to visit. It was a highlight of our summer to get to see her after all of this time, and we had the added bonus of meeting her mom, Lydia!

These two Dutch women were an absolute blast to have in town. They are so much fun. When Jolien was here as a student, she and her roommate (hi, Charlotte!) rented a car and drove to the Grand Canyon. Suffice it to say that the trip was an adventure (rental car catastrophe with no cell phones), but Jolien was ready to do it again with her mom. So, once again, she rented a car and drove to the Grand Canyon, and of course, it was another adventure!

The fun just kept coming! Our next visitors were one of my best friends from high school and his wife. Tim and Min reside in NYC, after having lived all over the world, and this was my first time to meet Min. Somehow, I have no photos of this visit. So, I'm borrowing one of theirs from facebook!

These two lovebirds just celebrated their second wedding anniversary, and I have to say, they couldn't be more perfect for each other. I never had doubt of Tim's ability to charm a woman into marrying him, but let me just say that he not only married a BEAUTY, but she's stinkin' smart and incredibly fun. So, well done, Timothy Brooks. Well done.

We feel so blessed to have friends from every corner of the planet, and if we could just arrange these mini-reunions once a year...

Pool time!

It's only June, but it already feels like the middle of July. While this means that I feel like taking a shower four times per day, it also means that it's perfect swimming weather! Levi broke in his new swimming trunks on Sunday, and while he was a little uncertain at first, I think it's safe to say that he loves being in the water. He looks so cute in his swimming trunks, hat and sunglasses that I'm tempted to find a pool for him every day of the week!

Hat? Check. Shades? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Swim diaper? Check. Adorable outfit? CHECK.

Easing his way into the water with daddy:

As we were infringing upon nap time, paci had to be utilized:

Made in the shade... CL was kind enough to share her floating throne:

Can't wait for our next swim date!

Thirty, Flirty and Fabulous

Someone turned the big 3-0 today!

To celebrate, our life group got together to play some kickball and enjoy some Rudy's BBQ.

Levi was there to watch the big boys (and girls) play:

Happy birthday, Ryan! We can't wait to see where this year takes you!

A more professional debut

I have super talented friends. I think my own abilities in life increase simply because of my association with these friends. Ok, that might be wishful thinking. But, truth be told, I never cease to be amazed and impressed by what they can do!

Taylor (or TayTay or Tay4185) is one such friend:

(As an aside, GP vetoed the idea of leg warmers, so yes, he is sporting some infant tube socks!)

I'm trying to think of something she can't do and so far am unsuccessful. Need photography? Or wedding invites? Or save the dates? Or a graphic design product of any kind? Or a hot meal (request the tacos)? Or some encouragement? Or a delectable punch beverage for your next shower? Taylor's your gal. She can do all of the above and do 'em well.

The most recent way I've been blessed by this lady is the delivery of a certain DVD filled with pictures of a certain newborn.

These pictures were taken when Levi was almost at the two-week mark, in the middle of Snowmageddon 2011, when I contacted Taylor last minute and said something like, "Um... I need some pictures... what's your schedule like?" And she was so gracious to work us right in, because she's fabulous like that. These are a few of our favorites.

Check out Taylor's blog at http://taylorjilldesigns.com to see a sampling of the ways she can brighten your life! Thank you, Taylor!