We have a Walker!!

Nicholas began walking last week. At 11 months he took a few steps but nothing more. Last week he decided to take off. It is precious. Nicholas is doing new things every day, and continues to amaze us and make us laugh. He now points to things he wants, and by point, I mean he holds out his wrist, hand down and says "uh, uh". Greg's mounted deer is in Tyler and Nicholas' room and he wants to "pet" it when he wakes from his nap. There is also a snow globe from The Polar Express movie that lights up and has train sounds which Nicholas insists we play with after naps as well.

Last week I took him for a LOOOOONNNNGGGG walk while waiting for Alana to finish with youth choir. I took him on a street that has a fair amount of traffic (don't worry the cars go slow and there are sidewalks). He was in heaven! He loved watching all the cars and waved at them all. He was literally jumping up and down in his stroller and would look back at me several times and smile so big. We walk on our street every day, but hardly ever see a car, so this was a super treat!

Alana is still involved in church activities and taking guitar lessons. She is having a hard time adjusting to Elle's move, and has good days and bad. She is really growing up and it's so sad to see my little baby looking more like an adult than a child.

Tyler finished soccer this past weekend-he is glad and we are too. He did not like going to practice or games. Last season as well as this one, some kids told him that their team was losing because of Tyler. The coaches talked to the boys about sportsmanship and playing as a team, but I hate Tyler had to experience that. He has recently started going to the BMX track in Lowell. It is so cute to watch him go over the big hills. He raced a couple of weeks ago and felt so blessed to have Grammy, PawPaw, and the whole Abide Family. Thank you so much for coming, it meant a lot to Tyler!!

And finally, in August we had our pics taken I've posted some of my favorites.

It's been a while!

Alana, Rae (guitar instructor), Elle

How can he sleep like that?

Tyler and Ashlynn McCarthy at the Joe Martin Stage Race

We are enjoying summer, especially now that everyone is home! Nicholas loves having so many people to entertain him!

Nicholas had his 9 month check up in early June. He weighed 17lbs. 5oz. and was 26" tall. He is a busy little guy and never sits still. He pulls up on everything and everyone, and is starting to stand very briefly and very unsteady, but it is so sweet to see him growing. I love it!

Tyler has been enjoying sleeping in and playing with his friend who lives on our street. They had a gatorade stand last evening and a coffee stand this morning, it was adorable! They both worked hard setting and cleaning up. The neighbors dropped by to support the boys.

Alana finished her guitar lessons for this semester and will resume again in the fall. She has been reading the Twilight Saga and is almost finished with the last book. She wants me to read them too, but I'm only on the first one. She started the series last Thursday, which means she has been reading almost nonstop for a week. It's cute.

Greg and I have been working on the house which seems to be an endless project. Ah the joys of being a homeowner!

Beautiful Sunrise

Yesterday morning I had the privilege of driving Alana to Elm Tree to watch Greg's Rise-n-Shine. On the way, we got to see a beautiful sunrise, the colors were amazing and mixed with the clouds, made for an even better scene. As I was thanking God for the day and all the wonderful people I love, Amazing Graze started playing on the radio. That made me think of Grandma Cawein, and I just had to smile. This was her sunrise for us! And I knew she would be watching Greg's performance at school as well. What a wonderful way to start the day!
Greg's Rise-n-Shine was awesome! The kids knew all their parts and we loved watching Daddy dance with them!
On Sunday Alana played for the first time in the Youth Praise Band at church. Their band is called Sanctity. She played the guitar and did an awesome job.
Tylerbegan soccer practice last week and had a great time. A ball was kicked and hit Tyler in the side of his stomach. He didn't act like it hurt at the time, but when we got home he was showing us his injury. He said "Look, my waist is pushed in"! Obviously it was just the natural curve of his waist he was referring to. He is fine PawPaw, don't worry! He has been playing soccer at recess every day and is so excited for his next practice tonight.

New Stats

Nicholas had his 6 month check up yesterday. He weighs 14.3 lbs. and is 25.2". The doc said Nicholas is perfect (we already knew that)! Tyler and Alana went to the appointment as well. Tyler wanted to be there for the shots so he could help Nicholas feel better, and he did an amazing job. Alana fell asleep during the appointment as she has not been feeling well. Her allergies have been flared up since the warmer weather arrived. On the way to the appointment, Tyler began laughing hard, he was unable to stop, and it was so funny that Alana and I started laughing too. All of a sudden Nicholas let out a big wail-which made us laugh even more. I suppose Nicholas didn't think we were funny at all.
Over the weekend Grammy and PawPaw came for a visit, they arrived Saturday evening as Tyler and I were having a light dinner. Tyler was having peanut butter and I had celery with my peanut butter. Tyler told PawPaw that peanut butter is good for you because it has lots of propane! It's so funny how words can get misinterpreted.

Loving Life

We are staying busy these days. Alana began track this week. She plans to run the mile and seems to have enjoyed her first practice. We are excited about going to the meets that start in March. Tyler is going to start soccer in March as well. He's not too thrilled as he has become more interested in video games lately. Both he and Alana are doing well in school and are looking forward to their next break! Nicholas continues to be a joy. He is squealing and "talking" more and is rolling over more often (stomach to back only). He's such a happy baby and is growing too fast. Grammy and PawPaw came to visit this weekend, Greg and I went out to see Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Walton Arts Center. It was great to get out just the two of us. Sunday was church and family time with G & P and the Abide's. It was a great weekend!
The pictures below are of our Super Bowl party, Tyler's 2nd grade Musical, and Tyler's Valentine party.






Kim and Kent Myers with Nicholas

Amber McCarthy and Alana

Maramarie as a Clone Trooper

Tyler clowning with his friends at the Musical

Tyler, Nicholas, and Mommy at the Valentine Party

Major Update!!

Philip and Amber are engaged!

Boy Cousins on Noll side

Girl Cousins on Noll side

Nicholas and Callie

Melissa, Elle, and Alana at the LJHS Choir Concert

Tyler's Birthday

We have been busy with life and I have just not made time to update the blog-sorry. Alana is playing the guitar and piano as well as singing and even writing songs, she is so talented and wonderful. She also won second place in an essay contest she entered at school, the subject was "What Does Memorial Day Mean to You". Her prize is a savings bond. We are so proud! Tyler has been busy playing in the snow (we had 2 major snow storms in January) and playing with his friend Nick Elrod. Tyler has also been working on is Accelerated Reader goal, he is now at 60%, go Tyler! Nicholas continues to grow and is becoming sweeter than ever. He started eating carrots this week and loves them. He ate almost a whole jar the first time I introduced them to him. Nicholas rolled from his tummy to his back on January 23 and has not done it again since, silly boy! We love you all and hope you enjoy the pictures!