Big A, little a . . .

A few weeks ago we got Dr. Seuss' alphabet book, which Z really liked right away. So, we're starting to actively learn the letters, just beginning two nights ago with the letter A. He has a sign with "A a" on it, and then he learns a short Bible verse to go with it. (I got this great idea from my sister-in-law Christie). The verse for A is "Abraham believed God" (Gen. 15:6). The second day after the letter was put on the wall, he greeted me in the morning by pointing to it and saying, "A, Mama!" And tonight he said his Bible verse all by himself. Wow!

Potty Training

We've started potty training. It's pretty laid back right now, but in the last few days he's started to get the hang of it. Here's a video from the second day. At least he's learning something!! :-)

Men's Studies and Calvin Stuff

Hi. Nathan here.

Some of you have been asking if I'm still doing work on men's studies. Yep. You can click here to read an article featured in an online magazine last month. If you've been to a Promise Keepers rally or read John Eldredge's Wild at Heart, or if you're guy and ever felt emasculated by going to church, the essay should shed some light.

Moreover, I'm still active in the Presbyterian/Reformed/Calvinist camp, and helping to pull together an exciting conference this October called Calvin and Current Calvinisms. Check it out here - and do attend if you can!

Birthday Boy

A few new videos of the boy. Enjoy!

Two!

Z is turning 2 tomorrow. We actually went into the hospital on the morning on the 14th, but no arrival until the 15th. That was then . . .

This is now . . .

Kansas

Before and after our trip to California, we spent a few days in Kansas. On the way home, we stayed with Micah and Christie and their kids, and everyone had a great time!

Grady enjoying "Police Camp".

Charis and Z rough-housing and having a fine old time.

Baby Katy taking it easy.

Christie and Christina making homemade tortillas. Yes, we are looking good!

Micah was working at Police Camp and invited us all to come see a Chinook helicopter.

Inside the helicopter. It was a little warm.

Z tackling Grady while we waited for the helicopter to take off.

Charis and Z. Again, more balls.

California

Last week we got back from almost a two week vacation to California to see all of Nathan's family. Below are pictures in no particular order.

Granpa and Uncle Jeremy relaxing at the park.

The kids loved Uncle Derek's ability to make funny faces!

Z, as usual, loved the balls.

This was a common pose for Evie -- waiting patiently for Z to decide to throw the ball to her.

Grandma with baby Libby.

Aunt Ann with baby Libby.

Papa John (great-grandfather) with baby Libby.

Amah, Z and Nathan on a hike. Z loved climbing that tree!

A gorgeous day at the beach!

At first Z was pretty scared of the sand and waves, but very soon found out how fun the sand was. The waves were still pretty scary.

Z and Evie loved the Mr. Potato Head. Amah did an HILARIOUS skit with him that Evie made her repeat about 10 times. It got funnier every time.

Libby in her car seat -- just hanging out.

Uncle Jeremy and Amah.

The cousins at play.