What we've been up to

I'd love to write in more detail about what's it has been like these past few days. About what it's like to be living so close to Libya. Have you seen a map? About what it was like going to sleep on Sunday night and listening to F-16s flying outside our window for hours knowing where they were headed. What a strange feeling. Going to our commissary and not being able to get normal things like yogurt and tortillas because they're out. They aren't use to supporting the increased number of people who have suddenly arrived. Driving home and seeing media cameras set up outside our little base.

We've been glued to the news. I wish I could share more but I'll just leave it at that for now. Things are definitely different around here.

On a much lighter note, things aren't completely different. Here are some pictures from the past few weeks. Nothing too exciting. Just pictures of the family.

DJ's 3rd grade science presentation

DJ and his friend Kyle had to prepare a science lesson for their class about density. They worked hard and did a great job.

Seven is a big month for Max

So I don't forget . . . this has been a big month for Max.

At seven months Max started

-crawling more on hands and knees

-sitting up without support

-able to go from crawling to sitting

-pulls himself up to a standing position with the help of couches, chairs, etc.

-two bottom front teeth came in

-loves baby food peaches

If only the guys at work knew . . .

No wash cloths for Tom!

* * *

He almost has it!

Noah (4) reciting Psalm 23.

Saturday in Sicily

On Saturday we drove to one of our favorite places in Sicily. In the Summer Taormina is packed with tourists. Today it was a ghost town. The weather was sunny and in the 60s. Beautiful!

This one is for Grandma Linda and Grandpa Frank. See, the sun really does shine in Taormina!

* * *

Taormina with Mt. Etna in the background. I made Tom stop the car and pull over so I could take this picture. Isn't this view amazing?

* * *

Am I the only one?

It seems like I'm constantly multi-tasking. I know most of you can relate, especially when you're parenting little ones, but have you ever done this?

Yesterday I put Max in the living room with several toys while DJ was at the kitchen table doing his homework. Noah and Lincoln were coming in and out from the backyard as they played. While all this was going on I was trying to wash and cut vegetables for a salad plus keep an eye on Max. I was doing this while answering questions from DJ and helping with the little guys' requests.

I continued to answer 3rd grade math questions and fix a sippy cup of milk. Then I peaked in the living room to check on Max. He was gone. I looked down the hallway. He wasn't there. My heart sunk. I had that panic feeling. Where did my scooting 6 month old go?

Then I realized.....he was in my arms. At some point I had picked him up!

A few pictures and a video....just for fun.

Lincoln and Max

* * *

Lincoln

* * *

Lincoln loves his baby brother.

* * *

Tom was on a 10 day trip (TEN DAYS). I was putting Lincoln to bed and then walked into DJ and Noah's room. I found DJ reading the Bible to Noah. It was a sweet moment because nobody told them to do this. I had to take a picture.

* * *

DJ and his friend Isaac were looking for ants in the backyard. They were making an ant farm. Noah and Lincoln helped too.

* * *

It might not be the best choice but it works for us. Noah and Lincoln sit on the counter and watch DJ leave for school in the mornings. Sometimes they even eat breakfast here.

* * *

DJ working hard on a science experiment.

* * *

science experiment: floating ice boats

* * *

Max and Lincoln hanging out together.