Life weaved together

 Dave and I met Kyle and Emily almost 11 years ago in Florida. The four of us joined the staff of Cru (Campus Crusade) together in January of 2003.
Although they are from St Louis, we have remained close friends over the years. God has kept us on similar paths with our heart for the world, and our families.
We have spent time with Kyle and Emily in 5 countries, and 5 different US cities, but it's never been in one another's home town...until now.
They came to visit us in Philly over the weekend. They are considering joining Bridges in another city, so they wanted to see what our ministry is like. Of course, we also had to tour around this great historical city!

The City Hall tower

View to the north from City Hall

Penn's campus

You can't come to Philly without hearing how our country broke free from England and gained its independence.
It's funny how you are never a tourist in your own city until you have visitors!

We had an incredible dinner in Chinatown since both of us have experience in Asian culture. (If you want an authentic meal and also don't mind paying for it then check out Emei, located at 10th and Arch. They have a blue sign.)

We went into one of the grocery stores and Emily was so excited to find a bean paste she uses to cook. I believe the direct quote was, "They have my bean paste!"

Our kids LOVE Kyle and Emily like an aunt and uncle. Alex especially talks about how he misses Kyle. There were lots of hugs when we had to say goodbye, but we can always pick up right where we left off.
It's the kind of friendship that's a piece of heaven because our time with them is so easy, fun, encouraging and like-minded. Dave and I are so thankful that our paths cross often enough and the time we spend together with them is always so wonderful.
Cheers to great  incredible friends!

Leaps and Bounds

 I am amazed at the slope in which a first grader climbs to reading. We went from this past summer, where Lilia knew a handful or words and did NOT enjoy reading, to loving books and using an ever expanding vocabulary.
The transition is amazing. The other night she was reading this library book to Alex (pictured right). She was even teaching him how to read it by having him repeat after her.
Side Note: I love their relationship. They are best friends when they aren't fighting.

This past Thursday Lilia had the opportunity to read to Alex's preschool class. Miss Cathy, also her former teacher, held the book while Lilia read Footprints in the Snow. Alex was so proud of his bog sister and she was quite pleased with her accomplishment.

Lilia and I went out for hot chocolate as Alex finished up his school day.

Besties

 Lilia and Ava have been friends since Lilia was about three. When the two of them get together, they go girly crazy!
They hung out at Alex's party. However, the weekend before they spent time together at Jesse Hudzina's 7th birthday party. The girls planned out what the following weekend would look like.
Ava got in the car to drive home and make a specific list of what to bring. Lilia set out two piles of dress up clothes and shoes and made labels with their names to put in front of each pile.
They play dress up, put on make up and come down to give everyone a fashion show. I love the bond they have even though they don't see each other all that often.
Alex really wanted to be in this picture.

                                                             Alex with a photo bomb
                                                                                                 

Hidden Identity

Most days he's just a regular kid; playing legos, super heros, and matchbox cars.
But then, when he hears a call for help; Alex transforms into Captain America! Defending the city against it's worst criminals, and protecting the helpless.
Look out bad guys! This boy will not stop until you're behind bars!

I'm an Aunt again!!!

I am so thrilled to announce that Dave's sister Julie had her first baby girl on Friday, October 11th.
Her name is Blake Quinn and she is beautiful!
Julie and Pete are home and everyone is doing well.
The only thing I'm bummed about is that I can't hold that sweet little girl until April! However, the bonus is that I'm already booked as the babysitter when they come in for a wedding next October. I can't wait to have that dear child in my home. We are going to love her so well!!!!!
For now I will settle for Skype. But I am so excited to have another little love in the family!

Celebrating one special lady

 We're privileged when we have family in our lives; at least I am. I have an amazing mom and a truly wonderful mother-in-law. Two great moms in my life; who could ask for more!
On Sunday we celebrated my mom's birthday. We made her dinner and her absolute favorite cake in hopes of making her feel special and loved.
She loves us so well! She is always giving, so willingly to serve and help and she loves my kids like crazy - and they are crazy about her in return.
I have it pretty good.

Look Who's 4

Meet Leonardo, my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle four year old son. (You can watch them on youtube.com)
Lilia picked out this present for Alex. I love her heart to give and bless others.

 Meet Alex, the Incredible Hulk!

 For Alex's 4th Birthday party we celebrated with an Avenger's theme party. The game pictured on the right was a spiderman web and the kids had to get paper balls stuck in the web.

Happy Birthday Buddy! I love you!

Dress up

 My mother-in-law made this outfit, along with her mother, for Julie (Dave's middle sister) a long while ago. Marilyn brought it down from the attic and Lilia loved dressing up as a "mother."

This was her putting on a fashion show with her new boots. ($7.48 at Target) The look was totally intentional. Yikes, I think we're in trouble...look out boys!

Iron Man and his wife

Happy First Birthday Olivia

 Last month we celebrated my brother's second daughter, Olivia. She turned 1!

She is so beautiful with big blue eyes and brown hair.

She loved her ice cream cake.

Wagon rides

 The cousins had so much fun pulling each other around in the wagon.

Lilia's Quote of the Day

SCENE: The kids are eating milk and a cookie after dinner. They often pretend they are married...

Lilia: "Let's pretend we're out on a date at Milk and Honey's."

Alex: "Why are we on a date."

Lilia: "Because the kids are driving us up a wall!"