Tobias' Baptism

On November 16, Tobias was baptized. We rejoice for the gift of his life and for the Lord calling him to Himself. We pray we will be faithful in guiding him in the Truth as we so promised this day and that Toby will grow into a loving relationship with His Savior. We appreciate the partnership and prayers of our family, friends, and the body of Christ.

During Lydia's baptism day it snowed preventing many from joining us. We thought for sure that choosing a date in mid-November we would prevent this problem. Yet as we walked to the car, the snow flurries came down. Yes, the Lord was promising He was washing our child white as snow...

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit...

Our child of God

Gramma & Grandpapa

Daddy trying to make sleepy Tobias smile.

He fell asleep during the service and was awakened for the photo shoot afterward. Here still looking a little dazed...

Mimi & Uncle John

Proud mommy & Daddy

Toby snuggles with Gramma who made the Christening gown that he is wearing. The garment reveals the faithfulness of our Lord calling His children to him through the generations. In addition to Tobias, his sister, cousin Gabby, daddy and his 3 sisters, and some of daddy's cousins wore the gown. In fact, in December another cousin will be Christened in the gown. Thank you, Gramma for your sharing Christ through this gown.

Aunt "Wickie" with her Lydie

Celebrating at the reception

Great-ma lovin' her little great-grandson

Tobe talking to Great-Aunt Judy. The look on his face here is so sweet and innocent.

Mark with his sisters Laura & Meredith

Our family - it's nap time!

Tobias singing, "AMEN!"

Cabin in the Woods

Due to Tobias' arrival in the middle of the summer, we didn't have the opportunity to go on vacation this year. My parents still wanted to get away so they rented this awesome cabin in appropriately named, Cabins, West Virginia. Simply awesome!

We woke up Saturday morning and my dad led the men on a trek across the creek in our backyard.

John made it: Wet but victorious!



Lydia found a play set next door and of course simply had to "SLIDE!"


The hike to the top of Seneca Rocks

Yea, we made it!

The view


Uncle John carried Tobe-miester. He's getting his practice!

Back at the beginning...

Our attempts at Family portraits


Lydie looks pretty daggone cute with antlers, doesn't she? What a dear! ;)

Celebrating Mimi's birthday

Mark made a great bonfire - s'mores = YUM!

The men hangin' in the hot tub.

This photo truly captures the weekend atmosphere... Ahhhh... Thanks mom and dad!

Our little girl

Lydia certainly is turning into quite a little girl - attitude and all. ;) She certainly knows what she wants and works her agenda to get it. Her insistence and persistence reminds me of how I often want to go my own way and proceed accordingly. I'm so glad I'm here to thwart Lydie's plans at the times when they are dangerous or destructive. Praise God, our Heavenly Father who intervenes in our lives and directs us along His perfect ways. He desires that we have LIFE, and life abundant. "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Lydia loves caring for her babies. She "wraps them up" like we do to Tobias (swaddle), carried them around, burps them, changes them, and "puts them for a nap." I thought her diapering technique was quite good. I need to get her on Tobe's diaper duty.



Lydia's "cheese" smile. She was "helping" me with the laundry and insisted on getting assistance to put on daddy's socks. :

Halloween

I know I'm a bit behind on this, but I wanted to share some Halloween shots. Here goes!

Mommy and her kiddos


Getting her costume on. Can you tell she's a little bit excited? ;)


Lydia borrowed this horse costume from her friend Riley. I just can't get over how cute it is - thanks Kate!

Tobias the alligator bringing joy to the old ladies at Great-ma's assisted living.

Great-ma LOVED seeing her great-grandchildren all dressed up.

HANDS... Mimi, Tobias, Great-ma

Handing out candy at "untle dohn" and "lesslee's" house

The queen and her faithful steed.

We made these costumes when we were dating at Towson on a college-student's income ;) Hey, they still work! And we're that much in love today...

The little critters


Even though Mimi only took Lydia to a couple houses, Lydia kept looking in her pumpkin and repeating, "Wow, I got a lot of stuff!"

We are so happy when Toby is happy!




Uncle John thought the candy bowl made a great hat for Tobe-miester. Maybe it'll be part of his costume in years to come...

Lydia still has Halloween candy which she frequently takes out of her pumpkin and places randomly throughout the house. One of her favorite spots is on Tobes' lap. Doesn't he look thrilled? Some day he'll appreciate his sister sharing her candy. Come to think of it, this may be the only time this happens. Glad I captured the moment!