Fishing

This was by far one of the best days I have ever spent with Eli & Knox.  Unfortunately, sweet Briggs missed the fun and stayed at GiGi's house...there will be other fishing adventures for him!

We went fishing with my Dad for almost 3 hours.  He had his hands full with driving the boat, continually baiting 4 rods, and helping the boys.  It was so much fun.  The boys both caught fish!  Knox was very much the fisherman, while Eli scoped the water for turtles.  Eli reeled in the second fish of the day and took a break on the next 12 we caught.  I was fortunate enough to catch the two largest fish, something the boys quickly told their Daddy about at dinner.  We caught 17 in all and we ate every last one! 

Happy Birthday Knox!

 I guess Uncle Evan thought every little boy and every little boy's Mommy & Daddy need a harmonica. 

We can't wait to buy presents for his children!

Dear Knox,

It is hard for me to believe that you are three years old.  You have spoiled me beyond explanation with our sweet relationship.  You truly are a special child.  You are much more sensitive than Eli, but also much more determined.  You are very passionate about specific pursuits.  You LOVE pretending to be a Revolutionary War soldier, fitting since Nathanael Knox is your name.  You enjoyed every minute of the reenactment Daddy was a part of this year.  You tell me nearly every day that next year you can be a soldier too because you have, "everything you need."  You also enjoy baseball.  We gave you a ball and glove for your birthday and you quickly referred to the Grasshoppers and mentioned they would probably want you to play.  You still refer to Eli as "YiYi" or "my brother".  You touch my heart with how much you love him.  Sometimes he can be a little hard on you but you are the first to look out for him.  You have a very forgiving spirit and the sweetest, tender heart.  You did not utter a prayer at any meal or bedtime until the day after you turned three.  You then announced that you would begin saying our breakfast prayer.  It is very simple and very fitting.

Knox, we love you so very much and feel incredibly blessed to be your parents.  We pray for you and hope that God is going to call you to do great things!  You were such a surprise for our new family three years ago, but we would be absolutely lost without you.  I hope we will always be best friends.

I love you,
Mommy

The Boys

Cousins

This one pretty much captures Knox's feelings about babies.  He absolutely ADORES Briggs and was equally smitten with Ava!  Such a sweetheart!

Eli...4 years old
Knox...3 years old
Briggs...almost 5 months
Ava...almost 4 months

In August there will be 5 cousins...Anna and Tim, we can't wait!!!

Happy Birthday Eli!

I am way behind in posting about Eli's 4th Birthday!  I still cannot believe our sweet little boy is now four years old!  He has such a unique personality and has a tremendous presence in our family.  As he finished praying the night of his birthday dinner I looked around the room and almost every adult was emotional. 

Dear Eli,
You have taught us so much in the past several months.  You are a wonderful brother to Knox and Briggs.  You are certainly still Knox's hero.  You are rarely frustrated with him and would pick his company over any other playmate.  You show Briggs a good deal of affection, but seem less sure of what to make of him.  You are very impressed with his recent giggles and slight interactions.  You are a very social child and have many friends.  You are burdened for others and I think you get this trait mostly from your Daddy.  Your strong personality appears in random circumstances and I think it is safe to say that this trait likely comes from me.

You have taught us a lot in the last several months.  We have never heard a child approach God with such fervency and determination.  You speak to Him as if He is your friend and you have known Him for a very long time.  You remind God in your prayers that he is a good God and you are his good little boy.  You pray for the children in Bihar, India before every meal and as you say your prayers at night.  Our prayer is that one day you will know Christ as your Savior and continue to desire such a close relationwhip with Him. 

You have somehow evolved from a Duke fan to a Carolina fan.  I am sure your Daddy, Uncle Evan and Paas will try to convince you that light blue is not the color of choice, but for now I am enjoying your enthusiasm for the Tar Heels.  Your Daddy is your best buddy and you look forward to spending time with him every day.  You savor time alone with either of us and we are trying hard to make sure this happens in our busy days.  We are having so much fun with you and your brothers.  You have certainly been a blessing to our family.  We are so proud of you and look forward to the upcoming years of watching you grow!

Love,
Mommy