Summertime with Maasen

For starters, we are having some incredible weather. We haven't even turned on our fans yet; the nights are cool and there is a refreshing breeze almost every day that makes living on the Hill a huge blessing. 

A big activity right now for Maas and Cass: Legos.

They've built homes, tree houses, cars and a horse cart thing. Watching Maasen work alongside Cassidy is pretty hilarious. Order meets randomness and somehow it works.

We've also visited the Old City twice (not counting Tom, Maasen and Cassidy's trip through Hezekiah's tunnel and the Southern Wall). Today we saw the probable place of Yeshua's trial and took some video. I'm excited to share that with you soon at our RJ website.

A classmate of Tom's gave him an old camera (old to him) that he suggested we give to Cassidy so she can take her own photos. Here's the little photographer in action:

This most likely means we will have a new feature where Cassidy posts some of her favorite photos. It helped make the long day more enjoyable for her. She's already been to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb a few times, so having the assignment of taking photos was fun and kept her happy.

And of course we're having a great time just being with Maasen and enjoying the little things she brought with her. One of Emmylou's favorites: this black and white blankie with red tags made by new Mama Cass.

Emmylou loves it, obviously. She tries to eat it or suck on it with her thumb on a daily basis. (Notice she is wearing pants. I told you it was cool here.)

We still have almost two weeks left with Maas and we've only just begun the adventure. We're loving every minute of it!

The Girls

I just have to post these photos, no particular reason except that I know Lauren will appreciate them, and Stephanie is a faithful reader, and I have them sitting on my external hard drive screaming to be seen. I love these girls and all the little amazing things they do. They are a joy and delight, they increase the laughter and the volume in our home and constantly remind me to slow down and love more.

This was taken when we went out for my birthday to Cafe Kadosh. She is so gorgeous and did a wonderful job humoring the grown ups as we talked and sipped our coffee. Of course the fancy dessert at the end helped things. 

Who doesn't love naked babies? And naked babies with fluffy hair?! I want to kiss her pudge just looking at this photograph.

 I had to see what her hair would look like in a spike. It's a bit similar to Cousin Valor's, although his hair grew into a natural mohawk. Very cool.

Happiness is chilling on the couch with your sister.

Nothing much more going on, just chilling this Shabbat with Maasen, enjoying the sunshine and cool breeze. It's a great day to say Thanks to the One Who makes all things possible.

3

Emmylou is just about 3 months old now, and it's been three years, today, that Wyatt has been gone. This is the first anniversary related to the boys that we've had more life in our house, and it's a wonderful gift. Somehow Emmylou's existence keeps Wyatt and Zeke's lives at the forefront -- I think a lot about how they would respond to her, love her, care for her, make her laugh. Cassidy has promised to tell Emmylou all about them and I like to think that deep in her spirit she already knows about her brothers.

A lot can be said about the similarities and differences between the kids. But seeing these photos side by side makes me think how blessed we are to have beautiful children and how bittersweet it is that Zeke cannot be included in these.

On a side note, when I turned on the IHOP webstream yesterday (which is sometimes harder than today, since it was our last day with him) Laura Hackett was singing, "Beautiful Mercy".

There is no pit too deep, that Jesus cannot reach

There is no sorrow so strong that will overtake his beloved one...

Amen and thank you Jesus.

My girls

This was such a sweet moment today. While I tried to make my own lunch (after feeding the other three mouths in our home) Emmylou started to fuss. First Cassidy asked if I would bring Emmylou, in her bouncer, over to where she was sitting at the table so she could take care of her, "So you can make your lunch". When Emmylou continued to fuss Cassidy went and got an extra blanket to put on her, "I think she was cold" she told me. That didn't do the trick so then Cass, finished with her food, asked if she could hold her little sister. As we walked over to the couch she jumped up and down, saying, "I'm so excited to hold her! I love holding her!" They sat on the couch, happy to be with each other, but not long enough for me to eat. Oh well, it was worth all the fuss and delayed meal to see Cassidy's joy and Emmylou's smile, small as it was. And aren't they the quintessential girls in their matching pink and purple!