Growing Right Up

Lots of babies, little kids, and smiles. Will had his second birthday party recently. Heather pictured here with her little girl Leah, just had her second little girl this past week. Anna Mae is about 10 pounds now and has been cooing, smiling, and much more focused and responsive to people. She just began training for a 5K race that she will run in at age 2. That might be an error, not sure....She is getting some photos done by our photographer friend, Amanda today, so we are excited to see how those turn out. Be well, Anthony

Michigan Vacation

We just got back from Michigan. We were up north for about a week. It was a fabulous trip full of relaxation, multiple family baby-sitters, yummy food and the summer weather that you can only get in Michigan. We went up for Hannah's high school graduation open house which was a big hit, and it will be just a couple of months before Hannah is heading down to attend Georgetown College and live in Knight Hall. We also got to go and visit Natalie's sister Kerri and Rob's new baby, Sophia. She was adorable and we had a blast taking pictures with both babies.

Many people have asked how it was traveling with Anna Mae??? Well the trip up was seamless, she only woke up to eat. Going back home was another story. Our drive back from Grand Rapids should have taken about 6 hrs and 15 minutes...Well, it took at least 8 1/2 hrs, lots of crying, stopping, diaper changes and Natalie did her best in the back seat to please Anna. It has definitely changed my perspective on traveling.

We have only been home for a day or two, but we are trying to get back in the swing of things as I am back at work and going to the University of Louisville 2 nights a week right now. On those days I don't get home until 10 p.m. and it is especially hard to look Anna in the eyes and realize that I was gone all day. Natalie is still home from work and does not anticipate returning until the last week of July.It was wonderful to see some of the old crew in Grand Rapids, we definitely miss you all. Much love, Anthony

Pictures: Baby Addison- Jason and Michele's little girl, Grandpa Mayes in one shot with Anna, the boys, Grand Rapids friends, Sophia and Anna together

Backyard, Basketball and the Fam

While Natalie's family was down from Michigan, one of their desires was to plant a new tree in honor of the birth of Anna. In addition, they would plant a similar tree in Michigan upon their return. I appreciated the thoughtful gift and therefore shall share the additional sign of life and hope in our backyard. I have also been working on the ski slope of a backyard we have and instead of installing a chair lift and hoping for large amounts of snow, I decided to terrace our backyard, organic style. I used pieces of wood that I hope will rot over time to assist with soil richness, have planted some low maintenance grasses, evergreen and ivy for ground cover and uncovered some natural hillside rocks during the tilling process. In other news, Andrew Smith came by Thursday evening to visit with us which was exciting. My hope is we can talk Autumn and Andrew into buying a home in our neighborhood. Briana came over Friday evening and brought us a tasty dish of whole wheat pasta covered in tomatoes, onions, spices and mozarella cheese. Anna spit up on Briana which was not cool Anna! She reacted we believe to our first try at giving her liquid vitamins which the doctor told us to do. Anna apparently is not a big fan of vitamins, so we shall try to give them to her at a different time during the day. Anna's doctor appointment on Friday was fantastic. She is up to 6 lbs and 3.5 ounces. She was 2 weeks old yesterday and has definitely surpassed her birth weight of 5 lbs, 12 ounces.

Natalie and I watched the movie "Winter Passing" last night, very weird, very interesting, worth seeing if you enjoy Sundance Film Festival Style movies, not a pick me up though. Great acting, included Will Ferrell. Tonight Bryan and Anthony will watch the Pistons beat the Cavaliers. I shall chear with cave man like, survival groans in hopes that LeBron is smothered and scores about 6 points. It is my hope that Ray in Michigan will also be on the edge of his recliner yelling at the t.v. in unison with Bryan and I in Kentucky, that goes for you too Dave in Michigan...

Love yall,

Anthony