Meet Nemo

Alexander has many interest and one of them is fish. Every time he sees a fish tank or water that he links should have fish in it, he wants to stop and look for a long time. So today while I was at Walmart I saw the goldfish were $.28 and a fishbowl was $1 so I decided to let Alexander get his first "pet". I did actually give him the option of a blue fish but he was set on a gold one. After he picked it out and the lady handed him the bag he sat real quietly in the shopping cart holding the fish just staring at it. Then when we got to the counter to pay he shouted to the clerk, "I GOT A FISH" and held it up so proudly. From that point on until his nap he sang, "fishy fishy fishy" and when we moved her into her new home he was very sure to make sure I didn't smash it because "it would die mommy". The only concern I have is that he is going to try and pet it or dump the bowl because he keeps talking about her licking him and that it tickles. He is supper cute with it and I hope he enjoys the idea of having a fish (since it is only .28 to replace we should have "Nemo" for a while!

Camping in July

Our first camping trip this year was near Crater Lake. We went with some of my extended family, but sadly Josh could not get the time off work, so he didn't get to enjoy the week with us. It was a fun filled week with lots of bugs, "swimming" in the creek, shopping in Medford, digging in the dirt, hiking the nature bridge, fishing at an old family favorite spot, lost of time around the camp fire and so much more. Alexander crashed every night and slept to his normal time each day, which was a blessing to me, along with taking his naps when the tent was not frying hot. It was such a great week watching him run all over the camp ground with his cousins trying to be as big as them climbing trees and playing hide and go seek. Four generations have now camped at this camp ground, it sure is a great tradition to have! Here are a few more of my favorite pictures.

Looking at the nature bridge with the cousins

Picnic in Medford just after picking up some much needed bug spray

Getting ready to fish the Rogue River

Meet Mary

I know most everyone who reads this blog knows Mary, but I just wanted to make sure everyone knows what a dear and special friend she is to me. Mary really started making an impression on my heart just after Alexander was born. Those first few months were super hard for me and she was there. Our friendship grew as she gave us a place to stay while we got our house ready for the new renters, then while I was away on my journey, she and I talked just about everyday online, including doing a couple bible studies during those times. She sent me care packages with chai tea, oreo's, taco bell sauce, boxed pasta and books to ready Alexander. Her friendship to me during that time was really the only way I survived being away from everyone. Then after we got back and had very limited funds and no place to call home, her and Dan welcomed us into there home for another six months! This picture was taken on Thursday when I got to spend the entire day celebrating Mary's 29th ;) birthday with her. I know the day was suppose to be celebrating her, but Alexander and I had just as much fun as she did, what a joy it has been to know and love her for the last several years!!!