July 2009 Virginia Beach

Fun in the sun at VA Beach

Elijah turns FOUR and Eben turns ONE - Oh What FUN

It's been so long since I've been on our blog. I've simply neglected the site. So much has happened. We celebrated the boys birthday in our new house. Celebrate we did with about 70 family and friends - it was such an AWESOME day. We had the pleasure of Aunt Jackie, Uncle Rob, Bobbie, Elizabeth, Uncle Bill, Aunt Veronica, Samantha, and Willie come all the way from upstate NY to celebrate with us along with many cherished friends and family. Our angel really smiled down on us and blessed us with WONDERFUL weather. The day was lots of fun for sure!!




















Elijah's four year old picture



















Eben is ONE!!!


















He gives the best kisses!!











Happy Birthday to our little Prince Eben!















Brothers!













Samantha loving up Eben












Look at the smile on Elijah's face - says it all!!

Sibling Love!!

The Love Family . . .

Elizabeth and Grandma

Grandma Welch at almost 90 Years Old still looking beautiful!!

Our Two Sons . . .

Elijah is a great big brother and will even hang out in Eben's crib to keep him entertained.

Look at those Teeth!!!













Hmmm . . . this is nothing like Uncle Chris and Aunt Libby's tub. Where are the jets, big screen tv and of course our Fletchie!! I think Daddy is missing that tub also:-)

Celebrating Daddy's Birthday! Of course, if it's a cake with candles we are celebrating Elijah's birthday too . . .









































I can't believe just how big Eli is getting!!

We are getting settled into our new house. Oh to never see another box or packing paper. The boys of course have enjoyed playing in all of it.

Our first out of town guests. Our niece Elizabeth and her boyfriend Stephen came to see us while on Spring Break from college. We are so PROUD of you Elizabeth. Keep your eye on the prize and enjoy these years because they go by so very fast!

A night Out . . .

We enjoyed a night out with my sister Libby and Chris. We went to old town Frederick MD. While we have driven through there a plenty we had never stopped in to the old town or had dinner. We had a great time for sure!!












Me and My Sissy!!!










We were BLESSED to have lived with Libby and Chris for two months while our house was being built. Thank God for the LOVE of FAMILY!!!

Merry Christmas - 2008

Christmas is always a special time because of our Christian beliefs and the love of family! We all missed Mom this Christmas but we know she was looking down on us for sure. The other day I wore a red sweater of Mom's to work. Elijah remembered the sweater being Gammie's. He asked me that morning Mommy is that Gammie's sweater and I let him know it was. He thought for a second and said very matter of fact - Gammie doesn't need a sweater in heaven! His innocent words brought tears. Although Mom isn't here in the physical we all feel her presence and miss her daily!

We find strength in one another and our children. Here is a glimpse into our festivities at Christmas. Our fun started on Christmas Eve at our neighbors house for a wonderful dinner by Denise - what a great cook. We had a great time! We are blessed to have wonderful neighbors who have become our dear friends. On Christmas we woke up to see what Santa left the boys and the fun began! We then went over to Uncle Chris and Aunt Libby's house for the remainder of the day for lots of food, laughter, and a whole lot of fun!

The next day we left for Upstate New York to see Papa and Nancy. Elijah had a wonderful time with his Papa and Nancy and of course all of his cousins. The boys were loved up by aunts and uncles and lavished with lots of love and some cool gifts too!


















































Fletchie on Christmas Morning checking out what Santa left him.

















Mikayla, Taylor and Elijah enjoying the drum set Malik got for Christmas. Mary find those ear plugs;-)

Libby and I at the winter carnival with the boys. OK it was COLD . . . really COLD!!

Of course the boys didn't mind the cold and had a ball riding all the rides.

Aunt Libby loving up Eben. He LOVES his Aunt Libby that's for sure. As in when she enters a room all eyes is on her!!

At Papa's house - did someone say time to open gifts!

Elijah on Fletchie's RV. Wow - what fun!!

All of us at Christmas at Papa's house. Well you know who was taking the pictures - Papa and Nancy who aren't pictured.

Eben on Christmas morning with his gift from Alfreda, Sultan and Christopher. Alfreda and I have been friends since elementary school. I thank God for her friendship and love!!

John with his two boys.

Having fun playing with the Wii at Papa's house. John was considering quitting his job and going to Hollywood - that dream didn't last long:-) Party like a Rock Star!! This was so much FUN! I want one of these things now. We had a rocking good time with vocals, guitar, and of course the drums.

All of the cousins.

What is Christmas without great food!

Yummy!!