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Storage

If you are wondering why we haven't posted that is because our Picasa storage is full.  I have to take some time to figure out how to fix this.  I apologize as we have lots of great photos to share coming soon!

Dear to us...our Bug is six months!

She's six months.  She's sitting, rolling, confidently throwing around jibberish to make conversation with her mom and dad, and gaining an unbelievable personality.

She blesses.  She blesses me.  She smiles when she sees me.  An innocence that I soak up.  She knows me as her protector, her provider and her father.  She blesses me as I serve her. 

 She blesses others.  With one picture of her off my phone I have the trust of 80 year old ladies on the first day of their treatments.

 We want her to be a blessing.  We want her to know what it means to serve others before herself.

 Avery June is our first.  She has lead Katie and I into a deeper level of commitment and servanthood than we could have ever expected.

 These two are the reason I live.  My prayer is that they will be taken care of the rest of their lives.

Five days of Fun.

September 29th was a good day.  It was the day Kaleb, one of my very closest friends, rushed to the alter before his beautiful bride to be Teanna had a chance to change her mind.  

 The wedding was great but that's not where we started.  Wednesday ended with a simple bachelor party planning that ballooned to a group of 10 by the end of the night.

Thursday night we headed to Manito Park for a little competition, fellowship and brats. 

One of the many challenges of the night was a IPA pairing...

A three legged race (don't ask)...

and a football game. 

Friday night we headed North of Kettle Falls for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  Kaleb landed the groomsmen a killer hang out spot for Friday night right on the river.

It was a giant garage w/ a TV, at least 7 full size beds and a giant tractor.

 The beds were up on a loft.

K-flex, with the brothers, Jeremy and Jason. 

 The next day Brandon, Jeremy and I were put in charge of picking up the ice for the reception.  It's a small town and things don't always operate the way they should.  When we arrived they were closed so I called a random number which happened to be the owner's wife.  She told me to go around back and if someone was there I could get the ice.  No one was there but the door was unlocked and ice we got!

 Jason and Joel ironing their shirts while Brandon picked the music.

 The set up was beautiful and the weather was near perfect.

The groomsmen with the groom. 

 This was the second wedding we've attended with Avery.  There is something great about being with her at weddings.  I attempted to dance with her during one of the songs but she freaked out on that dance floor.  Uh oh, she may have her mom's dancing gene.

 Three very protective "uncles."  

 Kaleb couldn't have picked a better bunch of guys.  It was such a blessing to get together with them for a few days.

 The reception consisted of dinner, a roast of the bride and groom, and dancing of course.

The groomsmen w/ papa Rich, Joel's dad, who always seems to appear for such occasions- kind of like a leprechaun looking for it's lost pot of gold. 

 A small bay hidden from wind and a delightful view during the ceremony.

Avery June was a trooper, as usual, throughout it all. 

And we left with this. Those that were present gathered for a last picture before calling it a night.  Until we meet again!!

A visit from Auntie Em, Aaron, Dad and Cheryl

Earlier this month we had a visit from my sister and brother-in-law, Emily and Aaron Robinson. They came out to see the Northwest and of course, Avery. 

 We participated in lots of activities one of which was a trip up to Greenbluff to pick apples and whatever else we wanted for dinner. Here we are on the wagon going to the apple orchard at Walter's.

Avery was really excited with all the company, as you can see, naptime was non-existant at times. 

My parents arrived on Wednesday and here we are at Manito Taphouse to celebrate Cheryl's Birthday. 

 After that we HAD to stop at the Scoop for Rastachio ice cream.

 Friday, my dad, myself and Aaron road our bikes from Spokane to Coeur d'alene. Sore butts and 30 miles later, we met up with the ladies for dinner, but not before Aaron and I got the kayaks in the lake.

Above Avery Skyping with Cousin Owen. Below Katie and Dad making French toast. 

 We also made it to "Bowl and Pitcher" at Riverside State Park.

 Many walks were taken. Here's a shot at the pond at Cannon Hill.

Before everyone left we made it a priority to get some family pictures since my sister is such a fantastic photographer. Most of these pictures are from her, by the way.

Because a father can't decide on just one...

So photogenic despite the drool!

It's 2,149 miles to my hometown.  It's 381 to Katie's family. This is the price we pay for living in an area where we feel we belong. Watching those that I love, care about and grew up with soak up every moment with Avery makes it even harder. 

I love that they love her.