While Nate Was Gone...

While Nate was gone, we tried to keep busy. We had so much fun enjoying various friends and guests. Every day we had something planned, and Elijah would look at the calendar to find out "what's going to happen today."

Aunt Shannon was loving the boys...tons of fun!

Elijah usually goes on a bike ride with Papa and takes out the trash. This time, he got to ride the motorcycle! Thanks, Shannon, for all the fun!

Tuesday I took Malachi on a date, just me and Malachi. We had fun in the toy section (and also got groceries). Elmo! Big hug!

We got a balloon and rode the train =) Malachi is very aware of what is a "date" since Mama and Papa like to go on them special. But when we got to the mall, he said "Where's the date?" like it was a place. I had to explain more what that meant!

Wednesday was Ate Amor's birthday, so we went to paradise beach! We haven't been there since Elijah's birthday May 8th, so I missed the ocean and Elijah missed the sand. It was also Luke's first time there.

We invited our friend, Sojo, along, and Amor's nephew, Daniel. Here we are with the 5 kids. Fun! Elijah, that is a fake smile!

Sarah, notice the swimming gear! Mom, the shoes. Thanks, fam! What a place, eh? Look at those clouds! Luke is growing, and he loves the ocean!

Me and my boys! We miss you, Nate, but we're doing okay!

Fun on the slides!

The 2 boys with Sojo, she was such a fun little girl to mix things up and give ideas. "How about both boys catch me down the slide?"

Happy Birthday, Ate Amor! (Mom Becker, notice the recycled candles--much use! We saved 4 of them too for Elijah's birthday coming up).

Buried in the sand.

I love this one of Malachi. Chocolate ice cream at the beach, what could be better?

Friday we did a science experiment with Silas and made a volcano!

This was just the kind of thing Elijah loves to do. Sand, recipes, bubbles, mess...

Friday night, Papa came back!! We were so excited, but we got a little wiped out waiting for his delayed plane. This is the next morning, we had family breakfast of whole wheat banana pancakes! We love you, Nate!! (Elijah hides behind his orange...silly boy)

"Luke, you grew so much while I was gone!" Luke is so happy to see Papa.

Finally, they have their Papa to wrestle. Mama kept saying "boys, I'm too weak and tired!" Look at the love and the fun.

Then Nate and I had a lovely 5 hour date together, catching up and also working on the big puzzle of our upcoming home assignment. Using a calendar and the sticky note method, we are trying to work out the best plan for our family. Thanks for continuing to pray for us!

Praise God he is back, and for a great week. I'll post another one about Nate's week from the other side of the camera.