Here are some pictures of Nicholas' first time really in the pool. We go often but my hands are always full with Jonathan so he usually sits and watches in the shade. He loved splashing! Quite the little water baby. We're heading on vacation this weekend and we can't wait to see how both the boys handle the sand and ocean. Jonathan wasn't too sure of it last time.

Jonathan's 2nd Birthday

Here are some pictures from Jonathan's belated birthday party! He had a full house of friends and relatives celebrating with him, although little brother, Nicholas, slept upstairs in his room the entire time.

Happy 2nd Birthday Jonathan!

We love you!

Here's Video from the party:

Birthday Video-Jonathan's 2nd Year

Week in Clinton

A little birthday celebration at my parents on his "actual birthday". We will celebrate with friends and family this weekend.

Jonathan and Nicholas went to the Artisian Park in Clinton a couple of times during our homeless week staying with my parents.

The Old Glory Days Parade was postponed around the 4th due to the rain so we were lucky enought to take the boys when in town. We told Jonathan...since it was his birthday...that the parade was just for him. He was frightened when the firetrucks first came by, but when he saw candy and other treats being tossed, he thought the parade was really fun!

Visiting with Great Grandma KN at the Democrat Office

Nicholas looked like he was having so much fun, Jonathan thought he'd climb in too!

Moving OUT day!

Here are just a few pictures from our move out of the old house on July 7th. We had great help from Tommy, friends Katie and Kevin, and Jason's parents. Jason did a lot of work himself getting all of our belongings into storage the past month so the move out went very smoothly. Jonathan and pal Jackson seemed to have a good time playing!

Picture Time!

There were quite a few meltdowns when attempting these today and very few to choose from (again)....but I think we did okay!



Nicholas-6months

He has become more and more verbal (well loud, really) and so observant of those around him. He absolutely loves any attention he can get from his big brother, even if it's borderline abuse ;) He's definitely our little lover!

Jonathan-1 year/Jonathan-2 years

We will have to celebrate his birthday with friends and family a week late as we will be moving the weekend of his actual birthday. It amazes us everyday with how much he has changed in a year...with his vocabulary and his ability to count to ten, say his alphabet and identify numbers and letters. He has been such a joy to watch grow!

And I just had to throw these in because I thought they were just too cute!

Fourth of July!

Playing in the rain on the deck prior to heading to Fouth of July festivities...we had a tough time getting him back inside!

All of the great grandchildren.

Great Grandpa Votaw & Nick

Great Grandma Votaw & Nick

Aunt Glenda, Nicholas and Snickers


After a full day of packing (with Katie's gracious help) we headed to Eudora, KS for the Fourth of July. About 50 or so family members gathered together at Eric & Ashli Votaw's. (Thanks again you guys for hosting...we had a great time!!!)

Lake-Mark & Katie's Engagement Party

Here are a few pics from the Lake of the Ozarks....we celebrated sister Katie's engagement to Mark Mueller at his lake house this past weekend. Mark comes from a VERY LARGE family and many flew in from all over the country(over 50 in attendance). They are all extremely nice people and we are SO excited for them both!