The Past Month

Has it really been over a month since I blogged? My apologies! It has been a crazy few weeks. The boys had a lovely 1st birthday. They each had their own "smash cake" It had their names in icing and had two little tiers. Everyone  sang Happy Birthday to them, and we "helped" them blow out their candle. Xander promptly and obediently "smashed" his cake. Right into the front of his shirt. Once he figured out that you were supposed to eat it, he went at it with relish, gnawing the cake like an apple. Josiah, on the other hand, was overwhelmed by all the kids gathered around to watch him, and all the noise, so I had to hold him on my lap and feed him bits of cake which he reluctantly ate. Consequently, the boys were not the only ones wearing frosting in their hair and on their clothes!
Once they hit the year mark, Josiah decided to become the fearless climber. He has climbed onto the couch, onto his crib, into dresser drawers, into chairs, and daily, he turns over his toy box, and balances on top of it, waving his arms, and shouting. Xander decided to be our talker. He says "cow" (although to him, a cow and a zebra are the same thing) Just this week, Xander was trying to get his shoes down from the table, and I asked if he wanted them. He looked at me and clearly said "shoes". I think he wanted them because he knows that if we put on their shoes, a trip to the park is coming. To give Josiah credit, I am pretty sure that he has learned the word "yes" although I am not yet sure if he knows what it means. He seems to know it is a response to a question though!
We also had a lovely anniversary in the past month! My very thoughtful husband arranged a night out for the just the two of us, and on our way home, Josh got to see his first bear!! It was super close. I literally could have hit it with the door of the car.
Josh has been giving most of the sermons and staff devotionals as well as trying to help with regular "camp stuff" when he is able. I have been able to drive a bus a few times this summer, and have really enjoyed getting to know some of the counselors. One of them is trying to teach me to crochet! I don't quite have the hang of it yet...
We were able to get into town a few weeks ago for the boys 12 month Doctor visit. They did great, especially considering how badly they were off schedule--their appointment was right in the middle of their usual nap. Josh was also able to get needed blood work done and we were able to get a few other long overdue tasks accomplished. The boys got a soft Tonka truck each afterwards for being so very good. They also had their 1st meal at the Golden Arches. McNuggets, apple dippers and milk. They loved it. We went shopping for some needed items, and the boys got to "drive" the car shopping cart, as it was a double seater (Thanks Lord!)
The theme for last month at camp was "Adventures on the High Seas" which was a lot of fun, and this month, every single day of the camp week is a different holiday (which means a lot of tear down and put up of decorations)
Bronco Camp--10 and 11 year olds--#2 was last week, and like the first one, so many kids had questions and were truly interested in spiritual things! Josh was able to be available during some devotions, and answer a number of the kids questions--and let me tell you, they had some good ones!
This blog is getting waaay too long, so I will try not to let so much time lapse before another update.