Arin and Lucy

My friend Arin from college came to visit this week and brought her dog Lucy. Arin had not met Naomi and I had not met Lucy. We had a great time. We took Arin to see the beautiful sights of Dubuque like the Mississippi and the bluffs. We also went to Galena and walked around because Arin had never been there. We cooked yummy food and even tried our hand at some traditional Czech food to surprise Monika. (We didn't do so hot and she laughed at us but she agreed that we get an A for effort.) Lucy ran around barking at Gabe and Griffin most of the time and left some little brown presents all over the house as a token of her appreciation for our hospitality! We love "Aunt Arin" and can't wait to visit with her again. Thank God for great friends.

Aunt Hannah

Hannah came to visit last weekend and we had fun with her. She is going to school in Springfield right now and working at Barnes and Noble. She loves working there. She lives with her dog Emmett whom she loves. We wish she lived closer so that we could see her every day. She is the most giggly and snuggley person we know!

"Mim and Nomi"

Micah took this picture of Miriam and Naomi last weekend after church and I wanted to share it. Aren't they the sweetest? Check out the pictures on Joel and Steph's blog to see other cute ones of Miriam. (http://joelsteele.blogspot.com)

Cousin Miriam Visits

This past weekend Grandma and Grandpa Steele, Aunt Hannah, Uncle Joel, Aunt Steph, and Miriam came to visit. We had a really fun time. Soon these girls will be best buddies!

Naomi sits up!

Naomi let me put her down long enough to learn how to sit up on her own. Here she sits in her pack-n-play.

Gabe and Griffin

These are our puppies. Well, not really puppies anymore, they are almost 5 and 6. Isaiah and Naomi really like them but Monika isn't so sure about them. You should have seen her face when I told her they are allowed in our bed!

Monika

This is our new friend Monika. She is a student from Czech Republic and is studying at the Tri-State Christian School for the last quarter. She will be living with us during that time. This is a picture of her making schnitzel and potatoes for us. I think that she really misses Czech food.

Family

Last night together

My family always gathers together to have dinner the night before we leave for home. This is the crew:

John (stepdad), Mom, Isaiah, Jordan (sister), Naomi, Katie (Hunter's girlfriend), Hunter(brother), Kim (stepmom), Dad, Gypsy (Grandma, Kim's mom).

Girl Time

Our last full day in North Carolina. Oh how we are not looking forward to the snow. It is 55 and sunny here!

PJ's and bed head

We LoveTV!

The kids and I have soaked in the TV every morning since we have gotten to NC. Since we dont have it at home it has been a real treat. I wonder how many times Isaiah will ask for it when we get back home.

Big Boy

I can't believe how big Isaiah is getting. Will dad think that he has grown when we finally meet up again?

Papa and Naomi

The weather was beautiful today and we played outside with Papa in the afternoon. Naomi loves being outside and taking it all in. Here she posed for a pic with Papa.

Puppy Dog

Hunter's girlfriend Katie brought her new puppy over and Isaiah loved it. He loves Katie too!

"Let's go Hunter!"

Isaiah: "Let's go Hunter, let's go"

Hunter: "Hold on Isaiah, I'm checking out my bicep."