Oh my goodness, I knew I was way behind with the blog but what a mess I've made of the spring and summer! We have been very busy here, I took a job about an hour away so I have not been home nearly as much as I'd like. The good news is that I have taken a new job as a Starbucks Store Manager, and my store is 10 minutes from our house! Woo hoo!! I will be home with the boys in the evenings so we can have family dinners and bathtime and bedtime and all of those important things we've felt like we're missing out on. Any how, since we're so behind I'll get to the good stuff.... life with Everett!!
He is getting soooooo big! And busy :-) He will be running in a matter of weeks so for now he just follows along the furniture or walls to get where he wants to be or he uses his truck walker. Sometimes he even gets fed up and just walks a few steps to the nearest toy.
He was also baptized last month at St. Roch, the church where we were married and attend mass (when mommy's not working Sundays) and I was also baptized there which made it extra special for me. Everett was so wonderful during the ceremony and only fussed a little when daddy wouldn't let him hold the candle (yes he's getting to that age) He was absolutely fascinated with Father Wilmoth throughout the whole thing. Emily and Uncle Dylan stood up as his godparents and helped take part in the ceremony too. It was very special and we were very happy to have so many people celebrate it with us at the church and then at our house for lunch and cake. Everett is one lucky little guy to have so many people that care about him.
Speaking of people that love the little man, The Nickolaus gang came to visit! Grama & Grampa, Aunt Melissa, Uncle Eric & Sydney too! It was so nice to have everyone together and really special for Brian & Melissa's grandparents to have the chance to meet Sydney. It was fun being together again and I hope they enjoyed it as much as we did. I know it was a great chance for them to see how big Ev has gotten since February. Also, Grama was the first person to realize that, wait a minute, does Ev have a tooth in there?! While they were in town his bottom right tooth showed up!
Also, we were able to travel to West Virginia for a family reunion, my grandpa's family, and we were very excited to introduce the little guy to all of our family there! We did a little hiking and alot of visiting. Everett was good for the most part and even took his first steps while we were there! :-)
Other than these big events we have been keeping busy with all of our wonderful friends and family. The little guy is a new adventure everyday and I cant wait to see what the future holds as we round out his first year with a celebration of the big UNO!!

Everett & Sydney playing together!

Sydney, Aunt Melissa & Everett

Playing with his buddy Olivia and cousin Sydney

Everett with Mommy, Daddy & all nine of his living grandparents, pretty impressive!!

The Nickolaus' (we missed you Aunt Susan & Uncle David!)

Us with some of our best friends!

Hanging out with Grandpa

Everett loved visiting with Grama & Grampa

He melts my heart!

Everett and his truck

Maybe my favorite picture of the boys Ever!

his favorite way to chew on a straw!
Peek A Boo is our new favorite game, Mommy & Daddy are sure we played it about a 100 times on our way to West Virginia! Here are the action shots-





flirting with Mommy in the mirror

Papaw & Everett

Hiking with Daddy

Our little family after our hike to the falls

Everett loved this chair that Great Great Aunt Patti had at her house, it was just his size!

Attacking Charlotte.... again

Mommy & Everett at Aunt Patti's house

While we were on vacation, Emily housesat for us and as a thank you we bought her a life size Edward.... and hid him in our dark hallway. Ha! Sorry we missed seeing her face in person. I have to admit, they are my three favorite 'E' people :-)

Brushing the Toofers is serious business!
So thats our summer thus far stay tuned and thanks in advance for your patience :-) as we get ready for fall and September 4th. Love you!