We're Back!!

We had a great time traveling- but we were happy to see our own home again!!!

Our summer home!

I don't have any pics to show just yet. We are settling into our home for the next five weeks (we are in Orlando, FL). Anna Claire has learned to say "house" & when we pull into our hotel, The Imperial Swan, she says "MY HOUSE!" I've always known we were rich in the Lord, but I never thought he'd give us a summer home!! The kids are adjusting quite well. They LOVE being around all of the people, as do their mom & dad. We are all quite pleased with our set up. We are surrounded by other staff and college students! We look forward to seeing all that God will do through this summer training time!

I'll try to post some new pictures soon!!

Anna Claire's art debut

Anna Claire and Harrison loved their first year at "school" (Mother's Day Out)! We attended the art show that was held in the gym. This was the same gym that the kids had RUN and played in during the cold or rainy days! You can imagine Harrison's delight as we approached the gym doors! It was next to impossible to keep him from running (along with many of his friends). They had a great time. Harrison, however, was not in the mood to have his picture taken...he was too busy running!

Got milk?? We've had Oreos!

Pics from last Fall!

"I wanted to be a COWBOY!"

Little Sick Girl

Anna Claire has caught the stomach virus that Harrison had. Please pray for a quick recovery.

"My Anna Claire"

Harrison has been attending "bible school" this year on Wednesday mornings. It is the children's program for a bible study I attend. Now that Anna Claire is two she gets to go! Harrison has been such a great big brother showing her all of the ropes. The first week he stayed by her side telling her about everything. At one point during the morning the youngest split off for an activity. When Ms. Kristen took Anna Claire by the hand to lead her to the other room, Harrison proclaimed "Wait, that's MY Anna Claire!"

A cheerful heart is good medicine!

At the bible study (BSF) the kids have been learning verses, hymns, bible stories and all kinds of great things. Harrison loves to act out the normal routine and often asks me to play one of his teachers to tell the story. He also loves to pretend he is one of the teachers. He will say, "ok boys and girls, it is time for your quiet time on your towel." He spreads out blankets for Anna Claire and himself. After quiet time is over he sings in the sweetest voice you've ever heard:
"Good morning God. This is your day.
I am your child. Show me your way."
He is a great teacher!!

Towel Time

"Are you really going to take a picture of me in my towel?"




"Like this Anna Claire...CHEESE!!"




"OK, but only one more"

Harrison, the runner

Tonight we had dinner with our good friends, the Yates. They have a daughter who is a few months older than Anna Claire, and another daughter just a few months old! After dinner the Yates invited us out to the track on campus for a little exercise.

THE PLAN: The moms will push the kids in the strollers ( one double stroller and one single) and carry Addison (the baby) in the infant sling/carrier and the dads will do their 2 mile run (they are training for a half marathon in the fall).

THE REALITY: Just as everyone gets settled into their appointed spot, Harrison realizes that the GUYS are running and he is not. He BEGS to run and we think: " what's the harm? He'll get it out of his system and be ready to ride again." So, we let him out and everything falls apart. He sprints off after the dads, who are already a quarter way around the track. Kaitlyn begins to cry because Harrison is getting to run and she is in the stroller, so we let her out. Of course Anna Claire is not going to be the only one left in the stroller! By the time we get the girls out, Harrison has caught up with the guys( they slowed a bit for him) and is not even thinking about stopping! He proceeds to run ALL the way around the track without even thinking about it. He will probably be the first three year old to run a half marathon, but I think he could do it! ha ha Maybe we''ll start with some mini races for kids.

Caught in the act...

The Trainee and the Trained- rated PG

We have had many victories lately in potty training. If I stay on top of taking Anna Claire to the potty, she will go...I guess I am the one who is being trained!




Harrison has been taking himself for almost a year! Yaaaaay!

Tea & Lovin' for two

One of the gifts Anna Claire received for her second birthday was a tea set. She loves to have her baby dolls and her stuffed animals come for tea, but her favorite guest is her big brother Harrison. He has been excited for her & with her!





Modeling her new dress!

Moving to the Big Girl Bed!

One last slumber in her baby bed. She sleeps with her favorite "Pooh" and with her arm around "Boxy". Boxy was Mason's childhood bear, but if you mention this to Anna Claire she proclaims "NO, MY" She has taken ownership of daddy's bear!




Harrison celebrates Anna Claire's new bed with her & Pooh!

The Wrangler

These were taken last summer, but I don't think I shared them with anyone!! Harrison really enjoyed himself!




This is fun... as long as my daddy is holding me!!

a recent pic

From the mouths of babes...

Our last name being Leaf, it is easily mistaken for Lee. To clarify we often say "Leaf...like on a tree." This week I was out with my three year old, Harrison, when someone asked him his name. He promptly and confidently replied, "Harrison...like on a tree."