Fiesta!

On Monday, July 27, Jacob turned 1! Believe it or not, it's been a whole year since the night we met Jake (when he was just a 31-week peanut), and climbed aboard the preemie-coaster.

He's now a 24.5-pound, crawling, standing, almost-walking, laughing, squawking, cute-as-a-button, BIG boy! (Who you callin' a preemie?) And that called for a celebration--a fiesta, in fact! We had a GREAT time with LOTS of family, ever-so-thankful that this day came to be! (Plus it gave me an excuse to wear chili-pepper earrings from my sis, and decorate the little ones with fake moustaches.)

In all seriousness, we are beyond blessed to have Jake and his big sis in our lives, and pray that we'll celebrate a lifetime of happy HEALTHY birthdays with them. A big MUCHAS GRACIAS to the One who brought us this far, and the family and friends who've been with us every step of the way.

Back from the Beach

Last week we had a great time at the beach, as evidenced by these pics. Jake was quick to get down and dirty in the sand, while Grace was most impressed with the seagulls (which she continues to imitate several times a day.) The weather was beautiful, and we did lots of fun things--from bikerides (Grace and Daddy) to the boardwalk to just being. I never tire of the salty air, crashing waves and sand beneath my toes--a one-stop shop to see and experience some of God's greatest work! Not to mention it's one of the few places where my childhood blends seamlessly into my childrens'--with the same sights and sounds and smells that have been there for decades, and will hopefully remain for years to come.