Church Music at it's Finest

Brian and I were trying to decide who we thought came up with the idea to do this whole little performance and we're betting it was the guy in the middle. Your thoughts?

New Photographer on Duty

While I was taking pictures the other day of Abby, Jonah wanted a turn. Well, all it took was one click and Jonah had a new hobby. He was all over the house taking pictures of everything in sight. And I mean everything...

Here's Abby waking up from a nap...

The backyard...
Abby's room...
A toilet.............?
And mommy and daddy.

He went off for 15 mintues and brought me back the camera. When I looked at the pictures, I saw that he had taken pictures in every room in the house, except the basement, and even some of the backyard. I think he has a real eye. He took the last one after daddy came home and we showed him the pictures. Not too bad, eh?

What's happening?

Well, things just keep hopping in the Conklin household. Jonah has a few new tricks up his sleeves these days. One of which is drawing faces. He can name and draw eyes, ears, a mouth, a nose, and hair. Way to go Jonah! This should make for some more interesting artwork.
Jonah and Abby can sort of play together a little bit more, so that's been fun to see. We have to say phrases like "be gentle" and "ask mommy and daddy if you want to hold Abby, please" and "Jonah.... Jonah.... put Abby down sweetie!" often, but Abby will just be a tough girl I guess. Besides, she thinks her brother is hilarious, so that is his perfect companion.
Abby likes to wave and say hello when you come and go. She also loves to eat, as you can tell, but is not so interested in baby food as much as anything she can pick up on her own. If you put it in her mouth, it's sick. If she picks up the same thing and puts it in, it's delicious. Girls will be girls I guess.

I love this picture because it shows the personality best of our crazy little guy. He is a blast to be around, but man, this guy can go go go. Example: Jonah was in bed for the night and about 45 minutes after we had put him to bed we still heard some noise and decided it was time to put an end to his fun. Well, Brian went in to find Jonah in bed... with his lamp. He had unplugged his lamp, taken it off the dresser and brought it in to bed, and then unscrewed the bottom off and was working on the shade. What a strange boy. Needless to say, we're moving the dresser. (Please note we just moved the bed away from the window four days ago due to the tempting blinds). Mom bought a copy of "Raising Your Spirited Child". Why is it so hard to out think a two year old? He is such a blessing though, and someday this spunk will be channeled to accomplish some pretty amazing things.

Wild World of Sports

The August-travelling Conklins recently made a trip out to Ohio to stay with Papa and Mimi for a few days. Luckily we were able to meet up with Mark, Steph, Eli, and Toby for an evening of food and bowling while we were there. What an intense game it was.

These two guys have some serious fun together.

This is a great shot of the crew.

We spent the rest of the week hanging out at Papa and Mimi's house, mainly in the backyard playing some ball.

Daddy also turned the big 2-8 while we were there, so of course we had to celebrate with some cake and an Indians game! The Indians didn't win, but Jonah pretty much had the best day of his life, so that is a present enough for daddy.
We had fun Papa and Mimi. Thanks!

Hitting the Road

Last Wednesday through Sunday Jonah partied with family while Mommy, Daddy, and Abby headed south to Oklahoma City for a wedding. Mommy and Abby headed even farther south for a few of those days to Dallas to visit some of mommy's friends from high school. Jonah was a trooper while we were away and was anxious to tell us all the fun that he had with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Reed, Aunt Dana, and his cousins at home. Thanks guys!

Abby was honestly perfect the entire trip. She was entirely sleep deprived, but as happy as can be. It was great to be able to give her a few days of undivided attention. I hope you enjoyed it while it lasted, Abs. :)

On Thursday Abby and I made it to Texas and met up with Chelle and her baby Emory, born two days after Abby. Traci, who now lives in Nashville and Sarah (forever known as Loyd to me) were also there.They're friends.
The next night we figured we'd hang out and get some Chili's take out after the girls went to sleep. We then thought it'd be fun to eat it on Sarah's china. However, as we sat down, we figured we were probably dressed a little to informal and would look silly eating on such nice dishes. The only obvious choice was to wear old bridesmaid/prom dresses of Loyd's.

What... you don't do this?

Sarah playing a little guitar hero in her wedding gown. I think the veil is a nice touch.
Now to the real wedding and the reason we went. Brian was in his best friend and teammate from college, Adam's, wedding on Saturday. I would have pictures of the bride and groom in their dress and tux, but they sort of ate, changed, and left. Go figure.Here's the bride in her drive-off dress.
We had a wedding day four years ago. Abby wasn't there though. Doesn't Brian look sharp?

It was a lot of fun to be able to catch up with some of Brian's old teammates. Look at this crew. From left to right, Justin Boeker, Marques McCarty, Brian, and Jake Muhlheisen.

We leave this Wednesday for Ohio to see Mimi and Papa, so stay tuned for more pictures of our travels. We already have fishing, Brian's birthday, and an Indians game on tap, so it should be a doozy.

From Jonah's Lens

Here's what the world looks like from a 2 year old's view. The house is even messier it appears from a little higher up, and daddy is basically a giant. Jonah needs to get our camera more often.

Lake Swimming

This weekend we went to the lake with some of our friends. Abby has disliked her baths lately, so we wondered how she would take to the water. She loved it of course. Go figure. Jonah loved it also, as usual, and daddy and I didn't have such a terrible time either. Here are a few pictures.

I decided that taking them to the deep end where they can't escape is about the only time I can get them both to stay still enough for a picture.

Daddy's turn

Just the boys
Just the girls
Brittany and Maren
Heidi and Xander
Land lubber Hudson (one day younger than Jonah) and Libby
Jonah learning to swim

I think he likes it, folks!

What a sweetheart.

Well, Brian, Abby and I are off to OK City to see Adam get hitched! Jonah is staying here with Granparents and cousins. Abby and I will also head down to Dallas and visit Traci, Chelle, Sarah, and most importantly, Emory. Many pictures to come I'm sure...