Spring in Kentucky

A few weeks ago we took some time to take family pictures, totally on our own (aka unprofessional) but I think they turned out pretty well.

I think I've mentioned this before but it has been so nice to see spring bloom (literally) this year.  To see the dogwoods, the daffodils, the azaleas bud and then bloom into bright, brilliant colors has been breath-taking and something I've really missed during my years in TX and living overseas.  So, we decided to take advantage of God's beautiful backdrop.  Here is our spring in pictures:  

Mama finally got him to smile!

this is probably my least favorite, but E's expression is priceless!

Happy Spring!  Well, almost summer!

Our family is growing by two feet!

That's right there is a baby GIRL in our future! 

At first we were excited and shocked at this news (I think we both thought the baby would be a boy) but after a few days of letting it sink in we are so grateful that Lord has decided to add some pink to our family!

Little miss is due to make her appearance mid-September 2014. A perfect time, in my opinion. 

Here are some pictures of Eli when he found out. 

When we told Eli the news he wasn't all smiles. Not necessarily because we are having a girl, but because he had to keep posing with the balloons. 

The out-takes:

My personal favorite:

Thanks for rejoicing with us!

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but The Lord establishes their steps."

Proverbs 16:9

The Pegasus Parade

We got there early, braved the crowds, found a great spot and enjoyed the parade. If the weather was a few degrees warmer and not windy it would have been perfect. Still, we had a great time. 

This was Eli's first parade so he didn't know quite what to expect, he jumped at the fire truck's beeps and only darted off twice. 

That's when he got on daddy's shoulders. 

This parade is the night before Oaks day at Churchill downs and the KY derby is Saturday. Oaks day is a grade I horse race that draws a lot of locals to the race track and might possibly have lower ticket prices (not positive about that one).

It was a fun evening to spend with friends (Eli's friend Lora in some pics above) followed by pizza for dinner.  

Here is the Pegasus balloon, Eli kept yelling "horse!" And saying "neigh" real cute!

Bagpipes!

There were lots and lots of horses!

It is fun to start new traditions in our "new" Kentucky home. 

Balloon Glow

This week is derby week. 

Anyone who knows anything about horses knows this is a big deal. Before moving to KY I had no idea what a big deal the city of Louisville makes for a 45 second horse race!  

We are not going to the derby but have enjoyed partaking in some of the pre-events. 

Last Friday night we went to the fairgrounds and enjoyed the balloon glow. Many companies and organizations sponser hot air balloons and they fill them and light them at dusk for a pretty magnificent display. 

Even though Eli had to stay up late it was worth it and he was a champ. He was so enthralled with the helicopters circling and of course the glowing balloons. It was hard to get a picture with him because he kept turning around. 

It is fun to participate in some of the local excitement surrounding the derby, give us a few years before we get all decked out for the race. 

A few more Easter pictures

Here are a few more shots of Easter before the happenings fade from my memory.

Saturday morning Eli and I decorated eggs. No, I wasn't brave enough to bring out the dye, but Eli was really proud of all the stickers he got on them. A bonus: he's been eating these eggs all week!

Ta da! Only one egg broken in the process!

Eli's Easter basket. All things purchased for a dollar or less and the eggs were filled with coins for his piggy bank. The lion was the biggest hit. I LOVE preparing a basket for a 2 year old!

Sunday, we hosted a brunch with a few of our friends. This included 7 adults and 4 kids. I loved it!  This was our first time since we moved in to host a group of this size, it was so nice to open our home and actually use our dining room table. The kids played until nap time.

Little Kayleigh is only 5 weeks old.  She was so sweet and SO quiet.  I think she slept the entire time.   

 Once we got outside all the kids wanted to do was play, so we decided it was best to just take a group shot at the playscape.  Perfect!

Eli's friend Miles always makes him smile.  They love to play and dance together.  

Even though we are still relatively new here in Louisville we are blessed by the friends the Lord has put in our path.  It is a delight to watch Eli and how well he has adjusted to this new place and just how much he loves life.  Oh, that I would live that way more often!  Yes, we woke up Easter Sunday missing people from places we have lived, but thankful that Easter means Jesus rose from the dead and nothing else matters.  

Happy Easter from the Keith, Eli and Ellie 

"If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.  But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep...But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  

1 Corinthians 15:19-20 & 57

Egg hunting...

This year is the first year Eli has really gotten into finding eggs even though it's his 3rd Easter. Easter #1 he was weeks old and I laid him beside a basket of eggs...that was it. Easter #2 he was not quite walking so I would carry him from egg to egg, put him down, coax him into picking it up and maybe get it into the basket. But this year he spots an egg, runs to pick it up, inspects the insides and throws it in the basket. Of course it doesn't always go that smoothly and he CAN get distracted, but all in all this is the best year for hunting yet! 

This is last weekend at his school, all the eggs had letters on them so he found his favorites. 

The next hunt was at a Playgroup this week, Eli did great and loved hunting with his friends. 

Lastly, this morning we had a neighborhood hunt that was pretty much a mad dash for eggs, but Eli kept up well and filled his basket. 

Not sure what to think about the Easter bunny :). 

My two guys!

It is awesome to see Eli mature into a little boy and all that he does and says! I know all parents say this, but it really is amazing how kids grow and how intricately The Lord made us!  We sure are enjoying every new thing!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter with family near and far!  He is risen!

A trip to the zoo!

So it turns out Louisville has a pretty amazing zoo. Who knew?  In recognition of earth day the zoo had a $3 admission day so we decided to take advantage of it.  Of course the rest of Kentucky and Indiana did too, so we arrived early and left early. It was a perfect morning for our family. 

We saw lions (and heard them roar), zebras, gorillas, polar bears and more. 

At the giraffe house. 

 Up close and personal with the lions. 

Even closer with the gorillas!

The beautiful weather this weekend allowed us to have a great time. We are so excited this place is in our new city, I'm sure we'll be making many more trips!