Dear Anna

Dear Anna, I got your letter about the soap incident on your mom's blog. Did she know you wrote that? I thought it was pretty funny too. My mom was telling my dad when he got home that night, and he laughed for a minute, but then he said, "Why were they upstairs unattended if you and Pam were downstairs?" You have to know my Dad... he's pretty protective. However, he's not home that often for extended periods of times with me, so he doesn't understand how fast us 3 year olds can move! I personally thought the best part was when I climbed into the sink. My mom thinks it's so great that I can reach the sink with a stool now, but little does she know how often I'm climbing on the counter. Oh well, I won't say anything if you don't! Well, can't wait to come to your house sometime soon. Maybe we can find some nail polish and eye liner to play with when our mom's are catching up. I hear you're pretty good with that eye liner... Just wait until we can invite Payton and Wyatt to play... wow, that will be fun! Your friend, Henry

Random photos

Aren't these the cutest smiles? They are so adorable!
What a man.... I'm not sure if I've seen a lot of men this talented :)

Ending of the 5, beginning of the 6

We are now entering Jonathan's 6th year of teaching!! So hard to believe we have been in Ohio that long already, and that we have now made this our home. God has been very gracoius to us. Centerville has been a great place to work!

Opening Ceremonies

I'm not sure how many of you watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, but they were amazing!! It's amazing how even something like that can bring glory to God b/c you can marvel in the beauty he allows us to create. We had fun watching them with Devon and Beth - we let Henry stay up late to watch and we ordered in Chinese in honor the host country :)

the Renshaw clan

Our dear neighbors and friends came to visit us the other day. They were our next door neighbors while we lived on Mirimar. We were so excited to have them come see the house. We are now about 20 minutes away from them, and I have minor breakdowns of tears all the time. I miss them so much. We love you guys. These pics are for you Maddie... :)

Henry spent a lot of time with his Mama and Grampa Cooper while we were moving. They were so gracious to come pick him up and take him home with them. Sounded like he had a great time! He has been saying so many things lately that are so cute. I just haven't had time to write them down. You see his boots in the top picture? He found those while unpacking and said, "Put Henry's boots on, Mommy. Will Henry's boots make it thno (snow) out-thide (outside)?" I love it! The other day we were driving by the mall and he asked me what those buildings were... I said, "It's the mall where people shop." He said, "Oh, yes, that's where Jesus lives." I said, "what?" And he just shook his head up and down to reassure me that he was right.
Then he was out at his new playset playing. He came running to the house saying that he didn't want a bug to sting him. I asked, "Why do you think a bug will sting you?" He said, "Jesus just told me so." I was cracking up. It's those moments when you just want to squeeze them and never let go. He has done an amazing job adjusting to the new house. He really likes his new room and the outdoors.

We were sad to see Mama and Grampa go. Henry has so much fun with them and they are so good to him. We love you guys!

Moving...

Well, it's been awhile! We've had tons of help and so many willing hands - we are finally here at Bentbrook and moved in. Most boxes are unpacked and walls are painted. Thanks to everyone who made this such a delightful process rather than a dreadful one. We are so thankful for parents and a church body who helped us more than we could have ever asked for...

more pics at mom and dad's

Callie and Wyatt
Tab and Michelle
Javin and Henry

Grandma B. and Wyatt

At Mom and Dad's

It was very special to be at mom and dad's with Tabby. Our kids rarely see each other, and when they do, it's usually amidst a sea of other kids! Henry and Javin had so much fun playing and got along great! Callie enjoyed spending time with baby Wyatt and she played with him and helped change his diaper and clothes. I do have to admit that 5 kids in a house with hardwood floors can get very loud! :)

Fun times while in transition...

We have had a fun 2 weeks while being in this transitional phase between homes. I went to Indiana to spend time with family. I spent a night at Meg's house - and then headed out to my parents who now live back on about 8 acres. It was so great. My sister Tabby was in town with her 3 kids visiting my parents - so we all bunked up there. Friday night, my mom wanted to go through one of my grandmother's old trunks with us sisters so we could see some things from the past... well, we never got to that b/c Meg's water broke!!! It was crazy! But how fun! She delivered right on her due date. A little girl... Avery Elizabeth.

In transition...

We moved out almost 2 weeks ago... we've been staying at Devon and Beth's which has worked out well. I went to Indiana to visit family and I'll post the pictures later... it was sad to leave Mirimar. I cried that evening and next day... and maybe the next day too.

Happy Birthday Uncle Devon

Yesterday was Devon's birthday. Henry asked me all day long when we were going to "have Devon's birthday?" I think he was equating cake with birthday - when we went to their house for dinner, he said he wasn't hungry for food, he just wanted Devon's birthday. Then he'd go ask Beth, "Where's Devon's birthday?" It was so funny! All of Henry's S's that come in the middle of a word are pronounced as th's -- so 'lessons' are 'lethons' and 'outside' is 'out-thide' -- and all of his S's at the beginning of words are F's. So 'swimming' is 'fwimming' -- so sweet.

Smiling?

Oh dear, we need to work on smiles! I love these little guys... they are too cute!

Henry and I spent the morning outside while Wyatt took a nap. It was so beautiful! And I was just savoring the last few days we'll have in this neighborhood. I came around the corner and Henry was sitting on the front step - he had picked up the newspaper and informed me that he was "reading" it. Out loud... it was amazing. He was just making up things -- so cute!