Our Littlest Cutie in August

Jayakar

Jayakar is doing well. He continues to work for Wal-Mart, where he has been a faithful employee for over two years. His bosses love him, and it is always fun to shop there and see how his co-workers feel about him.

A Visitor From India

In August, we were thrilled to have Sam, Jayakar's brother from India, come to visit us. He is the first of Jayakar's family members to come to our home, and it was fun to get to show him our part of America.

Dad made sure Sam got out to see our green Iowa countryside, as well as enjoying a country tradition...

a truck ride! Liberty and her daddy enjoyed it, too :).

We had a great time, and the kids really enjoyed their time with Uncle Sam! Hopefully we'll see him again on his next US visit.

Growing Up

Our children are growing up so fast!

Ransom began sitting before he turned six months old. It made him a much happier baby, because then he was able to play with toys and occupy himself so much more.

Liberty and Ransom are best buddies. Ransom adores his sister, and laughs at everything she does. He thinks she's super!
Here's Ransom at six months!

In California

Jayakar's parents flew over from India in May, and spent a couple months in California with Joanna (Jayakar's sister). Jayakar flew out to see them shortly after their arrival- a surprise visit that brought them great joy :). Then, at the beginning of July, we took a trip to California as a family so our children could meet their Indian grandparents- Tata and Nainama.
Since we were already out in beautiful California, we spent a couple days having a family vacation. Drove Hy 1 along the coast, and took some back roads. Lovely, fun days.

Alaska- #50!

Alaska- state #50 for me! It was really exciting, especially since I never thought I'd get there! Jayakar missed it (just like Hawaii, he had to work), but was not too sad about this state- cold isn't his thing :). Our trip was Apr 30-May 10. We spent the first few days seeing the major sights of interior Alaska, then went to the Kenai Peninsula to spend a few days seeing my Dad's sister, Peg.
We got to see the pipeline clearly. It was fun to learn more about it.
The scenery was spectacular on the Richardson Hy, and our weather couldn't have been better.
Our first moose were observed feasting on water vegetation in a marshy lake.
Some of the typical mountains...
This was the view from the parking lot of our hotel in Glenallen.
You can see the glacier in the background, and some of the scenery along the Glenallen Hy.
Aunt Peg had gotten a lovely cabin for us, and the kids enjoyed relaxing and NOT being in car seats!

Our final tourist trip was to Homer with Aunt Peg. It was our favorite spot on the whole trip, and the scenery was breathtaking. Several years ago on our Northeast trip, we went to the furthest east point in the US (in Maine). We did our best, and reached the westernmost point accessible by road :).

God was so good to us. Our trip had perfect weather, sunny, warm days and cool clear nights; safety every step of the way; and a wonderful family time together.

Liberty Had Her Second Birthday

On May 14 (yes, I know I'm terrible at keeping up) we celebrated Liberty's second birthday. It's hard to believe we have a two-year-old in the house, but she is a delight and keeps everyone hopping!