girls' night out

This happened a week ago, but with all the birthday excitement, it's just now making the blog. Last Friday night, one my favorite bands, Over the Rhine, played a magnificent show in Louisville. Local Bowling Greener (and Over the Rhine fan) Carrie Powell managed to get a night off (with the help of her hubby B.P.) to accompany me and my two sisters to the show. My dad and stepmom took care of Lewis for me, and I have to say it was really fun to leave the babies behind and enjoy some good music.

My sister, Beth, had her iBook along and took a photo of us in anticipation of the show starting. The effects were added by Beth and photo booth.
















Here's a photo of the band:

















At the end I took a short video clip of them performing Gillian Welch's "Orphan Girl."



But after loading that into iTunes, I found a great video from Cornerstone last year of one of my favorite songs that they performed in Louisville. It's called "Born" from Drunkard's Prayer. Enjoy!



If you ever get the chance to see them live, you definitely should! They are one of the most talented musical couples with her big voice and his killer piano playing, as well as their prolific songwriting abilities. It's worth the trip, especially if you can find free babysitting. :)

Lewis officially turns one!



















Happy Birthday, Lewis! Hope year #2 is as fun as the first.......well, even more actually. :)

Actually, today Lewis has not been in the best mood, though he has really enjoyed playing the piano. His bad mood might be related to his 4th tooth that is coming in on the top (his right side).

























He has also enjoyed gnawing on the donkey's ear.

a couple of videos

This video is of Lewis after his birthday party:



This one is of him playing with his stackable rings:

Ahoy ma ty Lewis, your 1st birthday party!
























Due to several family members' upcoming travels, we celebrated Lewis's first birthday yesterday. We had a pirate theme (note matching cake to go with his shirt).

Aunts Beth and Ellen came down early to spend some quality time with Lewis, and went a little crazy with decorating and party-favoring, including their own pirate Lewis shirts.




































Grandpa joined in on the fun!

















Taylor and dad, Matthew Wilson, having a grand time.
















Lewis, not too sure about his cake.





















He threw some on the floor, ate some with help from mommy and daddy, but eventually like the cookies 'n cream ice cream the best.

















Heather Morozov with her son, Val, a.k.a. "the shy pirate."
















Corrie being feisty as the party winds down.

Father's Day and beyond

Well....we are getting beyond the loss of our kitty, and a quick way to get her off our minds was in celebrating Father's Day. Justin was practicing with Foxhole most of the day, so we had to give him his presents early. With a lot of help from our parents and sisters, Lewis and I got Justin his very own Nintendo Wii. It was fun to see him so excited about it then, and he has been getting better aquainted with it this week. It looks like it will be a good investment for the family.



















Lewis and I went up to Louisville to see my dad on Father's Day. We had a good time with him and my step-mom. Her grandson, Will (my step-nephew?) had his 8th birthday party on Sunday and also played in a little league tournament. We headed out to the ballpark to cheer them on to victory. Here's a picture of dad and Lewis:



















Lewis and his cousin, Mallory (Will's sister)





















Lewis playing with Grace Boyer last week. With the tragedy in our family, we forgot to post this earlier. Lewis made his first attempt at "swimming" in Grace's kiddie pool, but the water was a little too cold, and he preferred to watch. Thanks for the opportunity, Grace!

Goodbye Macchiato :(

Today we said goodbye to part of our shepherdfam. Our sweet cat Macchiato, left this life, after another accident left her with terrible internal injuries. She had disappeared for about 24 hours and when she turned up this morning, after much prayer, she looked pretty beat up. We took her to the kitty ER, but the damage was extensive and we had to say goodbye.

It's hard too, because she was such a good cat. She was sweet and friendly to strangers. She was bonding well with Lewis and he loved her dearly. In the good old days, pre-Lewis, she would run up to my car when I came home and talk to me like a person. She would come when you called her (except when she wanted to stay out at night), and followed orders fairly well. Almost like a dog, I suppose.

We are sad she is gone, but glad she will not suffer anymore. We are so relieved that she found her way home so that we could have closure and not be wondering about her for weeks on end. Still, there's nothing like the love of a good cat. We will miss her!

Photo 1--Our most recent photo of Lewis and Macchi.
Photo 2--Macchi and Lewis getting aquainted.
Photo 3--Our friend Val with Macchi as she gets a snack.

Mr. and Mrs. McBroom

On Saturday, Lewis attended his second wedding! This one was in Lexington, KY and united Abigail King and Nathan McBroom in holy matrimony. It was a very elegant occasion, and we were happy to attend. We are ecstatic those two are finally hitched!

The trip gave us an opportunity to catch up with some friends too. Below are some pictures of Yura and Lauren Metelski and their baby, Eleanora (5 months). It was great to catch up with them and introduce the babies. We were honored that they consider Lewis to be a potential suitor for their girl someday. Of course, there are so many prospects, only time will tell which one Lewis will pursue. :) Eleanora is awfully cute though.

On Sunday we got to catch up with even more friends connected to Belarus in one way or another. Still, Lewis was elated to get home as you can see in this photo below. He woke up as we pulled into Bowling Green and this was his expression (note his second tooth, to the right of the first):




















Abigail and Nathan, the happy couple!





















Shelley and Justin rejoice

















Zacchaeus, Justin and Adam celebrate the union

















Lewis enjoying the reception

















Justin and Nathan
















Lauren and Eleanora Metelski





















Yura Metelski
















Eleanora

laughing videos

Lewis' sense of humor is developing in a weird way. Watch these videos to see what he finds funny.

Lewis playing by himself:



Lewis and our friend, Kelly Morgan:

last week's pictures

Grandpa stopped by and we got to celebrate his birthday. Grandma had a hat made for him with Lewis' picture on it.
















Lewis continues to improve on his walking toy.

















Last Friday, we stopped in at Commonwealth Brands, my former workplace, and visited everyone there. Martha enjoyed a break with Lewis!

Corrie's party



















Well, Corrie turned one year-old last week, and it was a pretty fun celebration. She ate her cake very well and seemed to really like it. We liked it too! Lewis did not get to have any, but it won't be long and he'll be eating cake too, hopefully.

Here are some photo highlights:

Lewis enjoying his balloon while Isaac expresses his doubts about them. Simon sleeps in the background.
















Lewis and the birthday girl having some quality time.

















Lewis manages to con a kiss out of Grace, an older woman!

















A pretty fun night, all in all! We can't wait 'til next year.