Yesterday morning my sister headed to Egypt. This is her fourth (or fifth?) time to make the journey. The first time, she was gone for two weeks. The second time, she originally planned to be there three months.
We didn't see her for six. She made a detour to South Africa for three months and then back to Egypt for another month before coming home. She's definitely the world traveler of the family. Within a year she spent time in Guatemala (twice), Belize, Israel, Egypt and South Africa.
This time she promises she is coming home in two weeks. I told Madelyn to give her extra hugs just in case! Ha!
Truthfully, we just like to joke with her about not coming home
and this time she is leading a team of 19 people. I am not sure they would be up for the extended trip!
Madelyn stayed at the house with Luke while I ran some last minute errands with Rachel and Mom.
Once Rachel was well on her way to see old friends, make new ones, and help with a sports ministry in the desert, we decided to have the family over for a swim and some hot dogs. The cousins had matching bathing suits that Emily picked out on one of our Target shopping trips a few months ago, but I forgot to get a picture of them all together.
Madelyn loves the water and the weather was absolutely perfect.
The girls really enjoyed making smores on the Fourth so we did it again. Allison opened up a Hershey's Bar all by herself and started to chow down. We were all cracking up.
Luke took her by the fence and hosed her off! She was a mess.
Grandpa (probably talking like Donald Duck or telling the girls
not to call him a person) and his girls.
It was a nice, low key evening hanging out with family.
I love summer nights. Madelyn was up way past her bedtime, but was enjoying every minute of sitting in her toy basket!
If you think about over the next two weeks, say a prayer for my sister! I know they are having a great time ministering to thousands of teenagers.
Madelyn misses you already, Aunt Rach.
She is officially attached.
And it makes me nervous.
I was the impossible kid that did not want to give up my paci.
I remember hiding them by my bed. The fact that I remember, tells you that I was way too old to have one and that I definitely put my mom through a lot.
I was hoping Madelyn wouldn't really care about hers but apparently she has grown fond of Mr. Nuk. Sigh. I'm still going to put it out of sight when she wakes up and hope for the best. The moment she lays eyes on that little guy, she screams loud enough and long enough that I usually give it to her just to make her stop :) I know, my mad parenting skills are making you feel guilty. Ha!
Hopefully her attachment won't be as over the top as mine. Especially because I couldn't stand for this cut little face to be covered all the time.
She's always on the go. In the rare moments that she is sitting still you can count on her to be jabbering.
Those moments only last for a few seconds though and she is usually back to playing or getting in to something.
When did my baby become such a big girl?
Luke and I went to church together last night babyless (Thanks Mom!).
About 96% of all the pictures of Luke and I from our first 3-4 years together look just like this.
The classic "stick-your-arm-out-as far-as-you-can-and-hope-for-the-best" pose. It's kind of a classic for us so I thought we should capture the moment.
Truthfully, we just like to joke with her about not coming home and this time she is leading a team of 19 people. I am not sure they would be up for the extended trip!
Madelyn stayed at the house with Luke while I ran some last minute errands with Rachel and Mom.
Once Rachel was well on her way to see old friends, make new ones, and help with a sports ministry in the desert, we decided to have the family over for a swim and some hot dogs. The cousins had matching bathing suits that Emily picked out on one of our Target shopping trips a few months ago, but I forgot to get a picture of them all together.
Madelyn loves the water and the weather was absolutely perfect.
The girls really enjoyed making smores on the Fourth so we did it again. Allison opened up a Hershey's Bar all by herself and started to chow down. We were all cracking up.
Luke took her by the fence and hosed her off! She was a mess.
Grandpa (probably talking like Donald Duck or telling the girls not to call him a person) and his girls.
It was a nice, low key evening hanging out with family. I love summer nights. Madelyn was up way past her bedtime, but was enjoying every minute of sitting in her toy basket!
If you think about over the next two weeks, say a prayer for my sister! I know they are having a great time ministering to thousands of teenagers. Madelyn misses you already, Aunt Rach.
Pointing at everything!
Swinging out back.
Whipping up a few more jars of pickled okra.
Having a pool party at the house for the student ministry.
Madelyn getting her first taste of graham crackers (and they were a hit).
Climbing on coffee tables. (Grandma & Gigi, I was right there when she figured out how to do this.)
Being 
Looking super cute in her strawberry bikini before taking an afternoon swim.
Thankfully Madelyn is all better and has been for a few days! All of her spots are gone and so is her fever. Viruses stink. I was beginning to wonder if she would always have those spots. And the waking up at four am that accompanied them. She hasn't left the house in nearly two weeks except a quick trip to Lifeway yesterday. She wasn't too fond of her car seat. I am hoping that she remembers quickly how much she used to enjoy her car seat and how good of a car rider she was.
