Welcome Back

Aeraci loves playing in the pots and pans drawer!

Mommy and Miss America 2028!! Aeraci loves listening to music with daddy

Aeraci and her pumpkin at the pumpkin patch

At the pumpkin patch, Aeraci rode the pony for all of 10 seconds before she got scared, but who doesn't get scared on their first pony ride?

It's been a while since I've updated our blog, things have gotten busy around here. I went back to work at the end of September. I'm working at the local school district as a substitute teacher. It is great being back in the classroom! I did not realize how much I missed it. I usually work 3 days a week which is perfect. As for Aeraci, she stays home with grandma and daddy. This works out great as Aaron is on swing shift and is home during the day. In addition to working, I am still active and serving on the leadership team for PWOC (Protestant Women of Chapel). And if that wern't enough, I just started a Young Adult Women's bible study in our home Tuesday nights. So as you can see, pretty busy.

As for Aeraci, she is getting so big. She is 15 months now and such a joy. She is still not quite walking, but she recently started pushing a little shopping cart around the living room. Her vocabulary is improving as well. She now can identify and say "dog" and of course "mama", "dada" and "nana".

We are loving watching her personality develop, and seeing her turn in to a true little girl! I say this because when we were in Washington in September, Grandma Owens had a baby doll, and Aeraci loved cuddling with it, so after we came home we bought her a doll and she loves to carry it around and snuggle. She also calls her "ba- bay". In addition to little girls and dolls, Aeraci is also a future Miss America. Granmda gave her a tiara to play with, and she has a beaded necklace from Aunt Tiny, and she will pull both the necklace and tiara out of the toy basket and put them on at the same time!!! She will even blow kisses and give a "pageant" wave!! We love it!

Home in Washington Part 2

While in Washington, I was able to attend my brother-in-law Sim's wedding, meet my two new nephews, visit my Uncle Lloyd, Aunt Janet, and numerous other family members. I was also able to spend some time with my friends Patty and Amy K. We had a good time in Washington, although time was short it was well spent considering the circumstances of our visit.

Home in Washington

Mom, Breanne, Aeraci and Me at the Reception following Grandma's Funeral Me and Raci

Patty and Aeraci

Me and Uncle Lloyd

On September 1, Aeraci, mom and I flew to home to the Tri-Cities when we heard grandma was not expected to live. We arrived in time to spend 2 1/2 days with her before she went to be with the Lord. We will miss grandma Gladys. While home, we were able to connect with family we have not seen in awhile, and see relationships restored, Praise God.

A Day at the Beach

Bringing in trhe crab pots

Trying to catch a crab with a line

Sand Baby Aeraci

Ha! I'm cute!

A couple of weeks ago we spent a day at the beach with our friends Jeff and Denise. We had a great time. Aeraci loves playing in the sand almost as much as she loves the water. After the beach, we had our first experience with crabbing. Jeff put some crab pots in the bay and we had fresh crab for dinner:)

Aeraci and Her Baby

Aeraci and Grammy

Aeraci sleeping with her snuggle doll

Last week I went in to check on Aeraci while she was taking a nap, and I saw she was holding her little snuggle doll, it was so adorable!

A Day With Friends

The Carisio and Owens family, growing every year:)

Kara and me with our beautiful babies

Me and Timothy

Kara and Aeraci

Last week we drove to Wilmington to see our friends the Carisio's who were visiting family after their move back to the states. It was so good to see Kara, Gerard and meet new Timothy. We had not seen them since our move last October so we glad to have the opportunity to see our friends we dearly missed and meet their new addition. I loved holding Timothy, who is only 8 weeks old; there is something about holding little babies, I miss it, but not too much yet:)!! Aeraci got a little jealous when I held him, she tried to climb up on my lap. We are excited that they will be living in Virginia for a year and a half, hello roadtrip!

A Day at the Water Park

Aeraci was glad to be on dry land:)

Swimming with Mommy

Floating on her back with Daddy

Aeraci loves the water!

Last week Aaron decided we should take Aeraci to the water park at Killens Pond State Park that we have heard so much about. It was super fun. Aeraci loves water, and this time was no exception. They had a big water slide (maybe another couple of summers before Aeraci's ready for that one), pools, sprinkler features, and a kids zone with little slides. Aaron took Aeraci through all the different pools, before I took my turn with her. We are so surprised how well she does in the water. She will float on her back, kick and she does not wipe water out of her eyes; look out Ryan Phellps, Aeraci's the next great swimmer:)