Baby David

Drew and Ashley arrived early this morning to begin a pitocin drip, inducing labor. Please remember to pray for them today and for a safe delivery of Baby David Allen Bearden. Thanks!

Happy Birthday to Nathan !

 

There was not a happier or more excited child to be found on this planet than my sweet Nathan on Saturday. We celebrated his 5th birthday with Gran, Pock, Aunt Kimberly (a.k.a. Uncle Nisers #2), Keith and Alex. Daddy, Riley and Kole all pitched in to help me give Nathan a funtastic party - thanks, my sweet family! And thank you to Gran, Pock, Kim, Keiffers, and Alexzilla for the sweet gifts and coming to celebrate with us!

My favorite line from Nathan for the day: "Mommy! This is the best birfday!"

Ohhh, thank HEAVEN for little boys....

Nate's Discovery

We were out yesterday morning, enjoying the relative cool of the early part of the day, when Nathan made a great discovery.

 

This baby locust was in the process of coming out of his shell - literally!

 

We were fascinated as we watched him emerge from his exoskeleton. His wings unfolded and as they dried, grew bigger and bigger with each passing moment.

 

See? They're still just little nubby things here -

 

And then, in about a minute's time, they begin to take the shape of wings.


Working hard and fast to dry out those wings. As they dry out, they unfold more and more...



And then, VOILA! Wings!



Nathan spent a lot of time with his friend, Buzz, yesterday. He kept checking on him, making sure he was safe in his clear plastic container home. He even brought him some fresh leaves. Can you believe this was that little weak, yellowish, alien-looking thing just yesterday?



Alas, despite all Nathan's loving efforts to make Buzz comfortable in Mom's old almond container, he had a tough decision to make. He told me Buzz was scared. I explained that Buzz might be scared because locusts aren't really made to live in plastic jars. They're made to live outside with their friends and family, the other locusts. In all his compassionate longing for Buzz to live a full and happy life, Nathan carefully and lovingly picked up his little friend, carried him to the front porch, and set him free. Way to go, Nathan. Mommy is so proud of you!

Sports for Tots

Although we're not into intense academics for the summer months, the kiddos are definitely doing some learning. Riley kicked the summer off with a week of tennis camp at Burgess Rushing Tennis Center in Lubbock. She's learned some basic skills and has been eager to put them into practice. She's hoping to return Monday for another week of honing her serve and volley skills.

Kole took a drawing class, where he learned such neat things. His teacher taught them all about drawing faces, bodies, foregrounds, midgrounds, backgrounds, and the last lesson was on perspective. He's been drawing up a storm around here and has even shared his knowledge with his older sister. (Knowing something she doesn't already know may be the biggest thrill of all!) Next, he moves on to clay sculpting and will finish out August learning to make a mosaic relief tile.

Last but not least, Nathan is enrolled for a Monday afternoon Sports for Tots class. They have been learning the very basic skills like running, jumping, hopping, skipping, throwing, catching, and passing. Next Monday's class is supposed to be an actual game of flag football. He's really pumped up about that! Here are a few shots of him during class this past Monday.

 
 
 
 

We are so thankful that Lubbock has such wonderful opportunities as these for our children, and at very reasonable prices! We've loved every minute of it and are glad we have several weeks to come for the summer.