Wyatt's Expedition...

EXPEDITION:

an excursion, journey, or voyage made for some specific purpose, as of exploration.

some pics of our little explorer...

"...for the world, which seems
To lie before us like a land of dreams..." - Matthew Arnold, Dover Beach

My Date With Wyatt

While we were at the beach this past weekend, Wyatt and I had some free time so we went to the Aquarium while Wes hung out with some of the youth. We had a great time. It was his first trip to see "Sea Creatures". While he enjoyed seeing them very much, I was left witih the conclusion that land animals are truly the ones who have captured his heart. His last question before we left being, "Where are the lions and tigers?"

"look at the fishies"

"see those fishies, mommy?"

fearless with the horseshoe crab. made his daddy proud. :)

"iguana!"

sharks overhead!

sting rays in our midst

climbing on the exhibits was fun!

what would a fun day be without playing on some fun equipment like this?

"look at those big fishies!

"sea horsies!"

Our Savior Walked on This...

"Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. ... He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

- Matthew 14:22-33

Just something unique I learned about the above passage from Matthew - the Sea of Galilee represented a common cultural fear - among all. It was considered mysterious, dark, unknowing and dangerous. Fishermen preferred to stay close to the shoreline. Furthermore, it represented to the pagan culture, a battlefield for their gods, specifically the storms that occurred spontaneously and frequently.

Sooo has anyone ever noticed in this passage that Jesus is actually watching the disciples struggle through this storm for...hours? That truly amazes me.

He watched. He waited. He walked.

On the very thing that they had struggled through for hours. The very thing that they feared.

He walked right over.

And, when He and Peter returned to the boat, the storm... died.

His presence in their boat changed their circumstances.

His power. His presence is bigger than any fear.

He literally walked on theirs.

Farewell Ole Friend

While we were at the beach this past weekend, we gave up a faithful companion - Wyatt's paci. We took our little boy to the Springmaid Pier and it was there that he and his paci parted ways. He cast it out into the sea for the sharks.

It was much less dramatic than Wes and I anticipated. In fact, it was more a celebration. But as I reflect on the role that paci played in our life, I am a little nervous about what tonight may hold. Furthermore, was it the paci so many nights that helped us make it through or was it the good hand of our God upon us? I'm choosing to believe it is the goodness of our Lord who got us through this far, and will continue to. Even so, farewell ole paci. Farewell, ole friend.

on the way to the pier

some final pics with paci

the sign was too symbolic NOT to get a pic

tossing the paci into the open waves...

victory!!

we did it!!

a shark to remember this moment...

we did it!

it's a new day!

What Are Little Boys Made Of?

Wyatt and Weaver...any given Tuesday

the sandbox...or a ship...or an animals cage...

animals and sticks...

animals that bite.

sticks that are swords...

lots of awe and wonder...

Wyatt and Ethan...any given Wednesday

games with loud sounds...

horses

swords that can be jets

tigers that GROWL

trucks that ZOOM

Snips and snails. And puppy dog tails.

That's what little boys are made of...

Still Wearing It...

this was the first costume Wyatt ever wore - this smile was very short lived - clearly seen above.



then all of a sudden, a year later, Wyatt likes this costume (sized for a 12 month old) and enjoys playing while wearing it...

and helping Daddy in it...

cooking and even doing a craft or two...

...and even singing in it...

Family Friendship

We have recently gotten to know the Emert family - a wonderful family - that we have so enjoyed spending time with. Courtney and I met through Mother's Morning Out, where Wyatt and Olivia are in a class together. We have found in our time together that we have lots in common - from the oldest of us - to the youngest of us -to the furriest of us :)

Here are Courtney and Jeremy - enjoying some adult time after the kiddies went to sleep

their sweet little one, Olivia

Wyatt emersing himself into Olivia's culture

each with his/her toy of choice

Olivia and her slippers

Wyatt observing Olivia and her slippers

sharing a lolly-pop after Olivia's potty training victory

just playing together

jumping on the trampoline before bedtime

Wes caught some laughs while trying to capture their pic on the trampoline

Then later that night, the Emerts INSISTED we bring our dog over to meet Casey, their dog. Soooo, we did. Brighton was very happy we included him at our night at the Emerts. Look at those smiles!

They have lots in common, too ;)

See what I mean?