An Artist Gives

Catie Knight (found here) is a fellow Oklahoma girl who we didn't have the fortune of knowing until we moved to Kansas City.  Her husband Robbie and her are an important part of our Kansas Family and we have relied on their friendship and support many times.  

When Catie came to visit on the 4th of July she surprised us with a beautiful painting.  It has Lane and I holding hands that are bound by a piece of string.  At the end of the string is a heart which is inscribed with Max's name.  Behind us on a wall are words that were spoken on the day of Max's baptism.  It is a beautiful and meaningful piece of art and it makes my heart smile every time I look at it hanging on the wall.  

The talent and artistry that Catie possesses allowed her to create for us a precious gift.   She is a true artist and like a true artist she embodies this quote I found: 

An artist gives. Gives visually, gives through courses, or with free advice, through generosity of spirit and through a need to share.

Thank you Catie for being generous with the gifts God has blessed you with.  We LOVE the painting!  Here is a photograph of her beautiful work (the photograph doesn't do it justice, but I thought it would be rude to talk about it and not show it).

Fourth Of July

We had a great 4th, thanks to good friends, great food, and little boys playing with fireworks. It seems that all the men I know turn into giddy little boys when given the chance to play with fireworks. Max is definitely his father's son and seemed to really enjoy the fireworks. He sat very happily on a variety of adults laps watching fireworks and saying "pop, pop, pop". Here are some pictures!



The loot!








The Boys!














Dad and Son (Notice that their expressions are exactly the same)












Mom and Max

More Oklahoma Pictures

The Oklahoma Factor

We just returned from a wonderful trip in Oklahoma.  I promise there will be lots more pictures to come.  But for now, you get one of my favorites:

Max loved the Oklahoma Zoo.   His Grandpa Ebe made sure that he got the best views of all the animals.  It was a wonderful day and I loved this moment that Lane captured with the camera.  

Max thought all of his grandparents were the greatest.  He loved swimming and playing at both of their houses.  Lane and I loved seeing the love shared between our son and our parents. Monday morning came way to quick and while on our way back to Kansas City we discussed the Oklahoma Factor.  We love our life in Kansas City.  Lane has a good job, we have a beautiful home, we have great friends but every time we return from Oklahoma, I am depressed because our family isn't returning with us.

But, I am determined to focus on the good part of the Oklahoma Factor instead of the sad part.  The good part is this:  We have parents that love us enough and are healthy enough to make a lot of effort to see us.  We don't hardly go a month without a visitor from Oklahoma or a visit to Oklahoma.  Because of our family's efforts Max does know his grandparents even if we live 5 1/2 hours away and not around the block.  

Priceless

Plastic Swimming Pool from Walmart = $5

Slide from Garage Sale = $3

Hot Summer Afternoon Playing with Daddy = Priceless

As you can see from the pictures below, Max had the time of his life playing in the water!

Summer of Max, Random Pictures!