More by Popular Demand!

Because of such a demand for more (mainly the grandparents), here are some more words from Ian . . .

Hailey's Quilt

I just had to post pictures of the beautiful quilt that Steve's grandmother made for little Hailey (soon to arrive in November). She is so talented and makes quilts for all the great-grandchildren. It is so special to have something handmade by her, and I can't wait to display it in the nursery.

Great Grandma Johns with Hailey's quilt

Check out all the beautiful detail work.

Ian is 18 months old!

It's hard to believe that Ian is already 18 months old. He loves balls, going to the zoo, seeing his grandparents, and eating hotdogs (like his dad!). Here are some recent pictures of him. I love the one of him sitting quietly and reading his book. He has just started getting interested in looking at them on his own - even though most of the time it's very brief!

Reading his shapes book - on his own!!!

Playing on the neighborhood playground with Granddaddy

His first carousel ride on the flying panda bear - which he decided he didn't like halfway through the ride

"Moo-moo" Jersey cow

Ian practicing his vocab.

We're really enjoying Ian's increased ability to communicate. His personality is certainly developing and we're discovering that he's quite the showman - like his dad!

Sky Top Apple Orchard

We spent the day with my parents in Flat Rock, NC at Sky Top Orchard. Unfortunately, due to an early frost, high temperatures this summer, and drought there were no apples to pick from the trees. But, we didn't let that stop us from having a great time. We packed a picnic lunch, pulled Ian around in his wagon, and let him explore the orchard. It really is a great place and we will look forward to going back again next year when, hopefully, there will be more apples.

A somewhat 'strange' pumpkin house that Ian wasn't too sure about.

"Where are the apples?"

Enjoying the ride

"WEEEEE" (as Ian says)

The apple house

Being a scarecrow isn't that much fun.

"This is more my height."

Too much watermelon

The Strength Of Ten Babies!

Take notice all who read this blog. Ian is incredibly powerful and he demonstrates his great strength in the Strong Man competition known as the "Pool Carry while wearing a Soggy Diaper". I love my boy! - Steve

Baby Bows

My newest craft project has been learning to make little bitty baby bows. I had a friend teach me a few weeks ago and it's turned out to be a really fun project. I've also decided to start making them for baby shower gifts. We have a girl in our church who is having a baby girl this month, so the bows below are ones that I made to go with an outfit that I bought for her little girl. Once you get the hang of it, it doesn't take much time at all to actually make them and for the price that it costs you to buy them at a store, it is totally worth it and very inexpensive to do yourself.