Two Weeks of Discovery

I cannot believe we've been home with Mr. Luke for two weeks already.  He is doing some phenomenal things.  What a blessed family we are!  We have boosted our laundry loads, we run the dishwasher more often, we again have toddler toys scattered around the house (watch your step in the dark), we are back to sweeping...make that scrubbing the floor and walls after each meal, and we are frantically trying to prepare our children and our lifestyles for the start of another busy school year, but we wouldn't have it any other way.  We now also have a little boy in our family whose heart is bursting with so much joy it stuns us.  We have a young lady who is learning to embrace her challenging role as big sister.  We have a son who is gaining strength and sturdiness with each step, soaking up language, and experiencing a new family and world with wonder, excitement, and absolute exuberance.  We have a daughter who has risen to the occasion by helping with baths, changing diapers, and picking up toys even when she didn't get them out, all while readying herself to jump into the start of 1st grade after her life has been so hectic this past month.  I'd like to share hundreds of images we have of our family and children from these first days of getting acquainted more deeply with each other, but I'll try not to overwhelm you.

I just want to also add a thank you to everyone who has blessed us with prayers and support.  Also, thank you for all the delicious meals you've delivered.  SERIOUSLY!  Where would we be without you?  What a gift to be able to all come to the table as a family for our meals.  I'm so overwhelmed!  Be assured that our meals would not be happening as they should without your help.  It is slightly comical around here.

Enjoy ~

We've had first swings...first wagon rides...first GRASS!!!  God forbid!

Big sisters give the best underdogs!

This sun is bright!

MOM! Help me!

Stop the torture! 

I got this! 

Here are those swings again.  :)  We tucked his little legs in the swing so they were crossed in front of him.  It was so cute.

The swings are a definite favorite for both the kids.

Hope has LOVED being re-united with her sweet Lola.  I think Lola is happy her girl is home, too.

First SWEET CORN!!! I think our children like it.  :)

First Dog Walks

It is so good to see Hope back on her bike!

First Sidewalk Chalk

It was all over his face, too.  We like to experience things to the fullest extent possible here at the Heutmaker home.

First Picnics - And all the 'tasty' fun that goes with the outdoors.

First Slide

First Geocache

Alvin's Legacy GC3C75X

Hope needed a break, I guess.  :)

LOTS of visits - This was one with precious Great Grandma Eleanor

My favorite discovery - It was amazing watching Luke notice his shadow for the first time!

So, here at the ranch, we've had a busy, but delightful couple of weeks just figuring things out.  Welcome Home Luke Heutmaker!  It is our pleasure and complete and absolute miracle blessing to have welcome you into our family.

I'll close with just a couple of other favorite pictures from the last couple weeks of the kids.  Love to you all! ~ Beth

Hope sharing the finer points about the dreaded green stuff

Brother and Sister

Hope Rockin' the Monkey Bars 

Enjoying Life

Hey World!

Vogue