It's been a while!

I know. I know. It's been a while since my last post. If you've spoken to us over the last few weeks, then you know what's been going on. We're trying to get settled and bring peace back into our lives.

I came across these shots of Libby I took when we went on a "Photo Date" the end of June. Rebecca picked out this hat and it was perfect. This six year old looks beautiful, yet shows attitude at the same time. The good looks are obviously from me and we all know where she got the attitude from! (Okay, so it's switched around.)

Anyway, here are some of the shots of my little girl. She survived her first week of first grade already! Man, I'm getting old!

American Idol's Jason Castro Has NOTHING On Us!

So by now, you've probably all seen and heard Jason Castro play the Ukulele on American Idol.  Not too shabby, but wait a few years till Libby is the winner of American Idol Season 27 and she thanks all the little people (ie. ME) for their support.  Last week we finished up a brief month of Ukulele lessons downtown Noblesville at The Wild.  It was great papa/daughter date time together.  We even got to keep the Ukes!  Supposedly we learned how to play a few songs?  My goal this year is to learn a Jack Johnson song from beginning to end.  It's gonna be awhile. =)

The Next Jackson 5!

Look out Donny & Marie!

So, I slam it down like this...right?

The Power of Webkinz

Okay, so when I started this running thing with Libby, I never expected this.  After our 1 mile run the other day that I posted about, I told her that some day when she is able to complete the full 2 miles (probably after a few months of training) around the local school block non-stop she would be able to play Webkinz on the computer for an extra 20 minutes each time.  

Let me remind you of something... Libby just turned six at the beginning of this month.  There is no way a six year old could run TWO WHOLE MILES without stopping!  Boy did I underestimate the power of Webkinz!!!

LIBBY RAN JUST OVER TWO MILES NON-STOP!  This is only the third time she has gone out for a run ever.  I admit, I think my daughter is amazing.  However, I totally underestimated her!  As Drago would say in Rocky Something Or Another... she "is not human".  

So where do we credit her athletic ability for such a young age?  My wife!  Not due to her own athletic ability, but due to her dedication to our family eating and drinking healthy.  Now, if we can just get me to break my food addictions.

What motivates you to live a healthy-"er" lifestyle?

  

Little Motivation in a BIG Way!

So, when we were in Florida I decided I would go for a little jog along the beach and Libby said she wanted to go with.  I figured, no harm there; I'll just set a good example for her.  We decided that when she got tired, she would turn around and walk back to Mama who was walking behind us with the boys.  As soon as I agreed, she took off down the beach.  I chuckled at her cute spunk and knew it wouldn't last long....THAT WAS A MISTAKE!

A mile later, she finished 30 yds ahead of me with a big smile on her face.  Yes, I did say a mile later!  Now, one could be surprised that I'm that out of shape; however, let's not go that route.  Libby RAN 1 full mile, non stop, without me being able to catch her!  For the record, at one time I was about 10 yds away and I called out "Great Job" to her.  When she looked over her shoulder and saw I was closing in, she sprinted ahead frolicking in the sand as I huffed and puffed to try to catch up.  

Needless to say, she took a lot a pride in this accomplishment and reminds me of it multiple times a day.  These shoes are the ones we just took off after running another mile here at home.  Looks like I have a new training partner!

This is Libby!

A "new" six year old as of today, she is an extremely inquisitive young lady with a passion for life.  A typical girl who loves dressing up, playing with Barbies and friends, and reading, she is atypical in the way that she carries on mature conversations, shows a deep compassion for others, and asks relevant questions that leaves one pondering her young wisdom.

Being a realistic father, there are many challenges of raising such a strong child.  Although these times may cause frustration, I often see how these will be a strength for her as a woman in this world.  It excites me to think about the impact she will make on others' lives and to see what God has in store for her.  

This morning, she and I woke up early and went for a walk along the Gulf shore in Ft. Myers.  As we reflected on this past year and all that she has accomplished, it amazes me to see the growth that happens so quickly.  Just in the past year she has learned to do the following: read, write, swim, and ride a bike.  All these things she will use for a lifetime, were learned within a year.  God continues to amaze me through this beautiful creation that calls me Papa!