As I write this I'm catching up on some of my favorite web sites, drinking my cup (or 2 or 3) of coffee, still in my pajamas & loving it! It's so nice to have a day or two off. For me this one has been singing my name for quite some time. I think the summer finally caught up to me this week - just in time for our youth summer to officially come to a close. It hit a lot later than any year in the past (which is a blessing in and of itself), but it hit, nonetheless. I'm taking today (Thursday) off since I'll be working all weekend with Destination Unknown. That coupled with my usually busy Sunday schedule will exhaust me, I'm sure. So today I get to lounge around a bit more, play with my children for a little longer, and enjoy the time with Andrea that seems to slip away more often these days. Okay, enough about me ... now to the real reason for this post: All three of our kids have developed new speech patterns - yet another sign that time is quickly rushing past us. Micah began a couple of weeks ago saying "Not quite." Now, disregarding where in the world he picked up the word 'quite' which is news enough to me, the funny thing is how he has been using the phrase. Just about everything you ask him is answered in this way. Here's some examples: "Micah, do you want some more Orange Juice?" "Not quite." "Micah, do you need to go to the bathroom?" "Not quite." ... and so on.

Josiah, on the way home from church last night (just a short walk next door), stopped to talk with some of our senior high guys who had just finished LIFE Groups at our house. They were knocking around a volleyball, which Si quickly jumped in on. Micah, Emerie & I continued walking to the house & I yelled for Josiah to come in. He came into the house a little upset & said, "But Dad, I wanted to hang out with them." "Hang out?" Maybe he's being influenced by our youth more than I realize - which is not an entirely good thing. I still remember when he was less than 2 years old & some of them were trying to teach him that milk was actually beer and that he should go and ask Mom & Dad: "Can I have some beer?"

Emerie is developing both a voice and a personality all her own. She will now engage you in conversation. As you talk with her she will coo back right on cue. It's hilarious to watch - especially when it is coupled with one of her cute, wide-eyed smiles she is giving out so much nowadays. I wish I could figure out a way to capture some of her talking & post it here. Perhaps when my 'summer' is officially over I'll have time to figure it out so that you all can experience it as well.