Happy Birthday Canaan Kirt!

Our baby is growing up! God has blessed us with one wonderful year so far with our son. He has just bloomed into such an amazing boy. We have watched with delight as he just laid beautifully before us when he was just one month old. We were even more delighted as he began to reach out and grasp things. Then he started moving his little body around more, playing with toys, sitting up, reading books, talking, crawling and walking. Also developing more every day has been his personality. For the most part, he is very calm and laid back. He plays with others and by himself. He is pretty good about going to others if someone familiar is close by. He has his stubborn moments, starting to insist on certain things, as well as testing the waters as to how much Mommy and Daddy really mean what they say! He loves to play and tease. He still loves to read books, and requests "a-book" several times each day. Canaan is love-struck with TRUCKS. They are his favorite toys, and he loves to watch them drive by (especially the big dually diesel engines or semis). He also has developed a liking for balls and has learned how to toss them gently forward. Canaan has been an amazing blessing to Dougle and I, as well as all our family. God has richly granted us this precious gift, and we want to thank Him and give him glory every day!

A Surprise from Auntie Livi

A few nights ago, Auntie Livi (and UD) surprised Malachi and Canaan with photo frame pumpkins! She crafted these herself, after reading a nifty article in a magazine. Isn't she just the sweetest Auntie to these two boys?

So Close

When in Phoenix, we realized we were only 7 hours away from LA, where Dougle’s mom lives. So, we left Phoenix half a day early and drove to LA, passing near one of the fires on our way in. We were only able to stay two nights, one day. But it was so wonderful for Canaan to be able to see his Memaw and Grandpa once more. Memaw and Grandpa also got to see Canaan walking and talking. This was a blessing being able to see them, even for a little bit. The trip home was long, but good. Canaan was excellent this whole trip- to Phoenix, LA, and back. We are just so proud of him!

The last picture is a fun game Memaw found- give tape to the baby! Canaan would just walk around playing with it; when it lost it's stickiness, Memaw just have him a fresh piece!

On the Road Again...

This past weekend we were able to drive to Phoenix, Arizona, to visit the sponsoring congregation of our teammates, Rob and Denyce. After a long, 16 hours drive (about 12 hours driving, plus 4 hours stopping time for the 2 babies and the pregnant woman!). We were blessed to stay with the Jahn and Teresa Jared and their six year old little boy, Christian. The Jareds were so hospitable and loving; their son Christian was a wonderful playmate for Canaan. When he heard how much Canaan loves trucks, he brought them all out. There were trucks and tractors of all types. They played with trucks at every spare moment we had. By the time we left, Canaan had acquired a new word: tractor!

The Sun Valley church of Christ at Phoenix treated us so kindly. They planned a game night, as well as a church fellowship; some of the members took us site seeing the other two days. It was a great time to get to know our partners in Phoenix. We are blessed to have them as part of our mission to Russia.

I have pictures to share, but they will come later when I have access to them!

Also in Houston...

I was so busy after we got back from Houston that I forgot to post about visiting Tiffany and her new bundle of joy! Canaan and I stayed overnight at Tiffany's house while we were in Houston. (This was one of the pink beds that Canaan stayed in.) We got to meet baby Emily, who was just 2 1/2 weeks old! Tiffany and I had a great time catching up and talking about baby stuff. Wow! I can't believe it has almost been a year since Canaan was that small!

Our Friends in Houston

Last week we had some unexpected time off, so we jumped in the car and headed off to Houston. Our friends, Guy, Nan and Aspen (just one month younger than Canaan) moved there last May and we have missed them! We also felt Canaan should see his betrothed, Aspen Belle, once more before we left the country. In Houston, the kids had a great time playing together and butting heads while we parents enjoyed each others company, gazing at our beautiful babies together, exchanging funny kid stories, etc. Aspen and Canaan didn’t always know what to think about the “other baby” in the same house as they were in! I think both are used to being the very center of attention. Overall it was a wonderful trip. We will miss you Guy Nan, and Aspen!

MeeMaw and Grandpa Clyde

On our way back from Houston, we were able to stop by and see Dougle’s grandmother in Tyler. We didn’t have much time, but it was great getting to see her again (she came to our wedding, but you know how rushed those days are!). We really enjoyed visiting with her and her husband. They enjoyed getting to know Canaan. And Canaan was very grateful for the time out of his car-seat where he could walk around. She had some toy trucks that he played with for about an hour. It was so cute!