So, we've said farewell to San Antonio, TX & the summer heat.  Our house has been packed up & we're now nomads traveling ever so slowly cross country to Blacksburg, VA.  Our 'layover' is in my hometown of Rochelle, IL where we're staying with my parents (a.k.a. Lolo & Lola) for 3 months. 

JOSH: Mr. Big Boy has been having a great time here!  He is Lolo's shadow these days.  He helps him mow the lawn on the riding mower, they go fishing together and he takes him to the Farm to ride ATV's.  It's a 4-year old's dream come true.

SYDNEY: Our little Sydders has been really growing & changing!  She turned one on June 3rd!  We celebrated with a little dinner party & she had her first cupcake.  She has also (finally!) learned how to crawl & has been officially weaned (freedom!)  Ahhh, a little bittersweet though.  My baby is turning into a big girl!  She's babbling, pulling up to a stand, "giving love"  where she lays her head on you & gives a little hug & eating all sorts of new foods (she loves fried rice & shish-ka-bobs!)

GEM & JAY: We actually have been out to a few movies & even spent the night in Chicago with Gem's sister Leah!  It was my first night away from Sydney in a year.  It was nice to have some adult time!  Jay has been back & forth from TX to IL to VA.  He goes back to TX for a couple more weeks then makes his way back to IL in July.  Then we take Josh to Norway for 10 days while Syd stays with Lolo & Lola.  I'm sure that will be an adventure for everyone!!  We finally drive to Virginia around August 6th.

Whew!  I'll try to post some photos when I can amidst the craziness!