Pier weekend at the Lake House

A bunch of us met at the lake house in Indiana this weekend to install the pier (Mom, Dad and Kelsey; Rob and I; Uncle Dan, Aunt Joy and cousins Scott, Corey and Amanda; Uncle Kenny and Cousin Mike; friend Josh). We had a great time, and look forward to a summer FULL of lake house weekends!

Amanda was my buddy - she jabbers nonesnese if you're quiet enough to let her try and talk, and is the best baby I've ever seen!

"The Lineup"... Uncle Dan, Cousin Mike, Josh and Rob in their waders, getting ready to brave the freezing cold lake. It turns out that the waders are fantastic - they're waterproof, keep you warm, and also VERY attractive. (click this picture to enlarge it - very funny!)

This water is COLD!

Making progress... it took about 2 hours from start to finish to get all the pieces in the water and in their right place.

The boat lift was brought over by a couple of men on a pontoon-turned-barge, and they dropped it in the water for us. It takes 6 adult (and fit) men to lift it and install it by hand, so we were glad to let them do the work.

The finished pier, complete with boat lift. Isn't it beautiful!? (Who knew they were so much work or that you have to take them in and out? We'll never look at piers the same way again.)

Nephew #2 has arrived!!

We are thrilled to help welcome (from afar) James Robert DeBlock into the world and into our family - could anyone ask for CUTER nephews!? (Sidenote: Rob's getting concerned that Rachel's hogging all of the 'boy' genes.)

James was born on April 20, and was a healthy 8 lbs 11 oz. We can't wait to meet him! Look how handsome he is...

A very excited big brother... Nicholas getting to know his new brother James!

Rob and I loved this picture of Nicholas - he is so cute and fun. We love you DeBlocks! See you soon.

April Catch-Up!

Oops... Did I really let 23 days go by since my last post? Here's a quick update!

Rob celebrated his 27th birthday on April 4th. We went out to Rosebud with my mom, dad and sister to celebrate... many of his gifts were related to becoming a home owner (yard work, here we come!).




We also celebrated Jeff Larson's birthday with the Bellitos, Larsons, Brad and Christine in Chicago at the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder (below).

Finally, a close up of the painting Becky commissioned me to do as her birthday gift to Jeff, in memory of Brad. Our prayers are with the entire Larson family, especially this week at the 1 year anniversary of the Taylor van accident.

We're Moving!

Most of you already know, but Rob and I will be moving into our first home this summer! The negotiating is finally over, and our closing date is set - May 25th, 2007 (the Friday of Memorial Day weekend). We're excited to be living in Wheaton, which puts us closer to many (but not all!) of our friends, as well as our church. We can't wait to get moved in and have you over for a BBQ this summer. (Any tips on where to find reasonable patio furniture?!)

A few pictures of our new home...