Tuckered Out Traveler

Los Angeles, California

In May, we flew to Los Angeles, California to be officially appointed with our Company
Craig's parents, Dale & Gail, were able to join us and help out with Levi
while we were at rehearsal for the ceremony.

We enjoyed the little getaway from work and some time with great people that we have
met in the process~
It was encouraging to hear how God has been working in so many lives.

So our long journey of waiting has paid off-
This crew of three will be officially heading to South Asia this Fall

Gideon's Good-Bye

Message written to Craig from Gideon the day he moved out:

"This story will have been different without u, Danielle and levi in my life. Tnks for makin me family and mentoring me. God will use u to change lives in India just like you did mine. When levi grows up remember to tell him I was here and we were buddis. I will miss u guys but yal will always be in my heart."

~Gideon Oji (June 16, 2011)



Gideon graduated from high school on Saturday, June 11th
We were very proud of him!
and this Fall he will begin college at Lees McRae to play basketball

Our delight for Gideon's future does not take away the sadness to see him go.
Gideon is truly one of a kind, and I'm not sure we will ever meet someone like him again.
I have never seen a teenage boy love a newborn and then an infant as MUCH as Gideon loves Levi
There are many things we will miss about Gideon, here are just a few:

- His famous one liner "OH WOW!"... we will probably carry this on in his absence
- Hearing this grown lad singing Celine Dion from his room:)
- Watching him play with our son and chant his name: "Levi, Levi"
- Finding Gideon watching Deadliest Catch for hours (and then confess that he would NEVER be a fisherman like that since it's so dangerous- haha)
- Talking through life, friends, decisions, school, etc....
-Taking pictures of his prom and graduation
-Him always wearing his small Mickey Mouse shirt- who knew - right?
- Trying to teach Gideon the value of being ON TIME- ha (Key word: TRYING)
- Laughing together OFTEN

We had a great time when we took Gideon out to eat on one of his last nights here-
We spent dinner reminiscing of his time with our family over the past year....
It was a sweet way to end our time together.

Gideon's request upon leaving was:
"Tell Levi about me, Tell him we were buddies, Make sure he doesn't forget me"
Our response:
"You better believe we will"

It goes without saying, but we are going to THOROUGHLY MISS this guy!

Happy Father's Day PAPA!

To my charming husband, and Levi's proud Papa
HAPPY FATHER's DAY!

There is nothing like the JOY I get when I see these two together.
Craig has made it his delight to pour into our precious son Levi
and I have grown to adore him deeper still by watching.

Our son already looks up to you so much, Craig.
As time goes on, I know that he will continue to grow in his love, admiration, and determination to be just like you.

So Proud to be your Wife
and
Levi is so blessed to call you HIS Papa
WE LOVE YOU

*Happy Father's Day to our Father's as well: Dad/Dan, Dad/Dale, and Bruce*
We love you too!

CHEEEESE

PHOTO Shoot with Tate & Levi

These two already have had lots of "Moments" together:

Sweet Moments, Shoving Moments, Scratching each others back Moments,
One being a good boy and paying attention while the other is getting into trouble Moments,
And the list could go on...
See if you can match some of them to the pictures below:

At the end of the day... What are cousins for? Right?
Gotta love those Moments

We Love you Cousin Tate :)

...:::* 8 MONTHS OLD * :::...

May 12th, 2011

It's been 8 MONTHS since Smiley here entered our lives

FUN FUN FUN has been the result :)

Our Dear Son Levi Elliot,
This month you have taken some big strides and tackled quite a few milestones

• Got your first TWO teeth
• First time on an airplane
• Been to and through several states: Illinois, California, Texas, Virginia
• Love to manipulate things with your feet- Your Papa loves this :)
• Began crawling
• Started to enjoy eating solids - WOO HOO!
• Discovered your love for watermelon
• You get SO excited to stand up and take steps (wtih a little assistance)
• You have continued to spread your JOY- you never meet a stranger with your precious smile

As always~ we are so proud of you, Levi
It is our joy to greet your little face every morning and tuck you in every night.

All our LOVE,
Momma & Papa