September stuff

So September has been good so far! It's hard to believe the summer is already over. It is still in the 70s here in Buffalo, so we're really thankful for that!

On September 9th we had a really special service for Restoration Church. We had our first covenant (membership) service for anyone who wanted to officially join the church. It was sort of like a mini worship service where Dan just said a few things about being a member of Restoration, Wes led in a few songs of worship, and then people got to come up and sign a covenant. It was a really neat service and it was really special for all of us to become an "official" family. We will now start doing this once every few months to give people the opportunity to commit to being a part of the church. Here are a few pictures from the night:

Of course we've also been excited about the start of Auburn football!! It's unfortunately hard for us to get to watch the games since we only have basic cable and we live in New York, but we did get to watch the last one online! We set up our computer in front of the couch and yelled and cheered and got to see the Tigers win! It was a lot of fun. Boston is getting in the Auburn spirit too.

And here's one more shot of our sweet boy snuggled on the couch just cause he's so darn cute:

And finally, here is a belly pic of me at 18 weeks (taken September 22):

I'm sure if you're reading this you've already heard, but apparently it's a girl!

Myrtle Beach 2009

This year we did a Walters/Collins/Bilheimer vacation in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Labor Day weekend. It was Wes's mom and her husband, his brother's family (wife and two boys), his sister's family (husband and four kids), and us. We got a four bedroom condo on the beach and it was really nice. Surprisingly roomy for eight adults and six kids! The condo was really nice and had a great indoor water park area for everyone with large and small water slides, lazy rivers, hot tubs, and pools.

Here are Wes's brother, Chad's, two boys Will and Patrick enjoying their apples in the hot tub.

Wes and Chad playing in the waves:

Patrick, our 2 year old nephew, wearing his floaties as anklets:

This is Wes's sister, Jeni's, youngest - Zachary - who is almost 3. Love his mohawk!

Jeni's daughter Torii who is 6 years old. Looks like she's had enough of the beach!

Uncle Wes and Zachary playing:

Wes and his mom:

Jeni's husband, Steven, and their daughter Shane (she is almost 4):

Jeni and me:

Wes and me in one of the indoor water parks:

This is Wes, Chad, and Jeni's son Tyler (8 years old) enjoying the hot tub. I was so jealous and sad - all those hot tubs and I couldn't get in because I'm preggers! It was torturous.

Here's our niece Torii coming off one of the water slides:

All the nieces and nephews! From left to right: Will, Patrick, Torii, Shane, Tyler, and Zachary

One evening we all went and played miniature golf. Here is Wes's sister and all of her clan:

Chad, Will, and Patrick:

All the kiddos together again:

Here is a pretty shot one evening behind our condo on the beach:

Patrick put on Uncle Wes's huge flip flops. So cute!

Wes and Patrick (and Will in the Auburn hat):

It was great to see everyone and spend a few days with them on the beach. I think everyone had a good time!

On our way back to Raleigh (where Chad and Elizabeth live) from Myrtle Beach, we got to make a stop in Wilmington, North Carolina for lunch and to walk around a little bit downtown. It is a very cute and charming little place. We had lunch at a place called Elijah's and got to sit outside right on the water.

Here are some shots of beautiful Wilmington:

Chad, Elizabeth, and the boys walking on the boardwalk:

Downtown area:

Thanks again to Chad and Elizabeth for letting us ride and stay with you and for taking us to Wilmington! And thanks again to Pam for doing all the delicious cooking in Myrtle Beach! We love you all and look forward to the next time seeing you!