Robbie's Top 5 - Summer 2011

Today is Martha's first day back in the classroom after having a part-time "district" position. The last week has been spent preparing for the arrival of her students so she wasn't able to her weekly "5-on-Fridays." Because of this, I (Robbie) have decided to do a Top Five.

Here are my five reason's I'm loving my family . . . a summer 2011, flash-back edition.

5) I have loved the trips that we were able to take this summer. It started with our trip to Atlanta. I was there for work, but I'm glad the girls were able to come too. It was followed by our summer vacation with Martha's family (sisters/husbands/children). That trip to Myrtle Beach was so much fun. I think about our golf cart rides around the campground with the girls or our late night "cruising." I'll never forget about the Amazing Race that we competed in and how Campbell tore our map in pieces and made it useless. Finally, we made the trip to DC. Again, this was for work, but the girls came too. I'm glad . . . I was happy that Martha was able to meet up with some of her fellow "preemie moms." It was also nice to reconnect with our former neighbors (Joe and Ashleigh). One thing that happened on this trip that I will not forget about is swimming with Campbell. After we finished, we went to the hotel bar and ordered a milk and a piece of chocolate cake.

Trips with the family will make for some lasting memories.

4) Something else this summer that we have started are nightly devotionals with Campbell and nightly devotionals for Martha and I. These devotionals are an great addition to our routine. Not only are they great for Martha and I, but Campbell is thoroughly loving hers too. There is not a night that goes by that Campbell doesn't say, "Time for the Bible." What is so cute is listening to Campbell pray each night . . . . "Dear Lord" in her sweet little 3 year old voice.

3) Martha and I have spent this summer, and continue to do so, reconnecting. We realized that after having both kids . . . we have become parents and that has been our focus. Since having Campbell and Maggie, we have stopped focusing on each other and have focused on the kids. Since realizing this, we have committed to things like nightly walks with the whole family and date nights. Speaking of these date nights, they have been great! We've done things like going to wine tastings, going out to dinner (just the two of us), and even attempted to go to a comedy club (we got lost). We've even done more things with friends . . . late night bowling, dinner and even an outdoor concert (something we've never done). This new addition to our relationship has been a great addition. I would like to give a big shout-out to Nana, Crystal and Abbie for making these date nights possible.

2) I've enjoyed watching the girls grow up. As much as it makes me sad knowing that they are growing up . . . it is fun. This summer I've seen Campbell become an expert bike rider (with training wheels). It started off with us having to help "push" Campbell as she tried to pedal . . . as of last night, she now rides 100 feet ahead of us pedalling as fast as she can. She stops at roads and waits and can even pedal uphill. I feel like any day she's going to say "Daddy, can I ride to Eleanor's house (our neighbor).

As for Maggie, she's now a walker. I never thought I'd say this, but this girl walks . . . walks . . . and walks. She walks all over the place. What's fun though is watching her chase Campbell (or vise versa).

As bittersweet as it is . . . my girls are growing up! =(

1) I have enjoyed each day with my wife. Martha is so beautiful and such an amazing person.

I am truly blessed. I have so much respect for who Martha is . . . her character, strength, determination, and beauty. She is such a wonderful mother to Campbell and Maggie and an amazing wife to me. I think back to things like Martha taking the kids out in Atlanta or DC by herself. Or what about the triathlon . . . how awesome is that? She is truly amazing. Martha, thank you so much for being my wife and thank you for being the person you are. I am blessed!

There you go . . .my five reasons for loving my family . . . Summer 2011 Edition.