Train Obsession

Judson is into trains.  He's a goof to watch as he plays trains.  He likes to get real low and watch the wheels go and almost appears to try to see inside the windows.  As he was into his world of pretend I was able to capture quite well his antic train playing.

Quick Trip with Friends

A couple weeks ago the Drahota's and us piled into our mini van and took off to Branson for 4 days.  We did this trip last year and decided to make it a tradition......at least for this year.  :)

Judson was very excited to have company in the backseat.  These 3 traveled amazing with only minor complaining.

We stopped and I needed to grab something out of the back of the van, so I buckled Judson up while I found what I was looking for.  He felt so big.

The guys did a grocery run when we got to our condo and brought Jessie and a giant pack of Reeses.  Way to start the trip off right Jason and Matt.  ;)

Groceries were not the only things the guys came back with..........

The pool was right outside of our room.  People probably think it is funny to go to Branson and not go to any shows.  I think we vacation well together because we all like to RELAX.  We all just wanted to swim, nap, eat, and swim.

Judson loves water.  I thought he might be a little intimidated of the big pool but he wasn't in the least.

His favorite thing was jumping to Matt.  Well, I guess it was more of a run to Matt's arms and Matt helps him jump.  Over and over he did this and would keep signing "more" before he was even in the water.

Dinner one evening out.

The Throne of Love

After dinner Matt just decided to drive and see where he ended up.  I was getting a little annoyed with him, but he proved me wrong when he found this scenic overview.

These 4 are something special.  We are thankful for friends that we can laugh hysterically with yet also be sharpened by.

  

Rock Climbing

Heart-melters right here.

We then found a trail that led to a 40 foot tower.

Gulp.  Heights aren't my thing....

We all made it.  I'm smiling here but just for the picture.  :)

Jason got Matt started on his usual routine of a bowl of cereal before bed.

Judson captured Jessie's Mountain Dew and walked around and pretended to drink it while we played shuffle board.

We went out for ice cream one evening.  Judson was pleased.

Here are 3 kids worn out from vacation.  Yes, Kaden is under the blue blanket.

Our trip went by fast.  Too fast.  Matt and I are excited to head back in a week with the Kaeb crew.

Top 5 of 5 Years

 May 30th marked 5 years of marriage for Matt and I.  When we were first married I remember wondering what life would be like at the 5 year mark, and here we are with that thought answered.  My favorite thing to do on our anniversary is reflect back over the past years and remember the different obstacles and joys that God has used to shape our marriage into who we are today.

For each year I have decided to choose one event or life season that God used greatly to impact, stretch, and sanctify our marriage relationship. 

Married to Year 1-  We went on a short-term mission trip to Tanzania, Africa.  During this trip God really opened our hearts up to seeing His global mission of reaching the nations for His glory.

Year 1 to 2-  With a team from our church we went to Tanza, Philippines to encourage and support the work of some missionaries our church sponsors.  We spent much of this year feeling that God was directing our hearts to cross cultural missions when the next life season started..... --->

Year 2 to 3-  We welcomed 3 foster children into our home.  This was our hardest yet most sanctifying year so far.  God greatly showed us His goodness and mercy amid our struggles.  He taught us to trust in His sovereign plan and grew our faith in Him and our love for each other!

Year 3 to 4-  Our son Judson Mathew was born.  Along with him God brought such a refreshing, joy-filled season for our family.  We love Judson and treasure the responsibility we have as his parents.

Year 4 to 5-  We started our adoption journey!  This year has brought about a lot of waiting.  We have learned that the wait isn't easy, yet it is an important part of our adoption journey as God continues to mold our trust in His plan for our family.  With each day that passes our hearts grow in anticipation to know and embrace our son or daughter.

Now I wonder what the next 5 years will bring........  :)

Illinois Fun

We headed to Champaign, IL last week due to Matt needing to be out there for work.  Judson and I always love to tag along when Matt goes to IL because we get a little vacation at the Kellenberger house.  :)

We headed out Sunday afternoon and were excited to spend Memorial Day with Neal and Kim and crew.

The guys learned a new game called Spikeball and spent much of Monday having some friendly competition.

Kim and I even got into it.  It took a little learning but was fun.

Look at those intense faces!

Kim, you are amazing that you can play blind....haha.

Cailer was taking pictures for us and he caught the moment where Neal and I collided. 

Spikeball Pros

This lady always makes the day fun.  :)

Judson just loved the trampoline which was a first.

He would just run and run around until one of the kids jumped and he fell over.

Neal and Kim made their own BBQ sauce and rub for some ribs.  The guys grilled them up and they were so good everyone ate so much that ribs anytime in the near future sounded absolutely disgusting.  They were worth it.

Here is the chow fest.

In the afternoon we went to a natural park that had a fun rock water area for kids to play and many other neat things for kids to play in.

Judson loves water.....

.....and sand

The guys had fun finding creative places to play catch.

Tasty?

Judson and Cailer became buds.  Throughout the week Cailer would play with and watch Judson for me and he did a great job.

Monday night we went to Cailer's piano recital.

He nailed it.

Got some cousin love going on here.

This is probably my favorite picture of our time in Illinois.  Judson had so much fun with his cousins.  He loves them!

We then headed to Chicago for the weekend to spend time with Chase & Aubrey and Alex.

We met up with Aubrey Friday afternoon and grabbed some lunch at a local pub before we headed to Wrigley Field to watch the Royals play the Cubs.

The chef came out of the kitchen and plopped down this MASSIVE bowl of chocolate ice cream in front of Judson and then proceeded to wrap a cloth napkin around him and clamped it in the back.  Judson was a happy little boy, and yes, he did eat most of this.  I guess there are perks to being this cute.  ;)

We go to the stadium where Chase and Alex were going to meet us.

Now that is a stadium backdrop.

Saturday morning Aubrey had to work at her restaurant, so we all went there for a brunch.  It was cool to see Aubrey in her work environment and meet some of the people she works with.  The best part though was the feast we ate!

While we waited for our food we ordered this cream filled puffy thing (best I can do to describe it).

That was Judson's favorite.

Look closely at our food because not only was it delicious but beautiful as well.

Aubrey boycotted my picture.

Here is my little waffle that I had gotten the first time I was at Le Pain.  It is perfection.

Love having sisters.

It was a rainy Saturday, so we didn't spend much time walking around downtown.  Judson didn't care that he got soaked.  He was just happy to be outside and with Aunt Alex.

Last Saturday was a special day indeed because it marked Matt and my's 5 year anniversary.  It was great that we got to spend it in Chicago and see my family, but I think 5 years deserves it's own post to come.  :)