Yet a few more Iowa pics.... We went on a gorgeous hike on Sunday afternoon. It was much warmer than the previous day, the sun was shining and the fall colors were so pretty! Off in the horizon, we even saw the hills of South Dakota.
The dads sporting the Ergo baby/child carrier. We use it all the time...and it will last us awhile too! Natalee's almost 4 and is still in it, pretty handy! 
A couple family photos.....
As I write "family photo" I am reminded that our family is growing-Polly Pepper, the little black puppy, is Matt and Becky's latest addition. And of course we have our sweet little baby Blaise. Yet in the joy of new growth, my heart still tingles with sadness. There's a something wrong-it's a terrible feeling of incompleteness as I am reminded it's not the whole family. Our Natalee is missing. And all her sweet little babies that she wanted to bear, cousins Bella, little Natalee and Blaise will never know and grandchildren my parents will never have. (She wanted 6!) I will never feel that we have a complete family photograph again-because we won't. It's alway so bittersweet when we are all together. There is such a void without her joyful, carefree spirit and her lighthearted fun and silliness. Ah, how I miss my sister! I look forward to the day when we will euphorically embrace again....
Here are two sweet sisters-two years apart just like me and Natalee were. They played so well together all weekend long-what wonderful imaginations they have! Play mobile is their favorite and they love little horses and kitties. Instead of watching TV, they read. They could sit and listen to their momma read to them from chapter books for hours! (Becky is an excellent, expressive reader I must say!) I've been trying to read to little Blaise daily, knowing how important is is for his language development and knowing that Becky did this for her girls. She is a wonderful role model and I am so thankful to have her in my life! Both Matt and Becky have really influenced and challenged us in many ways. They live such a simple, minimilastic lifestyle-continually reflecting and thinking through their actions and how they can serve Christ in all areas. We miss them and wish we were closer. As my brother said, the irony is ridiculous-he becomes a college professor and they move 10 hours away just as our life situations become "similarish." We look forward all the more to the times we have together. 
2 comments:
As I saw your family photos, I thought the same thing about something being missing before I even read what you wrote about your sweet sister. We will continue to pray for you guys! You need to have the SIX that Natalee wanted!!! :) She would be so proud! Your families are BEAUTIFUL!!!
Great to see you and your sweet boy this weekend! Come to Atlanta!
-chrissy ;)
Just as Christina said...I thought of Natalee as well, before you mentioned her in the post. I was thinking about her on the way home from the store this morning. I can't believe it's been 5 years...but even in the last 5 years...she is still remembered for her inner & outer beauty! We love & miss her & I love & miss you too Amanda!
Thinking of you often!
CB
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