Howdy from Hot Springs, Arkansas

We've been here over a week and it's now settled that we'll have babygirl near here (after lots of paperwork w/ the insurance co.), so here we are for the remainder of the summer. Our plan is to return to Austin Aug. 24.

Harry says HI. He's been calling the upstairs "our house" and the downstairs "Big Bill & Essie's house" which is basically the case:

Before our arrival here we took a 2 1/2 wk. Tour of the South through Mobile, AL (To see my grandparents. How I took no pictures I have no idea, but none turned up on my camera to show you), then a day at Gulf Shores (where the camera was well used), and then about 1 1/2 weeks with my parents in Auburn, where I took all of about 2 pictures (what's my problem?), a weekend in Tuscaloosa, AL with our friends the Michelsons, and finally a 3-day stop in Jackson, MS to see Josh/Emily/Benjamin/Will and Bethany/Peter (again, no pictures. Hey, Emily got one!).

Though out of order, here are some photos.

First, presenting our 6 mo.-old goddaughter Elisabeth Michelson. Look how content she is in her mother's arms:

And then look what happens when we get hold of her:

I hope that says nothing about how girls take to us.

My dear friend Bethany (homeschooling supermom of the world) with Elisabeth, a few minutes before her baptism:

And the entire Michelson tribe:

We had only one weekend with the Michelsons and I managed to take all those photos. Here's one of about 3 I took during the week and a half with my parents in Auburn. This is the creek behind their house where we spent a lot of time:

Gulf Shores, AL - my dad having been buried by the boys:

Here, my Uncle Harry (my Dad's brother - can you tell?) with a jellyfish he found. He insisted this kind doesn't sting:

A close-up of the non-stinging jellyfish:

Two photos of my dad with Jackson:

And a few more of the last week in Hot Springs. Matthew wanted to capture Jackson with all his guns strapped on. He'd like you to notice the feather stuck in his belt and the nerf dartgun, which has been a constant companion. Harry's found a hat, as usual:

Just a pretty scene behind the house, honeysuckle, horses, and mountains. So far it's been a beautiful June:

And because he's so cute, I'll leave you with Harry. We like this photo b/c it's how we see him all the time, looking up at us with an impish grin. Every few days the curls get out of hand and I resolve to trim them, but Matthew will have none of it:
Babygirl is due to arrive by scheduled c-section July 6, so if I don't get to blogging again before then, you're bound to hear from us soon after she arrives. Happy Summer! -Ruthie