Jonny was baptized August 2nd!!

The big smile says it all!

We are proud of him and his decision.  We had a great day.  It was nice to have family and friends around to support him.  Thanks to any and all who helped and were able to come.

One Month Later

We have a new van!!  Exactly one month to the date (June 18, July 18) - we purchased a new van.  As the story usually goes - we had almost paid for our other one.  But, we love this one and we're glad we have it.

The kids think it's great too!

Seats adjust however we want - kinda like musical chairs.

Still not sure about the color - we're getting used to it.

I love being able to just put the groceries in - so nice to have space in the back.

As usual, Layne did his research and found a great deal.

Where's Dad?

Megan just asked me where her Dad was.  The kids do this often because they like to have him around.  I'm used to answering, "He's at his school.".  I can't really do that anymore.  My husband is no longer a student.  I have to keep reminding myself of that fact.  It hasn't sunk in yet.  He's been a student since the day we met.  (Yes - it's been awhile.) So, from now on I need to answer, "Daddy's at work.".  

Here's a picture of him when he first started hanging out in the 'dungeon'.  It has no windows!   I'm glad I'm not the one that has gone there on a regular basis for the past 8 years.  He's a trooper!  Yes, his postdoc is in the same building.  (I don't know why he can't work in the one closest to us with all the windows - it is, after all, the official place for BioEngineering students to work.)

Where to start?

Since I wrote last - we've had lots going on.  Here are some things I could write about:

Our family vacation

Our family visiting us here

A family (and friend) baptism

Last night's FHE

Our family outing today

Stuff the kids have said/done

Layne's employment saga

Summer happenings

People moving

Our move???

the list could go on and on...and on and on...

Where to start?  Hmm...

Any requests?

Different But Just The Same

What's different?  Layne is done!!!  He handed in the final draft of his dissertation on Monday.  He had already defended and 'walked' - it was just a matter of editing.  That's quite the process!  It seems there are several individuals/committees that need to proof and sign off on it before it's official.  Each time Layne handed it over he needed to wait until they finished and then edit before passing it along.  It's taken a couple of months.  It's been 2 1/2 months since he 'walked'.  Now there's just the employment process - it also seems to be a long one.  

Before

During

After

We're proud of you Layne!

The same?  Layne doesn't really feel done because he still goes to the same lab to do the same research to come home to the same family living in the same student housing.  I think he's ready for a change - except for the family part.  I think he's OK with being 'stuck' with us.