Summer is Behind Us

We have been so busy this summer. Laura is now working as an RN in Labor and Delivery at a small hospital 2 nights a week. Andrew is a graduate student at ETSU and is teaching labs and working on a research project. Ramona has been spending 1-3 days per week at her new friends house (so that Laura can sleep before and after working night shifts)


and is taking ballet, playing soccer, and loving books and art.



Astrid is crawling around, exploring the world, and eating everything she can get her teeth into.


We just returned from a beach trip to Keawah Island, SC with Griff, Claire, and Emily. There were tidal pools with hermit crabs and fish, we found live horseshoe crabs, and we played in the ocean and swam in the pool. It was great!


This summer we spent a lot of time outside hiking in the Appalachian mountains,
playing in the yard, preparing a new garden bed, and exploring nature,

building a chicken coop,

swimming and playing in the local lakes, rivers, and streams, and riding our bikes (the kids ride in our new Burley D'Lite bike trailer!).

Laura's best childhood friend, Catherine, invited us to be in her wedding in Laura's hometown of Eufaula, Alabama. When we were there Ramona got to play on the same playground where Laura and her sister used to play.

We are all excited to be entering Autumn with it's gray misty mornings and crunchy fragrant leaves. There is the excitement of new projects to be completed in the cooler, darker time of year. Andrew will be planning and researching his bird breeding project to be done in the spring and Laura is trying to start a volunteer doula program for indigent pregnant women and hoping to apply to Nurse Midwifery school. Momo is excited to drink much hot cocoa, read Charlie and Lola, dance to Billy Jonas, and draw hearts, flowers, and mad faces. Astrid will be tumbling about laughing in her attempts to walk and talk and keep up with her big sister. Please stay in touch and let us know what is happening in your lives, too! We wish you all much love.

Joining the "Network"

Andrew and I have finally broken down and purchased cell phones. Although this may seem mundane, it has been a big decision for us. I already feel as though my ear is glued to the phone too often during the day. Ramona has commented, "Mama, stop talking on the phone," and I have to agree with her. But here are our new numbers, and do feel free to call. Our new land line numbers have not yet been established.
Andrew #432-767-5589
Laura #432-767-5590

bird banding

Here's Andrew with a Golden Crowned Kinglet that he's banding up in the mountains. He volunteers at a preserve with their full-time naturalist to monitor the birds who live there.

A New Home - posted by Laura

We move in mid-August to our new house in Johnson City, TN, just an hour north of Asheville. There are mountains and forest surrounding the city... very beautiful and lots of good hiking and camping. Andrew is starting a graduate program here at Eastern Tennessee State University to study biology with a focus on ornithology (birds, that is.) He's getting paid to go bird watching full-time...this is his dream come true. He has been working hard to get here...Congrats, Babe! You did it! We are looking forward to spreading out in our larger home, painting the rooms, creating an art space/playroom for the girls, and gardening. There will be two guest bedrooms if anyone wants to come visit...please do! Our new address will be: 712 E.Myrtle, Johnson City, TN 37601

Happy Father's Day

For your constant love, support, and kindness...We Love You!
Laura, Ramona, and Astrid