weekend!

Well, another great summer weekend has passed us by. I am back in Chicago after spending 3 days in Colorado with my dear friend, Kristi, and her soon-t0-be hubby, Ryan. We hiked, went to a concert, and had an all around fantastic time together. Asher was in good hands with his daddy and grandma and grandpa Atkins, who flew in from Nashville for the weekend. Will sent me lots of videos and pictures so I could see the little man, but I was so happy to get back to the windy city. Here is my favorite video that I received - make sure you have your speakers turned up for the full effect. Oh - and Asher's newest thing is an adorable tongue sticking out/smile combo, cute, huh?



Here are a few pictures from my weekend in Denver. I can't wait to get back out there in just 7 short weeks for Ryan & Kristi's wedding -- and this time Will and Asher will be coming along too. This will be Asher's first introduction to the mountains!

A few of our favorite people

Asher was introduced to 6 of his favorite uncles this weekend. Asher met Cullin, Jason, Grant, Will, Robert, and Bobby -- Will's closest Tennessean buddies, and auntie Carolyn (Cullin's wife), who I have known and loved since college. Will has known these guys for well over 10 years and has transitioned from high school to college, roommates to groomsmen, camp counseling to studying abroad in England, and much more. It was great to see these wonderful men reunite and meet Asher for the first time. All of these guys and their fabulous wives and families have supported us through prayer and encouragement and we couldn't be more thankful for their presence in our lives.

Asher's first ride on the el to eat dinner at the Daily in Lincoln Square with his new friends

Guy time

This is the face of a happy boy. This boy is happy because daddy is off work for two weeks which means there will be lots of guy time to enjoy.

Already this weekend Mom had to go to Ohio for Aunt Liz's bachelorette party, leaving the men to fend for themselves. During that time we took a walk in the hot summer day...


We watched baseball from the couch...


And played cards with some friends...


Now Mom is back in town, but the good times are just beginning. Today, the first official day of vacation, we all took a walk together in Lakeview...


(although some of us slept through parts of it)...


We got some coffee and dessert at Clarke's...


And we showed the little man where is feet are...


There's lots more where that came from. The next couple weeks should be full of some good mom, dad, Asher, and Pearl time with visits from friends and family thrown in there too. Should be some great times. Why do I have to work again?

cousinly love

Here are a few photos from Asher's visit to Plainwell to meet his new cousin. She is 100% girl, and I have to admit, Asher looked cute in Lydia's pink boppy and wrapped in her pink blanket. Asher was totally interested in his new playmate, and this aunt and uncle are quite taken, as well.